Stipomorpha mendax

Diagnosis
Orange-brown species with black vertex, very similar in size and colouration to S. fallax, S. fraudator and S. spuria. This species is keyed out in the key three times, because of variability in microtrichosity on the alula, variability in overall colouration and colouration of pilosity, and because of sexual dimorphism in wing colouration. In some specimens the alula is entirely microtrichose, while in others it has a small bare area basomedially. The only female identified as this species (see additionally studied material) differs from the males in the presence of a faint whitish cloud in the apical half of the wing (view against dark background). In other characters it is similar to the male. Other varying characters: in some specimens the vertex is black pilose (as in the holotype), in others it is yellow pilose. The extent of black pile on the scutum also varies, as well as the extent of dark colouration on the abdomen. However, no discrete differences were found and the genitalia are similar in all male specimens.

Description
HOLOTYPE. SURINAM. Male. Label 1: “Marowijne, near Perica, E-W verbinding, road 21. 25 km E of Commewijne river. Malaise trap. 6–20.VIII.1997. Leg. B. de Dijn. Coll. RMNH. PARATYPES (all in coll. RMNH). SURINAM: 1 male, Paramaribo, Charlesburg, Krepi, 21.I.1964, leg. D.C. Geijskes; 1 male, Paramaribo, Ma Retraite, 14.I.1964, leg. D.C. Geijskes; 1 male, Paramaribo, Ma Retraite, 9.II.1964, leg. D.C. Geijskes; 1 female, Kwatta, 1.II.1964, leg. D.C. Geijskes

Distribution
Neotropical: French Guyana, Suriname