Helicopsyche (Feropsyche) valligera Flint 1983

Helicopsyche valligera

This and the two following species, H. lambda and H. monda, are all rather closely related as shown by the pointed tip of the clasper. In H. valligera the dorsal part of the clasper is prolonged posteriad, the basal area of the clasper is broadest, the posterior margin just above the mesobasal lobe bears a comb of spinous setae, and the mesobasal lobe, although clearly present, is, in posterior aspect, very poorly developed.

ADULT.—Length of forewing, 4.5–5.5 mm. Color almost uniformly dark brown with golden reflections. Sterna of abdominal segments 3–5 reticulate; sixth sternum with a process about length of sternum.

Male Genitalia: Ninth segment with anterior margin angulate; with lateral sclerotized support forked. Tenth tergum with a row of setae on each side, apex shallowly bifid, with a distinct Y-shaped dark mark. Clasper with posteroapical angle produced into a distinct point in both lateral and posterior aspects; mesobasal lobe poorly developed, not extending posteriad of clasper, with a row of short spines along upper margin; with a row of spiniform setae along posterior margin just above mesobasal lobe. Aedeagus slightly angled, longer than ninth and tenth segments combined, membranous apicodorsally with a darkened, C-shaped sclerite internally.

MATERIAL.—Holotype (male): ARGENTINA, PCIA. MISIONES, Arroyo Coatí, 15 mi E San José, 18–19 Nov 1973, O.S. Flint, Jr., USNM Type 100568.

Paratypes: Same data as holotype, 1, 8; Arroyo Piay Mini, Rt. 17 W Dos Hermanas, 23 Nov 1973, O.S. Flint, Jr., 1. BRAZIL, EDO. SANTA CATARINA, Nova Teutonia (27°11′S, 52°23′W), 300–500 m, Sep 1963, F. Plaumann, 3; same, but Jan 1964, 1.