Diestramima tsongkhapa ( Würmli, 1973 )

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 : 8-9

Diestramima tsongkhapa ( Würmli, 1973)

( Figure 6A–K )

Thirteen specimens in our collections were identified as D. tsongkhapa . These were collected from four sites in central Bhutan, increasing the known distribution of this species ( Fig. 4 ). Here we present images and summary of the key traits of this species ( Fig. 6 ).

Material examined. BHUTAN • 5 adult females; Philligang, Nabji, Korphoog , Trongsa; 27.178°N, 90.535°E; 1381 m asl; 30 Jul. 2022; Sanjit Rai leg.; Cool broadleaf forest: under fallen tree branches and leaf litter; MPN_ CW5516, MPN_CW5520, MPN_CW5517, MPN_CW5518, MPN_CW5519 . • 4 adult males; Philligangju, Nabji, Korphoog , Trongsa; 27.180°N, 90.535°E; 1305 m asl; 30 Jul. 2022; Sanjit Rai leg.; Cool broadleaf forest: under fallen tree branches and leaf litter; MPN_CW5522, MPN_CW5521, MPN_CW5523, MPN_CW5524 . • 2 male and 2 female adults; Namkye, Nabji, Korphoog , Trongsa; 27.165°N, 90.562°E; 2252; m asl; 22 Jul. 2022; Sanjit Rai leg.; Cool broadleaf forest: under fallen tree branches and leaf litter; MPN_CW5525, MPN_CW5526, MPN_ CW5527, MPN_CW5528 .

Male. Body medium in size (~ 20 mm). Median ocellus oval and lateral ocelli circular situated on lateral surface of basal fastigium vertici. Posteromedian projection of 7 th abdominal tergite rather high in profile and long ( Fig. 6E ), obviously surpassing apices of paraproct, gradually narrowing towards apex when viewed dorsally, apex slightly extended with distinct notch ( Fig. 6D ). Paraproct with broad proximal half tapering abruptly and curved upward, apex obtuse ( Fig. 6C & D ). Subgenital plate large, curved, posterior edge slightly crimped, apex rounded ( Fig. 6C ). Cerci slender, conical, apices almost acute. Linear measures of body elements ( Table 2 ). Fore and mid leg spine details as per the generic description. Hind leg spine details ( Table 3 ).

Head dorsally brown with abundant short brown hair. Body black with many small brown or yellowish spots on thoracic and abdominal tergites, covered in black and brown short hairs. A pale, thin median line present but inconspicuous ( Fig. 6F ). Paraproct black when viewed dorsally. Cerci white with black spots on dorsal side with short yellowish-brown hair and longer hair.

Female. The general appearance is similar to male. Posteromedian projection of 7 th abdominal tergite short and angular with posteromedial apex obtusely rounded completely covering 8 th abdominal tergite, 9 th tergite broader and more rounded. Subgenital plate almost translucent, simple, triangular, apex obtusely rounded, slightly curved upward ( Fig. 6K ). Ovipositor slender and longer than body, slightly curved, apices acute, distal half of lower valves crenulated, upper valves smooth (without hair along the margins) ( Fig. 6I & J ). Size of body elements ( Table 2 ) and combination of leg spines ( Table 3 ) are similar to male.

Figures

FIGURE 4. Type localities of nine newly described Rhaphidophoridae from ten districts in Bhutan. Rhaphidophora angulata was collected in 1970 but not encountered in the present study.

FIGURE 6. Diestramima tsongkhapa. Male: (A) Anterior view of head. (B) Lateral view of body. (C) Ventral view of lower abdomen showing finger-like distal part of paraproct (green arrows). (D) Dorsal view of lower abdomen showing notched apex of 7th abdominal tergite (blue arrow). (E) Lateral view of lower abdomen showing high profile 7th abdominal tergite (blue arrow). (F) Dorsal view abdomen. (G) Lateral view of hind femur and (H) basitarsus. Female: (I) Lateral view of ovipositor and (J) crenulated apex on lower valves. (K) Ventral view of lower abdomen showing subgenital plate (pink arrow). Scale bars = 2 mm.