Culoptila moselyi Denning

Figs. 2, 8, 27 A, B

Culoptila moselyi Denning 1965: 269; Wiggins 1996.

This species bears a general similarity to a number of species, but can be diagnosed by several characters taken in combination. The short, but subacute apex of tergum X is particularly diagnostic and will distinguish it from most other species with which it might be confused. An acute apex of tergum X is also typical of C. rusia and C. pararusia, n. sp., but in these species the apex is longer and more curved. Additional characters useful in diagnosing C. moselyi include an inflated phallobase with an arched posterodorsal apex and 2 relatively straight and prominent included spines, and very short rounded inferior appendages. The divided and arched apicodorsal projection of the phallobase is similar to that of C. amberia, which, however, differs in a number of other points, including its much longer inferior appendages.

Adult. Length of forewing: male 2.8–3.8 mm; female 3.2–3.8 mm. Color light brown; wing with complete, linear whitish bar at wing anastomosis. Mesothorax of male narrow and greatly acute anteromesally; mesoscutal wart short, diamond­shaped, sharply angulate anteromesally; mesoscutal setae short. Mesothoracic tegulae of male rounded, greatly enlarged; tegular setae short; tegular gland elongate, pleated, concertina­like.

Male genitalia. Sternum VI process short, subtruncate. Tergum IX ventral margin acutely angled, tapered from anterolateral margin, not produced posteroventrally. Inferior appendages very short, truncate apically. Tergum X moderately long, length greater than width, apex in ventral view narrowed, subacute; ventrolateral processes with apices incurved, nearly planar in caudal view, mesal margin acute; apices not or scarcely posteriorly bent. Phallobase large, broadly rounded in lateral view, apicodorsal projection arched, subdivided apically, apicodorsal projection elongate, apex subacute. Phallic apparatus with 2 phallic spines, both elongate narrow, relatively straight; longer spine about 2/3 length of phallobase, shorter spine about 2/3 length of longer one.

Material examined

UNITED STATES: Arizona: Oak Creek Canyon, Halfway Camp, 18.vi.1968 (Flint & Menke) — 1 adult (missing abdomen), 7 males, 10 females (NMNH); Chiricahua Mts., E. Turkey Cr., 9.vi.1968 (Menke & Flint) — 1 male, 3 larvae, 2 pupae (NMNH); Apache Co., South Fork Little Colorado River, F.R. 560, nr S. Fork Cpgrd, 34°04’41"N, 109°24’38"W, 2347 m, 27.vi.1999 (D.C. Houghton) — 5 males (UMSP). New Mexico: Catron Co., Whitewater Canyon, 1.vi.1972 (W.W. Wirth) — 2 males (NMNH); Willow Crk., @ Willow Crk. Cmp. Gnd., 11.vi.1974 (W.P. Stark) — 2 males (NMNH); Whitewater Ck., Catwalk Picnic Area (W.P. Stark,) — 1 male, 1 female (NMNH).

Distribution

UNITED STATES (Arizona, New Mexico).