J. Med. Entomol. Vol. 14, no.
5: 553-564
NEW SPECIES OF CULICOIDES BITING MIDGES (DIPTERA:
CERA TOPOGONIDAE) FROM COLOMBIA
By Willis W. Wirthl and Pablo Barreto2
Abstract: Eight new species of Clllicoides biting midges arc
described and figured from material collected during a survey
of bloodsucking insects on the Rio Raposo, Valle, Colombia:
Clllicoides beal'eri, C. dalessandroi, C. eldridgei, C. raposoellsis, C.
sall/Ilar/ini, C. tere/ipalpis, C. traPidoi, and C. yowlgi.
From 1962 to 1965 a survey for arboviruses was
conducted at a site on the Rio Raposo, Departa-
mento de Valle, Colombia, under the joint auspices
of the U niversidad del Valle, the Rockefeller
Foundation, and the Tulane University Interna-
tional Center for Medical Research. Lee & Barreto
(1969) reported on the ecological aspects of this
study. During the course of the project, the
Culicoides midges were sorted by Vernon H. Lee and
sent to the senior author for determination. The
purpose of the present paper is to present descriptions
of 8 new species of Culicoides from the Rio Raposo
collections to make the names available for more
comprehensive reports on the distribution and
biology of the Rio Raposo biting midges.
The terminology used in our descriptions follows
that eXplained in mOre comprehensive revisions by
Wirth & Blanton for Panama (1959), the Amazon
Basin (1973), and the West Indies (1974).
Culicoides sanm.artini Wirth & Barreto, n. sp.
FIG. I
)'. Wing length, 0.97 (0.91-1.09, n=12) mm. Head: Eyes
(FIG. If) contiguous, bare. Antenna (FIG. Id, e) with lengths
of flagdlar segments in proportion of 16-11-12-13-13-13-12-12-
20-22-22-25-39; AR 1.24 (1.18-1.33, n=9); sensory pattern 3,
11··15. Palpal segments (FIG. Ig) with lengths in proportion
of 5-16-20-11-10; PR 2.6 (25-3.0, n= 12); 3rd segment (FIG. Ij)
moderately swollen with sensilla borne in an inconspicuous,
irregular, sensory pit on distal 1/2. Proboscis moderately long,
P/H ratio 0.78; mandible with 16 (14-18, n=24) teeth. Thorax:
Unifonnly tawny pale brown. Legs (FIG. Ik) tawny pale brown,
slightly paler than thorax, without pale banding; tibial comb
(FIG. II) with 5 spines, 2nd from spur longest. Wing (FIG. Ib):
Pattern as figured, markings relatively indistinct; 2nd radial
cell included in pale spot nearly to its base; rom in large pale
area extending from costal margin posteriorly to mediocubital
fork; crossvein not infuscated; base of wing pale from costal
margin over proximal 1/3 of anal cell; distal pale spot in cell
R5 transverse, moderately broad, indistinctly extending to
anterior wing margin; cell MI with only I large pale spot
distad of large pale area straddling proximal portion of vein
M2; cell M2 with a large, indistinct, pale area broadly meeting
_._~-_._- -.- --- ---- -----.. ~---
--
'Systematic Entomology Laboratory, IIBIII, Agric. Res.
Serv., USDA, clo U. S. National Museum of Natural History,
Washington, D. C. 20560, U.S.A.
2Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidad de Valle,
Cali, Colombia.
10 February 1978
wing margin; cell M4 with a large, rounded, pale ,pot in distal
portion and a pale area at base bordering mediocubital fork;
anal cell with large pale area in distal portion. Macrotrichia
moderately sparse on distal 1/3 of wing; 2nd radial cell with
moderately broad lumen; CR 0.67 (0.65-0.67, n=12). Halter
moderately infuscated. Abdomen: Pale brown. Spermathecae
(FIG. Ic) 2 plus rudimentary 3rd and sc1erotized ring; ovoid
with slender necks; ~Iightly unequal, measuring 0.048 X
0.034 mm and 0.043 X 0.032 mm.
~. Similar to C(, with usual sexual differences; antenna with
well-developed pale brownish plume; last 3 segments (FIG. la)
elongated, segments 12-15 with lengths in proportion of 16-36-
40-48; sensory pattern 3, 13-15. Palpu3 as in FIG. Ih, i. Geni/alia
(FIG. In): 9th sternum with posterior margin transverse, ventral
membrane not spiculate; 9th tergum short and rounded,
apicolateral processes short, pointed, widely spaced, the caudal
margin between them nearly transverse. Basistyle moderately
stout, mesal margin with moderately numerous spinules, ventral
and dorsal roots poorly developed; dististyle slender, tapering,
curving to slender, pointed tip. Aedeagus with low basal arch
bordered with a narrow sc1erotized band, moderately narrow
at base; distally tapering to a slender tip bearing a terminal
papilla and an internal sc1erotized peg. Parameres (FIG. 1m)
joined at extreme bases by a sc1erotizedbridge, tapering distally
to slender, pointed tips bearing microscopic fringing setae.
Distribution. Colombia, Ecuador.
Types: Holotype ~, Rio Raposo, Valle,
COLOMBIA, 111.1964, V. H. Lee, light trap
(type no. 71152, USNM); allotype d', same data
except l.VII.1964. Paratypes, 34 d'd', 133 as n,
follows: COLOMBIA: 28 d'd', 93 ~~, Rio Raposo,
III-VIII.l963, II-XII.l964, II-IV. 1965. 3 d'd',
7 ~~, Valle, Rio Micay, Puerto Lopez, 23.IX.1965,
light trap, V. H. Lee. 23 ~~, Valle, Rio Micay, Casa
de Suarez, 23.IX.l965, light trap, V. H. Lee.
ECUADOR: 3 d'd', 10 ~~, Cayapas, Esmeraldas
Prov., l2.XII.1956, L. A. Leon.
Discussion. This species is named for Dr Carlos
Sanmartin, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva
de la Universidad del Valle, Colombia, who served
as virologist on the Rio Raposo project.
Culicoides sanmartini keys out in Wirth & Blanton's
(1973) key to Amazon Culicoides to C. lutzi Costa
Lima and C. batesi Wirth & Blanton. Both species
have the 2nd radial cell included in a pale spot, the
base of cell M4 pale bordering veins M3 4, cell +
Ml with only 1 pale spot distal to the pale spot
+
straddling vein M2, vein R4 5 not blackened
where it extends into the pale area over the 2nd
radial cell, and the 3rd palpal segment bearing an
irregular sensory pit. C. lutzi and C. batesi are both
554 J. Med. Entomol. Vol. 14, no. 5

••
o G.IIIII"Io

.:~ A
" I:"

i~::::.:.::.<)
" ",

'.
\\
l~' ~ .;:'
!
'

~ J,
u
u
m
0., ••••.

FIG. I. Culicoides sanmartini, n. sp. (a) ~ antenna, last 3 segments; (b) ~ wing; (c) spermathecae; (d) ~ antenna;
(e) ~ antenna, last 3 segments; (f) ~ eye separation; (g) ~ palpus; (h) ~ palpus; (i) 3rd palpal segment of
~; (j) 3rd palpal segment of ~; (k) hind leg of~; (I) hind tibial comb; (m) parameres; (n) ~ genitalia,
parameres removed.

large, dark brown species, and C. lutzi has con- flagellar segments in proportion of 16-13-13-13-13-12-13-13-16-
16-18-19-32; AR 0.93 (0.86-0.98, n=IO); sensory pattern 3,
trasting wing markings and pale halteres.
II-IS. Pal pal segments (FIG. 2g) with lengths in proportion of
6-15-20-9-8; PR 2.4 (2.2-2.6, n= 10); 3rd segment (FIG. 2f)
Culicoides trapidoi Wirth & Barreto, D. sp. short, fusiform, with scattered sensilla. Proboscis moderately
FIG. 2 long, P/H ratio 0.83; mandible with 15 (13-16, n=20) teeth.
~. Wing length, 0.94 (0.87-1.03, n=10) mm. Head: Eyes Thorax: Pale yellowish brown; pleuron and anterior portion of
(FIG. 2b) contiguous, bare. Antenna (FIG. 2a) with lengths of mesonotum darker brown. Legs straw-colored, bases of femora
 1978 Wirth & Barreto: New species of Culicoides from Colombia 555

J
- :....W;].,f
~

k
0,1 OJiIft.

FIG. 2. Culicoides traPidoi, n. sp. (a) ~ antenna; (b) S? eye separation; (c) ~ wing; (d) cr antenna, last 3
segments; (e) cr antenna; (f) ~ 3rd palpal segment; (g) ~ palpus; (h) cr 3rd palpal segment; (i) J palpus;
(j) spermathecae; (k) parameres; (I) cr genitalia, parameres removed.

and apices of tibiae lightly infuscated, hind tibia broadly pale
at tip; hind tibial comb with 5 spines, the 2nd from the spur
longest. Wing (FIG. 2c) with pattern as figured, the palt: markings
poorly contrasting with the moderately darker areas; 2nd radial
cell with lumen long and broad, nearly all of cell included in a
pale area; rom crossvein in a large pale spot, vein pale; pale
spot in distal portion of cell R5 broad and extending nearly to
extreme tip of cell; cell MI with 2 large, poorly defined pale
areas, the distal one reaching wing margin; cell M2 extensively
pale; a large pale area in distal portion of cell M4, the cell dark
at base of mediocubital fork; anal cell extensively pale at base
and in distal portion; macrotrichia sparse and confined to
distal 1/3 of wing; OR 0.68 (0.66-0.69, n= 10). Halter somewhat
grayish infuscated. Abdom~n: Pale yellowish brown. Sper-
mathecae (FIG. 2j) 2 plus rudimentary 3rd and a long, slender,
scierotized ring; ovoid with slender necks; slightly unequal,
measuring 0.048 X 0.035 mm and 0.045 x 0.033 mm.
J. Similar to ~, with usual sexual differences; antenna
(FIG. 2e) with well-developed plume, last 3 segments (FIG. 2d)
elongated, segments 12-15 with lengths in proportion of 10-24-
25-31; sensory pattern 3, 13-15. Palpus as in FIG. 2h, i. Genitalia
(FIG. 21): 9th sternum short, rounded distally, with a sub-
median pair of bare, acutely rounded lobes, apicolateral pro-
cesses absent. Basistyle moderately slender, mesal margin with
fine spinelike setae, ventral and dorsal roots poorly developed;
dististyle curved and slender with slightly expanded, rounded
tip. Aedeagus with broad base and low basal arch bearing a
scierotized marginal band; apex slender with spherical tip and
internal sclerotized peg. Parameres (FIG. 2k) short and stout,
connected at bases by a narrow bridge; free portions very
slender and tapering to fine, minutely hairy tips.
Distribution. Colombia.
Types: Holotype ~, allotype 0', Rio Raposo,
Valle, COLOMBIA, II. 1965, V. H. Lee, light
trap (type no. 71153, USNM). Paratypes, 13 0'0',
47 ~~, same data except 1.1964-II .1965; 2 0'0',
same data except 8.VII.1964, light trap, P. Barreto.
Discussion. This species is named for Harold
Trapido of the Louisiana State University Medical
 556 J.
Center in New Orleans, in recognition of his exten-
sive contributions in Colombian medical entomology
while assigned to the Rockefeller Foundation in Cali.
Culicoides metagonatus Wirth & Blanton, which was
common in the same collections with C. trapidoi,
is closely related, but differs in the presence of a
characteristic dark knee spot on the apex of the hind
femur, and in the male genitalia by the broad basal
fusion of the parameres and the presence of api-
colateral processes on the 9th tergum.
Culicoides dalessandroi Wirth & Barreto, n. sp.
FIG. 3
¥. Wing length, 1.35 mm. Head: Eyes (FIG. 3c) narrowly
separated, bare. Antenna (FIG. 3e, f) with lengths of flagellar
segments in proportion of 22-20-20-21-21-20-21-20-28-27-31-
36-53; AR 1.06; sensory pattern 3, 7-10. Palpal segmcnts
(FIG. 3b) with lengths in proportion of 8-19-25-11-8; PR 2.5;
3rd segment (FIG. 3a) moderately swollen with shallow, round,
sensory pit on distal portion. Proboscis moderately long, PIH
ratio 0.71; mandible with 12-14 teeth. Thorax: Elongate. Dark
brown, mesonotum with prominent pattern of large. yellowish
FIG. 3. Cu/icoides dalessandroi, n. sp. (a) ~ 3rd palpal segment; (b) ~ palpus; (c) ~ eye separation; (d) !j?
wing; (e) ~ antenna; (f) ~ antenna, segments 7-10; (g) ~ hind leg; (h) hind tibial comb; (i) spermatheeae;
(j) 0' genitalia; (k) parameres, enlarged.
Moo. Entomo!. Vol. 14, no. 5
areas. Legs (FIG. 3g) brown, knee spots blackish; fcmol'3 with
pale bases; all femora with subapical, and tibiae with subbasal,
broad pale bands, hind tibia broadly pale at apex; tibial comb
(FIG. 3h) with 4 spines, the 2 nearest the spur longest, subequa!.
Wing (FIG. 3d): Dark brown, with prominent pattern of large,
yellowish areas as figured; pale area at wing base and over rom
crossvein; 2 separate poststigmatic pale spots, the posterior one
located behind 2nd radial cell and midway between R5 and MI,
distal portion of cell R5 with a large, oblique, double pale spot
broadly meeting wing margin anterodistally; cell MI with 2
elongate pale spots, the distal one narrowly connected to a small,
expanded, pale area at wing margin; apex of vein MI with pale
spot at wing margin; cell M2 with 2 large, elongate pale spots
in distal portion; cell M4 with large pale spot broadly meeting
wing margin; anal cell with 2 small rounded pale spots in distal
portion. Maerotrichia moderately numerous on distal 1/2 of
wing and a few in distal portion of anal cell; 2nd radial cell
relatively elongate and narrow; CR 0.90. Halter pale, base of
knob slightly infuscated. Abdolilell: Dark brown. Spermatheeae
(FIG. 3i) 2 plus rudimentary 3rd and sclerotized ring; ovoid
with long, slender necks; slightly unequal, measuring 0.078 X
0.051 mm and 0.070 X 0.046 mm.
6· Similar to ~', with usual sexual differences; antenna with
well-developed plume, last 3 segments elongated; segments
.,
o
01"".
1
 1978 Wirth & Barreto: New species of Culicoides from Colombia
12-15 with lengths in proportion of 16-48-42-54; sensory pattern
3, 9-12. Genitalia (FIG. 3j): 9th sternum with shallow caudo-
median excavation, ventral membrane not spiculate; 9th tergum
("Iongate and tapering distally with long, slender, pointed,
apicolateral processes, the caudal margin between them trans-
\"("rse. Basistyle slender, "entral and dorsal roots well developed,
simple, \"entral root stout, dorsal root s]ender; dististyle slender
and tapering to bent, pointed tip. Aedeagus with basal arch
t'xtt'nding to 0.6 of total length, the basal arms curving and
ratht'r strongly pigmcntl'd; distal process moderately stout and
distally rowld("d, and bearing distally a characteristic submedian
pair of small, spinclikc processes. Parameres (FIG. 3k) separate,
t'ach with strong basal knob, stem slender, moderately bent in
midportion, vcntra] lobe absent, distally tapering to slender,
recun'ed, pointed tip bearing lateral fringing spines,
Distribution. Colombia, Panama,
Types: Holotype ~, Rio Raposo, Valle,
COLOMBIA, II.1965, V. H. Lee, light trap (type
no. 71154, VSNM); allotype d', same data except
V1.1965. Paratypes, 9 d'd', 9 ~~, as follows:
COLOMBIA: 1 3, I ~, same data as types. I ~,
Antioquia, Rio Anori, IX.1970, light trap, D, G.
Youn~. I ~, Meta, Finca Barbascal, 27-30.IX.1964,
light trap, V. H. Lee. I <:3',Meta, Puerto Boyaca,
26.I.1972, light trap, C. J. Marinkelle. PANAMA:
I <;>, Almirante, Bocas del Toro Prov., 13.1.1953,
light trap, F. S. Blanton. I d', Barro Colorado
Island, C. Z., VII.1967, light trap, W. W. Wirth.
4 3d', I )', Fort Davis, C. Z., 7.X.1953, light trap,
F. S. Blanton. I ~, Loma Boracho, C. Z., 29.X.
1951, light trap, F. S. Blanton. 2 eM, 2 ~~, Mojinga
Swamp, C. Z., 5.xn.1951, light trap, F. S. Blanton.
I 3', Taboga Island, Panama Prov., IO.XII.1953,
light trap, F. S. Blanton. 2 ~~, Tocumen, Panama
Prov., 7.1.1953, light trap, F. S. Blanton.
Discussion. This species is named for Dr Antonio
d'Alessandro, Tulane University School of Tropical
Medicine and Parasitology, local coordinator of the
Infectious Diseases Vnit of the ICMR in Cali,
Colombia.
Culicoides dalessandroi is closely related to C.
dicrourus Wirth & Blanton and C. wallacei Wirth &
Blanton, from which it differs by the separation of
the characteristic V-shaped poststigmatic pale spot
into 2 separate pale spots. The Amazonian species,
C. albuquerquei Wirth & Blanton, resembles C.
dalessandroi in the separation of the poststigmatic
pale spots, but differs in female antennal sensory
pattern of3, 8-14, the wider separation of the distal
spinelike points on the male aedeagus, and the
presence of a pair of sharp lateral points subapically
on the aedeagus, instead of the rounded shoulders
found in C. dalessandroi.
Culicoides heaveri Wirth & Barreto, n. sp.
FIG. 4
','. Wing length, 1.08 mm. Head: Eyes (FIG. 4b) nearly
557
contiguous, bare. Antenna (FIG. 4a) with lengths of flagellar
segments in proportion of 17-]2-12-12-13-12-12-13-30-29-30-
31-44; AR 1.59; sensory pattern 3, 11-15. Palpal segments
(FIG. 4f) with lengths in proportion of 7-23-27-8-7; PR 2,3;
3rd segment (FIG. 4e) elongate with large, round, shallow,
sensory pit located near tip. Proboscis moderately long, P/H
ratio 0.74; mandible with 12-14 teeth. Thorax: Brown; meso-
notum with prominent pattern of punctiform, dark brown dots
at the seta bases. Legs (FIG. 4-g) brown, knee spots b]aekish;
femora pale at bases; femora with subapical and tibiae with
subbasal, narrow pale rings, hind tibia pale distally; tibial
comb (FIG. 4h) with 4 spines, the I nearest the spur longest.
Wing (FIG. 4c) with prominent pattern of discrete pale spots as
figured; 2nd radial cell and distal 1/2 of 1st in a very dark spot;
pale spot over rom crossvein extending to costal margin; cell R5
with 2 separate poststigmatic pale spots and 2 spots in distal
portion of cell; cell MI with 2 pale spots, the distal one located
far from wing margin; cell M2 with a pale spot ncar base, pale
spots lying behind medial fork and in front of mediocubital
fork, and 2 pale spots distal to mediocubital fork, of which the
distal one is separate from wing margin and the proximal one
is small and elongate and pairs with the proximal pale spot in
cell MI to form a pair of spots ncarly touching vein M2; cell
M4 with a pale spot at extreme base narrowly connected along
posterior margin of vein M3 +4 with a larger pale spot in
distal portion of cell; anal cell with 2 pale spots ncar base and
2 separate pale spots in distal portion; small palc siJots at wing
margin at apices of veins MI, M2, and M3 +4. Macrotrichia
moderately numerous on distal 1/2 of wing and along posterior
margin to base of anal cell; 2nd radial cell with moderately
broad lumen; CR 0.64. Halter very slightly infuscated.
Abdomen: Dark brown. Spermathecae (FIG. 4d) 2 plus rudimen-
tary 3rd and sclerotized ring; ovoid with short, slender necks;
subequal, measuring 0.040 X 0.032 mm and 0.040 X 0.029 mm.
6.
Unknown.
Distribution. Colombia.
Types: Holotype ~, Rio Raposo, Valle,
COLOMBIA, IV.1965, V. H. Lee, light trap
(type no. 71155, USNM).
Discussion. This species is named for Paul C.
Beaver, Professor of Parasitology at Tulane Uni-
versity International Center for Medical Research
in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Culicoides beaveri is apparently related to the
widespread Neotropical species C. venezuelensis
Ortiz & Mirsa, which it resembles in mesonotal
pattern, general arrangement of pale spots on the
wing, antennal sensory pattern, and shape of the
3rd palpal segment, including the nature of the
sensory pit. In C. venezuelensis there are 2 addi-
tional pale spots in the distal portions of cells R5
and MI, the subapical pale spot in cell R5 is shaped
differently, and the apical pale spot in this cell is
located at the extreme tip. C. venezuelensis has 5
spines in the tibial comb and a variable number of
sensoria on antennal segments 3-10.
Culicoides teretipalpis Wirth & Barreto, n. sp.
FIG. 5
Cjl. Wing length, 1.12 (1.05-1.21, 1Z=7) mm. Head: Eyes
 558 J. Med.
01"'''''
palpal segment; (f) palpus; (g) hind leg; (h) hind tibial comb.
(FIG. 5c) contiguous, bare. Antenna (FIG. Sf, g) with lengths
of flagellar segments in proportion of 16-12-12-13-12-13-12-13-
18-19-20-22-30; AR 1.07 (1.03-1.15, n=5); sensory pattern 3,
7-10, sometimes also on 6. Palpal segments (FIG. 5i) with
lengths in proportion of 6-15-32-10-5; PR 3.1 (2.8-3.2, n=7);
3rd segment (FIG. 5h) elongate and nearly cylindrical, slightly
swollen, with scattered sensilla; 4th segment enlarged, sub-
spherical; 5th segment much reduced, also subspherical.
Proboscis moderately long, P/H ratio 0.75; mandible with 14-15
teetb. Thorax: Dark brown; mesonotum without obvious pattern
in slide-mounted specimens. Legs (FIG. 5 I) moderately pale
brown, slightly paler narrow bands at bases of mid- and hind-
tibia and at apex of hindtibia; tibial comb (FIG. Sm) with 4
spines, the 2 nearest the spur longest, subequal. Wing (FIG. 5d)
Entomol. Vol. 14, no. 5
~------~.. _--~
.~ ",_ •.....
with pattern as figured; 2nd radial cell exceptionally large with
broad lumen, dark to tip; large pale spot over rom crossvein
extending broadly to costa; cell R5 with small, rounded,
poststigmatic pale spot, a large, oval pale spot lying adjacent
to posterior margin of 2nd radial cell, and a moderately small,
transverse pale spot in middle of distal portion; cell MI with
2 small pale spots, the distal one lying far from wing margin;
cell M2 with small pale streak in basal portion, 2 small pale
spots lying immediately behind medial fork and in front of
mediocubital fork, and a small, round, distal pale spot lying
near but separate from wing margin; cell M4 with a moderate-
sized pale spot in midportion; anal cell with small, round, pale
spot in distal portion just behind mediocubital fork. Macrotrichia
moderately sparse ·on distal 1/2 of wing and extending to base
1978 Wirth & Barreto: New species of Culicoides from Colombia 559

.......

m
n

FlO. 5. Culicoides teretipalpis, n. sp. (a) ~ antenna; (b) cS antenna, last 3 segments; (c) ~ eye separation;
\d) ~ wing; (e) spermathecae; \f) ~ antenna; (g) segments 5-10 of ~ antenna; (h) ~ 3rd palpal segment;
(i) ~ palpus; (j) cS palpus; (k) cS 3rd palpal segment; (I) ~ hind leg; (m) hind tibial comb; (n) parameres;
(0) cS genitalia.

of anal cell toward wing margin; CR 0.72 (0.70-0.72, n=7).
Halter slightly infuscated. Abdomen: Dark brown. Spermathecae
(FlO. 5e) 2 plus rudimentary 3rd and sclerotized ring; ovoid
with long, slender necks; subequal, each measuring 0.046 X
0.030mm.
,s. Similar to ~, with usual sexual differences; antenna
(FlO. Sa) with well-developed plume, last 3 segment~ (FlO. 5b)
slightly elongated, segments 12-15 with lengths in proportion
of 18-26-26-35; sensory pattern 3, 8-12. Palpus as in FlO. 5j, k.
Gmitalia (FlO. 50): 9th sternum with shallow caudomedian
 J. Med. Entomol. Vol. 14, no. 5
560

excavation, ventral membrane not spiculate; 9th tergum Distribution. Colombia.

moderately long and tapering, with short, pointed, widely
separated, apicolateral processes, the distal margin between
Types: Holotype~,RioRaposo, Valle, COLOM-
them nearly transverse. Basistyle moderately long and slender, BIA, V.1965, V. H. Lee, light trap (type no. 71156,
ventral root not "foot-shaped," stout, dorsal root short and USNM); allotype cr,
same data except VI-VII.
blunt; dististyle slender with slightly hooked tip. Aedeagus with 1963, collected with aspirator. Paratypes, 25 ~~,
basal arch extending to 0.75 of total length, basal anus slender,
nearly straight, distal process short and tapering with moderately same data as holotype except VIII.l963, I-VII.
stout, truncated tip. Parameres (FIG. 5n) each with stout basal 1964, 1965. 4 ~~, Rio Anori, Antioquia, Colombia,
knob, stem slender, slightly bent in midportion, ventral lobe IX.l970, light trap, D. G. Young.
absent; tapering distally to recurved, slender, pointed tip without
lateral fringing spines.
Discussion. The name teretiPalpis is an adjective

0., ••••.

FIG. 6. Culicoides raposoensis, n. sp. (a) ~ antenna; (b) ~ antenna, segments 7-10; (c) ~ eye separation; (d)
~ wing; (e) (5 antenna, last 3 segments; (f) ~ palpus; (g) ~ palpus, 3rd segment; (h) <3 palpus; (i) (5 palpus,
3rd segment; (j) spermathecae; (k) ~ hind leg; (I) hind tibial comb; (m) parameres; (n) <3 genitalia.
1978 \Virth & Barreto; New species of Culicoides from Colombia
from the Latin: teres, teretis, cylindrical, plus pal pus,
and refers to the unusual, stout, cylindrical 3rd
palpal segment.
This species is apparently related to C. acotylus
Lutz, with a similar type of wing pattern and an
unusually broad 2nd radial cell, and also in the
moderately swollen 3rd palpal segment with scat-
tered sensilla. C. acotylus differs, however, in the
presence of 2 additional small pale spots near vein
Ml in the proximal 1/2 of cell R5, as well as the
relative shapes and sizes of the other pale spots in
this cell, and the presence of 2 distal pale spots in
the anal cell; the rom crossvein is infuscated; the
3rd pal pal segment is more spindle-shaped and not
so elongate, and the 4th and 5th segments are
normally shaped; the male aedeagus bears 2 pairs
of slender, pointed, distal processes instead of the
simple, truncated tip, and the parameres possess
distal fringing spines.
Culicoides raposoensis Wirth & Barreto, n. sp.
FIG. 6 pattern of punctiform dark brown dots, and antennal
~'. Wing length, 0,82 (0.79-0.87, n=13) mm. Head: Eyes
(FIG. (ie) narrowly &eparated, with short interfacetal hairs.
Antenna (FIG. 6a, b) with lengths of flagellar segments in
proportion of 12-9-9-10-10-10-10-10-20-20-21-21-37; AR 1.42
(1.36·1.49,11=13); sensory pattern 3,7-10. Palpal segments
(FIG. 6f) with lengths in proportion of 6-10-17-6-8; PR 1.6
(1.5-1.8, n,=13); 3rd segment (FIG. 6g) ,hort and broadly
swollen to tip with a broad, round, shallow, sensory pit. Pro-
boscis short, P/H ratio 0.60; mandible with 12 (11-14, 11=26)
t('l,th. Thorax: Brown, mesonotum with faint pattern of large
submedian pale areas and 3 narrow longitudinal dark brown
lines. I~gs (FIG. 6k) brown, kneespots blackish; faint narrow
pale rings at bases of tibiae and at apex of hind tibia; tibial
comb (FIG. 61) with 4 spines, the I nearest the spur longest.
Wing (FIG. 6d) with indistinct pattern; 2nd radial cell dark to
tip; t:lint pale areas over rom crossvein and in a single, un-
divided, poststigmatic pale spot; cell R5 with faint pale spot in
Illiddl(~of distal portion; cell MI with 2 faint pale spots, distal
one 110tmeeting wing margin; cell M2 with faint pale spot
behind medial fork and near wing margin; cell M4 with faint
pale spot in midportion; anal cell with I faint pale spot in
distal portion. Macrotrichia sparse on distal 1/2 of wing, none
in anal cell; 2nd radial cell with relatively narrow lumen; CR
0.62 (0.59-0.63, 11= 13). Halter deeply infuscated. Abdomen:
Brown. Spermathecae (FIG. 6j) 2 plus rudimentary 3rd and a
short ring of large diameter; ovoid with long slender necks;
slightly unequal, measuring 0.055 X 0.030 mm and 0.052 X
0.D28mm.
.;. Similar to ~ with usual sexual differences; antenna with
well-developed plume, last 3 segments elongated (FIG. 6e);
segments 12-15 with lengths in proportion of 11-38-30-42;
sensory pattern 3, I ()""I 2. Palpus as in FIG. 6h, i; 3rd segment
broad, resembling that of ~. Genitalia (FIG. 6n): 9th sternum
with shallow caudomedian excavation, ventral membrane not
spiculate; 9th tergum moderately broad, tapering to short,
slender, pointed, apicolateral processes, the caudal margin
betw('en them not cleft or lobed. Ba&istylemoderately slender,
ventral root foot-shaped, the posterior "heel" not developed;
dorsal root long and slender j dististyle slender and curved to
bent, pointed tip. Aedeagus with rounded basal arch extending
561
to 0.6 of total length; distal process slender and tapering to
simple, rounded tip. Parameres (FIG. 6m) each with strong
basal knob, stem moderately slender and curved in midportion,
distally with well-developed ventral lobe; beyond this abruptly
narrowed and recurvcd to slender, pointed tip with lateral
fringing spines.
Distribution. Colombia.
Types: Holotype ~, Rio Raposo, Valle,
COLOMBIA, VI. 1963, light trap, V. H. Lee
(type no. 71157, USNM); allotype 0', same data
except 21-22.VII.1964, P. Barreto. Paratypes, 23
0'0', 68 ~~, same data as holotype except III-VII.
1963, I-VIII. 1964, and IV-VIII.I965. 2 n,
Colombia, Valle, Rio Micay, Casa de Suarez, 24.
IX.1965, at light, V. H. Lee.
Discussion. This species is named after the Rio
Raposo where the Culicoides forming the basis of
this study were collected. C. raposoensis keys out in
Wirth & Blanton (1959) to C. alahialinus Barbosa
(couplet 23), another species with poorly marked
wings, which differs in having a distinct mesonotal
sensory pattern of 3, 8-10. The relationships of
C. raposoensis are more nearly with the species of the
C. debilipalpis group, in all of which the wing pattern
is much more prominent.
Culicoides eldridgei Wirth & Barreto, n. sp.
FIG. 7
~. Wing length, 0.75 (0.73-0.78, /1=10) mm. Head: Eyes
(FIG. 7b) moderately separated, with long interfacetal pubes-
cence. Antenna (FIG. 7d, e) with lengths of flagellar segments
in proportion of 13-9-10-11-11-11-11-12-16-17-18-20-30; AR
1.16 (1.15-1.19, n=9); sensory pattern 3,7-10. Palpal segments
(FIG. 7g) with lengths in proportion of 4-10-15-6-7; PR 1.7
(1.6-1.8, 11= 10); 3rd segment short and broad with large,
round, shallow, sensory pit. Proboscis short, P/H ratio 0.60;
mandible with 13 (12-14, n=19) teeth. Thorax: Dark brown,
mesonotum with large mesal pale area. Legs brown, knee spots
blackish; fore- and midfemora with narrow subapical pale
rings, all tibiae with narrow subbasal and hind tibia with apical
pale rings; tibial comb (FIG. 7i) with 4 spines, the I nearest the
spur longest. Wing (FIG. 7c) with moderately distinct pattern
as figured; 2nd radial cell dark to tip; transverse pale spot over
rom crossvein broadly reaching costal margin; poststigmatic
pale spot in cell R5 not divided, forming a single slightly oblique
spot; I moderately small, rounded, distal pale spot in cell R5;
cell MI with 2 elongate pale spots, the 2nd extending to wing
margin; cell M2 with an indistinct pale spot behind medial
fork and a small rounded pale spot at wing margin; cell
M4 with a rounded pale spot in distal portion; anal cell with
a large pale spot in distal portion. Macrotrichia moderately
sparse on distal 1/2 of wing, none in anal cell; 2nd radial cell
with modentely broad lumen, slightly tapering distally; CR
0.60 (0.58-0.61, n= 10). Halter moderately infuscated. Abdol/lell;
Brown. Spermathecae (FIG. 7j) 2 plus rudimentary 3rd and
a short ring of large diameter; ovoid with long slender necks;
slightly unequal, measuring 0.048 X 0.027 mm and 0.046 X
0.027mm.
0'. Similar to ~ with usual sexual differences; antenna
(FIG. 7f) with well-developed plume, last 3 segments (FIG. 7a)
 562 J. Med. Entomol.
GUS! J
.
0.1-.
"-,-
FIG. 7. Culicoides ~ldridg~i, n. sp. (a) c5 antenna, last 3 segments; (b) ~ eye separation; (c) ~ wing; (d) ~
antenna; (e) ~ antenna, segments 7-10; (f) c5 antenna; (g) ~ palpus; (h) c5 palpus; (i) hind tibial comb; (j)
spermathecae; (k) c5 genitalia; (I) parameres.
elongated; segments 12-15 with lengths in proportion of 10-30-
38-36; sensory pattern 3, 9-12. Palpus (FIG. 7h) as figured.
Genitalia (FIG. 7k): 9th sternum with shallow caudomedian
excavation, ventral membrane not spiculate; 9th tergum
moderately short and tapering, with widely separated, short,
pointed, apicolateral processes. BasistyJe moderately slender,
ventral root foot-shaped, the posterior "heel" not developed;
dorsal root slender; dististyle slender, disinctly curving to
pointed tip. Aedeagus with basal arms slender, curving, arch
extending to 0.75 of total length; distal process &hort and
slender, with rounded, striated, simple tip. Parameres (FIG. 71)
with strong basal knob, slender and slightly bent in midportion,
distally with well-developed ventral lobe in line with main body
of paramere, beyond which paramere is abruptly narrowed and
recurved to slender, pointed tip bearing lateral fringing spines.
Distribution. Colombia.
Types: Holotype ~, Rio Raposo, Valle,
COLOMBIA, 11.1965, V. H. Lee, light trap (type
no. 71158, USNM); allotype ~, same data except
l.VII.1964. Paratypes, 3 ~~, 26 ~~, same data
except IV-VII. 1963, II-VIII. 1964, and II-VIII.
1965. Also 1 ~, same data except 7.IX.1964, light
trap, P. Barreto.
Vol. 14, no. 5
I
G. •••.
Discussion. This species is named for Colonel
Bruce F. Eldridge of the Walter Reed Army Institute
of Research in Washington, D. C., in recognition
of his contributions to Colombian medical ento-
mology as entomologist for the Sea Level Canal
Survey.
Culicoides eldridgei is a member of the C. debilipalpis
group and keys out in Wirth & Blanton's (1973) key
to the Amazon Culicoides to C. limonensis Ortiz &
Leon (couplet 59), which also has the distal pale
spot in cell Ml reaching the wing margin. C.
limonensis differs notably in the division of the
poststigmatic pale spot in cell R5 into 2 separate
pale spots, and the female antenna has a sensory
pattern 3, 8-10.
Culicoides YOUDgiWirth & Barreto, D. sp.
FIG. 8
~. Wing length, 0.91 (0.85-0.97, n=13) mm. Head: Eyes
(FIG. 8c) nearly contiguous, with long interfacetal pubescence.
Antenna (FIG. 8a, b) with lengths of flagellar segments in
 1978 \Virth & Barreto: New species of Culicoides from Colombia
o
<:::::::::::.
h 1
FIG. 8. Culicoides yo/mgi, n. sp. (a) ¥ antenna; (b) ~ antenna, segments 6-10; (c) ~ eye separation; (d) ~ wing;
(e) .; palpus; (f) ;,}palpus; (g) ;] antenna, last 3 segments; (h) spermathecae; (i) parameres; (j) ~ genitalia.
pruportion of 16-11-13-14-]5-15-15-16-17-]7-20-20-30; AR 0.94
(0.89-1.02, n~ 12); sensory pattern 3, 5-10 or 3, 6-10. Palpal
segments (FIG. 8e) with lengths in proportion of 7-14-25-8-8;
PR 1.9 (1.7-2.1, n=13); 3rd segment short and swollen to tip,
with broad, round, shallow, sensory pit opening by a slightly
smaller pore. Proboscis moderately short, P/H ratio 0.66;
mandible with 15 (13-16, n=26) teeth. Tlwrax: Brown, meso-
notum with faint pattern of submedian large pale areas and 3
narrow longitudinal dark brown lines. Legs pale brown, knee
spots blackish, tibiae with narrow basal pale rings; tibial comb
with 4 spines, the I nearest the spur longest. Wing (FIG. 8d)
with distinct pattern of pale spots as figured; 2nd radial cell
dark to tip with moderately broad lumen, slightly tapering
distally; pale spot over rom crossvein transverse, narrowly
meeting costal margin; poststigmatic pale spot in cell RS not
divided, continued and expanded around posterior margin of
2nd radial cell; I distal pale spot present in cell R5, somewhat
tran.\·('rsc in shapc; cell Ml with 2 pale spots, the distal one
far from wing margin; cell M2 with distinct pale spot lying
behind medial fork and indistinct spot in front of mediocubital
fork and a palc spot at apex of cell near wing margin; cell M4
with large rounded pale spot in distal portion; anal cell with I
pall" spot in distal portion, dark at base; vein MI with distinct
pale spot at wing margin. Macrotrichia sparse on distal 1/3 of
wing; CR 0.62 (0.61-0.64, n= ]3). HaltermodcratcIy infuscated.
Abdolllrrl: Brown. Spermathecnc (FIG. 8h) 2 plus rudimentary
563
0.1"-11'\
, J
3rd and an elongate ring of moderately large diameter; ovoid
with long slender necks; slightly unequal, measuring 0.046 x
0.031 mm and 0.040 x 0.030 mm.
~. Similar to !j1with usual sexual differences; antenna with
well-developed plume, last 3 segments (FIG. 8g) moderately
elongated; segments 12-15 with lengths in proportion of 9-27-
24-37; sensory pattern 3, 8-12. Palpus as in FIG. 8f. Genitalia
(FIG. 8j): 9th sternum with shallow caudomedian excavation,
ventral membrane not spiculate; 9th tergum moderately short
and tapering to short, pointed, apicolateral processes. Basistyle
moderately stout with foot-shaped ventral root, the "heel" and
"toe" both well developed; dorsal root long and slender;
dististyle slender and lightly curved with bent, pointed tip.
Aedeagus with nearly straight basal arms forming a V-shaped
basal arch, the distal process short and simple with slender,
striated tip. Parameres (FIG. 8i) each with strong basal knob,
stem only slightly curved in midportion, bearing a low ventral
lobe distally beyond which paramere is abruptly narrowed and
recurved to slender, pointed tip bearing well-developed lateral
fringing spines.
Distribution. Colombia.
Types: Holotype ~, Rio Raposo, Valle,
COLOMBIA, V.1965, light trap, V. H. Lee (type
no. 71159, USNM); allotype cr,
same data except
 564 J. Med. Entomol.
11.1965. Para types, 3 crcr,
50 ~~, same data
except III-VII, XII.1963, I-VIII.1964, and II-
VII.1965. 1 cr,
same data except 7-8.VII.1964, P.
Barreto. 2 ~~, Rio Micay, Valle, Casa de Suarez,
24.IX.1965, light trap, V. H. Lee.
Discussion. This species is named for David G.
Young of the University of Florida in recognition
of his significant research on bloodsucking Diptera
in Colombia. Dr Young has furnished us with
excellent collections of Culicoides from the Rio Anori
region in Antioquia Department.
Culicoidesyoungi is a typical member of the difficult
C. debilipalpis group. In Wirth & Blanton's (1959)
key to Panama Culicoides, it keys to couplet 70 with
C. gabaldoni Ortiz, which differs in its broadly
separated eyes, antennal sensory pattern 3, 8-10,
distinctive yellow pal pus with small, deep, sensory
pit, and the absence of a ventral lobe or lateral
fringing spines distally on the male parameres. In
Wirth & Blanton's (1973) key to the Amazon
Culicoides, it keys to couplet 59 with C. debilipalpis
Lutz, which has broadly separated eyes, a long,
slender 3rd palpal segment with small deep pit,
antennal sensory pattern 3, 8-10, 2 separate post-
stigmatic pale spots in cell R5, and a hairier wing
with a double row of macrotrichia extending nearly
to the base of cell M2. The presence of the small
pale spot at the wing margin at the tip of vein MI
Vol. 14, no. 5
is quite characteristic of C. youngi and is found in no
other species of the C. debilipalpis group. The
presence of distal sensoria on antennal segments as
far proximad as 5 or 6 is also unusual in this group.
Ackllowledgmm/s.. We are greatly indebted to the following
individuals and institutions for assistance given in this study:
Vernon H. Lee, formerly entomologist for the Rockefeller
Foundation in Cali, Colombia who supervised the collection
and sorting of tbe Culicoides material during the entire course
of tbis study; Ms Nobemy Vargas of the Universidad del Valle
forpre paration of the illustrations; Harold Trapido, Louisiana
State University Medical Center, New Orleans, Paul C. Beaver
and Antonio d'Alessandro, Tulane University School of Tropical
Medicine and Parasitology, New Orleans, for assistance at the
ICMR in Cali; Carlos Sanmartin, Universidad del Valle, Cali,
for assistance; David G. Young, University of Florida, Gaines-
ville, for collecting specimens; and Colonel Bruce F. Eldridge,
\-ValterReed Army Institute of Research, Washington, D. C.,
for supervision of field surveys in Colombia.
LITERATURE CITED
Lee, V. H. & P. Barreto. 1969. Artr6podos hemat6fagos
del Rio Raposo, Valle, Colombia. I. Aspectos ecol6gicos.
Caldasia, Bogota 10: 385-405.
Wirth, W. W. & F. S. Blanton. 1959. Biting midges of the
genus Culicoides from Panama (Diptera: Heleidae). Proc.
U. S. Nail. Mus. 109: 237-482.
1973. A review of the manuns or biting midges of tbe genus
Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in tbe Amazon
Basin. Amazonialla 4: 405-70.
1974. The West Indian sandflies of the genus Culicoiiks
(Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). U. S. Dep. Agric. Tech. Bull.
1474: 1-98.