Smicridea (Rhyacophylax) piraya Flint 1983

Smicridea (Rhyacophylax) piraya

This species seems to be a member of the S. peruana group, closest to S. (R.) caligata Flint. From S. caligata, it is easily distinguished by the structure of the tenth tergum, which lacks the boot-shaped, spicule-covered sclerite, and in details of the structure of the tip of the aedeagus.

ADULT.—Length of forewing, 5–6 mm. Width of eye of male in dorsal aspect that of interocular distance. Color stramineous; forewing with dark marks along chord, in a subterminal, scalloped band, in spots on cells M and 3A, and in a trianguloid mark on base of costa. Male abdomen with anterolateral processes of fifth sternum length of sternum; without internal reticulate sacs.

Male Genitalia: Ninth segment with anterolateral lobe moderately produced. Tenth tergum narrowly divided apicomesally, with dorsolateral membranous area very distinctly delimited; tergite with tip broadly rounded, with ventrolateral margin heavily sclerotized and developed into a distinct carina. Clasper with basal segment long, inflated apicad; apical segment bluntly pointed. Aedeagus with base enlarged, angled to axis of stem, which is long and angled slightly ventrad; apex encircled by an oblique spiculate band, with 2 rounded apical lobes and elongate internal sclerites.

MATERIAL.—Holotype (male): ARGENTINA, PCIA. MISIONES, Arroyo Piray Guazú, N San Pedro, 22 Nov 1973, O.S. Flint, Jr., USNM Type 100531.

Paratypes: Same data as holotype, 5, 2. BRAZIL, EDO. SANTA CATARINA, Nova Teutonia, Jan 1963, F. Plaumann, 1; same, but Nov 1963, 1; same, but Jan 1964, 3, 2; same, but Oct 1964, 1, 1; same, but Sep 1964, 2. EDO. SÃO PAULO, Piracicaba, 20 Jan 1965, C.A. Triplehorn, 2; same, but 8 Mar 1965, 1; same, but 12 Mar 1965, 1; same, but 2 Dec 1965, 1.