Stonefly Species Leuctra maria (Tiny Winter Blacks)

Source: Morphological Systematics Of Leuctra Duplicata Claassen, 1923 Species Group (Plecoptera: Leuctridae)

Male. The dorsal abdominal process of the 8 th abdominal tergum emanates anteriorly, extending ca. ½ length of the segment and terminates on the posterior margin as a raised, bilobed process with small, distally rounded lobes (Fig. 30); the distance between the lobes is consistently ca. equal to lobe width (Fig. 30). The 7 th abdominal tergum lacks dorsal processes, bearing only a thin, unraised sclerotized band anteriorly. The specilla are very broad basally and medially in lateral view, tapering distally to an acute apex (Fig. 27); the dorsal margin is essentially straight (Fig. 27); in caudal view the specilla bear prominent troughs from near the base to the tips, giving a distinct concave appearance (Figs. 28 – 29); the medial margin of the trough has low, tooth-like tubercles present along the distal 1/3 (Figs. 28 – 29). The subanal lobes are broadest basally, slightly recurved anteriorly in distal ½, and subequal in length to the specilla (Figs. 27 – 28). The vesicle base is short, body expanded medially and ovoid in shape, and entire surface covered in long, socketed bristles (Fig. 31).

Female. The 8 th abdominal sternum bears a broadly rounded medial tubercle on the anterior ½ that occupies the medial ca. ½ of the segment (Fig. 32). The subgenital plate terminates in large, broadly rounded or subtriangular lobes separated by a v-shaped notch (Fig. 32). Source: Morphological Systematics Of Leuctra Duplicata Claassen, 1923 Species Group (Plecoptera: Leuctridae)