Neurostigma xanthopterum New, 1980 (Psocodea: Psocoptera: Epipsocidae): updated diagnosis, description of a female specimen, morphological variations and a checklist of all known species of the genus

Abstract

Abstract The holotype of the Neurostigma xanthopterumNew, 1980 is here illustrated based on photographs. We also describe and illustrate a previously unknown female individual that is assigned to this species. New records for five localities in the Brazilian state of Amazonas, one in the Brazilian state of Acre and another in the Brazilian state of Amapá, are presented. The mouthparts of both sexes are here describe and illustrate. Thirteen types of variation and anomalies in the fore-hindwing veins were found. We found unique patterns in the number and shape of transverse veins in the pterostigma between individuals. We also identified a large variation in the denticles present in the lacinia. Therefore, we suggest these variable characteristics (fore-hindwing veins and lacinia denticles) are not to be used for the diagnosis of species of this genus. A revised diagnosis of N. Xanthopterum is also presented.

Keywords

• Biodiversity
• Epipsocetae
• Neotropics
• Taxonomy