Anomalocosmoecus argentinicus Flint 1983

Anomalocosmoecus argentinicus

I am placing this species in Anomalocosmoecus on the basis of the male genitalia, which are readily homologized with those of the type-species, and certain characters of the larva, especially the edentate mandibles, setae on the membrane of the metanotum, double row of setae on the tibiae, and lack of setae on the membranous venter of the anal prolegs. The larval head, however, does not bear any lateral ridge or carina as is found in the other species of Anomalocosmoecus.

The male genitalia of A. argentinicus are to be recognized by the reduction of the cercus to a small lobe, the great enlargement of the external branch of the tenth tergum, which bears a small internal tooth, and the division of the parameres.

ADULT.—Length of forewing unknown but probably about 15 mm. Color unknown.

Male Genitalia: Ninth segment narrow dorsally, broadened laterally. Tenth tergum divided into 3 parts: internal branch low, in dorsal aspect with tip angled laterad; external branch long, platelike, with a small mesal tooth at midlength; inferior branch low, produced mesad. Cercus a short, hirsute lobe above external branch of tenth tergum. Clasper 1-segmented, elongate, tip slightly produced dorsomesad. Aedeagus ending in a lightly sclerotized central tube; parameres each divided into shorter, broader, dorsal and longer, thinner, ventral arms.

Female Genitalia: Ninth sternum a large, rounded lobe. Tenth tergum not elongate, dorsum nearly straight, with thin lateral margins, open ventrally. Supragenital plate in ventral aspect nearly semicircular. With a small pointed plate between ninth sternite and vulvar scale, which is broad and not produced mesally. Vaginal sclerite slightly produced posteriad with a central opening and midlateral supports.

MATERIAL.—Holotype (pharate male): ARGENTINA, PCIA. SALTA, Malcante, Rt. 59, km 32, W Chicoana, 13 Oct 1973, O.S. Flint, Jr., USNM Type 100539.

Paratypes: Same data as holotype, 3, 5 pupae; La Zanja, Rt. 59, W Chicoana, 13 Oct 1973, O.S. Flint, Jr., 3, 3 pupae; Cachí Adentro, 12 Oct 1973, O.S. Flint, Jr., 4 pupae.

Other: Cachí Adentro, 12 Oct 1973, 1 prepupa; Malcante, 13 Oct 1973, 1 prepupa. PCIA. TUCUMÁN, irrigation ditch, Rt. 307, km 76, W Tafí del Valle, 11 Oct 1973, O.S. Flint, Jr., 2 larvae, 25 pupae and prepupae; “Los Cardones,” Rt. 307, km 97.5, W Tafí del Valle, 11 Oct 1973, O.S. Flint, Jr., 86 larvae, 8 prepupae.