Pteremis pulliceps, Roháček, 2024

Pteremis pulliceps View in CoL sp. nov.

( Figs 40–43 View Figs 40–45 , 46–61 View Figs 46–51 View Figs 52–54 View Figs 55–61 )

Pteremis fenestralis (misidentification):RoHÁĆFK (2003):110 (Madeira). Type locality. Madeira, close to the forest house Rabaçal, about 32°45ʹ43ʺ N, 17°08ʹ01ʺ W ( Fig. 44 View Figs 40–45 , for habitat see Fig. 45 View Figs 40–45 ).

Type material. HoLoTYPF: J ( SMOC),labelled:‘C. MADEIRA:Rabaçal env., 950 m, 5.9.2003, J. Roháček leg.’, ‘sifting leaves in laurel forest’, ‘Mus. Silesiae Opava, Inv. č. d 097 4-2003’ and ‘ Holotypus J Pteremis pulliceps sp.n., J. Roháček des. 2023’ (red label) ( Fig. 41 View Figs 40–45 ). The specimen (see Fig. 40 View Figs 40–45 ) is intact, dry mounted on triangular pinned card. PARATY- PFs: PORTUGAL: MADEIRA: 4 JJ (1 J genit. prep.), with same data as for holotype ( SMOC); Eira do Serrado, N slope, 1000 m, sweeping vegetation along spring, 13.ix.2003, 7 JJ 4 ♀♀ (1 J 1 ♀ genit. prep.), J. Roháček leg.; Eira do Serrado 1 km E, 1100 m, sweeping vegetation along levada, 12.ix.2003, 1♀, M.Vála leg.; Curral des Freiras-Murteiras, 650 m, sweeping vegetation along small creek, 650 m, 4.ix.2003, 1 J 1 ♀; Cumeal nr. Curral des Freiras, 600 m, sweeping riverside vegetation, 4.ix.2003, 2 ♀♀; Funchal-Corujeira 1 km N, 600 m, sweeping riverside vegetation, 11.ix.2003, 1 J, all J. Roháček leg.; Terreiro da Luta nr. Funchal, 800 m, sweeping vegetation along levada, 14.ix.2003, 1 J, M. Vála leg.; Ribeira da Janela, 3 km S, 850 m, sweeping vegetation along levada, 10.ix.2003, 1 ♀; Achadas da Cruz 1.5 km S, 800 m, sifting leaves in laurel forest, 10.ix.2003, 4 JJ 6 ♀♀ (1 J 1 ♀ genit. prep.), all J. Roháček leg. (all SMOC).

Description. Male ( Fig. 40 View Figs 40–45 ). Total body length 1.53–2.16 mm; generally darker than P. fenestralis , blackish brown, with greyish brown or dark grey microtomentum.

Head ( Fig. 42 View Figs 40–45 ) about 1.5× higher than long, reddish brown to dark brown (darkest in dorsal half of occiput); frons not darker than face or gena. Frons lighter brown to reddish brown in anterior half, dark brown more posteriorly (from ocellar triangle). Orbits, interfrontalia (very narrowly) and frontal (including ocellar) triangle silvery grey microtomentose and somewhat glittering, all separated by dull brown or reddish brown stripes, but M-shaped mark usually not distinctly developed ( Fig. 42 View Figs 40–45 ); frontal triangle narrow, well delimited (reddish brown up to dark ocellar triangle and almost reaching anterior margin of frons; the latter above lunule slightly darker than anterior corner of frontal triangle (cf. Fig. 42 View Figs 40–45 ). Frontal lunule rather dark, hardly or very slightly lighter than anterior margin of frons. Face also relatively dark, brown to reddish brown, usually darker than anterior half of frons in contrast to that of P. fenestralis . Gena reddish brown to brown, concolorous with face, all distinctly greyish microtomentose and posteriorly contrasting with shining perpendicular stripe on postgena; the latter hardly darker than gena. Cephalic chaetotaxy ( Fig. 42 View Figs 40–45 ) similar to that of P. fenestralis but differing as follows: pvt reduced to microsetae, convergent but not meeting with apices medially; occi usually longer than occe; vti longest cephalic seta, slightly to distinctly longer than vte; 4 (rarely 3) ifr, all relatively robust and subequal, or two middle pairs slightly longer; 2–4 minute ads inside and below ors; g well developed, longer than peristomals, and 1 or 2 setae behind it shorter; vi very long and robust, about as long as vti; peristomal setulae sparse (usually 5) and short, as long as or slightly shorter than 2 (both short) postgenal setae. Eye subcircular (7:6), with longest diameter about 4.5 times as long as smallest genal height. Antenna uniformly brown, thus scape hardly lighter than other segments. Arista about 3.8 times as long as antenna, with short and dense ciliation, cilia about as long as those on apex of 1 st flagellomere.

Thorax closely resembling that of P. fenestralis but notopleural area (partly also humeral callus) reddish brown to ochreous. Scutellum large, flat on disc but its apex more broadly circular. Thoracic chaetotaxy as in P. fenestralis but with 2 microsetae (internal larger) on humeral callus; prs (= posthumeral) as long as hu and sa distinctly shorter; dc (in prescutellar position) only slightly shorter than pa; sc (particularly laterobasal) longer than in P. fenestralis and apical (longest thoracic seta) only about 1.25 times as long as laterobasal; only 1 long stpl because anterior reduced to a hardly discernible microseta or absent.

Legs relatively uniformly brown to dark brown (hind femora darkest), tibiae slightly or distinctly paler than femora but not distinctly variegated, knees of fore leg and apex of t 2 usually lightest, and tarsus normally as dark as relevant tibia ( Figs 40, 42 View Figs 40–45 ). Chaetotaxy of legs generally as in P. fenestralis including that of t 2 (see Figs 55–57 View Figs 55–61 ) but the latter often with va seta (directed in axis of tibia) more or less shorter than the strong vpa seta ( Figs 56, 57 View Figs 55–61 ) and, particularly, in having 1 long (much longer than in P. fenestralis ) and 2 small subapical setae posteriorly ( Fig. 56 View Figs 55–61 ). Mid basitarsus (mt 2) often with 1 somewhat enlarged ventral setula ( Fig. 57 View Figs 55–61 ) in proximal fourth. Ratio t 2: mt 2 = 1.81–1.97.

Wing always normally developed ( Fig. 43 View Figs 40–45 ), closely resembling in shape and venation that of P. fenestralis but membrane somewhat darker fumose and with darker brown veins. R 4+5 sinuate but distally often straightened ( Fig. 43 View Figs 40–45 ) and A 1 darker and well visible also distally, as a darkened fold. Wing measurements: length 1.47–1.82 mm, width 0.65–0.85 mm, C-index = 0.82–1.01, r-m\dm-cu: dm-cu = 1.64–2.31. Haltere with ochreous-yellow stem (being only basally very shortly dark brown) and brown knob.

Abdomen as in P. fenestralis but preabdominal terga becoming narrower posteriorly, thus T1+2 largest and widest tergum and T3 slightly narrower (at most as wide as T1+2); S1+2 as that of P. fenestralis pale ochreous, lightest anteriorly but darkened posterolaterally; S3 distinctly tapered, broad posteriorly and as long as or slightly longer than S4, the latter widest sternum, distinctly longer and slightly wider than S5. S5 ( Fig. 51 View Figs 46–51 ) most similar to that of P. fenestralis but with (similarly large) posteromedial semicircular pale-pigmented area more densely and more finely micropubescent, posteromedial comb with spines finer and more dense and also all setae on lateral thirds of S5 much thinner. S6+7 and S8 as in P. fenestralis but S6+7 with only 1 + 1 or 1 + 2 fine setae.

Genitalia. Epandrium ( Figs 46, 47 View Figs 46–51 ) relatively short but distinctly wider than that of P. fenestralis , clearly widened ventrally (see Fig. 47 View Figs 46–51 ) and with anal fissure large, broadly oval. Cerci large, dorsolaterally bulging ( Fig. 47 View Figs 46–51 ), distinctively micropubescent both laterally and medially but ventrally bare and each provided with subapical protruding curved ledge (with 2 setulae) and flattened apex (see also Fig. 49 View Figs 46–51 ). Medandrium very low (short) with slender lateral arms ( Fig. 47 View Figs 46–51 ). Hypandrium small, with short, similarly asymmetrical apodeme ( Fig. 46 View Figs 46–51 ) as that of P. fenestralis . Gonostylus ( Figs 46–48 View Figs 46–51 ) also resembling that of P. fenestralis , with similarly pointed anterodorsal short process of anterior lobe and one short external seta on small process dorsally but with 4 (not 3) robust curved setae anteroventrally, robust ventral darkened projection slender, directed posteroventrally and with finely trifurcate apex ( Fig. 48 View Figs 46–51 ). Posterior lobe (dotted in Fig. 48 View Figs 46–51 ) also characteristic, with robust spine unusually long and slender.Aedeagal complex ( Fig. 50 View Figs 46–51 ) of the same construction as that of P. fenestralis but aedeagus with much shorter (more slender) phallophore ( Fig. 50 View Figs 46–51 ) having particularly slender and acute anteroventrally directed apex. Distiphallus differing from that of P. fenestralis by more dilated (also dorsoventrally) distal half ( Fig. 50 View Figs 46–51 ). Postgonite also similar to that of P. fenestralis but less sinuate in lateral view, and with more elongate and, hence, less clubbed apical part; minute sclerite (= remnant of pregonite) in anterodorsal emargination of postgonite with 2 longer setulae ( Fig. 50 View Figs 46–51 ). Ejacapodeme very small (not illustrated).

Female. Similar to that of P. fenestralis unless mentioned otherwise. Total body length 1.90–2.26 mm. t 2 with va seta distinctly shorter than vpa seta and usually with one anterior subapical seta enlarged, as long as that long on posterior side. Ratio t 2: mt 2 = 1.79–1.92. Wing measurements: length 1.54–1.95 mm, width 0.69–0.93 mm, C-index = 0.94–1.06, r-m\dm-cu: dm-cu = 1.79–1.90.

Abdomen very similar to that of P. fenestralis , particularly as to preabdominal terga. Preabdominal sterna differing from those of P. fenestralis as follows: S3 as long as but narrower than S4 (largest sternum, transversely oblong) and (unmodified) S5 shorter than S4 but distinctly narrower (slightly narrower than S3), somewhat tapered posteriorly, with posterior corners rounded.

Postabdomen ( Figs 52–54 View Figs 52–54 ) resembling that of P. fenestralis but differing as follows: T6 and T7 less transverse and with shorter and weaker setae in posterior corners ( Fig. 53 View Figs 52–54 ); T8 markedly longer, with distinctive pale-pigmented dorsomedial part being more or less distinctly separated from dark lateral parts, posteriorly tapered and only medially micropubescent ( Fig. 53 View Figs 52–54 ). T10 subtriangular rather than pentagonal and shorter than cercus ( Fig. 53 View Figs 52–54 ). Both S6 and S7 relatively longer (less transverse) than in P. fenestralis ( Fig. 54 View Figs 52–54 ). S8 ( Figs 54 View Figs 52–54 , 59 View Figs 55–61 ) distinctly longer, elongately trapezoidal, with pigmented anterior part provided with 2 pairs of short and weak setae; its posterior submembranous part relatively long, posteriorly tapered and rounded, and having 2 long (lateral) setae and 4 more medial setulae (all on elevated sockets) arranged in a transverse row ( Fig. 59 View Figs 55–61 ). S10 (in largest extension, Fig. 60 View Figs 55–61 ) relatively longer (less transverse), with shorter setae, and lateral parts more projecting anteriorly than in P. fenestralis . Spectacles- -shaped sclerite represented by a pair of unusually small ovoid rings ( Fig. 58 View Figs 55–61 ). Spermathecae 2+1 ( Fig. 61 View Figs 55–61 ) clearly different from those of P. fenestralis and more resembling those of P. canaria , particularly by wider basal conical part being separated from distal subcircular part by 3 or 4 (some incomplete) rings and by dark terminal parts of ducts thicker and those of paired spermathecae joined near conical parts of spermathecae ( Fig. 61 View Figs 55–61 ). Cerci ( Figs 52, 53 View Figs 52–54 ) longer than T10, more tapered towards apex, and less dorsoventrally flattened, having dorsopreapical sinuate seta as long as apical seta.

Etymology. The species is named pulliceps (a compound adjective formed from Latin pullus = dark + - ceps = headed) because of its distinctly darkened head, face in particular.

Comments. Pteremis pulliceps sp. nov. externally most resembles P. fenestralis but is generally darker (particularly on frons and face), mid tibia has va seta shorter and one posterior subapical seta enlarged ( Fig. 56 View Figs 55–61 ). However, its most diagnostic characters, distinguishing it from all other relatives, are in the male and female terminalia: epandrium broad; male cercus bulging dorsolaterally and with characteristically formed apex ( Figs 47, 49 View Figs 46–51 ); anterior lobe of gonostylus with 4 (not 3) robust curved setae anteroventrally and its ventral projection slender, with finely trifurcate apex ( Fig. 48 View Figs 46–51 ); posterior lobe of gonostylus with terminal spine unusually long and slender; female T8 relatively long, its dorsomedial part long, pale-pigmented and separated from dark lateral parts ( Fig. 53 View Figs 52–54 ); female S8 elongate, having posterior submembranous part relatively long and bearing 2 long (lateral) setae and 4 small medial setulae arranged in a transverse row ( Fig. 59 View Figs 55–61 ); spectacles- -shaped sclerite represented by a pair of unusually small ovoid rings ( Fig. 58 View Figs 55–61 ).

Judging from the very similar mid leg chaetotaxy and structure of male S 5 P. pulliceps seems to be the closest relative of P. fenestralis . However, the shape and structure of its spermathecae (pyriform, with ringed surface) are arguably synapomorphic with those of P. canaria and P. ferreus sp. nov. (both from Canary Is.) and possibly also with P. apterina sp. nov.

Biology. Type specimens of P. pulliceps sp. nov. were largely collected in humid forested habitats in several localities of Madeira, mostly along levadas or near to springs, some specimens also at creeks or rivers, at 600– 1,100 m, all in September. Fifteen specimens were sifted from leaf litter in native laurel forest ( Figs 44, 45 View Figs 40–45 ) considered to be the original habitat of this terricolous species; others were swept from low vegetation or from just above the rotten leaves and other vegetation on ground in wet places in secondary woods or under trees in semi-open habitats. The original microhabitat (leaf detritus in laurel forest) of P. pulliceps is shared with endemic Pullimosina Roháček, 1983 and Spelobia Spuler, 1924 species, e.g. in Rabaçal, the type locality of P. pulliceps , Pullimosina kesoni Roháček, 2019 and Spelobia polymorpha Roháček, 2019 (see RoHÁĆFK 2019b).

Distribution: Madeira. The species is considered endemic to this island.