Hemipsocus menoni, Ramesh & Babu & Subramanian, 2025

Hemipsocus menoni sp. nov.

( Figs 27−39 View FIGURES 27–31 View FIGURES 32–35 View FIGURES 36–39 , 42−46 View FIGURES 42–45 View FIGURES 46–47 )

Diagnosis. This newly described species closely resembles H. africanus and H. massulatus due to its smoky wings and subgenital plate. However, H. menoni sp. nov., can be easily distinguished by the female lacinal tip, which has well-defined inner and outer tines, with the outer tine being tridentate at the apex ( Fig. 46 View FIGURES 46–47 ). Additionally, the male epiproct features well-developed scales that extend from the anterior section to the median region. In contrast, H. africanus female (see Badonnel, 1946; p. no. 175, fig. 75) has a poorly defined inner lacinal tine and a bidentate outer tine ( Fig. 47 View FIGURES 46–47 ). The epiproct scales are limited to the anterior section in both males of H. africanus ( Fig. 40 View FIGURES 40–41 ) and H. massulatus ( Fig. 41 View FIGURES 40–41 ).

Description. Male. Colour (in 70% ethanol). Similar to taxa H. mockfordi sp. nov. described above.

Morphology. The structure of the head ( Fig. 30 View FIGURES 27–31 ) is similar to that of H. mockfordi sp. nov. The lacinia ( Fig. 31 View FIGURES 27–31 ) has well-demarcated inner and outer tines, with the outer tine featuring a tridentate apex. The wings ( Figs 32–33 View FIGURES 32–35 ) are also similar to those of H. mockfordi sp. nov. The hypandrium ( Fig. 36 View FIGURES 36–39 ) is covered with setae on both the anterior and pigmented portions, with the posteromedial margin showing moderate outdentation. The phallosome ( Fig. 37 View FIGURES 36–39 ) is elongated, with an endophallus that is umbrella-shaped and composed of 25 rows of sclerified teeth. The epiproct ( Fig. 38 View FIGURES 36–39 ) is sub-triangular in shape, with three long terminal setae, a pair of small lateral setae, and three subapical setae. At the anterior corner of the epiproct, two robust, chitinized spines curve gracefully, accompanied by well-developed scales extending from the anterior section towards the median region. The paraproct ( Fig. 39 View FIGURES 36–39 ) is deformed, featuring a sensory field of ten trichobothria and a highly chitinized, slightly curved paraproctal "horn."

Measurements. FW: 2.811, HW: 2.145, F:0.730, T:1.170, t1:0.569, t2:0.120, ctt1:23, ctt2: 1, Mx4: 0.195, f1: 0.795, f2: 0.776, IO: 0.538, D: 0.222, d: 0.168, IO/D: 2.423, PO: 0.75.

Female. Color (in 70% ethanol). Similar to Hemipsocus mockfordi sp. nov.

Morphology. Head ( Fig. 42 View FIGURES 42–45 ), lacinia ( Fig. 46 View FIGURES 46–47 ) and wings ( Figs 34–35 View FIGURES 32–35 ) are similar to male, except for the terminalia. Subgenital Plate ( Fig. 43 View FIGURES 42–45 ): The posterior margin of the subgenital plate is broad with a wide indentation in the middle. The anterior margin has two downward, comma-shaped sclerotizations, and the rest of the plate is setose. Gonapophyses ( Fig. 44 View FIGURES 42–45 ): The ventral and dorsal valves are gradually tapered and pointed; the external valve is triangular, membranous, and has three marginal setae. Epiproct: Trapezoidal and setae illustrated in the figure 45. Paraproct: Contains a field of eight trichobothria and lacks a basal rosette.

Measurements. FW: 3.165, HW: 2.415, F:0.849, T:1.324, t1:0.639, t2:0.138, ctt1:26, ctt2: 2, Mx4: 0.201, f1: 0.948, f2: 0.937, IO: 0.607, D: 0.269, d: 0.196, IO/D: 3.096, PO: 0.72

Materials examined. HOLOTYPE male. INDIA. Tamil Nadu, Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Megamalai Range, Vellimalai , Moola Vaigai river [9.56846°N, 77.40221°E], 773m, 25.II.2019, R. Babu & Party (Reg. No. ZSI/ SRC/I/PSO/238) GoogleMaps . PARATYPES. 1 male, 2 females, same data as the holotype (Reg. No. ZSI/SRC/I/PSO/238-1) GoogleMaps .

Other specimens: Tamil Nadu: Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary : 1 male, Pandian Estate, Vellimalai [9.55733°N, 77.39492°E], 849m, 22.II.2019, R. Babu & Party GoogleMaps . 2 males, 2 females, Chinnamannur Range, Megamalai, Bottom camp, [9.715023°E, 77.413431°E], 1620m, 24.I.2024, Ranjana & Party . 1 male, 1 female, Pandian Estate, Vellimalai [9.556805°N, 77.394371°E], 870m, 26.I.2024, Ranjana & Party. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve GoogleMaps : 3 males, Hasanur [11.67005°N, 77.12825°E], 937m, 26.VIII.2022, R. Aenglas & Party GoogleMaps . 1 male, 1 female, Sathyamangalam Range, Pellarikovil pallam [11.60071°N, 77.13972°E], 437.8m, 3.II.2023, R. Babu & Party GoogleMaps . Jharkhand: 1 male, 3 females, Latehar [23.73808°N, 084.54245° E], 417m, 22.X.2021, K.G. Emiliyamma and G. Ramesh GoogleMaps . 3 males, Betla National Park, Siddha patch 2 nd watch tower [23.85391°N, 084.18287°E], 340m, 24.X.2021, K.G. Emiliyamma and G. Ramesh GoogleMaps . 4 males, Palamu Tiger Reserve, Barwahi Camp-III [23.75841° N, 084.21904° E], 365m, 25.X.2021, K.G. Emiliyamma and G. Ramesh GoogleMaps . 1 male, 1 female, Palamu Tiger Reserve, Maromar , [23.65380°N, 084.23653°E], 427m, 27.X.2021, K.G. Emiliyamma and G. Ramesh GoogleMaps . Kerala: 1 male, 1 female, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Aryankavu [8.97383°N: 077.14933°E], 242m, 22.I.2019, Palot, Md. J. and G. Ramesh GoogleMaps .

Etymology The specific epithet is named after †Dr. M.G. Ramdass Menon, a renowned Indian entomologist who pioneered the study of Psocoptera in India and made significant contributions to the field.