J. Med. Entomol. Vol. 17, DO.
6: 533-544
NEW SPECIES OF BITING MIDGES OF THE GENUS CULICDIDES FROM
COLOMBIA AND THE FIRST DESCRIPTION OF THE MALE OF
C. FLDRENCIAE (DIPTERA: CERATOPOGONIDAE)l
By J. E.
Abstract. Six new species of biting midges of the genus Cu-
licoides are described and figured: C. santanderi, C. caldasi, C.
pancensis, C. Pichindensis, C. pabloi, and C. ameliae. The male of
C. fiorenciae is described for the first time and the female re-
described. Specimens studied are from light-trap and/or biting
collections taken in Valle and Cauca, Colombia.
Wirth & Lee (1967) described 9 species of Culi-
coides from the higher altitudes of the Colombian
Andes. Messersmith (1972) described C. florenciae,
a man-biting species, from the Eastern Cordillera.
Eighteen species from the Colombian Amazon
were recorded by Wirth & Blanton (1973). Wirth
(1974) listed 17 more species of Culicoides found
in Colombia. More recently, Wirth & Barreto
(1978) described 8 new species from the Pacific
lowlands of Colombia.
Descriptions of 6 new Andean species from Co-
lombia are presented in this paper, together with
the first description of the male of C. florenciae
Messersmith, 1972 and a redescription of the fe-
male.
A complete account of the morphological ter-
minology used in describing these species is found
in Forattini (1957) and Wirth & Blanton (1959,
1973, 1974). Abbreviations used in the descrip-
tions are as follows: AR = antennal ratio, PR =
pal pal ratio, P/H = proboscis/head ratio, and CR =
costal ratio.
Specimens used in the descriptions are deposit-
ed in the United States National Museum of Nat-
ural History, Washington (USNM), and the Biting
Arthropod Collection of the Universidad del Valle
Medical School, Cali, Colombia (UVMS).
Culicoides 80renciae Messersmith FIG. 1,8
Culicoidesflorenciae Messersmith, 1972: 165 (2; Co-
lombia; fig.: eye separation, antenna, palpus, tib-
ial comb, wing, spermatheca).
'This research was supported in part by grant AlI0050 to
Tulane University for the International Center for Medical
Research, Cali, Colombia, from the National Institutes of Al-
lergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health.
Bethesda, Md., USA.
2Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion Univer-
sity, Norfolk, Va. 23508, USA.
30 December 1980
© 1980 by lhe Bishop Museum
Browne2
The female of C.florenciae was described by Mes-
sersmith (1972) from Rio Hacha, Caqueta, Colom-
bia. I have compared type material with specimens
of the common day-biting Culicoides found in the
area of Cali, Valle, Colombia, and find these to be
the same species. In trap and biting collections
from 1973-1975, both sexes of this species were
obtained from the Cali area at altitudes ranging
from 1000 to 1800 m. The female is here rede-
scribed based on type material and new material
from the Cali area. This first description of the
male is based on material from the Cali area.
'? (FIG. la-g) Redescription. Wing length. 0.99(0.90-1.09; n =
14) mm. Head. Eyes broadly separated, short interfacetal hairs.
Antennal f1agellomeres with lengths in proportions of
17:14:16:17:17:17:18:18:18:19:21:22:31. AR = 0.83 (0.79-0.87;
n = 14); sensoria present on segments III, X-XIV with cluster
of 4 on segment XIV. Palpal segments with lengths in propor-
tions of 5: 19:26:9: 10; PR = 2.4 (2.08-2.80; n = 15). P/H =
0.92 (0.87-1.02; n = 15). Mandible with 14-18 teeth (n = 11).
Thorax. Brownish. Mesonotum with no discernible pattern in
slide-mounted specimens. Legs brownish; hind femora dark to
apex; fore- and midfemora with subapical rings and all tibiae
with subbasal, narrow pale rings; hind tibia paler distally. Four
tibial spines, 2nd from spur longest. Halter knob infuscated.
Wing (FIG. 8). Pattern as figured. CR = 0.55 (0.53-0.56; n =
15). Poststigmatic pale SpOt slightly diagonal, nearly constricted
into 2 separate spots. Distal pale spot in cell R5 small, trans-
verse, not reaching anterior wing margin. Pale spot over rom
crossvein narrow to anterior wing margin. Cell M I with 2 small
pale spots, the distal one far removed from wing tip. Cell M2
with distinct pale areas adjacent to medial and mediocubital
forks; single pale spot reaching wing margin. Abdomen. Dark
brown. Functional spermathecae 2, unequal, measuring 0.050 x
0.030 mm and 0.045 x 0.029 mm (n = 10) with short sclero-
tized necks; a rudimentary 3rd and sclerotized ring present.
o (FIG. 1h-j) (Previously undescribed). Similar to ,?, with
usual sexual differences; antennal plume brown; lengths of last
3 f1agellomeres in proportions of 40:35:39; sensory pattern 111,
XIII, XIV. Genitalia. Ninth sternum with deep caudomedian
excavation. Ninth tergum short, slightly tapering with short,
stout, subparallel. apicolateral processes; caudal margin with
small median cleft. Basistyle stout with foot-shaped ventral root
and slender dorsal root. Aedeagus with broad, rounded basal
arch, extending 0.56 of total length, basal arms moderately
Stout; distal process short, ending in a blunt spinose tip, Ranked
by small subapical hyaline points. Parameres each with large,
heavily sclerotized basal knob; stem with proximal expansion
and distal ventral lobe, tapering to a slender tip with lateral
fringing spines.
Specimens examined. 2 holotype, COLOMBIA:
Caqueta, Rio Hacha, eastern Andes, 1000 m,
534 J. Med. Entomol. Vol. 17, no. 6

~ 9

.... ~

FIG. I. Culicoides florenciae Messersmith, 1972. 2: a, antenna] flagellomeres III-IX; b, antennal flagellomeres
X-XV; c, palpus; d, eye separation; e, tibial comb; f, mesonotum; g, spermathecae. 0: h, 9th abdominal segment
with basi- and dististyle; i. aedeagus; j, lateral view of paramere.
1980 Browne: Culicoides n. spp. from Colombia
FIG. 2. Culicoides caldasi, n. sp. ? a, antenna: proxima] Aagellomeres; b, antenna: distal Aagellomeres; c, eye
separation; d, palpus; e, spermathecae.
2.IX.1969, D. H. Messersmith (USNM 71147).
79, Valle, Peiias Blancas, 1800 m, 1O.X.1973, bit-
ing man, J. E. Browne. 5 «, same data except
17.X.1973. 20-, Valle, Peiias B1ancas, Finca EI Ros-
ai, 1800 m, 3.xII.1974, at light. 20-, same data ex-
cept 28.X.1974. 29,20- (USNM); 29,20- (UVMS);
89 (author's collection).
Remarks. The foot-shaped ventral root of the
basistyle, well-developed ventral lobe and apical
fringing spines of the para me res show this species
to be closely related to C. debiliPalPis Lutz. It is
distinguished from C. debilipalPis by its shorter,
stouter 9th tergum and by the presence of short
subapical processes on the distal stem of the ae-
deagus, and its blunt, spinose tip.
Distribution. Colombia.
Culicoides caldasi Browne, new species
FIG. 2, 9
? (FIG. 2). Wing length. 1.05 mm. Head. Eyes narrowly sep-
arated, bare; interocular space biconcave. Antenna with lengths
of Aagellomeres in proportions of 18:14:17:18:17:16:16:18:
21:21:22:22:30. AR = 0.87; sensoria present on segments III,
X-XIV. Palpal segments with lengths in proportions
5:20:20:7: 10. Third palpal segment expanded distally with
large, round, shallow sensory pit. PR = 1.70. Proboscis mod-
erately long; P/H = 0.87. Mandible with ]3-]5 teeth. Thorax.
535
Brownish. In slide-mounted specimens, mesonotum with pat-
tern of light and dark patches: a large pair of submedian, par-
allel, yellowish patches present on the anterior portion and 2
smaller ones anterodistally. Scutellum yellowish brown with
dark brown medial portion. Hind femur dark to apex; fore-
and midfemora with subapical rings, all tibiae with subbasal
pale rings. Four tibial spines, longest spine closest to spur. Wing
(FIG. 9). Patterned as figured. CR = 0.62. Second radial cell
dark to apex; 2 poststigmatic pale spots, the anterior distal to
the posterior one, the latter located behind 2nd radial cell be-
tween veins R5 and M I. Distal pale spot in cell R5 reduced, trans-
verse, far from distal wing margin. Pale spot over rom crossvein
reaching wing margin; rom not infuscated. Vein M I pale-mar-
gined distally. Cell MI with 3 pale spots, the distal one touching
wing margin. Cell M2 with pale areas at medial and mediocu-
bital forks and a distal pale SpOt reaching wing margin. Cell M4
with a small, round pale spot touching the posterior wing mar-
gin. Anal cell with 2 pale spots in distal portion. Abdomen.
Brownish. Two functional spermathecae, ovoid, subequal, each
measuring approximately 0.047 x 0.031 mm; rudimentary 3rd
and sclerotized ring present.
Q. Unknown.
Holotype 9, COLOMBIA: Valle, Peiias Blancas,
Finca EI Rosal, 1800 m, 19.III.l975, at light, J. E.
Browne (VSNM). 2 paratypes, same data except:
19, 3.VII.l974 (VVMS); 19, 18.IIl.1975 (author's
of
coll.).
Remarks. This species is closely related to C.
propriipennis Macfie, from which it can be distin-
536 J. Med.
FIG. 3. Culicoides santanderi, n. sp. 'i'. a, antenna:
pa]pus; d, eye separation; e, spermathecae.
guished by the presence of only 3 well-distributed
pale spots in cell RS, antennal sensoria on seg-
ments III, X-XIV, and a slightly larger pal pal pit.
This species is named after Francisco Jose de
Caldas (?l770-1816), Colombian naturalist and
physicist, who dedicated his life to the study of his
country's flora and fauna.
Distribution. Colombia.
Culicoides santanderi Browne, new species
FIG. 3, 10
'i' (FIG. 3). Wing length. 1.08 mm. Head. Eyes narrowly sep-
arated, bare. Antennal flagellomeres with lengths in propor-
tions of 16:13:14:16:17:16:15:16:21:21:22:22:36. AR = 0.99;
sensory pattern III, VII-X. Palpus with segments in propor-
tions of 7:]8:25:8:]0; 3rd segment cone-shaped with deep cir-
cular sensory pit; PR = 1.93. P/H = 0.78. Mandible with ]3
teeth. Thorax. Dark brown. Mesonotal pattern of light and dark
patches in slide-mounted specimens; large submedian yellow
patches on mesial portion and 2 smaller anterolateral patches.
Scutellum dark medially. Halter pale. Legs dark brown; all fem-
ora with subapical pale rings, those on hind femur less con-
trasting; all tibiae with subbasal pale rings, hind tibia with broad
pale area on apex. Tibial comb with 4 spines, longest one near-
est spur. Wing (FIG. 10). Patterned as figured. CR = 0.59. Stig-
mal spot dark, covering all but extreme tip of 2nd radial cell.
Two poststigmatic pale spots; posterior spot larger, extending
proximally. Cell R5 with distal pale spot broad, transverse,
meeting anterior wing margin but not filling apex of cell. Cell
M 1 with 2 large pale spots, distal spot very narrowly attaining
wing margin. Pale spot over r-m crossvein wide, attaining costal
margin and posteriorly confluent with pale area behind medial
fork. Two pale spots in cell M2 distal to pale spot in front of
mediocubital fork, the distal one broadly reaching wing margin.
Cell M4 with large transverse pale spot extending from vein
M3+4 to posterior wing margin. Anal cell with coalesced dou-
Entomol. Vol. 17, no. 6
proxima] flagellomeres; b, antenna: distal flagellomeres; c,
ble spot in distal portion. Abdomen. Dark brown. Two sperma-
thecae, with ducts sclerotized a considerable distance; subequal,
measuring 0.055 X 0.035 and 0.053 x 0.031 mm; rudimentary
3rd and sclerotized ring.
O. Unknown.
Holotype 9, COLOMBIA: Valle, Pance, Finca
Topacio, 26.IX.1974, 1600 m, at light, J. E.
Browne (USNM). 3 paratypes, same data except:
19, 9.x.1974 (USNM); 19, 7.XI.1974 (UVMS);
19, 27.xI.1974 (author's coli.).
Remarks. Eye separation, meso notal pattern,
antennal proportion, distribution of sensoria and
overall wing pattern place C. santanderi well within
the limai group. This species is distinguished from
others in the limai group by the divided poststig-
matic pale spot, the posterior one larger and ex-
tending proximal to the anterior one.
This species is named after Francisco de Paula
Santander (1792-1840), general and statesman of
Colombian independence, who, while President
(1819-1926 and 1832-1837), did much to further
education in Colombia.
Distribution. Colombia.
Culicoides pancensis Browne, new species
FIG. 4, 11
'i' (FIG. 4a-e). Wing length. 1.23 mm (1.16-1.29; n = ] 2).
Head. Eyes narrowly separated, bare; interocular seta long.
Antennal flagellomeres with lengths in proportions of
]9:15:16:18:18:]7:]8:]8:24:24:26:26:37. Sensoria present on
segments III, XI-XV; AR = 0.97 (0.92-1.03; n = 5). Palpal
segments in proportions of ]0:26:33: II: ]4. Third palpal seg-
1980 Browne: Culicoides n. spp. from Colombia 537

FIG. 4. Culicoides pancensis, n. sp. 'i': a, antenna: proximal f1agellomeres; b, antenna: distal f1agellomeres; c,
eye separation; d, mesonotum; e, palpus. 0: f, aedeagus with dorsal and ventral roots of basistyle; g, parameres
with dorsal and ventral roots of basistyle.

Brownish; I large oval spermatheca measuring 0.052 x 0.034

ment only slightly expanded, with a large shallow distal sensory
pit. PR = 2.36 (2.21-2.50; n = 14). Proboscis long; P!H = 0.90
(0.81-0.97; n = 6). Mandible with 15 teeth. Thorax. Brown;
mesonotum tawny brown without pattern on slide-mounted
specimens; anterior and lateral margins dark brown. Brown
spot medially on pre-scutellar area continuing posteriorly to
medial portion of scutellum. Legs broadly pale with dark knee
spots on fore- and hind femora. Four tibial spines on one leg,
5 on the other in 5 out of 6 'i'; longest spine 2nd from spur.
Wing (FIG. 11). Patterned as figured. CR = 0.55 (0.54-0.59; n =
12). Wing mostly pale; 2 discontinuous transverse dark bands,
proximal dark band from costa to anal cell, discontinuous in
cell M2; stigmal band from costa transversely through proximal
portion of 2nd radial cell and distal portion of 1st radial cell,
interrupted in cell M2, continuing to posterior wing margin on
vein Cu-I. Distal dark area forming 3 discontinuous outlines of
pale spots in distal portions of cells R5, Ml and M2. Abdomen.
mm, with a short sclerotized neck.
o (FIG. 4f-g). Similar to 'i' with the usual differences; an-
tenna with long plume. Antennal segments damaged on spec-
imens examined. The last 3 segments apparently with lengths
in proportions of 45:36:42. Sensoria on XI-XV. Genitalia.
Ninth sternum with shallow caudomedian excavation; ventral
membrane not spiculate. Ninth tergum long and tapering with
short, stout, subparallel, apicolateral processes. Basistyle slen-
der with foot-shaped ventral root. Dististyle slender, straight,
tapering to a sharply hooked, pointed tip. Aedeagus with slen-
der sinuous arms; a broad, rounded, basal arch extending 0.77
of total length; distal process poorly sclerotized, short, spiculate,
ending in a rounded tip and flanked by hyaline subapical pro-
cesses. Parameres with stout basal knob and neck; narrow,
straight stem, slight ventral lobe, tapering distally to pointed
tip with lateral fringing spines.
538 J. Med. Entomol.
Holotype ~, COLOMBIA: Valle, Cali, Pance,
Finca Topacio, 1600 m, 19.XI.I973, ex bromeliad,
J. E. Browne (USNM). Allotype' 0, same data as
holotype. 13 paratypes, same data as holotype ex-
cept: 1~, 9.XI.I973; 10, 4.XII.1973 (USNM). I C(,
8.XI.1973; 2~, 16.XI.1973; 1o, 18.X1.1973
(UVMS). 1 C(, 1o, 18.XI.1973; I ~, 21.XI.1973;
49, 4.X.1974, at light (author's coli.).
Remarks. This species is unlike any described
from the Neotropics. It does not fit into any exist-
ing subgenus of Neotropical species. The wing
markings on C. pancensis make it appear to belong
to the subgenus Anilomyia Vargas. The presence
of only I spermatheca and male genitalia with well-
developed ventral roots on the basistyle exclude it
from this subgenus and from Hoffmania Fox, Avar-
itia Fox, and Culicoides Latrielle. These subgenera
include species having all or part of the 2nd radial
cell in a pale area, 2 spermathecae and male gen-
italia without or with poorly developed ventral
roots on the basistyle. Larvae of this species were
taken from a large water-containing bromeliad
and reared to adults in the laboratory. Many were
induced to feed on human blood and oviposited
4-7 days later. As far as could be determined, none
of the eggs hatched.
C. pancensis derives its name from the Pance Riv-
er to the south of Cali.
Distribution. Colombia.
Culicoides pichindensis Browne, new species
FIG. 5, 12
'} (FIG. 5a-g). Wing length. 1.l4 mm (1.04-1.22; n = 22).
Head. Eyes bare, narrowly separated by a wedge-shaped inter-
ocular space, antenna with lengths of flagellar segments in pro-
portions of 15:12:15:16:16:16:16:16:22:21:24:25:37. AR =
1.06 (0.98-1.22; n = 12); sensory tufts present on segments III,
XI-XIV. Pal pal segments with lengths in proportions of
6: 18:23:7:9. Third palpal segment moderately swollen, with a
small, deep sensory pit. PR = 1.87 (1.41-2.27; n = 20). P/H =
0.74 (0.69-0.80; n = 11). Mandible with 12 teeth (12-15; n =
16). Thorax. Brownish; mesonotum dark brown with pattern of
light and dark patches. In slide-mounted specimens, the lateral
margins appear dark with lighter mesial portion containing 2
elongate, submedian, anterior pale spots. Scutellum dark brown
in middle, yellowish brown on sides. Legs dark brown with
blackish knee spots. All femora with subapical, all tibiae with
subbasal, and hind tibia with broad apical, pale rings. Tibial
comb with 4 spines, the 2 nearest the spur longest, subequal.
Wing (FIG. 12). Patterned as figured. CR = 0.57 (0.55-0.60; n =
22). Second radial cell in dark spot, deeply infuscated to apex;
poststigmatic pale spot large, reaching vein M 1 and extending
proximally a short distance along the hind margin of the 2nd
radial cell. Distal spot in cell R5 large, amply reaching the an-
terodistal margin but not filling apex of cell. Pale spot over r-
m crossvein large, continuous with the pale area behind the
medial fork. Veins Ml and M2 dark to apex, pale-margined
distally; cell M 1 with proximal pale spot filling the cell from
Vol. 17, no. 6
veins M 1 to M2; distal spot narrow, elongate, not reaching wing
margin. Cell M2 with a distal pale spot on the wing margin and
a proximal narrow pale area extending from the medial fork
distally to the level of the proximal pale spot in M I. Cell M4
with a large spot broadly reaching wing margin; anal cell with
a large fused double pale spot in distal portion. Extensive pale
area at wing base, extending transversely from costa to wing
margin in proximal area of the anal cell. Halter pale. Abdomen.
Dark brown. Two spermathecae, oval with necks sclerotized a
short distance, measuring 0.063 x 0.036 mm and 0.054 x
0.033 mm. Rudimentary 3rd and sclerotized ring present.
o (FIG. 5h-k). Similar to '} with usual sexual differences;
antenna plumose, last 3 segments with lengths in proportions
of 54:46:47; sensory pattern Ill, XIII-XIV. Genitalia. Ninth
sternum with deep caudomedian excavation; ventral mem-
brane not spiculate. Ninth tergum long and tapering, with
short, triangular, subparallel apicolateral processes, the caudal
margin between them not bilobed. Basistyles with foot-shaped
ventral root; dorsal root slender. Dististyles slender, with bent,
sharp-pointed tips. Aedeagus with basal arch extending to 0.71
of LOtallength; basal arms slender, only slightly curved, distal
portion very short with a pointed tip and subparallel, subapical
hyaline spines. Paramere with heavily sclerotized basal knob,
narrower neck, mid portion slightly curved, with a distinct ven-
trallobe, the distal portion curving centrad, tapering to a sharp
point with lateral fringing spines.
Holotype C(, COLOMBIA: Valle, Penas Blancas,
1800 m, 10.IX.1974, at light, J. E. Browne. Allo-
type 0 and 9 9, 6 0 paratypes, same data as ho-
lotype. 3 paratypes, same data as holotype except:
I C(, 24.IX.1974; 19, Pance, 1600 m, 20.lX.1974;
10, 17.IX.1974. Holotype, allotype, 29, 10 para-
types in USNM; 39,20 paratypes in UVMS; oth-
ers in author's colI.
Remarks. This species of the subgenus Oecacta
Poey is placed in the limai group (Wirth & Blanton
1959) because of its wing pattern of large spots
filling cells, veins M 1 and M2 pale margined; male
genitalia with foot-shaped ventral root on basistyle;
V-shaped aedeagus; parameres with ventral lobe
and fringed tips. The wing and mesonotal patterns
of C. pichindensis are closest to those of C. galindoi
Wirth & Blanton, 1953, but it differs in distribution
of antennal sensoria. In this respect, C. Pichindensis
resembles C. belemensis Wirth & Blanton, 1973, but
lacks the marked increase in size between antennal
segments X and XI seen in C. belemensis. Although
type specimens are from light trap collections, this
species was also taken from biting collections off
man and horse in early morning or early afternoon
near the town of Pichinde, 12 km west of Cali,
Colombia, at an altitude of 1800 m. There is no
doubt that specimens from both the trap and bit-
ing collections are the same species. Larvae of C.
Pichindensis were reared to adults in the laboratory
from rotting banana stalks.
Distribution. Colombia.
1980 Browne: Culicoides n. spp. from Colombia 539

o o o

9
o

FIG. 5. Culicoides pichindensis, n. sp. '?: a, antenna: proximal f1agellomeres; b, antenna: distal f1agellomeres;
c, palpus; d, eye separation; e, tibial comb; f, mesonotum; g, spermathecae. 0: h, 9th abdominal segment:
sternum and tergum; i, parameres with dorsal and ventral roots of basistyle; k, lateral view of paramere.
540 J. Med. Entomol. Vol. 17, no. 6

FIG. 6. Culicoides pabloi, n. sp. g: a, antenna: proximal f1agellomeres; b, antenna: dista] f1agellomeres; c, eye
separation; d, palpus; e, spermathecae; f, mesonotum. 0: g, 9th abdominal segment: sternum and tergum; h,
para meres with ventral and dorsal roots of basistyle; i, aedeagus with dorsal and ventral roots of basistyle; j,
antennal segments III-XI; k, antenna] segments XII-XV.
1980 Browne: Culicoides n. spp. from Colombia
c:::~ ;C ~~~
b
,
,
FIG. 7. Culicoides ameliae, n. sp. '(. a, antenna: proximal Aagellomeres; b, antenna:
pal pus; d, eye separation; e, spermathecae.
Culicoides pabloi Browne, new species
FIG. 6, 13
'( (FIG. 6a-f). Wing length. 1.66 mm (1.50-1.77; n = 24).
Head. Eyes narrowly separaled, wilh long inJerfacetal hairs and
long interocular seta. Antenna with lengths of Aagellomeres in
proportions of 24: 18: 19:21 :22:23:23:24:45:44:42:38:44. AR =
1.22 (1.18-1.25; n = 8); distal sensory tuflS on segmenJs Ill,
IX-XIV, frequently on VIII. Palpal segments with lengths in
proportions of 9:37:42:14:17. PR = 2.60 (2.00-2.85; n = 19).
Third segment expanded distally with a large, round, shallow
sensory pit. Long proboscis; P/H = 1.31 (1.13-1.46; n = 10).
Mandible with 25 teeth (19-27; n = 14). Thorax. Dark brown;
mesonotum elongate, lacking definite pattern in slide-mounJed
specimens. Halter knob infuscated. Legs with long femora,
blackish knee spots; all femora dark to apex and all tibiae wilh
narrow pale subbasal rings. Tibial spines 4, longesl spine closest
to spur. Wing (FIG. 13). CR = 0.65 (0.63-0.68; n = 24). Wing
poorly marked; veins of 2nd radial cell deeply infuscated. A
double, diagonal, poststigmalic pale spot, the posterior portion
following vein R5 proximally for a short distance. An indistinct,
541
distal f1agellomeres; c,
transverse pale spot sometimes visible in the distal V2 of R5.
Pale spot over rom crossvein broadly reaching anterior wing
margin. Cell M I usually without pale spots, bill occasionally
with a small pale spot in proximal end. Cell M2 with a large
pale spot present extending from medial fork across to anterior
margin of the mediocubital fork. Anal cell with poorly defined
pale SpOt in distal portion. Abdomen. Dark brown. Two sper-
mathecae, oval, with moderately long sclerotized necks, slightly
unequal, measuring 0.057 x 0.038 mm and 0.050 x 0.036 mm,
rudimentary spermatheca and sclerotized ring also present.
o (FIG. 6g-k). Antenna without plume and otherwise not
typical of a Culicoides O. Flagellar portion divided into 3 distinct
parts: (1) segments Ill-VII, moderately sized, each one smaller
than the preceding, each with a few long verticels; (2) segments
VIII-X greatly reduced, subequal with no verticels; (3) seg-
ments XI-XV greatly elongated, lengths in proportions of
46:46:45:46:47 with distal sensory pits on segments III, XI-
XIV. Genitalia. Ninth sternum with shallow caudomedian ex-
cavation; ventral membrane not spiculate. Ninth tergum ta-
pered with short, horn-shaped, subparallel apicolateral pro-
cesses. Basistyle without mesial spines; ventral root foot-shaped,
542 J. Med. Entomol. Vol. 17, no. 6

8 9

10 11

12 13

14
FIG. 8-14. '" wing patterns. 8, Culicoides flarenciae Messersmith, 1972; 9, Culicoides caldasi, n. sp.; 10, Culicoides
santanderi, n. sp.; 11, Culicoides pancensis, n. sp.; 12, Culicoides pichindensis, n. sp.; 13, Culicoides pabloi, n. sp.; 14,
Culicoides ameliae, n. sp.
1980 Browne: Culicoides n. spp. from Colombia
with long pointed "heel"; "toe" of ventral root arched and
pointed medially; dorsal root slender. Dististyle stout proxi-
mally, tapering distally to a strongly curved, blunt tip. Aedeagus
V-shaped with basal arch extending 0.49 of total length; dis-
tomedial process stout, tapering only slightly, ending in a trun-
cated tip and Aanked by small hyaline lateral processes. Para-
mere with large basal knob, stout neck and pronounced ventral
expansion on the proximal portion of stem, tapering distally to
a long, simple filamentous tip.
Holotype ~, COLOMBIA: Valle, Pance, 1600
m, 8.XI.l974, at light, J. E. Browne. Allotype
and 2 ~ paratypes, same data as holotype. 10 para-
° ring present.
types, same data as holotype except: I 9, 7.XI.I974;
10, 28.VI.l974; 49, 20.IX.1974; 29, 27.IX.1974;
29, Penas Blancas, 1800 m, 18.VI.l974. Holotype,
allotype, and 29 paratypes in USNM; 49 para-
types in UVMS; 59, 1o paratypes in author's coli.
Remarks. Culicoides pabloi is in the subgenus Oec-
acta Poey and in the eublepharus (=transferrans)
group of Wirth & Blanton (1959), near C. archboldi
Wirth & Blanton, 1970. Points of similarity are the
poorly marked wings and the shape of the male
para meres. The female is easily distinguished from
other species in this group by its larger size, longer
proboscis, large, shallow, well-defined, circular pal-
pal pit, sensoria on antennal segments IX-XIV
and 2 functional spermathecae. In the male, dis-
tinguishing characters are the anomalous antennal
structure and the well-developed "heel" on the
ventral root of the basistyle.
I name this species after Dr Pablo Barreto for
his years of dedicated research and teaching at the
Universidad del Valle Medical School, for his in-
valuable contribution to the study of biting arthro-
pods from the Pacific lowlands of Colombia, and
for his personal support, advice and encourage-
ment in my 3-year study of the Culicoides of the
Cali area.
Distribution. Colombia.
CuIicoides ameIiae Browne, new species
FIG. 7, 14
Cj> (Unique) (FIG. 7). Wing length. '1.65 mm. Head. Eyes con-
tiguous, bare. Antennal Aagellomeres with lengths in propor-
tions of 23: 17:20:21 :21 :21 :20:21 :31 :33:38:43:62. Sensory pat-
tern Ill, XI-XV. AR = 1.26. Palpal segments with lengths in
proportions of 10:28:50: 18:22. Third palpal segment long,
spindle-shaped, with sensilla scattered on surface. PR = 3.8.
Proboscis long; P/H = 1.23. Mandib]e with 24 teeth. Thorax.
Light brown. Mesonotum with no pattern in slide-mounted
specimen. Legs yellowish brown; fore- and mid femora with
subapical pale rings; all tibiae with subbasal pale areas scarcely
lighter than the leg itself; hind tibial comb with 6 spines, 2nd
from spur longest. Halter not visible. Wing (FIG. 14). Patterned
as figured. CR = 0.69. Dark with widely separated pale mark-
ings. Second radial cell 6.5x longer than broad and mainly in
a pale spot. Distal spot in cell R5 transverse, attaining anterior
543
wing margin but not filling apex of cell. Oval pale spot over r-
m crossvein, narrowly reaching costal margin. Vein M I pale-
margined. Vein M2 with pale spot straddling midportion. Distal
pale spot in cell M I removed from wing margin by more than
2x its own length. Transverse pale area conAuent from medial
to mediocubital fork. Distal pale spot in M2 barely touching
wing margin. Cell M4 with round pale spot on posterior wing
margin. Anal cell with 2 spots in distal portion. Abdomen.
Brown. Two subequal spermathecae, measuring 0.056 x 0.044
mm and 0.051 x 0.040 mm; rudimentary 3rd and sclerotized
Q. Unknown.
Holotype 9, COLOMBIA: Cauca, Munchique,
2000 m, 8.VIII.l975, at light, R. C. Wilkerson
(USNM).
Remarks. Because of the size, wing pattern and
distribution of antennal sensoria, C. ameliae is
placed in the subgenus Hoffmania Fox. Distin-
guishing features of this species are its well-sepa-
rated pale spots on wing; wide lumen in a long 2nd
radial cell; and 3rd palpal segment very long, fu-
siform with abundant surface sensilla.
I am pleased to name this species after Senorita
Amelia Arias of the Microbiology Department of
UVMS, who for the past 12 years has served as
entomology technician to many investigators. Her
talents and resourcefulness as technician and cu-
rator have contributed to the creation and main-
tenance of an invaluable, permanent record of bit-
ing arthropods of Colombia.
Distribution. Colombia.
Acknowledgments. I am greatly in debt to the following in-
dividuals and institutions for their support of this study: Dr P.
C. Beaver, Tulane University School of Tropical Medicine and
Parasitology, New Orleans, Former Director of the Interna-
tional Center for Medical Research in Cali, Colombia, for pro-
viding me this research opportunity; Dr P. Barreto, Depart-
mento de Microbiologia, UVMS, Cali, Colombia, for his
supervision; Srta Amelia Arias, UVMS, for preparation of slide-
mounted specimens; Dr R. W. Wilkerson, University of F]orida,
Gainesville, for providing specimens; Mr D. Gardner, UVMS,
for preparation of illustrations; and Dr W. W. Wirth, Systematic
Entomology Laboratory, USDA, USNM, Washington, D.C., for
providing type material and aiding in preparation of this manu-
script.
LITERATURE CITED
Forattini, O. P. 1957. Culicoides da Regiiio Neotropical (Dip-
tera: Ceratopogonidae). Arq. Fac. Hig. Smide Publica Univ.
Sao Paulo II: ]61-526.
Messersmith, D. H. 1972. A new species of Culicoides from
Colombia (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Proc. Entomot. Soc.
Wash. 74: 165-69.
Wirth, W. W. 1974. A catalogue of the Diptera of the Americas
south of the United States: No. /4. Family Ceratopogonidae.
Museu de Zoologia, Universidade de Siio Paulo, Brazil. 89
p.
Wirth, W. W. &: P. Barreto. 1978. New species of Culicoide.l
544 J. Med. Emomol.
biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Colombia.
J. Med.Entomol. 14: 553-64.
Wirth, W. W. BeF. S. Blanton. 1953. Studies in Panama Cu-
licoides (Diptera: Heleidae). I. Descriptions of six new
species. J. Wash. A cad. Sci. 43: 69-77.
1959. Biting midges of the genus Culicoides from Panama
(Diptera: Heleidae). Proc. U.S. Natl. Mus. 109: 237-482.
1970. New species of Neotropical Culicoides (Diptera: Cera-
topogonidae). Fla. Entomol. 53: 39-45.
Vol. 17, no. 6
1973. A review of the maruins or biting midges of the genus
Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in the Amazon Ba-
sin. Amazoniana 4: 405-70.
1974. The West Indian sand flies of the genus Culicoides
(Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). U.S. Dep. Agric. Res. Servo
Tech. Bull. No. 1474.98 p.
Wirth, W. W. BeV. H. Lee. 1967. New species of Culicoides
from high altitudes in the Colombian Andes (Diptera: Cer-
atopogonidae). Proc. U.S. Natl. Mus. 124: 22 p.