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New species of the Rhagovelia orientalis species group (Hemiptera: Heteroptera Veliidae)
No full textZettel, Herbert, Laciny, Alice (2021): New species of the Rhagovelia orientalis species group (Hemiptera: Heteroptera Veliidae). Zootaxa 4942 (2): 219-228, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4942.2.
Rhagovelia species from Nosy Boraha east of Madagascar (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae)
No full textZettel, Herbert, Laciny, Alice (2020): Rhagovelia species from Nosy Boraha east of Madagascar (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae). Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae 60 (2): 419-425, DOI: 10.37520/aemnp.2020.2
Thirumalaia Zettel & Laciny 2021, gen. nov.
No full textThirumalaia gen. nov. (Figs 1, 2, 9–15) Type species. Thirumalaia ocularis sp. nov. Diagnosis. Body of male moderately stout (Fig. 1), of female much stouter (Fig. 2). Postocular region of head deeply inserted in anterior part of pronotum (Fig. 9). Eyes very large, synthlipsis 0.28–0.34 (Fig. 9). Antenna very long and slender, about two thirds of body length (Figs 1, 2); antennomere I approximately as long as head length (in male longer than in female); relative lengths of antennomeres: IV ≧ III> I> II. Pronotum convexly rounded posteriorly (Fig. 9). Lateral evaporatorium situated approximately in middle of metapleuron. Legs long and slender. Claws preterminal. – Male: Propleuron unmodified. Femora unmodified. Protibia unmodified; protibial grasping comb long, about one third of tibia length (Fig. 10). Mesotibia without grasping comb. Claws simple, minimally surpassing apex of tarsus. Abdomen without projections. Segment 8 elongated. Pygophore pear-shaped, narrow at base, with truncated posterior margin (Fig. 13). Proctiger very slender (Fig. 15). Parameres symmetrical, medium-sized, of characteristic shape as shown in Figure 14. – Female: Genitalia situated in a strictly posterior opening of segment 7. Comparative notes. Thirumalaia gen. nov. resembles some species of Baptista Distant, 1903 in habitus and shares with this genus some other characters like the long protibial grasping comb, structure of antenna, and a concave anterior margin of the pronotum. Most species of Baptista, including those hitherto reported from India, differ from Thirumalaia gen. nov. by strong modifications of foreleg and abdominal segments 6–7 of the males (= Baptista femoralis group sensu Kඈඏൺർ & YൺඇG 2000). Four species of Baptista from Southeast Asia and Southern China form the Baptista collaris group and also lack such modifications (Zൾඍඍൾඅ 2004, Yൾ et al. 2014b). However, Thirumalaia gen. nov. possesses none of the characters defining this group either (described in detail by Zൾඍඍൾඅ 2004). The sexually dimorphic body shape, the enlarged compound eyes, and the characteristic parameres are the most important characteristics of Thirumalaia gen. nov. For distinction from other genera see the key. Etymology. Dedicated to the memory of the Scientist of the Zoological Survey of India Dr. G. Thirumalai, honouring his significant contribution to the knowledge of Indian water bugs. Gender: feminine.Published as part of Zettel, Herbert & Laciny, Alice, 2021, The taxonomy of some unusual Microveliinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) from India, pp. 517-527 in Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae 61 (2) on page 518, DOI: 10.37520/aemnp.2021.029, http://zenodo.org/record/582121
Eyarinella Zettel & Laciny 2021, gen. nov.
No full textEyarinella gen. nov. (Figs 3, 4, 16–24) Type species. Eyarinella robusta sp. nov. Diagnosis. Body stout, ovate (Figs 3, 4). Posterior of head deeply inserted in anterior part of pronotum (Fig. 16). Eyes moderately large (Figs 16, 17). Antenna long and slender, about two thirds of body length; antennomere I (Fig. 16) 0.9 times as long as head length; relative lengths of antennomeres: IV> III ≧ I> II. Pronotum convexly rounded posteriorly (Fig. 16). Lateral evaporatorium small, situated in ventral half of metapleuron. Legs stout. Claws preterminal, their apices not reaching apex of tarsus. – Male: Propleuron with a sharp ridge behind eye (Fig. 17), in dorsal view appearing tooth-like. Femora stout (Figs 18, 19), otherwise unmodified. Protibia unmodified; protibial grasping comb extremely short (Fig. 18), restricted to a short ear-shaped spur at apex of tibia. Mesotibia without grasping comb. Pregenital abdomen without projections. Segment 8 moderately elongated (Fig. 21). Pygophore (Fig. 22) distally upcurved and with concave posterior margin. Proctiger (Fig. 23) narrow, tongue-shaped; apex narrowly rounded. Parameres (Fig. 24) symmetrical, curved, very long and slender. – Female: Genitalia situated in a posterior opening of segment 7. Comparative notes. The stout body distinguishes Eyarinella gen. nov. from all other Oriental genera of Microveliinae, except from Geovelia and a few species of Microvelia (Microvelia shows a great variation in body shape). However, in Microvelia the antenna is much shorter and stouter, and the genitalia of females are less protruding. Geovelia differs from Eyarinella gen. nov. in several characters, e.g., by a short head that is not deeply embedded in a concavity of the pronotum, by large eyes (e.g., Figs 5, 6), and by subterminal claws. The long antenna of Eyarinella gen. nov. resembles several genera of Microveliinae with a hygropetric lifestyle, e.g., Baptista Distant, 1903, Aquulavelia Thirumalai, 1999, and Thirumalaia gen. nov. The male of Eyarinella gen. nov. possesses the following two unique characters: the sharp ridge anteriorly on propleuron (Fig. 17), and the rudimentary protibial grasping comb (Fig. 18). Etymology. The generic name is dedicated to Dr. E. Eyarin Jehamalar of the Zoological Survey of India for her numerous valuable publications on Indian water bugs. Gender: feminine.Published as part of Zettel, Herbert & Laciny, Alice, 2021, The taxonomy of some unusual Microveliinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) from India, pp. 517-527 in Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae 61 (2) on pages 520-521, DOI: 10.37520/aemnp.2021.029, http://zenodo.org/record/582121
Figs 13–18 in Rhagovelia species from Nosy Boraha east of Madagascar (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae)
No full textFigs 13–18. Characteristics of females: 13–16 – apex of abdomen, lateral view: 13 – Rhagovelia madli sp. nov., 14 – R. kalalaoensis sp. nov., 15 – R. ambra Polhemus & Andersen, 2015, 16 – R. aquacola Polhemus & Andersen, 2015; 17–18 – tergites 7 and 8, dorsal view: 17 – R. kalalaoensis sp. nov., 18 – R. aquacola; pilosity partly omitted.Published as part of Zettel, Herbert & Laciny, Alice, 2020, Rhagovelia species from Nosy Boraha east of Madagascar (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae), pp. 419-425 in Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae 60 (2) on page 422, DOI: 10.37520/aemnp.2020.26, http://zenodo.org/record/448933
Figs 9–15 in The taxonomy of some unusual Microveliinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) from India
No full textFigs 9–15. Structural details of Thirumalaia ocularis gen. nov. & sp. nov.: 9 – head, first antennomere, and pronotum, dorsal; 10 – foreleg of male (arrow points at proximal end of grasping comb); 11 – abdominal segments 7 and 8, and proctiger of female, dorsal; 12 – abdominal segment 8 of male, ventral; 13 – pygophore of male, ventral; 14 – left paramere, lateral; 15 – proctiger of male, dorsal. Pilosity omitted, except in Fig. 14.Published as part of Zettel, Herbert & Laciny, Alice, 2021, The taxonomy of some unusual Microveliinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) from India, pp. 517-527 in Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae 61 (2) on page 522, DOI: 10.37520/aemnp.2021.029, http://zenodo.org/record/582121
Figs 25–31 in The taxonomy of some unusual Microveliinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) from India
No full textFigs 25–31. Structural details of Geovelia fikaceki sp. nov.: 25 – head, first antennomere, and pronotum, dorsal; 26 – foreleg of male (arrow points at proximal end of grasping comb); 27 – abdominal segments 7–8, and proctiger of female, dorsal; 28 – abdominal segment 8 of male, ventral; 29 – pygophore of male, ventral; 30 – proctiger of male, dorsal; 31 – left paramere, lateral. Pilosity omitted, except in Fig. 31.Published as part of Zettel, Herbert & Laciny, Alice, 2021, The taxonomy of some unusual Microveliinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) from India, pp. 517-527 in Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae 61 (2) on page 525, DOI: 10.37520/aemnp.2021.029, http://zenodo.org/record/582121
Pristomyrmex pangantihoni Zettel & Laciny, 2015, sp. n.
No full textPristomyrmex pangantihoni sp. n. (Figs. 1–4) Type material: holotype (worker) and paratype (worker) labelled “Philippines: Mindoro Or. Roxas, San Vicente, Taugad Diit, Taugad Daka Forest 27.IX.2014, leg. C. V. Pangantihon (P513)”. The holotype will be deposited in the National Museum Manila, the paratype in the first author’s collection. Type locality: Philippines, Mindoro Island, Mindoro Oriental province, municipality of Roxas, barangay San Vicente, sitio Taugad Diit, Taugad Daka Forest, ca. 400–500 m a.s.l., ca. 12°38’ N, 121°20’ E. Diagnosis (worker): Predominantly black, moderately large species, TL = 4.8. Head with large punctures that are sparse dorsally, and relatively dense on genae and posterolaterally of eyes. Frontal carinae short, hardly exceeding antennal fossae; antennal scrobes absent. Clypeus dorsally without sculpture; ventral surface with small medial tooth; anterior margin with 7–8 small denticles medially and two pairs of blunt teeth laterally. Scape relatively short (SI = 95–97). Masticatory margin of mandible with four teeth and diastema. Dorsum of mesosoma smooth and polished. Pronotum with pair of short, but distinct teeth (PSL1 0.15–0.17), which are clearly shorter than propodeal spines (PSL2 0.26–0.28). Petiole stout, anterior face of node continuous with dorsal surface of peduncle. Both petiolar node and postpetiole with several setae of varying length. First gastral tergite without erect setae. Description: Measurements: holotype worker: TL 4.8, HL 1.27, HW 1.32, CI 104, SL 1.25, SI 95, EL 0.22, AL 1.21, PSL1 0.17, PSL2 0.28, PW 0.77, PPW 0.34, PPL 0.39, PPI 87. Paratype worker: TL 4.8, HL 1.29, HW 1.33, CI 103, SL 1.29, SI 97, EL 0.22, AL 1.21, PSL1 0.15, PSL2 0.26, PW 0.79, PPW 0.36, PPL 0.4, PPI 93. Structures: Head (Figs. 1–3) smooth and polished, with large punctures on dorsum, genae, and posterolaterally of eyes. Frontal carinae short, hardly exceeding frontal fossae. Antennal scrobes and frontal lobes not developed; antennal insertion entirely exposed. Clypeus dorsally without median carina, ventrally with distinct central tooth; anterior margin with 7–8 small denticles in middle and two pairs of blunt teeth at sides. Labrum apically with pair of small tubercles. Mandibles (Fig. 2) smooth and shiny; masticatory margin of mandible with four teeth: strongest apical + second strongest (hardly shorter) preapical + long diastema + two small basal teeth of similar size; basal margin of mandible with slight dilatation at mid-length, but lacking distinct tooth. Palp formula 1, 3. Antennal scapes short, when lying on dorsum of head, slightly surpassing posterior margin of head. Eyes containing 11 ommatidia in longest row. Profile shape of mesosoma, petiole and postpetiole as in Figure 3. Dorsum of mesosoma slightly convex, smooth and polished except for a few scattered fine hair pits (Fig. 4). Pronotum with pair of relatively strong teeth; propodeum with pair of spines that are distinctly longer than pronotal teeth (Fig. 3). Mesopleural ridge almost straight, anteriorly not protruded into distinct tooth. Metapleural lobes subtriangular, acute. Petiole, postpetiole, and gaster smooth and shiny. Petiole in profile with moderately long peduncle, node without distinct angles. Postpetiole in profile rounded dorsally, in dorsal view broadening from front to back. Pilosity: Dorsal surfaces of head, mesosoma, petiolar node, and postpetiole with numerous, moderately long setae. First gastral tergite lacking erect or suberect setae. Clypeus with forward projecting setae between teeth and with four pairs of long setae at sides of medial part. Scapes and tibiae with numerous erect setae. Colour: Almost entirely black; clypeus, labrum, mandibles, antennae, and tarsi brown. Notes: Pristomyrmex pangantihoni sp. n. belongs to the P. quadridens group (sensu Wang 2003) and is similar and probably closely related to P. collinus Wang, 2003. The two species share most of the structural characteristics used in the key by Zettel (2006) and have similar surface structures. Another similar species is P. quadridens Emery, 1897. Whereas P. collinus is endemic to the northern and central Philippines (records from Luzon, Tablas, Panay, and Negros), P. quadridens is distributed on New Guinea and the Moluccas and reaches the Philippines in the southeast (Leyte) (Wang 2003, Zettel 2006). Pristomyrmex pangantihoni sp. n. differs from both species by black colour, longer pronotal and propodeal spines, higher number of setae on both petiole and postpetiole, and much larger size (measure- ments partly taken from Wang 2003 and Zettel 2006): TL of P. pangantihoni sp. n. 4.8 mm, of P. collinus and P. quadridens 3.3–4.1 mm; HW of P. pangantihoni sp. n. 1.32–1.33 mm, of P. collinus and P. quadridens 0.77–0.94 mm. The puncturation on the head of P. pangantihoni sp. n. is more strongly developed than in P. collinus, but not as foveolate as in P. quadridens. Also the shape of the petiole is intermediate between the two species. Pristomyrmex distinguendus Zettel, 2006, another similar species of Luzon and Leyte, can be distinguished by brown colour, small size, long frontal carinae, distinct antennal scrobes, and very short pronotal and propodeal teeth. Pristomyrmex pangantihoni sp. n. is the second species recorded from Mindoro. Wang (2003) recorded P. punctatus from San José in Occidental Mindoro Province; this species has a wide distribution from China to New Guinea.Published as part of Herbert Zettel & Alice Laciny, 2015, A new species of Pristomyrmex Mayr, 1866 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from Mindoro, the Philippines, pp. 1-4 in Asian Myrmecology 7 on pages 2-
Rhagovelia orientaliformis Zettel & Laciny 2021, sp.n.
No full textRhagovelia orientaliformis sp.n. (Figs. 5, 6, 11, 12, 15, 18, 21, 25, 28) Type material: Holotype (apterous male, PNM), Philippines, Mindanao Island, Zamboanga del Sur Province, 8 km NE of Pagadian, Manga Falls, 12.III.1997, leg. H. Zettel (129). Paratypes (NHMW, ZCW): 2 apterous males, 2 apterous females, same locality data. Description of apterous male: Measurements (holotype and range of holotype and 2 paratypes; measurements for paratypes, glued on back, incomplete): Body length ca. 2.80 (ca. 2.80–2.85); maximum width (at metapleura) 1.13 (1.10–1.14). Head length 0.32, width 0.76 (0.73–0.76); minimum eye distance 0.21 (0.21–0.22). Lengths of antennomeres, I 0.82, II 0.44, III 0.52, IV 0.47. Pronotum length 0.75, width 0.99. Lengths of leg segments: profemur 0.88, protibia 1.02, protarsus 0.06 + 0.24, mesofemur 1.55, mesotibia 1.19, mesotarsus 0.04 + 0.48 + 0.67, metafemur 1.40, metatibia 1.47, metatarsus 0.03 + 0.04 + 0.40. Colour (Fig. 5): Head, thorax, and abdomen black; pronotum with transverse, orange coloured mark near anterior margin; distal parts of all acetabula yellowish. Antenna black, basal fourth (on underside one third) of antennomere 1 yellow. Legs chiefly black, femora with weak bluish-green shimmer; pro- and metacoxae, pro- and metatrochanters yellow; base of profemur yellow, but on dorsal surface, close to flexor side, with black stripe that reaches base in most specimens; extreme base of metafemur yellowish. Pilosity: Body dorsally with short, gray, appressed hair layer. Longer setae inconspicuous, hardly surpassing short pilosity, except on sides of pronotum and on abdominal segments 7 and 8 longer. Venter of thorax and abdomen with yellowish pilosity of varying length. Median carina of sternum 7 with dense, oblique, blackish-brown hairs. Ventral surface without black spiculae. Antennomeres 1 and 2, femora and tibiae with several long black setae. Structures: Juga not flattened, shiny. Pronotum much longer than head, covering mesonotum. Metafemur (Fig. 11) moderately wide, ca. 3.7–3.8× (in holotype 3.8×) as long as wide, on flexor side with one distal row consisting of 8–11 teeth (in holotype, right and left, 8 and 11 teeth). Metatibia straight, on flexor side with fine tooth-like structures over entire length, with long apical tooth. Pregenital segments of abdomen moderately stout. All mediotergites matte. In holotype, fifth mediotergite 3.4× as wide as long; seventh mediotergite 2.5× as long as sixth and 1.0× as long as wide at anterior margin. Sterna without long median carina; medial areas of sterna 5–6 flat. Sternum 7 (Fig. 21) convex, with a median carina about half as long as sternum length, distance from anterior margin about twice as long as from posterior margin. Segment 8 relatively large, subcylindrical, with blunt median carina reaching posterior margin. Genital segments small and weakly modified. Pygophore subovate. Proctiger (Fig. 15) with well-developed lateral lobes, sclerotized part slightly wider than long. Paramere (Fig. 18) relatively large, strongly curved; basal part with a large, dorsomesad-bent lobe; distal part twisted, comparatively narrow in a lateral view, weakly and almost evenly narrowed to a rounded (not pointed) apex in perpendicular view (Fig. 18a). Description of apterous female: Measurements (n = 2): Body length 2.76–2.80; maximum width (at metapleura) 1.22–1.27. Head length 0.32, width 0.77–0.78; minimum eye distance 0.22. Pronotum length 0.75–0.76, width 1.02–1.03. Colour (Fig. 6) as in male. Pilosity of head and thorax similar as in male. Oblique, relatively long setae on abdominal mediotergites and laterotergites distinct, arranged in transverse rows near hind margins. Short appressed, dense pilosity evenly distributed on mediotergites, laterotergites, and proctiger. Sterna ventrally with pale-yellowish pilosity, laterally bare. Posterior corner of sternum 7 with a small but distinct tuft of black hairs. Structural characteristics: Head and thorax as in male. Metafemur (Fig. 12) more slender than that of male, ca. 4.8–4.9× as long as wide, on flexor side with distal row consisting of 4–7 teeth. Abdomen broad, unmodified (Figs. 6, 25, 28): Connexival margins almost evenly, slightly convex converging at segments 2–5, only slightly at segments 6–7. Sterna not visible in dorsal aspect. All mediotergites slightly convex. Fifth mediotergite 3.2× as wide as long; seventh mediotergite 1.3× as long as sixth and 0.7× as long as wide at anterior margin. Hind margin of mediotergite 7 straight. Mediotergite 8 much shorter than wide, with convex hind margin. Proctiger small, narrow, directed posteriad. Posterior corner of sternum 7 slightly acute, not much protruded. Macropterous morphs: Unknown. Comparative notes: Rhagovelia orientaliformis sp.n. belongs to the R. orientalis subgroup and is similar to R. orientalis, which also inhabits the Zamboanga Peninsula. The females—without modifications of the abdomen and completely pilose mediotergites in both species—are hardly distinguishable, except for the abdomen of R. orientaliformis sp.n. being slightly broader. However, the male is very distinct, with the fine, sharp median carina on sternum 7 bearing a crest of oblique, dark setae (Fig. 21; in R. orientalis there is only a blunt carina anteriorly) and the differently shaped distal part of the paramere (Fig. 18a). In the three other species of the R. orientalis subgroup (R. orientalis, R. mindanaoensis, and R. orientaloides), the paramere is apically pointed. Etymology: This species is named for the overall similarity with R. orientalis. Distribution: Mindanao: Zamboanga del Sur.Published as part of Zettel, Herbert & Laciny, Alice, 2021, New species of the Rhagovelia orientalis species group (Hemiptera: Heteroptera Veliidae), pp. 219-228 in Zootaxa 4942 (2) on pages 225-227, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4942.2.5, http://zenodo.org/record/460049
Rhagovelia masbatensis Zettel & Laciny 2021, sp.n.
No full textRhagovelia masbatensis sp.n. (Figs. 3, 4, 9, 10, 14, 17, 20, 24, 27) Type material: Holotype (apterous male, PNM), Philippines, Masbate Island, 3.5 km SE of Masbate, Tugbo, Tugbo River, 2.III.1998, leg. H. Zettel (152). Paratypes (NHMW, UPLB, PNM, ZCW NMPC, ZRC): 87 apterous males, 74 apterous females, same locality data; 19 apterous males, 17 apterous females, same locality, 12–14.II.2005, leg. H. Zettel (409); 4 apterous males, 4 apterous females, Masbate Island, 8 km SE Masbate, S Mobo, Ubo Falls, 3.III.1998, leg. H. Zettel (153); 13 apterous males, 7 apterous females, Masbate Island, 2 km S of Baleno, stream, 4.III.1998, leg. H. Zettel (154); ca. 80 apterous males, ca. 190 apterous females, Ticao Island, W San Fernando, Mag-Kaipit Spring, 27.II.1998 leg. H. Zettel (148). Description of apterous male: Measurements (holotype and range of holotype and 11 paratypes): Body length 2.73 (2.61–2.75); maximum width (at metapleura) 1.10 (1.07–1.14). Head length 0.32 (0.29–0.32), width 0.70 (0.68–0.73); minimum eye distance 0.20 (0.19–0.21). Lengths of antennomeres, I 0.70, II 0.38, III 0.41, IV 0.45. Pronotum length 0.75 (0.72–0.77), width 0.91 (0.88–0.96). Lengths of leg segments: profemur 0.82, protibia 0.90, protarsus 0.04 + 0.22, mesofemur 1.40, mesotibia 1.12, mesotarsus 0.05 + 0.47 + 0.62, metafemur 1.14, metatibia 1.30, metatarsus 0.04 + 0.08 + 0.27. Colour (Fig. 3): Head, thorax, and abdomen black; pronotum with transverse, orange mark near anterior margin; distal parts of all acetabula yellowish. Antenna black, basal third (or little less) of antennomere 1 yellow. Legs chiefly black, often with weak bluish or greenish shimmer; pro- and metacoxae, pro- and metatrochanters yellow; base of profemur yellow, but on dorsal surface, close to flexor side, with black or brown stripe that reaches base in most specimens. Pilosity: Body dorsally with short gray appressed hair layer and (except on pronotum) with posteriad-directed, long, black setae. Venter of thorax and abdomen with relatively long, pale-yellowish, decumbent pilosity, somewhat longer and obliquely directed posteriad on sternal carina; a few long setae laterally on sternum 7. Ventral surface without black spiculae. Antennomeres 1 and 2, femora and tibiae with several long black setae. Structures: Juga not flattened, shiny. Pronotum much longer than head, covering mesonotum. Metafemur (Fig. 9) moderately slender, ca. 4.0–4.4× (in holotype 4.3×) as long as wide, on flexor side with one distal row consisting of 5–8 teeth (in holotype, right and left, 7 and 6 teeth). Metatibia straight, on flexor side with fine tooth-like structures over entire length, increasing in length towards long apical tooth. Pregenital segments of abdomen relatively slender. All mediotergites matte. In holotype, fifth mediotergite 2.5× as wide as long; seventh mediotergite 1.7× as long as sixth and 1.1× as long as wide at anterior margin. Sterna 3 and 4 with a weakly produced medial carina, this carina sharp and highly raised on sterna 5–7 (Fig. 20); areas flanking carina on sterna 5–7 concave. Segment 8 small, subcylindrical, slightly curved ventrally, with short, ventrobasal, median carina. Genital segments small and weakly modified. Pygophore subovate. Proctiger (Fig. 14) with well developed, broad lateral lobes, sclerotized part slightly broader than long. Paramere (Fig. 17) small, with a moderately wide basal part, then suddenly narrowed to a slender, sickle-shaped, dorsally curved distal part; apex narrowly rounded. Description of apterous female: Measurements (n = 12): Body length 2.55–2.77; maximum width (at metapleura) 1.10–1.23. Head length 0.29–0.32, width 0.68–0.74; minimum eye distance 0.19–0.22. Pronotum length 0.74–0.82, width 0.91–1.00. Colour (Fig. 4) as in male. Pilosity of head, thorax, and appendages similar to that of male. On most mediotergites, pilosity strongly reduced, absent from mediotergites 2–6 (mediotergite 2 in some specimens with a few minute hairs). Mediotergite 7 with black hairs along hind margin, slightly denser and longer in middle and forming a more or less distinct tuft. Mediotergite 8 (Fig. 24) with posteriad-directed long setae (about as long as mediotergite), more or less grouped in two tufts at both sides of hind margin. Sterna with shorter and much sparser pilosity than in males, especially at sides. Connexival corner with small tuft of short black setae (Fig. 27). Proctiger with short pilosity, on medial part directed to anterior margin. Gonocoxa 1 with inconspicuous pilosity. Structural characteristics: Head and thorax mostly as in male, except metanotum forming a short lobe in middle of hind margin. Metafemur (Fig. 10) more slender than that of male, ca. 4.6–4.9× as long as wide, on flexor side with distal row consisting of 4–6 teeth, the first one much longer than the others. Abdomen strongly modified (Figs. 4, 24, 27): Connexival margins anteriorly strongly curved to middle, posteriorly flapped over mediotergites and meeting at segment 6 or keeping only a short distance; at segment 7 divergent and leaving hind margin of mediotergite 7 almost uncovered. Sterna 3–7 largely visible in dorsal aspect. Mediotergites 1 and 2 strongly elevated, 3–8 flat, 4 and 5 in some specimens slightly concave, 6 and 7 convex, 8 flat. Fifth mediotergite 2.0× as wide as long; seventh mediotergite 1.5× as long as sixth. Hind margin of mediotergite 7 straight. Mediotergite 8 about as long as wide, slightly directed ventrad. Proctiger narrow, elongated, directed ventrad and reaching hind margin of sternum 7. Medial areas of all sterna evenly convex. Posterior corner of sternum 7 rectangular or slightly acute, not protruding. Gonocoxa 1 flat, partly covered by sternum 7, visible part narrow. Macropterous morphs: Unknown. It is interesting to note that among almost 500 specimens examined, no macropterous individuals could be found. Comparative notes: Rhagovelia masbatensis sp.n. belongs to the R. negrosensis subgroup (Tab. 1), a set of species that are otherwise distributed on the islands of the Western Visayas and on Mindoro. Both sexes of R. raddai from Mindoro differ from all other species of this subgroup by possessing an entirely black profemur. The female of R. masbatensis sp.n. differs from R. negrosensis, R. panayensis, and R. heissi by the simple mediotergite 7 (bearing a straight hind margin, without conspicuous pilosity). The male of R. masbatensis sp.n. is most similar to R. negrosensis with which it shares a slender abdomen, but it is distinctly smaller (body length of R. negrosensis males 3.0– 3.2 mm). Etymology: This species is named after its distribution in Masbate Province. Distribution: Masbate, Ticao.Published as part of Zettel, Herbert & Laciny, Alice, 2021, New species of the Rhagovelia orientalis species group (Hemiptera: Heteroptera Veliidae), pp. 219-228 in Zootaxa 4942 (2) on pages 223-225, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4942.2.5, http://zenodo.org/record/460049
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