Smicridea (Smicridea) amplispina Flint 1981

Smicridea (Smicridea) amplispina

This and the preceding species are clearly related on the basis of general conformation of the genitalia and modification of the clasper segments. However, the angled basal segment of the clasper with its series of enlarged apicomesal spines, and the more elongate tapering apical segment offer distinctive differences.

ADULT.—Length of forewing, 5.5–6 mm. Color fuscous, white hair anteromesally on head and on outer face of tarsus of midleg; forewing with 2 narrow, transverse white bands. Abdomen with two pairs of internal reticulate sacs. Male genitalia: Ninth segment with anterior margin vertical. Tenth tergite elongate, narrow, tip sharply upturned, slightly produced in dorsal aspect. Clasper long, basal segment angled at midlength, apical half slightly inflated, apex on inner face bearing a cluster of enlarged spines from a darkened area; apical segment elongate, evenly tapered and curved mesad, tip with a few specialized setae. Aedeagus tubular, curving directly from base; apex membranous with a pair of dorsolateral lobes; internal sclerite threadlike, apex recurved ventrally.

MATERIAL.—Holotype, male: VENEZUELA, ARAGUA, Dos Riitos, 6 km N Rancho Grande, 4 Feb 1976, C.M. and O.S. Flint, Jr. USNM Type 76619.

Paratypes: 4 km S Rancho Grande, 5 Feb 1976, 1. Rancho Grande, 1–3 Apr 1978, J.B. Heppner, 1.