Polyplectropus lochensis Cartwright & Wells, 2025, sp. nov.

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).

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Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2025-07-30
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16612613
Primary Topic
Evolution and Paleontology Studies
Type
article
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article

Polyplectropus lochensis Cartwright & Wells, 2025, sp. nov.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Evolution and Paleontology Studies
article

Polyplectropus lochensis Cartwright & Wells, 2025, sp. nov.

article en

Abstract

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).

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (AU), Australian National Insect Collection (AU)
Openalex Percentile: Top 52%
Evolution and Paleontology Studies
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