Polistes (Epicnemius) subsericeus de Saussure 1854

Polistes (Epicnemius) subsericeus de Saussure

Paramere (Fig. 30A): (1) about three times longer than wide at the middle; (2) lateral groove deep; (3) parameral spine medium (about 1/7 the total length of paramere), pointed apically with long and dense bristles; (4) paramere lobe weakly developed and rounded; (5) inferior portion of paramere narrow, about 2/3 the width at the middle portion. Aedeagus (Fig. 30B, C): slender; (1) apical portion with fine and serrated denticulation, extended only in apical portion, lateral margin straight; (2) penis valve weakly dilated and with a slightly central entrance (about 1/3 of the total length of apical portion); (3) median expansion weakly developed, pointed apex; (4) lateral apodeme directed forward and shorter than the ventral process, (5) ventral process rounded in apex and compressed in the base; (6) inferior portion of aedeagus weakly curved, almost straight in lateral view. Digitus (Fig. 30D): slender; (1) apical process developed, about twice longer than the digitus base, narrowing gradually to the apex, (2) apex weakly rounded; (3) anteroventral lobe short and weakly pointed apically; (4) punctation very weak in the base; (5) evanescent bristles. Cuspis (Fig. 30E): slender; (1) apex pointed and tapering abruptly to the end; (2) long and dense bristles; (3) punctation reduced and restricted on the lateral lobe; (4) lower part developed and more membranous.

Remarks. Richards’ (1978: 536) comments are about the aedeagus with ventral teeth small, black, acute, 18 in number and digitus narrow with numerous long hairs. Unfortunately, Richards did not draw the genitalia.