Nelloptode s blocki sp. n.

(Figs 6 A–I)

Description

Habitus Fig. 6A, L. 0.81mm (L. including extended abdomen 1.12mm). Shining yellow/brown, antennae and pubescence pale yellow. Eyes reduced to points, width across 0.30mm. Antennomeres III–XI L. 0.39mm. Mentum and prementum chaetotaxy (Fig. 6I). Pronotum L. 0.26mm, W. 0.44mm (Fig. 6E). Elytra L. 0.42mm, W. 0.45mm, truncate, shallowly foveolate. Proventrum (Fig. 6H). Mesoventrum (Fig. 6F), L. 0.17mm. Metaventrum (Fig. 6G), L. 0.12mm, distance between metacoxae 0.15mm. ♀ spermathecae (Figs 6 Ca, 6Cb). Terminal abdominal ventrites (Fig. 6G). Slide to show absence of internal abdominal hooks (Fig. 6D). ♂, aedeagus (Fig. 6B).

Remarks: All specimens without wings, and eyes reduced to small points.

Diagnosis: The form of the spermatheca distinguishes this species.

Etymology: Named after Dr William C. Block the collector.

Material examined

Holotype, ♀, KENYA: Aberdares National Park, 64 miles W. Nairobi, 0°30′S, 36°40′E., x.1965, leg. W.C. Block, BM 1978-472 (BMNH).

Paratypes, 3 exs, same data as holotype (BMNH, one mounted as a disarticulated slide, one mounted verso, 1♂ with dorsal surface marked by numerous shallow circular pits of varying size, which may be the result of contact, possibly with a chemical substance (Fig. 6E).