Polyplectropus lochensis, Cartwright & Wells, 2025

Cartwright, David I. & Wells, Alice, 2025, Revision of the Polycentropodidae of Australia (Insecta: Trichoptera). Part I. The genus Polyplectropus Ulmer, 1905, Zootaxa 5666 (4), pp. 567-576 : 571

Polyplectropus lochensis sp. nov.

Figs 2 , 18–23

Holotype male (specimen CT-899 figured): Australia: Victoria: Loch R., down site, 37.79338°S, 145.97262°E, light trap, 26 Jan 2022, J. Lancaster and B. Downes ( NMV TRI-57088 ).

Paratypes: Same data as holotype, except 2 males (PT-1703), Wilsons Promontory, Miranda Ck, 38°55'S, 146°27'E, 19 Jan 1987, A. Neboiss ( NMV TRI-39893 /40005) .

Diagnosis. Polyplectropus lochensis sp. nov. is distinguished from other Australian Polyplectropus species by the presence of a row of small peg-like spines meso-posteriorly on each inferior appendage and by the presence of fork 1 in the hind wings. This latter character state also occurs in some Polyplectropus species from New Caledonia (see Polyplectropus nathalae Johanson & Ward, 2009 , fig. 35). Polyplectropus lochensis sp. nov. is placed in Polyplectropus because of the similar wing venation to P. nathalae but differs markedly from the New Caledonian species in the shape and structures of the male genitalia.

Description. Adult male. Spur formula: 3:4:4. Wings ( Fig. 2 ) similar to those of P. nathalae and P. anakope sp. nov. ( Fig. 1 ), except fork 1 in hind wings present. Length of each forewing 4.2 mm. Head, body, and wings light brown. Male genitalia. Posterior margin of sternum IX with angular extension near mid-height in lateral view, forming a right angle ( Figs 18, 21 ). Fused terga IX+X short, membranous ( Figs 20, 23 ). Intermediate appendages small, slightly laterally compressed ( Figs 18, 20 ); in lateral view, irregularly subovate, approximately 1.8 times as long as maximum width, with rounded apex ( Fig. 18, 21 ). Inferior appendages laterally compressed in basal half and dorsoventrally compressed in posterior half, angled mesally near middle, with small peg-like spines posteriorly ( Figs 18, 19, 21, 22 ); in lateral view, broadest in basal half, tapered strongly near mid length ( Figs 18, 21 ); in ventral view, each appendage with mesal and distal margins curved or angled slightly near midlength, inflexed in posterior third, apices appear rounded ( Figs 19, 22 ). Phallus tubelike, tapered, and slightly downturned posteriorly ( Figs 18, 20, 21, 23 ). Female. Unknown.

Etymology. Named for the type locality, Loch River in Victoria.

Distribution. Known from two sites only in southern-central Victoria (latitudinal range 37.8– 38.9°S).

Figures

FIGURES 1–2. Male wings of the Polyplectropus new species described in this study. 1, Polyplectropus anakope sp. nov. (PT- 1821). 2, Polyplectropus lochensis sp. nov. (CT-899). Abbreviations: F1 to F5 = fork 1 to fork 5.

FIGURES 15–23. Male genitalia of Polyplectropus treated in this study.15–17, Polyplectropus bamboosa Cartwright & Dostine (CT-791): 15, lateral view; 16, ventral view; 17, dorsal view. 18–23, Polyplectropus lochensis sp. nov. (CT-899) (drawings): 18, lateral view; 19, ventral view; 20, dorsal view; (photos): 21, lateral view; 22, ventral view; 23, dorsal view.