Medioptyx, Volynkin & Černý, 2024

Genus Medioptyx View in CoL gen. n.

https://zoobank.org/ urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:A28520EA-CDF5-49E7-8CDC-6628CC22805C

Type species: Medioptyx kishidai sp. n., by present designation.

Diagnosis. The only known species of the new genus ( Figs 25, 26 View Figures 25–33 ) has forewing shape, pattern and venation very similar to Collitoptyx ( Figs 1–24 View Figures 1–8 View Figures 9–16 View Figures 17–24 ) but the significant differences in both male and female genitalia prove its generic status. The male genitalia of Medioptyx gen. n. ( Figs 46, 47 View Figures 46–48 ) are characterised by the combination of the following features. (1) The conjuga is triangular proximally, rod-like distally, articulated with its counterpart, and both the processus momenti and the tendon are equally well-sclerotised (similar to Caliginoptyx gen. n.) whereas in Collitoptyx the tendon part performs a skeletal function. (2) The anellus is thick-walled and bears two broad ventro-lateral plates (similar to Collitoptyx (Insolitoptyx) subgen. n.). (3) The main diverticulum of the vesica bears a sclerotised plate armed with several spike-like cornuti (vs. a single conical cornutus in Collitoptyx ). (4) The sub-ejaculatorial (apical) section of the vesica is proximally enlarged, bears a thorn-like cornutus, and the vesica ejaculatorius originates from its distal part (similar to Thysanoptyx ) whereas the vesica ejaculatorius of Collitoptyx originates from the base of the vesica. The female genitalia of Medioptyx gen. n. ( Fig. 61 View Figures 59–64 ) differ from Collitoptyx ( Figs 52–60 View Figures 52–58 View Figures 59–64 ) in the long, dorso-ventrally flattened and heavily sclerotised ductus bursae (similar to Thysanoptyx ), which is short or reduced and entirely or posteriorly membranous in Collitoptyx . Compared to Thysanoptyx ( Fig. 62 View Figures 59–64 ), the female genitalia of the new genus have a gelatinous and rugose posterior section of the corpus bursae with a broad ventral protrusion bearing a posterior sclerotised area, and a membranous and more or less globular anterior section, which is similar to Thysanoplisna but in the latter it also bears a signum, which is absent in the new genus.

Etymology. The genus name is an aggregate of the Latin adjective ‘medius’ meaning ‘intermediate’ and the genus- group name Thysanoptyx . The name refers to the genitalia morphology of the new genus, which combines the features characteristic of Collitoptyx and Thysanoptyx . Gender is feminine.

Species content. The genus is monotypic.