Diestramima multidenticuli Dorji, Morgan-Richards & Trewick, 2025

Dorji, Cheten, Morgan-Richards, Mary & Trewick, Steven A., 2025, Little-known wingless crickets of Bhutan (Rhaphidophoridae): discovery and description of nine new species, Zootaxa 5653 (1), pp. 1-32 : 12

Diestramima multidenticuli Dorji, Morgan-Richards & Trewick sp. nov.

( Figure 9A–K )

Holotype. BHUTAN • 1 adult male; Bawoong, Ramjar, Trashi Yangtse; 27.416°N 91.586°E; 1582 m asl; 2 Jul. 2022; C. Dorji & Jigme leg.; Temperate forest : under boulders and surrounding vegetation; MPN_CW5500 ; NBCB148 .

Paratype. BHUTAN • 1 adult female; Bawoong, Ramjar, Trashi Yangtse, 27.416°N, 91.586°E; 1582 m asl; 2 Jul. 2022; C. Dorji & Jigme; leg.; Temperate forest : under boulders and surrounding vegetation; MPN_CW5534 ; NBC153 .

Other material. BHUTAN • 3 male and 5 female adults; Bawoong, Ramjar, Trashi Yangtse; 27.416°N 91.586°E; 1582 m asl; 2 Jul. 2022; C. Dorji & Jigme leg.; Temperate forest : under boulders and surrounding vegetation; MPN_ CW5501, MPN_CW5502, MPN_CW5503, MPN_CW5504, MPN_CW5531, MPN_CW5532, MPN_CW5533, MPN_CW5535 .

Description. Male. Body medium in size (~ 16 mm). Median ocellus oval and lateral ocelli circular situated on lateral surface of basal fastigium verticis. Posteromedian projection of 7 th abdominal tergite short covering only two-thirds of paraproct ( Fig. 9B & E ), narrowing to apex ( Fig. 9D ), lateral margins not curved inwards, apex truncate with slight downward bend ( Fig. 9E ). Paraproct rather short and triangular on lateral view, apices acute ( Fig. 9C & E ). Cerci conical, apices acute. This species is morphologically similar to D. tsongkhapa but differs by its smaller body (15.6–16.2 mm), shorter 7 th abdominal tergite with truncated apex, and relatively shorter paraproct. This species is not phylogenetically sister to D. tsongkhapa ( Fig. 7 ). Linear measures of body elements ( Table 2 ). Fore and mid leg spine details as per the generic description. Hind leg spine details ( Table 3 ).

Colouration. Head dorsally brown covered by brown and black hairs. A pale, thin median line present but inconspicuous ( Fig. 9F ). Rostral tubercles black from above and white on lateral sides and apices. Body brown with small brown spots along posterior edges of thoracic abdominal tergites, covered in black and brown short hairs. Paraproct black when viewed dorsally. Cerci white with black colouration on dorsal part with short yellowish-brown hairs and fewer longer at proximal half.

Female. Body colour much lighter than males with few larger dark black spots along posterior edge of thoracic and abdominal tergites ( Fig. 9I ). Same body size and leg length as male ( Table 2 ). Posteromedian projection of 7 th abdominal tergite short and angular with posteromedial apex obtusely rounded completely covering 8 th and 9 th abdominal tergite. Subgenital plate membranous, broad and short, almost triangular, apex obtusely rounded, slightly curved upward ( Fig. 9K ). Ovipositor narrow and as long as body ( Fig. 9J ). Combination of leg spines is similar to males.

Etymology. The name refers to the very large number of tiny linear spines on the superior surface of the hind tibiae.

Figures

FIGURE 7. Diestramima matermagna sp. nov. Male holotype (MPN_CW5486; NBCB146): (A) Anterior view of head. (B) Lateral view of body showing short 7th abdominal tergite (pink arrow) and paraproct (green arrow). (C) Ventral view of lower abdomen showing short triangular paraproct (green arrow). (D) Dorsal view of lower abdomen showing narrowing 7th abdominal tergite (blue arrow) and truncate or slightly convex apex (pink arrow). (E) Lateral view of lower abdomen. (F) Dorsal view of body. (G) Lateral view of hind femur and (H) basitarsus. Female (MPN_CW5487; NBCB152): (I) Lateral view of ovipositor and (J) finely serrated apex. (K) Ventral view of lower abdomen showing subgenital plate. Scale bars = 2 mm.

FIGURE 9. Diestramima multidenticuli sp. nov. Male holotype (MPN_CW5500; NBCB148): A) Anterior view of head. (B) Lateral view of body showing short paraproct (green arrow). (C) Ventral view of lower abdomen showing short triangular paraproct (green arrow). (D) Dorsal and (E) lateral view of lower abdomen showing short narrowing 7th abdominal tergite (pink arrow) and truncated apex (blue arrow). (F) Dorsal view body. (G) Lateral view of hind femur and (H) basitarsus. Female (MPN_CW5534; NBC153): (I) Lateral view of abdomen. (J) Lateral view of ovipositor. (K) Ventral view of lower abdomen showing subgenital plate (pink arrow). Scale bars = 2 mm.