Five new species of Caliscelidae (Insecta, Hemiptera) from Mexico and Panama, with additional redescriptions of little-known species

Five new species of Peltonotellini (Caliscelinae) are described and illustrated: Bruchomorpha pseudodorsata sp. nov., Fitchiella brachyrhina sp. nov., Protrocha nigrilutea sp. nov. and P. punctatosa sp. nov. from Mexico, and Fitchiella zahniseri sp. nov. from Panama. Additionally, fi ve previously described species are redescribed based on newly collected specimens: Aphelonema brevata Caldwell, 1945 (proposed original combination), Bruchomorpha decorata Metcalf, 1923, Bruchomorpha mormo Kirkaldy, 1907, Nenema virgata (Doering, 1941) and Protrocha nesolitaria (Caldwell, 1945). Bruchomorpha decorata is recorded from Panama for the fi rst time. Redescriptions provide new information on the distribution of sensory pits and the fi rst detailed descriptions of male and female terminalia for these species.


Other material
anterior row with eight sensory pits, ventral pair slightly displaced; posterior row with four sensory pits, most ventral one slightly isolated. Clypeus (Fig. 1C) not swollen, with median carina. Ocelli absent. Eye oblong. Antenna short, with several small circular structures visible on pedicel. Pronotum (Fig. 1B) semicircular, shorter than half its width, with median carina; median portion of disc without sensory pits; lateral portion of disc with 14 to 15 sensory pits; lateral lobe of pronotum ( Fig. 1C) with three sensory pits arranged in group. Mesonotum ( Fig. 1B) with median carina and pair of lateral carinae; region between lateral carinae depressed and without sensory pits; region laterad of lateral carinae with nine to 11 sensory pits. Brachypterous, with reduced venation. Legs simple, with carinae, setose; tibia III with single median spine. . Terga with longitudinal carina. Tergite III (Figs 1C, 26A) without sensory pits. Tergite IV (Figs 1C, 26A) with row of two sensory pits followed by single isolated ventral one. Tergites V and VI (Figs 1C,26A) with row of four sensory pits followed by isolated ventral pair aligned diagonally. Tergite VII (Figs 1C,26A) with row of three sensory pits followed by isolated ventral pair aligned diagonally. Tergite VIII with one sensory pit (Fig. 26A).

Remarks
This species was originally placed in Aphelonema but later transferred to Protrocha by Emeljanov (1996). However, the species treated herein shares more characteristics of Aphelonema, according to the diagnostic features given by Emeljanov (1996, see Discussion), such as (1) lateral lobe of pronotum with no fewer than two, but usually with three or more sensory pits (Fig. 1C); (2) sides of frons in upper half with two parallel rows of sensory pits (Fig. 1C); and (3) abdomen with sensory pits aligned in one row and with an isolated pair of ventral sensory pits (Fig. 26A). Based on this combination of characters we propose that this species returns to its original combination. Its original description is short, includes only a superfi cial illustration of the male terminalia, and does not include information about abdominal sensory pits or female terminalia. The single male specimen at hand was identifi ed based on the original description, illustrations of male terminalia made by Caldwell (1945), and photographs of the head, thorax and male terminalia of the holotype. However, the abdomen of the holotype was lost so redescription of the distribution of sensory pits on this structure was based on the specimen at hand. Unfortunately, the anal tube of the studied specimen was damaged during dissection.

Diagnosis
Body mainly dark brown to black with several pale maculae (Fig. 3); vertex hexagonal ( Fig. 3B, E); frons with strong median carina and central plate with pale heart-shaped macula (Fig. 3A, D); clypeus extending anteriorly, produced into slight snout (Fig. 3C, F); lateral lobe of pronotum with three to four sensory pits arranged in a row (Fig. 3C, F); abdominal tergites ( Fig. 3C, F, 26B) with row of sensory pits followed by single isolated ventral sensory pit (tergite IV) or by isolated pair of diagonally aligned ventral sensory pits (tergites V to VII).

Material examined
Type material USA • 1 ♂, holotype of Bruchomorpha decorata Metcalf, 1923;"Brownsville, Tex[as]";21 Nov. 1911 Caldwell, 1947;Sonora, Hacienda Naynari, M.B. 209;19 Mar. 1927; NMNH (based on photographs).  . Vertex (Fig. 3B, E) hexagonal, shorter than half its width, shorter than pronotum length; posterior margin slightly elevated. Frons (Fig. 3A, D) with strong median carina and pair of sublateral carinae; sublateral carinae convergent and fused to each other ventrally; central plate ( Fig. 3A, D) longer than wide at widest portion, visible in dorsal view (Fig. 3B, E), not extending anteriorly beyond sublateral carinae in lateral view (Fig. 3C, F); sides of frons partially visible in frontal view (Fig. 3A, D) and fused above clypeus, with two rows of sensory pits on each side in lateral view (Fig. 3C, F): anterior row with eight sensory pits, fi ve dorsal ones grouped together, followed by sixth isolated one aligned with antenna, and pair of ventral ones isolated next to clypeus; posterior row with four sensory pits, most ventral one slightly isolated. Clypeus (Fig. 3C, F) swollen, extending anteriorly in lateral view, consequently pushing frons anteriorly and producing very lightly produced snout; longer than high in lateral view, with complete and elevated median carina. Ocelli absent. Eye oblong. Antenna short, with several small circular structures visible on pedicel. Pronotum (Fig. 3B, E) semicircular, shorter than half its width, with distinct median carina; median portion of disc without sensory pits; lateral portion of disc with 15 to 19 (holotype and allotype with 18 to 19) sensory pits; lateral lobe ( Fig. 3C, F) with three (holotype) to four sensory pits arranged in row. Mesonotum (Fig. 3B, E) with distinct median carina and pair of lateral carinae; region between lateral carinae depressed, without sensory pits; region outerad of lateral carina with 10 to 13 (holotype with 11) sensory pits. Brachypterous, with reticulated venation. Legs simple; with carinae and setae; tibia III with single median spine.

A
. Terga without longitudinal carinae. Tergite III (Figs 3F, 26B) without sensory pits. Tergite IV (Figs 3F, 26B) with one row of three to fi ve sensory pits followed by single isolated ventral one. Tergites V to VII (Figs 3F, 26B) with one row of three to four (holotype and allotype with three to four) sensory pits followed by isolated ventral pair aligned diagonally (Fig. 26B). Tergite VIII (Fig. 26B) with one sensory pit.  . Posterior margin of sternite VII ( Fig. 5B) with median portion slightly produced, setose. Gonoplac (Fig. 5C) sclerotized, sub-rectangular with apex truncate, setose. Anterior connective lamina of gonapophysis VIII (Fig. 5D) with three apical teeth: innermost larger than outer ones, narrow and long, middle one widest, outer one short and apically rounded; middle and outer ones closer to each other than to inner one. Posterior connective lamina of gonapophysis IX (

Remarks
This species was identifi ed based on comparisons with the type series (holotype and allotype) from Texas (USA) and the original description by Metcalf (1923) plus the redescription by Doering (1939), which do not include the arrangement of abdominal sensory pits or female terminalia. Previously published illustrations of the dorsal view of the body and lateral view of the head allow comparison of the sensory pits of the sides of the frons and the lateral lobe of pronotum to those of other species. The male terminalia were previously illustrated superfi cially, but the overall shape could also be compared. Two recently collected available specimens have four sensory pits on each lateral lobe of pronotum ( Fig. 3C, F), which is diff erent from the three sensory pits illustrated by Metcalf (1923) and Doering (1939). Both specimens of the type series have three pits on the right side, but the female allotype has four pits on the left side. A series of several additional specimens from Mexico (see Material examined above) includes one additional male and female with three pits on one pronotal lobe and four on the other; the remaining specimens have three pits on both lobes, as in the holotype, and their genitalia match those of other studied specimens of this species. The holotype of Bruchomorpha decorata var. nihldecorata Caldwell, 1945 also has four pits.

Diagnosis
Body mainly black, with coppery sheen ( abdominal tergites (Figs 6C, F, 26C) with row of sensory pits followed by single isolated ventral sensory pit (tergite IV) or isolated pair of diagonally aligned ventral sensory pits (tergites V to VII).

B
. Males = 1.7 to 2 mm; females = 2.4 to 3 mm.  . Vertex (Fig. 6B, E) semicircular, shorter than half its width, shorter than half of pronotum length; posterior margin slightly elevated. Frons (Fig. 6A, D) with median carina and pair of sublateral carinae; sublateral carinae converge and fuse to each other ventrally; central plate ( Fig. 6A, D) as long as wide at widest portion, visible in dorsal view (Fig. 6B, E), extending slightly anteriorly beyond sublateral carinae in lateral view (Fig. 6C, F); sides of frons partially visible in frontal view (Fig. 6A, D) and fused above clypeus, with two rows of sensory pits on each side in lateral view (Fig. 6C, F): anterior row with eight sensory pits; posterior row with four sensory pits. Clypeus (Fig. 6C, F) swollen, extending anteriorly but not producing snout in lateral view; with complete median carina. Ocelli absent. Eye oblong. Antenna short, with several small circular structures visible on pedicel. Pronotum (Fig. 6B, E) semicircular, shorter than half its width, with median carina; median portion of disc without sensory pits; lateral portion of disc with 12 to 14 sensory pits on each side; lateral lobe of pronotum (Fig. 6C, F) with three sensory pits arranged in row. Mesonotum (Fig. 6B, E) with median carina and pair of lateral carinae; region between lateral carinae without sensory pits; regions outerad of lateral carinae with 10 to   (Figs 6C, F, 26C) with one row of three to fi ve sensory pits, with penultimate pit slightly displaced from row, followed by single isolated ventral one. Tergites V to VII (Figs 6C, F, 26C) with one row of three to fi ve sensory pits followed by isolated ventral pair aligned diagonally. Tergite VIII (

Remarks
Specimens at hand were identifi ed based on the redescription and illustration of the dorsal view of the body, lateral view of the head, and male terminalia by Doering (1939). This species resembles several other species of Bruchomorpha, including Bruchomorpha oculata Newman, 1838, Bruchomorpha minima Metcalf, 1923, Bruchomorpha pallidipes Stål, 1862 and Bruchomorpha tristis Stål, 1862, in its mostly black, metallic shiny appearance. According to Doering (1939), B. mormo can be easily distinguished from other black-colored species by: (1) lack of a lighter colored dorsal stripe (

Remarks
This new species superfi cially resembles Bruchomorpha dorsata in coloration and overall external morphology, but diff ers from it mainly in: (1) the shape of the vertex and pronotum, which are both almost semicircular in B. dorsata but hexagonal and subrectangular in B. pseudodorsata sp. nov. (Fig. 9B); (2) the coloration of the forewing, which is as brown as the body and with a well-defi ned white stripe following the body stripe in B. dorsata but blurred in B. pseudodorsata sp. nov. (Fig. 9B); and (3) the pattern of distribution of sensory pits on the abdomen, with one defi ned row on all segments followed by an isolated ventral pair in B. dorsata and one group of several sensory pits followed by an isolated ventral pair in B. pseudodorsata sp. nov. (Figs 9C, 26D). Although the new species is here placed in Bruchomorpha, the pattern of distribution of abdominal sensory pits is diff erent from all the other species of this genus studied herein ( Fig. 26B-C

Diagnosis
Body mainly off white with several black maculae and sensory pits bordered by black (Fig. 11); snout as long as half of interocular distance (measured from base to tip) with apex rounded in frontal and lateral view (Fig. 11A, C); lateral lobe of pronotum with three sensory pits arranged in a row (Fig. 11C); forewings with reticulated venation (Fig. 11B-C); abdominal tergites (Figs 11C, 26E) with row of sensory pits followed by single isolated ventral sensory pit (tergite IV and V) or an isolated pair of diagonally aligned ventral sensory pits (tergites VI to VII).

Etymology
The specifi c name ʻbrachyrhinaʼ (ʻbrachy-ʼ, Greek = ʻshortʼ; ʻrhinaʼ, Greek = ʻnoseʼ) refers to the short snout of this species if compared to other species of the genus.  (Fig. 11B), not extending anteriorly beyond sublateral carinae in lateral view (Fig. 11C); sides of frons partially visible in frontal view (Fig. 11), fused above clypeus, with two rows of sensory pits on each side in lateral view (Fig. 11C): anterior row with eight sensory pits, four dorsal ones are grouped, followed by a fi fth isolated one aligned between ventral margin of eye and antenna, and three isolated ones ventrally to concavity on anterior margin of frons; posterior row with four sensory pits. Clypeus (Fig. 11C) not swollen, with dorsal portion extended anteroventrally into slightly produced snout; snout in dorsal view (Fig. 11B) as long as half of interocular distance (measured from base to tip), apex rounded in frontal and lateral view and with slight median anterodorsal concavity in lateral view (Fig. 11A, C); with median carina. Ocelli absent. Eye oblong. Antenna short, with several smal l circular structures visible on pedicel. Pronotum (Fig. 11B) semicircular, shorter than half its width; posterior margin straight; with median carina; surface of disc almost completely covered by 15 to 17 sensory pits on each side; lateral lobe of pronotum ( Fig. 11C) with three sensory pits arranged in a row. Mesonotum (Fig. 11B)   apical half of aedeagus; with fl ap covering aedeagal hook in lateral view (Fig. 12F-G). Aedeagus (Fig. 12D-E) with apex narrow and open dorsally; with pair of hooks, one curved anterodorsally, the other curved posterocaudally in lateral view (Fig. 12F-G). Suspensorium V-shaped. Segment X of anal tube (Fig. 12H-I) as long as wide; posterior margin ( Fig. 12H) rounded; setose.

Remarks
The new species is apparently very similar to B. rugosa Metcalf, 1923 based on the descriptions and illustrations by Metcalf (1923) and Doering (1939), but can be distinguished from the latter by its darker coloration and slightly more produced snout. Both species are also similar to Fitchiella zahniseri sp. nov., but can be distinguished from the latter by their shorter snout. Unfortunately, the holotype of B. rugosa was not studied herein (it was not found at the INHS collection), but a photograph of a specimen in the L.B. O'Brien collection identifi ed by Doering is available online. Nevertheless, B. rugosa is most likely a species of Fitchiella, based mainly on the shape of the snout and coloration, however, a detailed study of the holotype of B. rugosa is necessary to better allocate this species.
The remarkable coloration of F. brachyrhina sp. nov., F. zahniseri sp. nov. and B. rugosa is also present in other species of Fitchiella, such as the type species , Fitchiella robertsoni (Fitch, 1856). These four species can be distinguished from other species of Fitchiella by their color pattern or by the lack of foliaceous legs. Furthermore, these species of Fitchiella can be easily distinguished from the others by the size of their snout.
Unfortunately, the connective of the studied specimen was damaged during dissection, but connective shape does not seem informative enough to distinguish genera or species of Peltonotellini.

Diagnosis
Body mainly stramineous with several dark brown maculae and sensory pits bordered by dark brown (Fig. 13); snout longer than interocular distance (measured from base to tip) with apex rounded in frontal and lateral view (Fig. 13A, C-D, F); lateral lobe of pronotum with four sensory pits arranged in a row (Fig. 13C); forewings with reticulated venation (Fig. 13B-C, E-F); abdominal tergites (Figs 13C, F, 26F) with row of sensory pits followed by single isolated ventral sensory pit (tergite IV and V) or isolated pair of diagonally aligned ventral sensory pits (tergites VI to VII).

Etymology
The specifi c name ʻzahniseriʼ is in honor of Dr James Zahniser (USDA = US Department of Agriculture) who collected the type series of this species in Panama and kindly sent us photographs of holotypes of Caliscelidae deposited at the NMNH. Paratypes PANAMA • 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype; INHS • 1 ♀; same collection data as for holotype; DZRJ.
C . Body mainly stramineous with several dark brown maculae and sensory pits bordered by dark brown; dark brown maculae darker and more extensive in males than females (Fig. 13A-C vs Fig. 13D-F). Vertex (Fig. 13B, E) with pair of large dark brown maculae. Frons (Fig. 13A, D) with pair of dark brown stripes bordering sublateral carinae and dark brown stripe covering median carina; side of frons (Fig. 13C, F) dark brown where sensory pits are lacking. Gena (Fig. 13C, F) with large dark brown macula. Clypeus in lateral view (Fig. 13C, F) with dorsal portion extended anteriorly dark brown, median portion stramineous, ventral portion dark brown. Lateral lobe of pronotum (Fig. 13C, F) with anterior portion dark brown. Mesonotum (Fig. 13B, E) region between lateral carinae stramineous with pair of elongated dark brown maculae near lateral carinae. Forewings (Fig. 13B-C, E-F) light brown with veins white; white stripes within cells. Legs stramineous with some elongated dark brown maculae. Abdomen (Fig. 13B-C, E-F) with several elongated dark brown maculae starting from sensory pits and extending posteriorly; dark brown maculae forming continuous longitudinal line between row of sensory pits and isolated one.

H
. Vertex (Fig. 13B, E) hexagonal, as long as half its width, as long as half of pronotum length, with slight median carina; posterior margin slightly elevated. Frons (Fig. 13A, D) with median carina and pair of sublateral carinae; sublateral carinae convergent and fused to each other ventrally (Fig. 13A, D); central plate ( Fig. 13A, D) longer than wide at widest portion, visible in dorsal view (Fig. 13B, E), not extending anteriorly beyond sublateral carinae in lateral view (Fig. 13C, F); sides of frons partially visible in frontal view (Fig. 13A, D), fused above clypeus, with two rows of sensory pits in lateral view: anterior row with eight sensory pits, fi ve dorsal ones grouped together, followed by three isolated ones ventrally to concavity on anterior margin of frons; posterior row with four sensory pits. Clypeus (Fig. 13C, F) not swollen, with dorsal portion extending anteriorly, consequently pushing frons and producing moderately produced snout; snout in dorsal view (Fig. 13B) longer than interocular distance (measured from base to tip), rounded in frontal and lateral view (Fig. 13C, F), with median carina. Ocelli absent. Eye oblong. Antenna short, with several small circular structures visible on pedicel. Pronotum (Fig. 13B, E) semicircular, shorter than half its width; posterior margin straight; with median carina; surface o f disc almost completely covered by 15 sensory pits on each side; lateral lobe of pronotum (Fig. 13C, F) with four sensory pits arranged in a row. Mesonotum (Fig. 13B, E) with slight median carina and pair of lateral carinae; region between lateral carinae depressed, without sensory pits; region outerad of lateral carinae with 11 to 12 sensory pits on each side. Brachypterous, with reticulated venation. Legs simple, with carinae and setae; tibia III with single median spine.

A
. Terga with longitudinal carina. Tergite III (Figs 13C, F, 26F) without sensory pits. Tergite IV (Figs 13C, F, 26F) with one row of four to seven (four in holotype) sensory pits, with penultimate one slightly displaced, followed by single isolated ventral one. Tergite V (Figs 13C, F, 26F) with one row of four to fi ve (fi ve in holotype) sensory pits, with penultimate one slightly displaced, followed by single isolated ventral one. Tergites VI and VII (Figs 13C, F, 26F) with one row of four to fi ve (fi ve in holotype) sensory pits, with penultimate one slightly displaced, followed by isolated ventral pair aligned diagonally. Tergite VIII (Fig. 26F) with one sensory pit.

Remarks
The new species resembles Fitchiella robertsoni (type species) and F. brachyrhina sp. nov., sharing the following characteristics: (1) pattern of coloration (Figs 11, 13); (2) brachypterous with reticulated venation and with stripes within cells (Figs 11B, E, 13B, E); (3) overall shape of snout (Figs 11C, F, 13C, F), with anteroventrally produced clypeus, concavity on anterior margin of frons, and knobbed apex (Figs 11C, 13C, E); and (4) pattern of distribution of abdominal sensory pits (Fig. 26E-F). However, the new species can be distinguished from these two similar species by the following combination of characteristics: (1) snout (Fig. 13C, F) intermediate in length between the two previously described species, with apex less rounded and swollen than in F. robertsoni; and (2) lateral lobe of pronotum with four sensory pits (Fig. 13C, F). Other species in Fitchiella, such as F. rufi pes Lawson, 1933 andF. grandis Lawson, 1933, among other, are easily distinguished from these species, F. robertsoni and F. brachyrhina sp. nov., by: (1) overall shape of snout, which is straight in some species, without concavity on anterior margin of frons and fl attened laterally; (2) diff erent pattern of coloration; (3) forewings without reticulated venation; (4) dorsoventrally expanded legs, more or less foliaceous in some species; and (5) diff erent pattern of distribution of abdominal sensory pits (based on photographs of F. rufi pes). More studies are necessary to better defi ne Fitchiella.

Diagnosis
Body mainly black and pale-yellow, with central plate of frons white and sublateral carinae black, forewing dark brown to black with oblique white stripe over claval suture, abdomen almost black, with broad pale-yellow median longitudinal stripe dorsally and narrower discontinuous white to paleyellow longitudinal stripes laterally, legs reddish brown (Fig. 16); clypeus swollen ( Fig. 16A, C), with weak carina incomplete ventrally (Fig. 16A); abdominal tergites (Figs 16C, 26G) with one sensory pit followed by single isolated ventral sensory pit (tergite IV and V) or isolated pair of diagonally aligned ventral sensory pits (tergites VI to VII). C . Body mainly black and pale-yellow ( Fig. 16A-C). Central plate of frons (Fig. 16A) white, sublateral carinae black and side of frons pale-yellow in frontal view. Clypeus mainly black, with dorsal portion pale-yellow (Fig. 16A). Vertex (Fig. 16B) white to pale-yellow with two pairs of brown maculae; pronotum and mesonotum (Fig. 16B) with pale-yellow continuous median longitudinal broad stripe. Gena (Fig. 16C) pale-yellow; with oblique black stripe starting at ventral margin of eyes, reaching clypeus and drop-like black macula near anteroventral margin of eye. Lateral lobe of pronotum ( Fig. 16C) with anterior portion black and posterior portion pale-yellow continuous to forewing stripe. Forewing ( Fig. 16B-C) dark brown to black, with oblique white stripe over claval suture. Abdomen ( Fig. 16B-C) dark brown, almost black, with broad pale-yellow median longitudinal stripe dorsally and narrower discontinuous white to pale-yellow longitudinal stripes laterally. Legs (Fig. 16A, C) reddish brown.

H
. Vertex (Fig. 16B) hexagonal, as long as half its width, as long as pronotum; posterior margin slightly elevated. Frons (Fig. 16A) with weak median carina and pair of sublateral carinae; sublateral carinae reaching clypeus ventrally (Fig. 16A); central plate ( Fig. 16A) longer than wide at widest portion, not visible in dorsal view (Fig. 16B), not extending anteriorly beyond sublateral carinae in lateral view (Fig. 16C); sides of frons partially visible in frontal view (Fig. 16A), not fused above clypeus, with two rows of sensory pits on each side in lateral view (Fig. 16C): anterior row with eight sensory pits, two ventral ones slightly displaced; posterior row with four sensory pits, ventral one slightly isolated. Clypeus (Fig. 16C) swollen, with weak carina incomplete ventrally. Ocelli absent. Eye oblong. Antenna short, with several small circular structures visible on pedicel. Pronotum (Fig. 16B) semicircular, shorter than half its width, without median carina; median portion of disc without sensory pits and with posterior portion slightly elevated; lateral portion of disc with 15 to 17 sensory pits; lateral lobe of pronotum ( Fig. 16C) with one sensory pit. Mesonotum (Fig. 16B) without median carina and  (2020) with pair of lateral carinae; region between lateral carinae depressed, without sensory pits; region laterad of lateral carina with 14 sensory pits. Brachypterous, with reduced venation. Legs simple, with carinae and setae; tibia III with single median spine.

A
. Terga without longitudinal carinae. Tergite III (Figs 16C, 26G) without sensory pits. Tergites IV and V (Figs 16C, 26G) with one sensory pit followed by single isolated ventral one. Tergites VI and VII (Figs 16C, 26G) with one sensory pit followed by isolated ventral pair aligned diagonally. Tergite VIII with one sensory pit.

Remarks
This species was originally placed in Aphelonema and later transferred to Nenema by Emeljanov (1996). This species has all the diagnostic combination of characteristics of this genus (see Discussion), so we are following Emeljanov's allocation. The original description and illustrations of the dorsal view of the body and lateral view of the head by Doering (1941) suffi ce to identify this species. Unfortunately, we could not redescribe male terminalia of this species due to lack of male specimens. The original description does not include information about abdominal sensory pits or female terminalia. As indicated by Doering (1941), this species is similar to Nenema bivittata (Ball, 1902), Nenema confragosa (Doering, 1941) and Nenema convergens (Bunn, 1930) and can be distinguished from these species by the pattern of coloration (Doering 1941).

Diagnosis
Body mainly light yellowish-brown, with broad continuous pale-yellow longitudinal stripe crossing vertex, pronotum and mesonotum; abdomen with one median and two pairs of lateral black longitudinal stripes (Fig. 18); frons with median carina (Fig. 18A, D), sublateral carinae ventrally curved (Fig. 18A,  D), central plate round, slightly extending anteriorly beyond sublateral carinae in lateral view (Fig. 18C, F); sides of frons with two rows of sensory pits on each side (Fig. 18C); abdominal tergites (Figs 18C, F, 26H) with row of sensory pits followed by isolated ventral pair (tergite IV) or one isolated row of three sensory pits almost aligned vertically (tergites V to VII), tergite VIII with more than one sensory pit.

H
. Vertex (Fig. 18B, E) hexagonal, almost as long as half its width, as long as pronotum; posterior margin slightly elevated. Frons (Fig. 18A, D) with median carina and pair of sublateral carinae; sublateral carinae convergent and almost fused to each other ventrally (Fig. 18A, D); central plate ( Fig. 18A, D) almost as long as wide at widest portion, not visible in dorsal view (Fig. 18B, E), slightly extending anteriorly beyond sublateral carinae in lateral view (Fig. 18C, F); sides of frons partially visible in frontal view (Fig. 18A), almost fused above clypeus, with two rows of sensory pits on each side in lateral view (Fig. 18C, F): anterior row with eight sensory pits, fi ve dorsal ones grouped together, followed by sixth isolated one aligned with antenna and pair of ventral ones isolated next to clypeus; posterior row with four sensory pits. Clypeus (Fig. 18C, F) not swollen, with median carina, with protuberance in lateral view. Ocelli absent. Eye oblong. Antenna short, with several small circular structures visible on pedicel. Pronotum (Fig. 18B, E) semicircular, shorter than half of its width, with median carina; median portion of disc without sensory pits; lateral portion of disc with 13 to 15 sensory pits; lateral lobe ( Fig. 18C, F) with four sensory pits arranged in group. Mesonotum (Fig. 18B, E) with median carina and pair of lateral carinae; region between lateral carinae depressed, without sensory pits; region laterad of lateral carinae with 10 to 11 sensory pits. Brachypterous, with reduced venation. Legs simple, with carinae and setae; tibia III with single median spine. Fig. 18. Habitus of Protrocha nesolitaria (Caldwell, 1945). . Terga with longitudinal carina. Tergite III (Figs 18C, F, 26H) without sensory pits. Tergite IV (Figs 18C, F, 26H) with one row of two sensory pits followed by isolated pair aligned vertically. Tergites V to VII (Figs 18C, F, 26H) with one row of two to four sensory pits followed by isolated row of three to four sensory pits aligned almost vertically. Tergite VIII (Fig. 26H) with three sensory pits.

Remarks
This species was originally placed in Aphelonema and was later transferred to Protrocha by Emeljanov (1996). However, this species has only part of the diagnostic combination of generic characteristics (see Discussion), sharing other characteristics with Aphelonema, such as (1) sides of frons in upper half with two parallel rows of sensory pits (Fig. 18C, F); and (2) abdomen with sensory pits aligned in one row (Fig. 18C, F, 26H). Additionally, the male terminalia (Fig. 19) of this species are similar to those observed in other species of Aphelonema (as A. brevata, see Fig. 2) and when compared with the type species of Protrocha, the central plate of frons and the distribution of sensory pits on sides of frons are diff erent. We chose to follow Emeljanov's allocation of this species in Protrocha because we couldn't check the holotype of this species. Specimens at hand were identifi ed based on the original description and illustrations of Caldwell (1945) mainly because of: (1) the shape of vertex, central plate of frons and pronotum; (2) the lateral lobe of pronotum with four grouped sensory pits (Fig. 18C, F); and (3) the coloration with fi ve black stripes on abdomen (Fig. 18B, E). Unfortunately, we were unable to study the holotype (not found at NMNH). The holotype is a female and the original description does not include information about abdominal sensory pits. The only information on the female terminalia given by Caldwell (1945) is "Last ventral segment of female with a broad caudal fl ap gently notched in the center." However, our female (which was dissected) does not have the mentioned median notch of sternite VII.

Diagnosis
Body mainly black with vertex, pronotum and mesonotum light yellowish-brown with white median longitudinal stripe continuing over abdomen; forewing black with clavus hyaline yellow and with broad white stripe along claval suture (Fig. 21); frons with median carina (Fig. 21A, D), sublateral carinae ventrally horizontally straight (Fig. 21A, D), central plate oblong, not extending anteriorly beyond sublateral carinae in lateral view (Fig. 21C, F); sides of frons with several sensory pits not arranged in rows (Fig. 21C, F) and pair of isolated sensory pits placed under horizontal portion of sublateral carinae, just above clypeus, on each side (Fig. 21A, D); abdominal tergites (Figs 21C, F, 26I) with row (tergite IV) or group of sensory pits followed by isolated ventral pair (tergite IV) or group of three to four sensory pits (tergites V to VII).

H
. Vertex (Fig. 21B, E) hexagonal, as long as half its width, as long as pronotum length; posterior margin slightly elevated. Frons (Fig. 21A, D) with median carina and pair of sublateral carinae; sublateral carinae convergent, almost fused to each other, ventrally horizontally straight (Fig. 21A, D); central plate (Fig. 21A, D)  just above clypeus, on each side. Clypeus (Fig. 21C, F) not swollen, without carinae. Ocelli absent. Eye oblong. Antenna short, with several small circular structures visible on pedicel. Pronotum (Fig. 21B, E) semicircular, as long as half its width; with median carina; median portion of disc depressed, without sensory pits; lateral portion of disc with 21 to 22 sensory pits on each side; lateral lobe of pronotum (Fig. 21C, F) with four sensory pits arranged in group. Mesonotum (Fig. 21B, E) with median carina and pair of lateral carinae; region between lateral carinae depressed, without sensory pits; region outerad of lateral carina with nine to 11 sensory pits. Brachypterous, with reduced venation. Legs simple, with carinae and setae; tibia III with single median spine.

A
. Terga with longitudinal carina. Tergite III (Figs 21C, F, 26I) without sensory pits. Tergite IV (Figs 21C, F, 26I) with one row of three to four (four in holotype) sensory pits, with penultimate one displaced, followed by isolated ventral pair aligned diagonally (Figs 21C,F,26I). Tergite V (Figs 21C, F, 26I) with one row of four to fi ve (fi ve in holotype) sensory pits, with penultimate one displaced, followed by isolated ventral pair aligned diagonally or group of three sensory pits (Figs 21C, F, 26I). Tergite VI (Figs 21C, F, 26I) with group of fi ve to six (six in holotype) sensory pits followed by isolated ventral group of three sensory pits. Tergite VII (Figs 21C, F, 26I) with group of fi ve to six (six in holotype) sensory pits followed by isolated ventral group of three to four (four in holotype) sensory pits. Tergite VIII (Figs 21C, F, 26I) with one sensory pit.

Remarks
Although this new species has two to three isolated sensory pits on the abdominal tergites IV and V, and three or four sensory pits on tergite VII (Figs 21C, F, 26I) (see Discussion), we chose to allocate this species in Protrocha based on comparisons with photographs of the holotype of P. orbiculata (Ball, 1935) (type species of the genus), with which the new species shares the overall shape of body and distribution of sensory pits on the frons and abdomen (except for the tergites IV and V). The new species was compared to species of Aphelonema described and illustrated in the works of Doering (1941) and Caldwell (1945) and we conclude it is a new species. This species can be distinguished from the type species of the genus, P. orbiculata, by the following combination of characteristics: (1) pronotum shape semicircular in P. orbiculata and sub-rectangular in P. nigrilutea (Fig. 21B, E); (2) sublateral carinae straight ventrally in P. nigrilutea (Fig. 21A, D); (3) all abdominal tergites with three isolated sensory pits in P. orbiculata but varying from two to three on tergites IV and V and three to four on tergites VI and VII in P. nigrilutea (Fig. 21C, F, 26I).

H
. Vertex (Fig. 24B) hexagonal, as long as half its width, as long as pronotum; posterior margin slightly elevated. Frons (Fig. 24A) with median carina and pair of sublateral carinae; sublateral carinae convergent and almost fused ventrally (Fig. 24A); central plate ( Fig. 24A) oblong, as long as wide at widest portion, not visible in dorsal view (Fig. 24B), not extending anteriorly beyond sublateral carinae in lateral view (Fig. 24C); sides of frons partially visible in frontal view, almost fused above clypeus (Fig. 24A) in lateral view, with two well-defi ned rows of sensory pits and some sensory pits between rows on each side: anterior row with 10 sensory pits, seven dorsal ones grouped, followed by eighth isolated one aligned to antenna and isolated ventral pair, with three to four sensory pits between anterior and posterior row; posterior row with six to seven sensory pits. Clypeus (Fig. 24A, C) not swollen and without carina. Ocelli absent. Eye oblong. Antenna short, with several small circular structures visible on pedicel. Pronotum (Fig. 24B) semicircular, as long as half its width; posterior margin concave; with median carina; median portion of disc depressed, without sensory pits; lateral portion of disc with 20 to 22 sensory pits on each side; lateral lobe of pronotum ( Fig. 24C) with four sensory pits arranged in group. Mesonotum (Fig. 24B) with median carina and pair of lateral carinae; region between lateral carinae depressed and without sensory pits; region laterad of lateral carina with 11 sensory pits. Brachypterous, with reduced venation. Legs simple, with carinae and setose; tibia III with single median spine.

Remarks
The new species presents all of the diagnostic characteristics of Protrocha mentioned by Emeljanov (1996;see Discussion) and is therefore placed in this genus. The new species was compared to species of Aphelonema described and illustrated in the works of Doering (1941) and Caldwell (1945) and it can be distinguished from them by the following combination of characteristics: (1) all abdominal tergites (except VIII) with a group of three isolated sensory pits (Figs 24C, 26J); (2) pattern of coloration ( Fig. 24A-C); and (3) overall shape of male terminalia (Fig. 25A-J). Additionally, this species was compared to photographs of the holotype of the type species of the genus, Protrocha orbiculata (Ball, 1935), and it is similar in overall body shape and distribution of sensory pits on the frons and abdomen.

Discussion
Our ongoing studies of the Neotropical fauna of Caliscelidae have revealed several new genera and species (unpublished), mainly in South America, showing that the diversity of this family is very underestimated in the New World. Despite this uncovered diversity, more revisionary studies are also necessary to better delimit the genera of American Peltonotellini, including the study of holotypes of several type species, to describe the pattern of sensory pits, male and female terminalia, and to propose new diagnostic characters for those genera. The characters cited above are important for the taxonomy of tribe and they are not mentioned in original descriptions of most described genera and species of the New World.
Based on the key to subgenera of Aphelonema by Emeljanov (1996) and our study of peltonotelline caliscelids, the distribution pattern of sensory pits on the head, thorax and abdomen seems to be a good character to defi ne some genera. However, although numbers of sensory pits on pronotum and abdomen usually vary within a given genus, their numbers on sides of frons and lateral lobe of pronotum seem to be stable. Nevertheless, some genera seem to have a wider range of variation in these numbers, e.g., Protrocha, where the number of sensory pits on the sides of frons or isolated on abdominal tergites varies between species studied.
The present study highlights that more research is needed to better defi ne some of the genera which were previously treated as subgenera of Aphelonema. However, that does not seem the case in Nenema. According to Emeljanov (1996), Nenema can be distinguished by the following combination of characteristics: (1) the frons with sublateral carinae gently convex laterad and central plate of frons elongate dolioform (= barrel-shaped) (Fig. 16A); (2) the lateral lobe of pronotum with only one sensory pit (Fig. 16C); and (3) the last sensory pit of anterior row of each side of frons not displaced (Fig. 16C). Based on the species studied herein, N. virgata, as well as other personal observations, Nenema seems to be a well-defi ned genus among those previously treated as subgenera of Aphelonema. On the other hand, according to Emeljanov (1996), Protrocha can be distinguished by the following combination of characteristics: (1) the frons with sublateral carinae almost fused ventrally and each side of frons with three rows of sensory pits (Fig. 21A, D, the latter also shared with Peltonotellus); (2) the lateral lobe of pronotum with no fewer than two, but usually with three or more sensory pits (Fig. 21C, F, also shared with Aphelonema and Peltonotellus); and (3) the abdomen with sensory pits aligned in more than one row or with at least one single displaced sensory pit and three isolated ventral sensory pits (Fig. 21C, F). However, most of these characteristics are shared with one or more other genera, and some species allocated in Protrocha do not have all the above cited diagnostic characteristics, e.g., P. nesolitaria, which shares more similarities with the species of Aphelonema, and one of the new species described herein (P. nigrilutea sp. nov.), which has a variable number of isolated sensory pits on some abdominal tergites. Thus, more studies are necessary to better defi ne the genus Aphelonema and some of those genera previously treated as subgenera of Aphelonema.
Finally, other genera with diffi cult taxonomy are Bruchomorpha and Fitchiella which share very similar male terminalia, expecially in the overall shape of styles and phallobase. Some diagnostic characteristics, such as the shape of the clypeus, seem to vary among species within Bruchomorpha. For example, some species of Bruchomorpha, including the type species, B. oculata, and B. extensa Ball, 1935, have the dorsal portion of the clypeus produced anteriorly into a snout, which is also shared by all species of Fitchiella. Other species of Bruchomorpha, such as B. decorata and B. mormo, have the clypeus swollen, but not produced anteriorly into a snout. Another characteristic that varies considerably within the studied species of Bruchomorpha is the distribution pattern of abdominal sensory pits; some species have a single row of sensory pits while others have a group of sensory pits per tergite, and some species also have a variable number of isolated sensory pits. This kind of variation is uncommon within peltonotellini genera. A diagnostic characteristic for Fitchiella by Lawson (1933) is the fl attened foreand middle tibiae. However, the type species, F. robertsoni, does not have expanded legs, although other species, such as F. rufi pes, do.