SEP 2 3 1964
OF THE
U N I VERS ITY Of ILLINOIS
595-705 CO LB v. 15-17
•V
The Coleopterists’ Bulletin
A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION DEVOTED TO THE STUDY OF BEETLES
VOLUME 15, 1961
Published by
THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA PRESS WASHINGTON 17, D. C.
THE COLEOPTERISTS* BULLETIN
The Coleopterists’ Bulletin is published by The Catholic University of America Press, Washington 17, D. C. and edited by Ross H. Arnett, Jr. It is issued four times a year beginning with March. All business matters should be addressed to The Coleop¬ terists’ Bulletin at the Press. Manuscripts and other editorial matter should be ad¬ dressed to the editor, Department of Biology, Catholic University of America, Washing¬ ton 17, D. C.
Subscriptions: The subscription price for each annual volume of four numbers is $5.00 payable in advance. All sub¬ scriptions begin with the first issue of the year and those subscribing later in the year will receive the back issues of the volume.
Back volumes: A stock of back volumes is maintained and may be purchased as follows: 3 to date, $5.00 ea.; single numbers, $1.25 each; all prices postpaid. Missing numbers: Issues lost in the mail will be supplied free of charge if no¬ tified within three months- after mailing.
EDITORIAL BOARD
William H. Anderson, Ph.D.
U. S. Department of Agriculture Washington 25, D. C.
Ross H. Arnett, Jr., Ph.D.
Editor of the Bulletin Catholic University of America
Eugene J. Gerberg, Ph.D.
Insect Control and Research, Inc. Baltimore, Md.
W. Gardner Lynn, Ph.D.
Head, Department of Biology Catholic University of America
James A. Magner, Ph.D., S.T.D.
Business Manager of the Bulletin Catholic University of America
Theodore J. Spilman
U. S. Department of Agriculture Washington 25, D. C.
NOTICE TO AUTHORS
Manuscripts will be considered ONLY FROM SUBSCRIBERS and should be typewritten on x 11 sheets with at least 1 inch margins, double spaced, and on one side of the paper only. Notations after the author’s name, such as address, project numbers, etc., should be treated as footnotes, and in general, acknowl¬ edgements should also be in footnotes. It is preferred that other footnotes be avoided. Illustrations should be sent un¬ mounted, but numbered. The manu¬ script should be marked to indicate the location of text figures or the position of full page plates. A bibliography should be compiled at the end and references in the text referred to this bibliography. All geo¬ graphical names in periodical abbrevia¬ tions should be spelled out, and the full title of each article cited should be given.
Manuscripts will be acknowledged upon receipt. As soon as possible thereafter the author will be notified as to accept¬
ance after review by the Editorial Board. If the manuscript is accepted, a tentative date of publication will be set. In general, all papers will be published in their order of receipt, but the editor reserves the right to use articles out of order in the interest of a balanced magazine.
The editor will make no text changes without advanced notice to the author. Galley proof will be sent for correction. These galleys are sent out well in advance and do NOT indicate the date or order of publication.
Twenty-five tear sheets of one page notes will be supplied free to the author if requested when returning galley proofs. Reprints of articles printed free of extrane¬ ous matter will be supplied with or with¬ out covers at cost. Reprints MUST be ordered on the form provided when re¬ turning galley proofs. The approximate cost of reprints will be supplied with this form.
EDITORIAL POLICY
Any article, note, or news items likely to be of interest to readers of the Bulletin will be considered. Articles with illustra¬ tions are particularly desired, and in all
cases, descriptions of new species must be illustrated. Descriptions of new species or genera MUST contain keys or be cor¬ related with existing keys.
ototni
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Volume 15, 1961
Abdullah, M., A revisional study of some Australian species of Egestria (Pedilidae)
Abdullah, M., Systematics of Duboisius, a new genus of pedilid beetles (Pedilidae)
Anonymous, Book notice: Biology and control of the western pine beetle, by J. M. Miller and F. P. Keen . . .
Arnett, R. H., Jr., Book review: A manual of common beetles of eastern North America, by E. S. and L. S. Dillon .
Arnett, R. H., Jr., Contribution towards a monograph of the Oedemeridae 14. A kejr to and notes on the new world genera .
Barr, T. C., Jr., A one-step clearing and mounting technique for male genitalia in Coleoptera .
Burke, H. R., Notes on Onychylis LeConte with descriptions of two new species (Curculionidae)... .
Editor, Letter from LeConte to Alexander Agassiz .
El Moursy, A. A., A tentative classification of and a key to the North American genera of the family Byrrhidae (new sense) and family Syncalyptidae (new status) (Coleoptera, Polyphaga, Byrrhoidea) . .
Green, J. W., Revision of the species of Pyropyga (Lampyridae) .
Hatch, M. H., Book review: The beetles of the United States, by R. H. Arnett, Jr.
Hatch, M. H., Book review: The zoology of Iceland, Coleoptera 1 .
Howten, A. T., A revision of the genus Isodacrys Sharp (Curculionidae, Tanyme- cini) .
Kissinger, D. G., A note on the abundance of a weevil, Centrin aspis picumnis (Herbst), in a small field .
Miskimen, G. W., A new family of beetles found in the Cantharoidea .
McDermott, F. A., “Mimetism” in Lampyridae .
McDermott, F. A., A note on the female of Photinus sanctae-luciae McDermott....
Spangler, P. J., Notes on the biology and distribution of Sperchopsis tessellatus (Ziegler) (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) .
Spangler, P. J., A new species of Spercheus from Texas (Coleoptera: Hydrophi¬ lidae) . . .
Spangler, P. J., Notice to coleopterists .
Spilman, T. J., Uloma extraordinaria, a new species from Cuba (Tenebrionidae)....
Spilman, T. J., A few tenebrionids new to Cuba .
Spilman, T. J., and W. H. Anderson, On the immature stages of North American Pyrochroidae .
Triplehorn, C. A., The genus Phaleromela Reitter in North America (Tene¬ brionidae) .
Valentine, B. D., New synonymy in Nearctic Anthribidae .
Vaurie, P., New record of a Sphenophorus (Curculionidae) for the Lesser Antilles
Warner, R. E., The genus Ochyromera new to the Western Hemisphere, with a new species and additions to the Junk-Schenkling Coleopterorum Catalogus. (Curculionidae: Prionomerinae, Endaeini) .
Wittmer, W., Pseudattalus Champ, a synonym of Ahlechrus Waterh. (Malachi- idae) . . .
V ood, S. L., A key to the North American genera of Scolytidae .
Woodruff, R. E., Notes on collecting Carabidae at an oatmeal trail in Ohio .
V ray, D. L., Biology and life history of the ligustrum weevil (Curculionidae) .
Young, D. A., Jr., Walter M. Kulash [Obituary] .
27
97
37
15
49
7
1
128
9
65
31
35
75
96
17
116
116
105
117
120
113
127
38
125
33
26
121
36
41
25
119
32
LIST OF NEW TAX A PROPOSED IN VOLUME 15, 1961
Chauliognathidae (LeConte), new family (Cantharoidea) . 18
Duboisius Abdullah, new genus (Pedilidae) . 97
Duboisius abnormis Abdullah, new species (Pedilidae) . 102
Duboisius arizonensis Abdullah, new species (Pedilidae) . 100
Duboisius benedicti Abdullah, new species (Pedilidae) . 103
Duboisius bowditchi Abdullah, new species (Pedilidae) . 102
Duboisius distinguendus Abdullah, new species (Pedilidae) . 104
Duboisius emarginatus Abdullah, new species (Pedilidae) . 103
Duboisius howdeni Abdullah, new species (Pedilidae) . 103
Duboisius mexcaliensis Abdullah, new species (Pedilidae) . 98
Duboisius punctulatus Abdullah, new species (Pedilidae) . 102
Duboisius terminalis Abdullah, new species (Pedilidae) . 104
Duboisius texanus Abdullah, new species (Pedilidae) . 100
Duboisius wickenburgiensis Abdullah, new species (Pedilidae) . 103
Isodacrys apicale Howden, new species (Curculionidae) . 91
Isodacrys brevirostre Howden, new species (Curculionidae) . 79
Isodacrys buchanani Howden, new species (Curculionidae) . 82
Isodacrys burkei Howden, new species (Curculionidae) . 88
Isodacrys crispum Howden, new species (Curculionidae) . 84
Isodacrys ellipticum Howden, new species (Curculionidae) . 86
Isodacrys geminatum Howden, new species (Curculionidae) . 80
Ochyromera ligustri Warner, new species (Curculionidae) . 121
Onychylis parvulus Burke, new species (Curculionidae) . 5
Onychylis secundus Burke, new species (Curculionidae) . 4
Phaleromela prohumeralis Triplehorn, new name (Tenebrionidae) . 126
Phaleromela variegata Triplehorn, new name (Tenebrionidae) . 126
Pseudobactrocerus Abdullah, nomen nudum . 97
Pyropyga alticola Green, new species (Lampyridae) . 71
Pyropyga australis Green, new species (Lampyridae) . 70
Pyropyga cordobana Green, new species (Lampyridae) . 69
Pyropyga extensa Green, new species (Lampyridae) . 70
Pyropyga modestci Green, new species (Lampyridae) . 69
Pyropyga saltensis Green, new species (Lampyridae) . 72
Spercheus texanus Spangler, new species (Hydrophilidae) . 117
Syncalyptidae (Portevin), new family (Byrrhoidea) . 13
Uloma extraordinaria Spilman, new species (Tenebrionidae) . 113
DATES OF PUBLICATION OF VOLUME 15, 1961
March (No. 1), pp. 1-32, March 29, 1961.
June (No. 2), pp. 33-64, July 2, 1961.
September (No. 3), pp. 65-96, September 11, 1961.
December (No. 4), pp. 97-128, December 30, 1961.
VOLUME 15
40
co
co
MARCH (No. 1)
'a'l
v
ARTICLES
1961
ouBYRRHOIDEA: Tentative classification of Byrrliidad/and
Syncalyptidae, by A. A. El Moursy . . 9
CANTHAROIDEA: A new family, by G. W. Miskimen . 17
CURCULIONIDAE: Notes on Onychylis, by H. R. Burke . 1
New Record of a Sphenophorus, by P. Vaurie . 26
PEDILIDAE: Revision of some Egestria, by M. Abdullah . 27
NOTES
New notice to authors .
Reviews .
Techniques .
Collecting notes .
Obituary .
inside front cover
15, 31 . 7
. 25
. 32
THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA PRESS WASHINGTON 17, D. C.
A Quarterly Publication Devoted
to the Study of Beetles BIOLOGY
THE COLEOPTERISTS* BULLETIN
The Coleopterists’ Bulletin is published by The Catholic University of America Press, Washington 17, D. C. and edited by Ross H. Arnett, Jr. It is issued four times a year beginning with March. All business matters should be addressed to The Coleop¬ terists’ Bulletin at the Press. Manuscripts and other editorial matter should be ad¬ dressed to the editor, Department of Biology, Catholic University of America, Washing¬ ton 17, D. C.
Subscriptions: The subscription price for each annual volume of four numbers is $5.00 payable in advance. All sub¬ scriptions begin with the first issue of the year and those subscribing later in the year will receive the back issues of the volume.
V EDITORIAL BOARD
Back volumes: A stock of back volumes is maintained and may be purchased as follows: 3 to date, $5.00 ea.; single numbers, $1.25 each; all prices postpaid. Missing numbers: Issues lost in the mail will be supplied free of charge if no¬ tified within three months after mailing.
William H. Anderson, Ph.D.
U. S. Department of Agriculture Washington 25, D. C.
Ross H. Arnett, Jr., Ph.D.
Editor of the Bulletin Catholic University of America
Eugene J. Gerberg, Ph.D.
Insect Control and Research, Inc. Baltimore, Md.
W. Gardner Lynn, Ph.D.
Head, Department of Biology Catholic University of America
James A. Magner, Ph.D., S.T.D.
Business Manager of the Bulletin Catholic University of America
Theodore J. Spilman
U. S. Department of Agriculture Washington 25, D. C.
NOTICE TO AUTHORS
Manuscripts will be considered ONLY FROM SUBSCRIBERS and should be typewritten on x 11 sheets with at least 1 inch margins, double spaced, and on one side of the paper only. Notations after the author’s name, such as address, project numbers, etc., should be treated as footnotes, and in general, acknowl¬ edgements should also be in footnotes. It is preferred that other footnotes be avoided. Illustrations should be sent un¬ mounted, but numbered. The manu¬ script should be marked to indicate the location of text figures or the position of full page plates. A bibliography should be compiled at the end and references in the text referred to this bibliography. All geo¬ graphical names in periodical abbrevia¬ tions should be spelled out, and the full title of each article cited should be given.
Manuscripts will be acknowledged upon receipt. As soon as possible thereafter the author will be notified as to accept¬
ance after review by the Editorial Board. If the manuscript is accepted, a tentative date of publication will be set. In general, all papers will be published in their order of receipt, but the editor reserves the right to use articles out of order in the interest of a balanced magazine.
The editor will make no text changes without advanced notice to the author. Galley proof will be sent for correction. These galleys are sent out well in advance and do NOT indicate the date or order of publication.
Twenty-five tear sheets of one page notes will be supplied free to the author if requested when returning galley proofs. Reprints of articles printed free of extrane¬ ous matter will be supplied with or with¬ out covers at cost. Reprints MUST be ordered on the form provided when re¬ turning galley proofs. The approximate cost of reprints will be supplied with this form.
EDITORIAL POLICY
Any article, note, or news items likely to be of interest to readers of the Bulletin will be considered. Articles with illustra¬ tions are particularly desired, and in all
cases, descriptions of new species must be illustrated . Descriptions of new species or genera MUST contain keys or be cor¬ related with existing keys.
A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION DEVOTED TO THE STUDY OF BEETLES
The Coleopterists’ Bulletin
Volume 15 March (No. 1) 1961
NOTES ON ONYCHYLIS LECONTE WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF TWO NEW SPECIES (CURCULIONIDAE)
By Horace R. Burke1* 2
The following notes and descriptions of new species are presented as a contribution to the knowledge of the little known curculionid genus, Onychylis LeConte. The genus, distributed in North and Central America, now contains ten species, two of which are described herein as new. Speci¬ mens of all species assigned to Onychylis, except meridionalis Champion described from Guatemala and cretatus Champion from Mexico, have been seen. Type material of the remaining species, except nigrirostris (Bo- heman), has been examined. A more complete study of this group of weevils must await the accumulation of additional material, especially from Mexico and Central America.
Onychylis LeConte may be characterized as follows. Similar in general habitus to Lissorhoptrus LeConte. Rostrum moderately and evenly curved, slightly shorter to distinctly longer than pronotum. Scrobes short, descend¬ ing to underside of rostrum. Suprascrobal groove on each side of rostrum extends from above antennal insertion posteriorly to front margin of eye. Antenna inserted just before middle of rostrum; funicle 6-segmented; club elongate-oval, pubescent. Prothorax slightly to distinctly wider than long, feebly to rather strongly constricted before apex. Ocular lobes prominent. Alternate intervals of elytra each with a row of recurved setae which may be either prominent or small and inconspicuous. First abdominal suture broadly arcuate in middle. Inner margin of each tibia with a furrow densely clothed with elongate, plumose scales; each tibia with apical spine. Third tarsal segment deeply emarginate, wider than second; fourth tarsal segment elongate, projecting well past lobes of third. Tarsal claws simple, divergent.
Measurements of the length of the rostrum were made as indicated in figure 1,C. Body length was measured along a dorsal line from the front margins of the eyes to the apices of the elytra. Other structures are meas-
1 Technical Contribution No. 3443, Department of Entomology, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station.
2 Acknowledgments. — I am indebted to Mr. John Kingsolver for the loan of most of the Mexican and Central American material upon which this study is based; to Miss Rose Ella Warner, Entomology Research Division, U.S.D.A., and Dr. H. F. Howden, Canadian National Collection, for arranging the loan of material under their care; to Dr. V. M. Tanner for the donation of a paratype of Onychylis essigi Tanner for study; and to Dr. P. J. Darlington, Jr. for making facilities available for my study of LeConte types and other material in his care at the Museum of Com¬ parative Zoology.
1
2
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
ured at the greatest width or length. The male may be recognized most easily by the rather distinct impression in the middle of the first abdominal sternum; this segment is more or less convex in the female. The antennae of the male are inserted nearer the apex of the rostrum than in the female; however, this difference is often so slight .that both sexes must be available for comparison before the character can be used for their separation.
Although not including all species of Onychylis ( meridionalis Champion and cretatus Champion are omitted), the following key will aid in the iden¬ tification of those occurring in America north of Mexico, and will point out the essential characteristics of the two new species described here.
1. Tibiae each with a row of denticles along inner margin; suprascrobal grooves bare, not
filled with scales; rostrum slender (fig. 4) - 2
Tibiae without denticles along inner margins; suprascrobal grooves filled with plumose
scales; rostrum stouter (figs. 1, 2, 3) - 3
2(1). Sides of prothorax parallel, or almost so, in basal half; rostrum of female distinctly
longer than pronotum (3. 8:2. 7); length of body, 3. 3-4. 4 mm.; Texas - TEXANUS Burke
Sides of prothorax more rounded; rostrum of female only slightly longer than pronotum
(2. 8:2. 5); length of body, 2. 7-3. 3 mm.; Mexico and Guatemala - SETIGER Champion
3(1). Body elongate-oval; prothorax slightly wider than long, sides usually parallel in basal
two-thirds (sometimes feebly rounded); (fig. 6) - 4
Body more robust; prothorax distinctly wider than long, sides usually strongly rounded,
never parallel in basal two-thirds (figs. 5, 7) - 5
4(3). Rostrum rather slender (fig. 1), distinctly longer than pronotum in female, slightly so
in male; dark patterns of scales on pronotum and elytra; Texas to Virginia -
- LONGULUS LeConte
Rostrum stouter (fig. 2), about same length as pronotum in either sex; scales rather
uniformly gray throughout, no dark patterns above; El Salvador and Guatemala -
- SECUNDUS n. sp.
5(3). Alternate intervals strongly elevated; setae on these intervals recurved and conspicuous;
prothorax very coarsely punctured, strongly constricted before apex (fig. 5); Texas
- ALTERNANS LeConte
Alternate intervals scarcely, if at all, elevated; setae on these intervals minute; pro¬ thorax less strongly constricted before apex, never coarsely punctured - 6
6(5). Fourth segment of hind tarsus distinctly longer than third (fig. 8); legs slender; scales
dark gray, not entirely obscuring deep black color of derm; California - ESSIGI Tanner
Fourth segment of hind tarsus stouter, little if any longer than third (fig. 9); legs
stouter; dense, agglutinated scales completely obscuring derm - 7
7(6). Tarsal claws slender, not strongly curved (fig. 13); apical spine of hind tibia stout (fig.
11); smaller and more robust; length of body, 2. 2-2. 4 mm.; Texas - PARVULUS n. sp.
Tarsal claws stouter, usually more strongly curved (fig. 12); apical spine of hind tibia slender (fig. 10); larger; length of body, 2. 8-3. 2 mm.; Eastern U. S., Ontario, Canada - NIGRIROSTRIS (Boheman)
Onychylis texanus Burke
Onychylis texanus Burke, 1959, Coleopt. Bull. 13: 36.
As indicated in the preceding key, this weevil and O. setiger Champion are readily distinguishable from all other species of Onychylis. On the basis of these differences the two species may eventually have to be re¬ moved from the genus. However, at the present it appears expedient to treat them under Onychylis.
One specimen before me from Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico agrees well with texanus, except that it has the sides of the prothorax much more strongly rounded. Additional material is needed to determine whether
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
3
or not it is conspecific with texanus, a species now known only from Ander¬ son and Walker counties, Texas.
Onychylis setiger Champion
Onychylis setiger Champion, 1902, Biol. Centrali-Americana, Col. 4: 134.
Described from “Mexico, Amula in Guerrero.” Three specimens are at hand from Chaparion, Jutiapa, Guatemala (D. Lauck).
Onychylis longulus LeConte
Onychylis longulus LeConte, 1876, Proc. American Philo. Soc. 15: 179.
Described from Michigan. Specimens have been examined from Kansas, Louisiana, Virginia and Texas. I have collected specimens of this weevil in fairly large numbers on Pontederia cordata L. near College Station, Texas, from March through September.
Onychylis alternans LeConte
Onychylis alternans LeConte, 1876, Proc. American Philo. Soc. 15: 179.
Very easily separated from all other species of Onychylis by characters presented in the key. Known only from Texas.
Onychylis essigi Tanner
Onychylis essigi Tanner, 1954, Great Basin Nat. 14: 77.
A paratype specimen from the type locality, Saratoga Springs, Death Valley, California, was examined. To my knowledge this species has not been reported to occur elsewhere.
Onychylis nigrirostris (Boheman)
Notiodes nigrirostris Boheman, 1843, Schon. Cure. 7, Pt. 2, 184.
Onychylis nigrirostris (Boheman), LeConte, 1876, Proc. American Philo.
Soc. 15: 178.
This is the most common species of Onychylis. Specimens have been seen from Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada.
Blatchley (1916, Rhynch. N.E. America, p. 226) records nigrirostris as occurring abundantly on Pontederia cordata L. in Florida, and on Sagit- taria near New York City. Specimens bearing the host label, “Decodon verticillatus," from Ottawa, Ontario have been examined.
Considerable variation exists among the specimens treated here as nigrirostris. Although none of these variations in the small number of speci¬ mens available for study from each locality appears to warrant additional segregates, a more extensive investigation might reveal that a complex is actually involved.
4
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
Onychylis secundus NEW SPECIES (Figure 2)
Closely related to Onychylis longulus LeConte from which it may be separated by the characters set forth in the key.
Elongate-oval; derm reddish-black; scape and funicle of antenna tes¬ taceous, club darker, tarsi and apex of rostrum reddish-brown; body and legs covered with a dense coating of rather uniformly gray, agglutinated scales.
Holotype male: Length, 2.7 mm.; width (across elytra), 1.3 mm.; width of pronotum, 0.77 mm.; length of pronotum, 0.70 mm.; length of rostrum 0.70 mm.
Rostrum stout, distinctly curved, as long as pronotum; basal two-thirds with dense coating of scales; apical third clothed with plumose scales and suberect, flattened setae on area immediately below origin of antenna, extreme apex glabrous, shining. Suprascrobal groove densely clothed with plumose scales, opening posteriorly against upper two-thirds of front margin of eye. Antenna inserted immediately before middle of rostrum; scape rather slender, abruptly clavate in apical third, apex not reaching eye; funicular segment 1 conical, segment 2 as long as 3 -f 4, segments 3-6 very nearly equal in length, each as wide as long; club elongate-oval, densely pubescent and with scattered, erect setae, club as long as preced¬ ing five funicular segments combined. Eyes oval. Head with a few7 decum¬ bent setae on frons adjacent to upper anterior margin of eye. Prothorax slightly wider than long, sides parallel in basal two-thirds converging to a feeble subapical constriction; coarse punctures obscured thence by thick covering of scales; pronotal disc bearing a few scattered, decumbent setae. Elytra 2.7 times longer than prothorax, 1. 6 times wider; base emarginate; humeri oblique, rounded behind; sides of elytra parallel to about three- fifths distance from base then converging to rounded apex; alternate in¬ tervals more strongly elevated, each bearing a row of slender, recurved setae; some of the setae on intervals 3, 5 and 7 borne on summits of slight elevations along intervals; striae, beneath scales, deeply impressed; strial punctures deep. Ventral side of body with irregular-shaped to rounded, plumose scales on and around coxae and on last three abdominal sterna, elsewhere clothed with agglutinated scales like those above. First abdominal sternum with a distinct median impression which extends between the hind coxae onto posterior margin of metasternum. Femora gradually clavate, covered with a dense coating of scales and scattered, decumbent setae. Tibiae stout, middle ones slightly more curved near apex than others, each tibia with a slender apical spine. Tarsi slender; third segment deeply emarginate, only very slightly wider than 2, segment 4 equal in length to 3. Claws long, moderately curved, divergent.
Female allotype: Length, 3.1 mm.; width (across elytra), 1.5 mm.; width of pronotum, 0.88 mm.; length of pronotum, 0.74 mm.; length of rostrum, 0.77 mm.
Resembles male holotype except in size and the usual sexual charac¬ teristics.
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
5
Type material: Male holotype, San Antonio, La Union, EL SALVADOR, Jul. 28-1957, (D. Lauck); female allotype, Candeloria, St. Ana, EL SAL¬ VADOR, Jul. 28-1957, (D. Lauck); and one male paratype, same data as holotype, all to be deposited in Collection of Illinois Natural History Survey. One additional male paratype, Jutiapa, Jutiapa, GUATEMALA, Jul. 30-1957, (D. Lauck); to be deposited in Collection of Entomology Department, A. & M. College of Texas.
Onychylis parvulus NEW SPECIES (Figures 3, 7, 11, 13)
Similar to Onychylis nigrirostris (Boheman), but may be separated from that species by the characters presented in the key.
Oval, robust; derm dull black; antennae, tarsi and apex of rostrum dark reddish-brown; body and legs covered by a dense coating of light gray to brownish scales.
Holotype male: Length, 2.2 mm.; width (across elytra), 1.1 mm.; width of pronotum, 0.81 mm.; length of pronotum, 0.63 mm.; length of rostrum, 0.63 mm.
Rostrum stout, moderately curved, as long as pronotum, expanded past antennal insertions, basal two-thirds covered with a dense coating of scales, apical third bare except for a few minute, recumbent setae borne in punctures immediately below origin of antennae; suprascrobal groove on each side of rostrum thickly clothed with plumose scales, upper margin sinuate, extending from above antennal insertions posteriorly to open against middle third of front margin of eye. Antenna rather stout; scape not reaching eye, abruptly enlarged in apical third; funicle three-fourths as long as scape, segment 1 conical, almost as wide as long, 2 as long as 3+4, segments 3-5 equal in length, 6 wider and slightly longer; club elongate-oval, as long as preceding five funicular segments combined, basal segment more thinly clothed than others. Eyes oval. Prothorax dis¬ tinctly wider than long, sides moderately rounded, feebly constricted be¬ fore apex; pronotum densely but finely punctate, derm between punctures finely granulate; a dark, broad, median vitta present on disc of pronotum flanked on each side by a gray, sublateral vitta. Elytra oval, 2.3 times longer and about 1.4 times wider than prothorax; base emarginate; humeri rounded; sides of elytra parallel in basal half thence rounded into slight emargination before apex; intervals feebly convex, alternate ones bearing a few inconspicuous setae; strial punctures beneath dense scales, deep; no definite color pattern, gray and brown scales intermixed. Underside with rounded to irregular-shaped, plumose scales on and around coxae and on last three abdominal sterna. First abdominal sternum with distinct median impression which extends between widely separated hind coxae onto posterior margin of metasternum. Femora strongly clavate, bearing scattered, recurved setae. Tibiae stout, each with a rather short apical spine. Tarsi setose; segment 3 emarginate, dilated, slightly wider than 2; segment 4 a little longer than 3. Claws slender, not strongly curved, divergent.
6
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
Figure 1. — Side view of rostrum, head and prothorax of Onychylis longulus Le- Conte, male, A = suprascrobal groove; B = scrobe; C = line along which length of rostrum is measured. Fig. 2. — Side view of rostrum, head and prothorax of O. secandus n. sp., holotype male. Fig. 3. — Same of 0. parvulus n. sp., holotype male. Fig. 4. — Same of O. texanus Burke, male. Fig. 5. — Dorsal outline of prothorax and elytra of O. alternans LeConte. Fig. 6. — Same of O. longulus LeConte. Fig. 7. — Same of O. parvulus n. sp. Fig. 8. — Dorsal view of third and fourth hind tarsal segments of O. essigi Tanner. Fig. 9. — Same of 0. nigrirostris (Boheman). Fig. 10. — Apex of hind tibia of O. nigrirostris (Boheman). Fig. 11. — Same of O. parvulus n. sp. Fig. 12. — Side view of hind tarsal claw of O. nigrirostris (Boheman). Fig. 13. — Same of O. parvulus n. sp. (Figs. 1-3, line = 0.5 mm. Figs. 4-7, line = 1 mm. Figs. 8-13, greatly enlarged.)
Allotype female: Length, 2.4 mm.; width (across elytra), 1.3 mm.; width of pronotum, 0.88 mm.; length of pronotum, 0.70 mm.; length of rostrum, 0.66 mm.
A deep median groove is present in the apical portion of the fifth ab-
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
7
dominal sternum. Other than this and the usual sexual differences it agrees with the male holotype.
Type material: Male holotype, female allotype and four paratypes Lange’s Mill, Gillespie Co., Texas, V-3-1959 (S.D. & H.R. Burke), to be deposited in Collection of Entomology Department, A. & M. College of Texas. The type series was collected while sweeping vegetation along the banks of a small stream. The paratypes agree well with the holotype and allotype; they range from 2.2 to 2.4 mm. in length.
A ONE-STEP CLEARING AND MOUNTING TECHNIQUE FOR MALE GENITALIA IN COLEOPTERA
In most groups of Coleoptera an examination of the male genitalia has become mandatory for acquiring a clear understanding of the proper taxonomic position of the various species. Mech¬ anical barriers to copulation between externally similar populations of beetles are sometimes revealed by this approach. In certain large, complex genera the structure of the genitalia often leads to the most satisfactory arrangement of species groups.
Methods of preparation of male geni¬ talia for study range from the rather crude to the rather complex, and no one method is necessarily the best for all groups. For larger specimens which have been relaxed (or killed with ethyl acetate vapor, as recommended by Valentine, 1942, 1 and Lindroth, 19572), it is often possible to grasp and evert the aedeagus with iris forceps, and thus mount and dry the specimen with its genitalia extruded. In an alternative procedure the aedeagus can be dissected out, either through the dorsum as recommended by Lindroth (1954, pp. 119-1203), or through the posterior end of the abdomen, and mounted with glue on a cardboard or plastic point on the same pin as the specimen. If internal structures are not important, such simple methods usually suffice.
In certain groups, however, the struc¬ tures within the tegmen of the median lobe require examination. This is es¬ pecially true in the carabid tribe Trechini,
the group of Coleoptera with which the writer is most familiar. The genus Pseu- danophthalmus Jeannel, a very large, exter¬ nally homogeneous group of eyeless cave trechines, can be satisfactorily distri¬ buted into species groups only on the basis of the structure of the transfer apparatus. The aedeagi of such groups must consequently be cleared and mounted in some way for microscopic study.
The usual clearing technique involves gentle boiling in 10-15% potassium hydroxide solution, followed by treat¬ ment in clove oil or some other clearing agent (Lindroth, 1954, 1957). The clear¬ ed genitalia are subsequently mounted on slides in Canada balsam or sand¬ wiched between thin sheets of plastic (Valentine, 1942) and attached to the specimen pin. Some workers who pre¬ fer temporary mounts customarily run the specimen pin through the cork of a small vial in which the cleared aedeagus is stored in glycerin.
Not only is such individual treatment tedious and time-consuming, but there is danger that extremely small aedeagi may be accidentally lost during the procedure. For type and other valuable specimens the aedeagi of which are stored in a glycerin vial, there is always the danger of loss or damage to the genitalia whenever they are examined on temporary mounts. Accompanying the KOH method, especially when used in combination with temporary slide preparation, there is the normal tendency
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THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
on the part of the investigator to prepare as few aedeagi as possible. Although the aedeagus is the least variable of species characters in the Trechini, ex¬ perience has indicated that it is hazardous to base diagnoses between taxa (especi¬ ally subspecies or closely related species) on relatively minor differences between one aedeagus each prepared from two supposedly different samples. When the sample size is large enough, the writer tries to examine from 3 to 6 aedeagi of each sample to be compared, though even 6 preparations may be far too few if statistical treatment of aedeagal char¬ acters is indicated. In the Trechini a rapid and effective method of clearing and mounting male genitalia is an abso¬ lute necessity.
The method described below, which has been employed in the study of aedeagi of various Trechini and Agonini (Cara- bidae), is a comparatively simple, direct, one-step process in which the genitalia are placed in a water-soluble mounting medium which contains its own clearing agent. The specimen is relaxed in boiling water and transferred to a small dish of Barber’s fluid. The aedeagus is removed and cleaned of excess muscle and connective tissue, then is pipetted onto a slide and covered with two or three drops of Down’s medium. It is then oriented within the drop of medium by means of insect pins and a cover slip is applied. Enough medium is added so that a small amount runs out at the edges of the cover slip on all sides. Both slide and specimen are labeled with an accession number. After 48 hours at room temperature the geni¬ talia are usually sufficiently cleared to permit detailed examination of the cop- ulatory pieces at high magnification.
Down’s medium (Downs, 19431 2 3 4) is one of several formulas employing poly¬ vinyl alcohol, lactic acid, phenol, and water. The original formula calls for Grade RH 349 polyvinyl alcohol, obtain¬ able in powder form at low cost from
E. I. DuPont de Nemours Company, under the trade name “Elvanol”. To make up this medium a stock solution of 15 gm of “Elvanol” is dissolved in 100 gm of distilled water at 80°C. The working formula is prepared from 56 parts of the stock, 22 parts of lactic acid, and 22 parts of phenol. Aedeagi mounted in this medium in April, 1957, are in a perfect state of preservation, nearly three years later, and there is no indication of decomposition or crystal¬ lization of the medium. Remounting is facilitated by the fact that the medium is water soluble, though it is usually necessary to immerse the slide of the specimen to be remounted in a dish of water for several hours.
Downs (1943) reports this medium satisfactory for clearing and mounting mosquito larvae, and the present writer has used it for small coleopterous larvae with excellent results.
Communications from other workers would be appreciated regarding the advantages, disadvantages, and further applications of this technique in the study of male beetle genitalia. — Thomas C. Barr, Jr., Department cf Biology, Tennessee Polytechnic Institute, Cookeville.
1 Valentine, J. Manson. 1942 On the
preparation and preservation of in¬ sects, with particular reference to Coleoptera. Smithsonian Misc. Coll., vol. 103 (6): 1-16.
2 Lindroth, Carl H. 1957. The best
method for killing and preserving beetles. Coleopterists’ Bulletin 11: 95-96.
3 Lindroth, Carl H. 1954. Random notes
on North American Carabidae (Coleo¬ ptera). Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., Harvard, 111 (3): 117-161.
4 Downs, Wilbur G. 1943. Polyvinyl
alcohol: a medium for mounting and clearing biological specimens. Science 97 : 539-540.
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
9
A TENTATIVE CLASSIFICATION OF AND A KEY TO THE NORTH AMERICAN GENERA OF THE FAMILY BYRRHIDAE (NEW SENSE) AND FAMILY SYNCALYPTIDAE (NEW STATUS)
(COLEOPTERA, POLYPHAGA, BYRRHOIDEA )
By Aly Aly El Moursy1' 2
INTRODUCTION
The present account is a synopsis of a revision of the North American representatives of the family Byrrhidae (auctorum) . This study, sug¬ gested by George E. Ball, was begun over a year ago at the University of Alberta. •* A detailed illustrated monograph will be prepared for publica¬ tion in the near future.
The following key may be used to distinguish between the two families discussed in this paper:
Prosternum V-shaped; eyes not visible in front view; antennae clavate; the club formed
abruptly by enlargement of terminal three articles - SYNCALYPTIDAE
Prosternum T-shaped; eyes visible in front view; antennae various, if clavate, then club formed by gradual enlargement of the last six or seven articles - BYRRHIDAE
Byrrhidae Leach, 1815
Description. — Body form oval, convex, minute to moderate in size; smallest individuals are found in the genus Exomella, the largest in Byrrhus. Integument either glabrous or covered with clavate bristles, erect hairs, or with a dense coat of decumbent hairs, giving to the integument a velvety appearance. Color gray, dark brown or black, or integument green or castaneous with a pronounced luster.
Head deflexed, convex. Eyes oval or slightly emarginate, situated on sides and partly hidden when head is retracted into prothorax. Labrum usually notched. Antenna of 1 1 articles, usually clavate, with club formed by gradual enlargement of fifth or sixth to eleventh article, or filiform or subfiliform. Mandibles with a variable number of teeth, variously ar¬ ranged, with a deep notch at middle, provided with a leathery lobe. Maxillary palpus of three articles; labial palpus of two articles, terminal article pear-shaped or hatchet-shaped.
1 Department of Entomology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada CafioEg^p^UAV0615^11'11116111 °f EntomoIogy’ Faculty of Science, University of
Mhe manuscript of the paper was reviewed by me, at the author’s request, and some changes were made in it. Dr. El Moursy’s period of study in Canada was interrupted by the steadfast refusal of the government of the United Arab Republic to grant to the author a temporary deferment from military service. — G. E. Ball
10
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
Pronotum convex; prosternum T-shaped, broad anteriorly between coxae, received posteriorly into an emargination of mesosternum; anterior coxal cavities broadly open behind. Mesosternum short, broad in front, narrow behind. Metasternum much broader and longer than pro- and mesosternum, usually with a median longitudinal suture. Legs with anterior coxae transverse, separate; middle coxae less transverse, flat, separate; hind coxae usually transverse, nearly contiguous in mid-line, nearly at¬ taining elytral epipleura laterally; trochanters triangular, large; femora of average length and proportions, usually somewhat flattened; tibiae slender or stout, usually flattened and expanded apically, densely covered with hairs or spines; tarsal formula 5-5-5, tarsomeres usually ascendingly larger from first to third article, fourth small, fifth long, third sometimes lobate, remaining articles with pubescent pads beneath; claws simple. Elytra cov¬ ering abdomen dorsally, strongly convex, surface finely or coarsely punc¬ tate, or smooth; epipleural fold variously formed, extending to end of ely¬ tron, or usually shorter. Metathoracic wings of normal proportions or atrophied.
Abdomen with five sterna normally exposed, these punctate, glabrous or hairy. Male genitalia of the trilobed type; median lobe with apex flat¬ tened, pointed or hook-shaped, and short basal struts; lateral lobes well developed, contiguous basally; basal piece more or less triangular. Re¬ tractile plates of female symmetrical, with well developed styli on coxites.
Ecology and habits. — Byrrhids are herbivorous insects living on moist soil or dry sand, in moss, or under stones and logs. Some species are known to injure young trees in forest nurseries or plantations, some eat roots of wild grasses, weeds, oats and clover. A species of Amphicyrta has been reported as damaging various vegetables, and more especially, lilies (Doucette, 1953).
When disturbed, these beetles are able to retract their appendages and remain motionless for some time. When a byrrhid does this, it appears to be nothing more than a small pebble, or ball — hence the common name “pill beetle.”
Classification. — The Leng Catalogue ( 1920) lists 72 species of Byrrhidae in 14 genera for America north of Mexico. As a result of a study of byrrhid material and examination of the type specimens,4 I have concluded that eight of the species belonging to two genera should be removed from the family Byrrhidae and placed in a group of their own. Of the remaining 64 names, 31 must be listed as synonyms. Following is a summary of my classification.
4 Study of type material was made possible through the generous cooperation of Dr. P. J. Darlington, Jr., Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University; Mr. T. J. Spilman, United States Department of Agriculture, and Dr. J. F. Gates Clarke, United States National Museum, Washington, D. C.; and Dr. W. J. Brown, Entomology Research Institute, Department of Agriculture of Canada, Ottawa, On¬ tario. Financial support for visits to the above institutions was obtained through a grant from the General Research Fund, University of Alberta, held by Dr. G. E. Ball.
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
11
Byrrhinae
Total length 3. 0-9.0 mm.; body oblong, oval, rounded or elongate; antennae clavate; integument with or without clavate hairs; legs in repose closely retracted into grooves in undersurface; elytra with or without striae, metathoracic wings normally developed or atrophied.
Simplocarini
Length 3. 0-4.0 mm.; body elongate, light brown to dark brown in color- elytra shining, very weakly sculptured, with fine, feebly impressed striae!
Simplocaria Stephens, 1830
Morychini, New Tribe
Length 4. 0-6.0 mm.; integument covered with fine, erect or decumbent, hairs, elytra not striate; crural depressions of abdomen small.
Morychus Erichson, 1847
Tylicus Casey, 1912
Pedilophorini
Body narrowed strongly from middle to elytral apex; abdomen densely and coarsely punctate beneath, with crural depressions occupying greater part of first visible abdominal sternum; elytra not striate; metathoracic wings atrophied.
Listemus Casey, 1912
Eusomcilia Casey, 1912
Byrrhini
Length 4.0-9. 0 mm.; body strongly convex, almost hemispherical; in¬ tegument with or without clavate bristles; elytra striate.
Cytilus Erichson, 1847
Byrrhus Linnaeus, 1767
Porcinolus Mulsant, 1869
Amphicyrtinae
Total length 1. 0-9.0 mm.; antennae filiform, subfiliform, or clavate; underside usually without grooves for reception of legs, when present, not well developed; elytra usually finely punctate, epipleura long or short.
Amphicyrtini
Length 5. 0-9.0 mm.; color light brown to almost black, with or with¬ out a strong metallic luster; antennae filiform or subfiliform, not hidden
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THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
in repose on underside of body, hind coxae long, almost contiguous in mid-line, and almost reaching epipleura laterally; tibiae long and slender; third tarsomere bilobed; elytra finely punctate, not striate.
Amphicyrta Erichson, 1843
Lioonini
Length about 3.0 mm.; body elongate or globular; metasternum narrow; hind coxae globular, widely separated, not extending almost to epipleura laterally; third tarsomere not bilobed; elytra finely punctate.
Lioligus Casey, 1912
Lioon Casey, 1912
Exomellini
Length about 3.0 mm.; pronotum convex, rest of body forming another convexity; integument covered with long, curved hairs; mesosternum very narrow, occupied wholly by a deep transverse pit which receives obtuse apex of prostern al process; legs closely retractile, hind coxae slightly separated from one another; elytra with deep punctures arranged in longi¬ tudinal rows; epipleura of elytra broad anteriorly, narrowed posteriorly and disappearing near middle of body.
Exomella Casey, 1914
KEY TO THE GENERA OF NORTH AMERICAN BYRRHIDAE
1. Elytra striate - 2
Elytra not striate - 6
2(1). Crural depressions of abdomen (grooves in first visible abdominal sternum for reception
of hind femora) large, occupying more than half the first sternum - 3
Crural depressions of abdomen small, occupying less than half the first sternum - 4
3(2). Integument with clavate hairs (one species from northeastern and central United States
and the adjacent portion of Canada) - P0RCIN0LUS
Integument with simple hairs (six species whose aggregate range in North America in¬ cludes Alaska, all of Canada, and northern United States) - BYRRHUS
4(2). Epipleura of elytra broad, integument with curved hairs; length about 1.0 mm.; hind
wings atrophied (one species from British Columbia) - EXOMELLA
Elytral epipleura narrow, integument with simple hairs; length more than 3.0 mm., hind
wings normal - 5
5(4). Tibia with a row of spines on external margin (one, possibly two, species whose range includes southern Canada and northern United States, with extensions southward
along the Rocky Mountains) - CYTILUS
Tibia without spines on external margin (three species whose aggregate range includes
Alaska, all of Canada, and montane areas in United States) - SIMPLOCARIA
6(1). Crural depressions of abdomen large, body narrowing strongly from middle toward apex
of elytra - 7
Crural depressions of abdomen small or absent, body narrowing gradually toward apex
of elytra - 8
7(6). Elytra appearing vittate, punctures denser and larger in alternate rows (one species
from Idaho and British Columbia) - EUSOMALIA
Punctures on elytra not arranged to form vittae (two species from Alaska and northern
California) - LISTEMUS
8(6). Elytral epipleuron unusually broad, extending to extremity of elytron, narrowing grad¬ ually toward apex (two species, from Alaska, British Columbia, and California) - LIOON
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
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9(8).
10(9).
11(10).
Elytral epipleuron narrower, about two-thirds the length of elytron _ 9
Tibia with outer face convex, not grooved for reception of tarsus; hind coxa without a lateral grooved portion for reception of hind femur (three species from Alaska,
British Columbia and Idaho) - LIOLIGUS
Tibia with outer face grooved for reception of tarsus; hind coxa with a lateral extension
with a deep depression for reception of hind femur - 10
Dorsal integument glabrous, punctate; antennae filiform; hind wings atrophied (three
species from California and western Nevada) - AMPHICYRTA
Dorsal integument covered with long hair; antennae clavate or moniliform; hind wings normal - 1
Body with green or aeneous luster; middle tibia about as broad as middle femur (seven species whose aggregate range includes central Canada and all of United States but
the southeast) MORYCHUS
Body black, without metallic luster; middle tibia slender, about half the width of middle femur (two species from northern Michigan, Alberta and British Columbia)
TYLICUS
Syncalyptidae Portevin, 1931 (NEW STATUS)
The genera Syncalypta Stephens, 1830 and Curimopsis Ganglbauer, 1902 have always been included in the Byrrhidae (see, for example, Dalla Torre, 1911; Erichson, 1843; Ganglbauer, 1904; Jacquelin du Val, 1 857* Lacordaire, 1854; LeConte, 1862; LeConte and Horn, 1883; Reitter, 1882 and 1911; and Leng, 1920). Portevin (1931) put these two genera in a separate tribe, the Syncalyptini. Crowson (1955), however, recognized that the systematic position of this group was questionable, and he stated that the larvae of Syncalypta should be found and studied to determine if this group really belonged in the Byrrhidae. It seems to me that these genera and the Australian Microchaetes Hope, 1834 differ in so many characters from the typical Byrrhidae that the few superficial similarities may be ascribed to convergence. Therefore, I propose that the Syncalyptini including Microchaetes, be elevated to the rank of family.
Description. Size small to minute; body with scales or clavate hairs of various shapes.
Head deflexed, convex in front, curved laterally; eyes on sides of head, completely concealed when latter is retracted. Antennae of 11 articles,’ the last three progressively larger, forming together an abrupt club.
Prothorax convex, attenuate anteriorly; prosternum V-shaped- tarsal formula 4-4-4 or 5-5-5. ’
Abdomen with five visible sterna, broad at base, strongly narrowing from second sternum, first sternum broadly grooved to receive hind legs m repose. Male genitalia with basal piece cylindrical, median lobe long and curved; lateral lobes lacking. Retractile plates of female symmetrical with long, hairy styli.
The characters shared by the Byrrhidae and Syncalyptidae are: grooves on underside of body for the reception of the legs on contraction and the possession of clavate hairs. However, the clavate hairs which occur in the Palaearctic Curimus and the Holarctic Porcinolus are simple and are arranged in alternate light and dense rows, while those of the ’syn¬ calyptidae have different shapes and are scattered all over the bodv sometimes arranged in clusters carried on elevated portions of the elytra.
14
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
The genera which are presently included in this family may be dis¬ tinguished as follows:
KEY TO THE GENERA OF THE FAMILY SYNCALYPTIDAE
1. Tarsal formula 5-5-5, clavate hairs with longitudinal ridges, those on elytra borne on projections; length of body about 4.0 mm. (seven species, from Australia)
- MICROCHAETES
Tarsal formula 4-4-4, clavate hairs of elytra not on projections - 2
2(1). Frons without two oblique grooves; integument with scales of various forms, and clavate hairs of various shapes; length 2. 0-3.0 mm. (a Holarctic genus, in North America represented by eight species, ranging throughout United States, and north¬ ward to central Alaska) - CURIMOPSIS
Frons with two oblique grooves; integument without scales, but with simple clavate hairs; length about 1.2 mm. (a Holarctic genus, represented in North America by a single species, which ranges throughout Canada and probably northern United States) - SYNCALYPTA
REFERENCES
Casey, T. L.
1908. A new genus of Byrrhidae. Canadian Ent., 40: 281-282.
1912. Descriptive catalogue of the American Byrrhidae. Mem. Coleop., 3: 1-69.
1914. Miscellaneous notes and new species. Mem. Coleop., 5: 355-378.
Crowson, R. A.
1955. The natural classification of the families of Coleoptera. London, 187 pp., 213 figs.
von Dalla Torre, K. W.
1911. Nosodendridae, Byrrhidae, Dermestidae. Coleop. Cat., 14(33): 1-96.
Doucette, C. F.
1953. Amphicyrta chrysomelina as a pest of lilies. Jour. Ec. Ent., 46(5): 914.
Erichson, W. F.
1843. Versuch einer systematischen Eintheilung der Nitidularien. Zeit. Ent., 4: 225-361.
1847. Naturgesch. der lnsecten Deutschlands. Erste Abtheilune. Coleoptera, 3(1): 801-968.
Ganglbauer, L.
1902. Die generische Zerelegung der Byrrhiden Gattung Pedilophorus. Ver- handlungen der kaiserlich-koniglichen zoologischen-botanischen Gesell- schaft in Wien.
1904. Die Kafer von Mitteleuropa. (4) first half. Dermestidae, Nosodendridae, Georyssidae, Dryopidae, Heteroceridae, Hydrophilidae, 286 pp., 12 text- figs.
Hope, F. W.
1834. Descriptions of some hitherto uncharacterized exotic Coleoptera, chiefly from New Holland. Trans. Royal Ent. Soc. London, 1: 11-20, 2 plates.
Jacquelin du Val, P. N. C.
1857. Manuel Entomologique. Genera des Coleopteres d’Europe. Vol. 2, pp. 1-285, 334 figs.
Lacordaire, T.
1854. Histone naturelle des Insectes. Vol. 2, pp. 1-548.
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
15
Leach, W. E.
1815. [Entomological article.] Edinburgh Encyclopaedic. Edinburgh, 9, part 1: 57-172. [From Horn and Schenkling.]
LeConte, J. L.
1862. Classification of the Coleoptera of North America. Smithsonian Misc. Coll., No. 136, pp. 209-286.
LeConte, J. L. and Horn, G. H.
1883. Classification of the Coleoptera of North America. Smithsonian Misc Coll., 26(4), No. 507, i-xxxvii, 1-567.
Leng, C. W.
1920. Catalogue of the Coleoptera of America North of Mexico Mount Vernon 470 pp.
Linnaeus, C.
1767. Systema Naturae, vol. 1, par. 2, editio duodecimo reformata, pp. 533-
Mulsant, E. and Rey, C.
1869. Histoire naturelle des Coleopteres de France. Vol. XXL Tribu des Piluli- formes. Ann. Sci. Phys. Nat. Agric. Ind., 17: 201-378, pis. 1 and 2.
PORTEVIN, G.
1931. Histoire naturelle des Coleopteres de France. Encyclopedic entomologique Paris. Series A, 13, vii, 542 pp., 5 pis., 553 figs.
Reitter, E.
1882. Bestimmungs-Tabellen der europaischen Coleopteren. IV. Enthaltend die Familien, Cistelidae, Georyssidae, und Thorictidae. Verhandlungen kaiser- lich-koniglichen zool.-bot. Gesellsch. Wien, 31: 67-96.
1911. Fauna Germanica. Stuttgart, vol. Ill, pp. 1-436, 146 text-figures 48 colored plates.
Stephens, J. F.
1830. Illustrations of British entomology. Mandibulata. London vol 3 on 1-374, pis. 16-19. ’ ' ’ pp’
REVIEW
A MANUAL OF COMMON BEETLES OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA, by Elizabeth S. and Lawrence S. Dillon. Row, Peterson and Co., Evan¬ ston, 884 pp., clothbound, $9.25.
It takes a long time to write a book; but it takes even longer to decide what is to be included in a book and what is to be left out. Those of us who have known of the Dillon and Dillon book have wondered just what would be left out. The advanced student of beetles is well aware of the tremendous task tackled by the Dillons. He knows that the word “common” must be used with extreme care. So it is no surprise that our ears pick up faint sounds from across the country as the mails are opened and exclamations of “at last” are heard. Those of you who have not yet seen the
book can relax. The Dillons have ac¬ complished what they set out to do. In fact, they have exceeded their original goal by this production, and have given us a carefully selected set of species de¬ scriptions, illustrations, and keys which will be of great value to each and every¬ one of us whose main interest is beetles.
But the book will not do for us what you might think a reviewer has in mind when he makes the above sort of state¬ ments. Each specialist will pick up the book and moan about the omission of his favorite species. This is to be expected. He will never complain, however, when he goes into the local book store and sees a stock of this book. He will be pleased to see his name listed in the bibli¬ ography and happy at last to be able to defend his interest in beetles to the gen-
16
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
eral public on the same footing with the ornithologist, the malacologist, and the botanist. The public can now know what a beetle is and be aware of the aesthetic value of beetle study. In fact, I shall go farther, and predict that this book is the one single factor that will mark the turn¬ ing point in the study of beetles in the New World.
The Old World has long ago put aside such immature notions that the study of beetles is to be confined to the odd and idle rich, or to psyco-ceramic Generals. They have long had an abundance of manuals for all levels of study of this subject. We never have had such a book before; we will never be without such a book again. This is the beginning. Many more will follow. The date 1961 marks for beetle study what 1934 marks for bird study. For this, we shall all be ever grateful to the Dillons!
To do my duty as a reviewer, I must turn now to a critical analysis of the book for the Coleopterist, whom I have not yet addressed in this review. First, I am not hunting for the errors. These, of course, should be searched out and brought to the attention of the authors and their public so that the next edition can be improved. I am sure that many can be found; no book of this nature can be without them.
The general format and binding is well done and shows the careful consideration of professional bookmakers. The organ¬ ization of the book is logical. There is a brief introduction dealing with collecting methods, collection techniques, morphol¬ ogy, beetle larvae (which are not other¬ wise considered due to obvious space limitations), and a general discussion of beetle ecology. The bulk of the book is the systematic descriptions, keys, and illustrations, followed by a carefully se¬ lected bibliography which proceeds from general works to specific family bibli¬ ographies. The index is complete for fam¬ ilies, genera, species, and common names. There is also a glossary of terms. The cover papers also illustrate the principle anatomical features of beetles.
The keys in this book have been sim¬ plified. The family key is to the 64 fam¬ ilies treated in the book, only. There is no complete list of the families. The in¬ troduction is the only place that points out that many families and many species are omitted. Perhaps a checklist of the families, and some further indication of the omissions would have helped, with¬ out using much additional space. The
authors have avoided as many technical terms as possible, and have written their keys solely to the beetles included, so the beginner will always get an answer. We hope he will soon become aware that re¬ liable determinations cannot be made in this' manner.
The keys to genera and species draw heavily on color characters and on size. The generic and specific descriptions off¬ set this feature by including more mor¬ phological features. We hope the student will make use of this before labelling his specimens.
When we turn to particular features, we see that the book suffers from a lack of critical review by specialists prior to publication. Just one example: in the description of the family Oedemeridae, it is stated that the tarsal claws are rarely dentate basally, yet, of the three genera included, two have toothed claws. This will be misleading to the user. We don’t expect the authors to be acquainted with these details outside of their special groups. The specialists would have helped
them, I feel sure. But these are the sorts of things the next edition will correct.
There is one very bad feature in this book. The authors have NOT used the correct generic names for many of the species. In their desire to simplify mat¬ ters for the beginner, they have, by their own admission, lumped genera. This they have done on the basis of ease of recog¬ nition on sight by the beginner. They have not distinguished between genera that require the use of genitalic char¬ acters, for instance, or often between what might be called “close genera.” For example, three genera are lumped under the name “Silpha.” It is for this reason,
then, that the book cannot be considered as a contribution to taxonomic literature. It should NOT be cataloged by revisers, nor should Zoological Record attempt to record this synonymy. We hope that the next edition will rectify this. Meanwhile we suggest that a complete checklist of the species be published, reflecting the proper and correct name for each.
Despite the above remarks addressed to the Coleopterists, we hope the book will be endorsed by all, and that full co¬ operation will be given to the Dillons by the specialists. Finally, we are happy to see that the book is dedicated to Dr. Henry Dietrich of Cornell University, a great tribute to a friend of all Coleop¬ terists.
Editor
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
17
A NEW FAMILY OF BEETLES FOUND IN THE CANTHAROIDEA
By George William Miskimen1
The superfamily Cantharoidea has been subjected to less concerted critical examination than most groups of beetles. This may be due to a number of reasons: these insects are often secretive in habit; they do not make particularly spectacular museum specimens, being soft’ and unman- ageable, therefore not lending themselves to arrangement in martial ranks within a box; and that so many species are found in tropical areas where collecting tends to be more superficial than the more thorough canvass of areas such as Europe and United States.
Familial components of the superfamily have been open to considerable debate in the past and remain in a state of flux today. Many species of Cantharoidea have been described based on single specimens and occa¬ sionally it seems that specific differences are too slight to warrant that designation. In brief, the entire group appears to be in a rather nebulous state of alpha-taxonomy.
Leng (1920) considered the North American families of Cantharoidea to include Lycidae, Lampyridae, Phengodidae, Cantharidae, Drilidae Melyndae, Cleridae, and Corynetidae. In his 1933 supplement the latter three families were removed to a new series, Cleroidea, in response to " Xn§s Presented in Bpving and Craighead’s synopsis of larval Coleoptera ( 1931 ). The change appears valid, as Cleroid adults have only 6 abdominal segments unlike Cantharoids which have either 7 or 8. Peyerimhoff ( 1933 ) and Blackwelder (1944) concurred with Bpving and Craighead, Black- welder also recognizing a family, Karumiidae, as a member of Cantharoidea. Brues and Melander (1932) had used a system similar to that of Peyerimhoff and Blackwelder but erected a family, Rhagophthalmidae which was later placed with the Lampyridae in their 1954 bulletin. Other modifications in 1954 by Brues and Melander were placement of Phengo¬ didae with Cantharidae; Karumiidae with Drilidae; and formation of two new families, Atroctoceridae and Telegeusidae, apparently distinguished from their parent superfamily, Lymexyloidea, which has eight abdominal segments instead of six as well as major larval differences. Members of the superfamily have in common generally recognized primitive morpho- ogical features such as 7 or 8 abdominal segments, eleven antennal joints and five tarsal segments on each leg.
Bpving and Craighead (1931) had divided the Cantharidae into four subfamilies because of larval characteristics. These were designated as Cantharinae, Malthinae, Malthodinae, and Chauliognathinae. The European system of classification of the Cantharidae, outlined in Coleopterorum Catalogus — pars 165 (1939), treats various elements of the family as tribes, namely, Omethini, Podabrini, Cantharini, Silini, Ichthyurini Mal- thmi, and Chauliognathini. When considering the family on a world-wide
1 Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
18
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
basis this classification is perhaps to be preferred, since Bpving and Craig¬ head’s analysis of Cantharidae does not seem to include sufficient examples from localities outside of North America to draw positive conclusions. Again, zoogeographic evidence appears to support Delkeskamp’s classifica¬ tion in Coleopterorum Catalogus. Therefore, in this paper, the European system will be followed. For correlative purposes, American authorities generally include the tribe Ichthyurini in Bpving and Craighead’s subfamily Malthinae while the tribe Chauliognathini and their subfamily, Chauliogna- thinae, are synonymous.
During the past few years I have made an effort to determine relation¬ ships between the taxa of Cantharoidea considering as a major premise that as many factors as possible should be correlated before drawing sweeping conclusions. Previous studies of this type seem to place undue reliance on one or a few diagnostic features. This project has proved to be an unexpectedly difficult task. In the early stages of the study, “con¬ servative” characters demonstrating taxonomic relationship among families were sought. Wing venation was soon found to be constant in a general way within a given family, being variable only in degree and no greater between genera than among species. Venational differences gave the first hint of unnatural elements among the familial taxa belonging to Cantha¬ roidea. This was particularly manifest in the family Cantharidae. The wing venation of the Chauliognathini and Ichthyurini have patterns similar to one another but unlike those of the remaining elements of Cantharidae.
Following this discovery, these tribes were considered in detail for factors confirming their alliance and separating them from the remainder of the family. This study resulted in an abundance of morphological evi¬ dence suggesting that they are closely related and unlike Cantharidae.
Chauliognathidae , NEW FAMILY
Male genitalia of Chauliognathini and Ichthyurini are characterized by asymmetry in contrast to Cantharids, thus supporting my general impres¬ sion that the new group is more specialized.
The median lobe (penis) is twisted nearly ninety degrees dextrally, necessitating lateral copulation. The tegmen, composed of a basal piece with right and left parameres fused to it, is separated from the median lobe by a wide membranous area except at a narrow point of union near the base of the right paramere. This paramere and median lobe presumably serve as claspers during copulation. The left paramere is much reduced or may be lacking in some species. The internal sac everts through the distal end of the penis.
Cantharid genitalia differ markedly, being entirely symmetrical. Some Cantharis retain the primitive tergum of the ninth abdominal segment as a genitalic segment. The basal piece of most Cantharidae forms a tubular structure through which the median lobe slides. Parameres are fused only to the basal piece which also has one or more paired ventral apophyses.
Using Lindroth and Palmen’s (Tuxen, 1956) terminology, genitalia of both groups belong to the annulate group. Cantharid genitalia are clearly the classical annulate type. Chauliognathids are more difficult to explain.
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
19
The asymmetric condition may indicate a link to the Adephaga and Staphylinoidea. I believe coalescence of right paramere and median lobe to be secondarily acquired rather than being simply extensions of the condyle of the articulate form, since the basal piece is a well sclerotized tubular structure. Associated with the asymmetric aedeagus of Chauliog- nathini is a greatly inflated eighth abdominal sternal plate which is at least quite uncommon in Coleoptera (Figure 1).
structure of the Chauliognathid abdomen is radically different from that of Cantharidae. In Chauliognathids the lateral edge is formed by the tergum whereas in Cantharidae the sternum forms the lateral edge (Figure 2). The pleural membrane in Cantharids is evident from the proximal to distal border of each segment. In dried specimens of Chauliognathini, the pleural membrane may be seen only at the extreme distal boundary while in Ichthyurini it is somewhat more extensive. The spiracles are located two-thirds forward from the distal edge of the pleural membrane of each abdominal segment in Chauliognathids. Cantharid spiracles are more variable in position, being one-fourth back from the proximal edge of the pleural area of each segment in Cantharis, one-half way from the proximal edge of the tergal area in Podabrus, and almost to the distal tergal edge but not at the extreme lateral edge in Silis and Polemius . Another point of familial differentiation is that Chauliognathid spiracles are con¬ cealed in dried specimens except for those located on the penultimate segment. In life, distention of the abdomen allows spiracles to be observed directly. Cantharid spiracles may easily be seen in dried specimens. These relationships of tergum, pleural membrane, sternum, and spiracles are not unduly surprising since it is well known that the limits of the definitive tergum and sternum are not necessarily similar to those of the primitive dorsal and ventral areas.
Chauliognathids have another abdominal structure useful in separating the group. Each extreme lateral distal tergal border bears a prominent round spiracle-like depression. Upon dissection, this seems to be glandular. The function is not known at this time.
Cantharoid wings have undergone considerable structural modification making interpretation of venation difficult. Classical venational arrange¬ ments advanced by Comstock and Needham (1898-99) seem unsatisfac¬ tory to me so far as the very difficult Coleoptera are concerned. Forbes’ (1922) system would, with some modification, appear to be more applic¬ able, and will be used in this paper. Venational reductions which I believe to represent a more specialized and advanced condition occur in the new group. Figure 3 illustrates typical wing patterns of Cantharids, and figure 4, those of Chauliognathids. These families may easily be delimited using general wing venational patterns. Minor venational dissimilarity of several types may be discerned among genera and species: (1) fading of untracheated veins, (2) slightly different contact points, and (3) varying proximity to adjacent veins. A general trend toward further reduction is quite apparent. Australian Chauliognathids, for example, are in a much more advanced stage of vein fading than their western hemisphere counterparts.
20
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
Costa (C) is the leading vein in both Cantharids and Chauliognathids as well as all other Coleopterous families. It runs fully basad where an articulation with the metathorax may be found. A narrow membranous strip precedes the costa for its basal one-third.
The strong concave tracheated subcostal vein (SC) is similar in each taxon. Basally it unites with the anterior axillary sclerite which in turn forms an articulation with the metathorax, then runs very close to the costa after which a shift in direction results in union with the radius.
Radius (R) is a prominent tracheated convex vein arising from the same sclerite as does SC although these two veins are not united directly. R4 continues nearly to the wing tip, uniting there with C in both groups. The vein elements in what is usually regarded as the radial stem (Rs) region are somewhat problematical to me. Forbes (1922) states that Rs is atrophied basally leaving an outer radial recurrent (Rr). Then, as the part of Rs crossing the wing fold atrophies, the second radial cross vein (2r) swings into this portion of Rs and is considered a part of Rr.
After examining a series of Cantharoids, I noted a progression of vena- tional changes which do not seem to fit the hypothesis insofar as this superfamily is concerned. The swing of the 2r occurs prior to atrophy of Rr as may be particLilarly noted in Cantharidae. Here, although degen¬ erate, Rr is still visible following juncture of 2r with r-m and Rs + lr. Forbes considered the vein in question to be Rs -f 2r while I feel that expressing it simply as 2r more accurately fits the situation in Cantharoidea. Chauliognathids have completely lost Rr but aside from this the radial system is similar to that of Cantharidae.
The medial vein (M) is virtually identical in both taxa being free basally, fusing with cubitus near the wing margin, and extending thence to the edge as M4 CU. Medius appears to have captured cubitus, then atrophied basally. An r-m cross vein is present which is obscured at wing fold points.
Cubitus (CU) is a strong convex tracheated vein similar in all Cantha¬ roidea. Basally it unites with a pre-axillary sclerite that also receives the second anal vein. The pre-axillary sclerite then articulates with the posterior axillary sclerite. Distally, union with M4 has already been mentioned.
The principal diagnostic differences between Chauliognathids and Cantharids may be found among the anal veins which are vastly reduced in the former group. Interpretation of the anal vein group is difficult at best. Chauliognathids exhibit the greatest reduction of anal veins in the superfamily while Cantharids occupy a comparatively intermediate position.
The first anal vein (1st A) base has been captured by CU in both taxa but union with that vein has been lost due to the presence of a longitudinal wing fold. Chauliognathids have a simple 1st A unconnected with the balance of the anal vein system. Cantharid 1st A is complex being united in part with the second anal vein.
The second anal vein (2nd A) is well tracheated in each group. Chauliognathid 2nd A bifurcates to form what I take to be 2nd A2 and 2nd A3. This represents a reduction from the situation found in Cantharids. There, 2nd A bifurcates twice. The first division gives rise to 2nd A3 and
1961 THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN 21
d second anal trunk (2nd At). The anal trunk quickly divides again form¬ ing 2nd A? which is completely free and 2nd At which unites for a short distance with 1st A, then separates and extends nearly to the wing margin. The 2nd Ax appears similar to a cross vein immediately prior to its connection with 1st A but close examination demonstrates its true nature.
The course of the third anal vein (3rd A) is easily ascertained after considering its development throughout the Cantharoid series. The third anal is captured by 2nd A which extends as a strong 2nd A3 to the wing border in both Chauliognathids and Cantharids. Basally, 3rd A unites with the posterior axillary sclerite which also receives the simple fourth anal vein (4th A). This axillary sclerite then forms the principal articula¬ tion with the metathorax.
Elytra of most Cgjitharidae entirely cover the abdomen, the notable exception being found in Malthini where they are considerably abbre¬ viated. This is also the situation in Ichthyurini and no doubt accounts for placement of this group with Bpving and Craighead’s Malthinae in the past. The Chauliognathini have longer elytra which cover the abdomen completely in species of the Australian region and all but the terminal two or three abdominal segments in Neotropical and Nearctic forms. Full abdominal coverage would seem to be the primitive condition.
The thorax of Cantharoidea seems fundamentally conservative in struc¬ ture as might be anticipated in a portion of the body utilized for the rather fundamental processes of walking and flying. However, even here we find some constant structural differences between the new group and Cantharidae.
Chauliognathid prosterna have a ventro-lateral flattened wing-like sclerotized projection just below the point of articulation with the head. This may vary somewhat in magnitude but is entirely lacking in Canthari¬ dae. The metathoracic episterna narrows rapidly posteriomedially forming an obtuse angle in Chauliognathids while in Cantharids the medial border of the episternum does not become narrowed being simply sinuate through¬ out its entire length. The metapleural post-alar bridge is considerably reduced in width and reflexed laterally in Cantharidae and is larger and rounded laterally in Chauliognathids.
The legs do not appear to have fundamental differences consistent enough to apply to either group as a whole. One feature was found, how¬ ever, which seems diagnostic of Chauliognathids. They lack two distal tibial spurs which are prominent in Cantharidae. Observable tarsal pecu¬ liarities are apparently on specific or generic levels and are coupled with habits of the taxa involved. It was noted that most forms generally consid¬ ered to be more or less quiescent have the fourth tarsal segments split longitudinally resulting in a two-fingered appearance. This condition pre¬ sumably would be useful in grasping flower petal or leaf edges. The fifth tarsal joint is inserted very near the proximal end of the fourth. More vagile species lack split fourth tarsal segments and usually have more distally inserted fifth joints. Most Chauliognathids and Polemius have split tarsal segments while Podabrus and Cantharis generally have entire seg¬ ments. Again, this feature seems to be associated with habits rather than demonstrating affinities.
22
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
The head structure of Chauliognathids is very interesting. In its study, a major difficulty lay in ascertaining which features were truly diagnostic of the family and which were in response to environmental conditions (Figure 5).
Strictly diagnostic characteristics appear to include foreshortened second antennal joints less than one-fourth the length of either the basal or third segment. Cantharid gular sutures range from fully divided in Cantharis to united in Podabrus. In Chauliognathids gular sutures are also united but lack the noticeable sulcus found in Podabrus. The terminal segment of the maxillary palpi of Cantharidae is sharply angular medially forming a rough triangle while in Chauliognathids it is essentially oblong with no sharp angulation.
Other Chauliognathid head structures are useful in diagnosis although when not considered from an adaptation standpoint may seem of question¬ able importance. Food habits are no doubt responsible for a large measure of the variation found in Chauliognathid mouth parts. Adult Nearctic and Neotropical Chauliognathus apparently are strict nectar and pollen feeders, the Ichthyurini are essentially carnivorous, and Australian Chauliognathus are more or less adapted to omnivorous habits. Ichthyurini do not possess the accessory protrusible labral lip and maxillary tongue found in Chaulio- gnathini. Both structures are utilized in the rather specialized feeding of this tribe. The labral lip articulates with the clypeus and is moveable. In addition, the clypeus itself is articulated to the frons by a narrow unsclero- tized area allowing some movement. The protrusible maxillary tongue is at least rare in the class Insecta. This structure is apparently used for “lapping” up nectar and pollen. The post labium of the highly specialized American hemisphere Chauliognathus is undivided forming a completely sclerotized spindle-shaped plate with a median longitudinal raised rib. The balance of Chauliognathids have a divided post labium forming a mentum and submentum connected by a flexible unsclerotized area. Cantharids also have a divided post labium but the submentum itself is again articulated transversely.
It is my opinion that New Guinea and Australian Chauliognathids are closest to the ancestral type. These forms, although presently placed with Chauliognathus, have foreshortened heads similar to Ichthyurini. Man¬ dibular and maxillary dimensions follow head structure and are much less elongate in Australian forms ascribed to Chauliognathus and in Ichthyurini.
Finally, the Chauliognathid vestiture is of a finer shorter sort than Cantharid. Also, as a rule, Cantharidae are more cryptic in pigmentation.
The zoogeographic distribution of Chauliognathini and Ichthyurini is rather suggestive. These taxa are strongest in South America, Australia, and New Guinea, all of which are recognized refuges of relict species. One could logically assume the new group to have been once widespread and then later replaced elsewhere by other species. I do not wish to infer a process of being driven into these areas by superior competitors. Instead, cold intolerance of the vast majority of species in Chauliognathini and Ichthyurini points to range restriction during the late Tertiary followed by replacement in unoccupied areas. Further zoogeographic implications will be treated in another paper soon to be published.
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
23
The Chauliognathini as a group have a marked discontinuity of distri¬ bution. Over four-fifths of the known species are found in South America with but 28 in United States and Mexico north of the Mexican plateau (only 2 of these 28 extend beyond the reaches of southwestern United States). The remaining Chauliognathini are concentrated in New Guinea and Australia.
Ichthyurini are somewhat more widespread but as a group occur, as do Chauliognathini, in localities usually adjudged by zoogeographers to be “relict” areas. Over one-half of the known species inhabit the Oriental or Australian regions while one-fourth occur in the Neotropics. Twenty- four of thirty-one Ethiopian forms are found in the West African relict area. Five species haVe been described from Japan and nine species live in United States. The relict southwestern part of United States is the habitat of most North American species.
After consideration of the evidence it is therefore indicated and pro¬ posed that the taxa generally known as Chauliognathini and Ichthyurini, formerly classed with Cantharidae, be separated and included in a new family which, in accordance with the rules of priority, should be known as Chauliognathidae. The type genus is Chauliognathus as erected by Nicholas Hentz in 1830. I feel that differences in ecology and habits of
Fig. 1, Chauliognathid terminalia, lateral view; Fig. 2a, Chauliognathidae, abdomen, ventral view; Fig. 2b, Cantharidae, abdomen, ventral view; Fig. 3, Cantharidae, wing venation; Fig. 4, Chauliognathidae, wing venation; Fig. 5a, Cantharid ( Podabrus sp.), mouthparts, ventral view; Fig. 5b, Cantharid ( Podabrus sp.), mouthparts, dorsal view; Fig. 5c, Chauliognathid ( Chauliognathus sp.), mouthparts, ventral view; Fig. 5d, Chauliognathid ( Chauliognathus sp.), mouthparts, dorsal view.
24
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
the two main elements of the new family warrant retention of their status as tribes, namely Chauliognathini and Ichthyurini.
Previously described and new taxa included in Chauliognathidae are:
Chauliognathini LeConte
Chauliognathus Hentz (285 sp.) South America Central America Mexico United States New Guinea Australia
subgenus Meloicantharis Pic (1 Brazil
Malthoichthyurus Pic (3 sp.) South America Central America
Selenurus Fairmaire (14 sp.) Australia Tasmania
Maronius Gorham (30 sp.) South America
Daiphron Gorham (33 sp.) South America Central America
Psilorhynchus Blanchard (3 sp.) Amazon-Orinoco Valley
Molychnus Motschulsky (1 sp.) Colombia
Ichthyurini Champion
Macromalthinus Pic (1 sp.) French Guiana
Belotus Gorham (22 sp.)
South America Antilles
Central America United States
Lobetus Kiesenwetter (9 sp.) South America (Northwest)
Pseudolobetus Champion (1 sp.) Panama
subgenus Microdaiphron Pic (8 sp.) Brazil
lchthyurus Westwood (173 sp.)
Central America Mexico United States West Central Africa Eastern Asia Philippines Indonesia
subgenus Microichthyurus Pic (13 sp.)
Philippines Indonesia Malaya Indochina
The number of species indicated in each group is based on Coleopterorum Catalogus of 1939. Since this publication date a substantial number of species, especially New Guinea members of the genus Chauliognathus, have been described. In addition, it is anticipated that certain other genera scattered throughout the family Cantharidae will probably be more cor-
Trypherus LeConte (17 sp.) South America Central America United States Eastern Asia Philippines
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
25
rectly placed with Chauliognathidae. Study material is scarce in museum collections and far larger series than now exist must be assembled before any ot these genera can be placed with assurance. Therefore, until a major revision of the Chauliognathidae is made the changes will be deferred.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Blackwelder, R. E.
1944 ' cheTcki-St °f the Coleopterous insects of Mexico, Central America, the
West indies, and South America. United States Nat. Mus. Bull., 185(1):
B0ving, A. G. and Craighead, F. C.
1931. An illustrated synopsis of the principal larval forms of the order Coleop- tera. Ent. Americana, 11: 1-351.
Brues, C. T. and Melander, A. L.
1932. Classification of Insects. Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., vol. 73, 672 pp.
Brues, C. T., Melander, A. L., and Carpenter, F. M.
1954. Classification of Insects. Bull. Mus. Comp. Zool., vol. 108, 917 pp.
Comstock, J. H. and Needham, J. G.
1898-1899. The wings of insects. American Naturalist, 32-33.
Delkeskamp, K.
1939. Cantharidae. Coleopt. Cat., pars. 165, 357 pp.
Forbes, W. T. M.
1922. The wing-venation of Coleoptera. Ann. Ent. Soc. America, 15: 328-352. Leng, C. W.
1920. Catalogue of the Coleoptera of America north of Mexico, pp. 140-145. J. D. Sherman, Mount Vernon, N. Y.
Leng, C. W. and Mutchler, A. J.
1933. Supplements to the catalogue of Coleoptera of America, 2 and 3 1925- 1932, pp. 6 and 22. J. D. Sherman, Mount Vernon, N. Y.
de Peyerimhoff, P.
1933. Les larves de Coleopteres d’apres. A. G. B0ving et F. C. Craighead et les grands criteriums de l’ordre. Ann. Soc. Ent. France, 102: 77-106.
Tuxen, S. L.
1956. Taxonomist’s glossary of genitalia in insects. Part 16: Coleoptera, Carl H. Lindroth and Ernst Palmen, pp. 69-76. Copenhagen.
NOTES ON COLLECTING CARABIDAE AT AN OATMEAL TRAIL IN OHIO1
The technique described herein was first used successfully by Hubbell (1956)2 for collecting camel crickets of the genus Ceuthophilus. He mentions that certain beetles, especially Carabidae, were also attracted to a bait trail of oatmeal or rolled oats.
On the evening of August 24, 1955, the writer placed a trail of rolled oats in a dense hardwood forest in Blendon Woods, Franklin County, Ohio. This bait trail was placed along a path through the woods consisting mainly of beech, hickory and white oak. The rolled
26
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
oats were distributed sparsely by hand, but were found very easy to follow with the aid of a headlight. There seemed to be a somewhat luminescent quality to these whitish flakes.
Many insects were collected along this trail, but of greatest interest were the 33 specimens of Carabidae represent¬ ing 12 species. Although none of the species are extremely rare in Ohio, this method represents a very easy method of collecting specimens.
Following is a list of the Carabidae collected in less than one hour at the above location: Amphasia inter stitialis (Say) (1), Bembidion variegatum Say (2), Calathus gregaria Dej. (3), Cymindis neglecta Hald. (12), Dicaelus dilatatus Say (2), Dicaelus politus Dej. (1), Eufer- onia stygica (Say) (1), Gastrosticta obscura (Say) (1), Harpalus erythropus Dej. (2), Harpalus vagans Lee. (1), and Pristo- dactyla impunctata (Say) (1). I am indebted to Dr. W. C. Stehr, Ohio Uni¬ versity, for determination of these speci¬ mens. Numbers in parenthesis represent the number of specimens collected.
Most members of the Carabidae are considered predators, and possibly some of these specimens were attracted to the trail because of the other insects that were present. However, a great percentage of the beetles were noted carrying large flakes of oats in their mandibles. It was not possible to ascer¬ tain whether the beetles were actually feeding on the rolled oats. To the human senses, dry rolled oats have little or no odor. However, judging from the number of insects attracted, there must be a definite odor which is attractive to a wide variety of insects.
This method of collecting is very simple, yet quite effective, and it is hoped will prove useful to coleopterists in other areas. — R. E. Woodruff, De¬ partment of Entomology , State Plant Board of Florida , Gainesville.
Contribution No. 8, Entomology Depart¬ ment, State Plant Board of Florida.
2Hubbell, T. H. 1956. A new coll¬ ecting method: the oatmeal trail. Ent. News 67(2):49-51.
NEW RECORD OF A SPHENOPHORUS (CURCULIONIDAE)
FOR THE LESSER ANTILLES
By Patricia Vaurie1
A single specimen of Sphenophorus venatus vestitus Chittenden, a med¬ ium-sized billbug, was collected on the island of Martinique in the Lesser Antilles, on June 10, 1960, by P. and C. Vaurie, at Anse Mitan, across the bay from Fort de France. The weevil was found crawling out of a large crab hole on the edge of a brackish swampy area behind the shore of the bay.
This capture extends the range of the subspecies and the species about 400 miles farther south. The other records for the West Indies are from the Greater Antilles (Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico) and the Bahamas (Grand Bahama, San Salvador, South Caicos, and Long Island). The Caicos and Long Island records have not been published previously; they are represented by two specimens in the American Mu¬ seum of Natural History collected in February and March, 1953, by
1 American Museum of Natural History, New York, N. Y.
1961 THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN 27
E. B. Hayden and L. Giovanni on the Van Voast A.M.N.H. Bahama expedition.
In the eastern United States, nominate venatus (in the north) and venatus vestitus (in the South, and west to Texas) breed principally in Cy penis esc u lent us, or yellow nut grass, also in wheat, Bermuda grass, timothy, and various sedges. The adults may attack corn. In the West Indies I have no record of breeding habits.
The generic name Calandra or Calendra has been suppressed in favor of Sphenophorus under the plenary powers of the International Commis¬ sion on Zoological Nomenclature (Bull. Zool. Nomencl., vol. 17 on. 11?- 1 16, Dec., 1959).
A REVISIONAL STUDY OF SOME AUSTRALIAN SPECIES
OF EGESTRIA (PEDILIDAE)
By Mohammad Abdullah 1> 2
This work presents a redefinition of the genus Egestria Pascoe, designa¬ tion and redescription of the genotype, E. taeniata Pascoe, and one other Australian species, E. suturalis Pascoe, presentation of additional informa¬ tion on distribution, and preliminary comments on the systematic position of this genus in the family Pedilidae.
Egestria Pascoe Egestria Pascoe, 1871. p. 358.
Description. — Head with vertex large. Tempora prominent. Eyes entire or slightly emarginate, finely faceted, small. Antennae filiform with eleventh segment longer than preceding segment. Labrum with ventral side flat, upper side elevated in middle. Mandibles longer than broad. Maxillae with galea bigger than lacinia. Maxillary palpi four-segmented, first segment smallest, last segment large with lateral excavation. Labium with mentum sub-trapezoidal. Neck shorter in width than pronotum. Prothorax punc- tulate, longer than broad, sulcated medially in male. Mesepisterna meeting in front of mesosternum. Metasternum hairy. Wing with anal cell closed. Elytra hairy, punctate, longer than broad. Legs with coxae contiguous, tibial spurs short, tarsi with penultimate segment bilobed, claws each with feeble dentiform dilatation at base, small empodia present, tarsi 5,5,4. Abdomen with fifth sternite emarginate in male, entire in female. Male genitalia with parameres finely and sparsely spined on sides, aedeagus spinous apically. Female genitalia with valvifers slightly hairy on apex.
Genotype: Egestria taeniata Pascoe 1871, pp. 358-359.
1 University of Illinois, Urbana, Ill.
2 The author is grateful to Miss C. M. F. von Hayek of British Museum (BM) and Mr. R. L. Wenzel of Chicago Natural History Museum (CNHM) for the loan of specimens.
28
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
Ege stria taeniata Pascoe
Egestria taeniata Pascoe, 1871, pp. 358-359.
Description. — MALE: Length : 6 mm to 8 mm. Width : 1.5 mm to 2 mm. Color : black to pale rufous. Head punctulate, black with rufous long hairs, clypeolabral suture prominent. Eyes entire or only feebly sinuate, separated by more than twice their width above. Antennae rufous, eleven- segmented: first segment broad, longer and wider than second, second seg¬ ment smallest, third segment twice as long as second, segments four to ten becoming succeedingly smaller, eleventh segment about as large as three to four preceding segments combined (Fig. 1). Labrum slightly broader than long, punctulate, apex fringed with short and long hairs, lower surface flat, upper surface slightly convex in middle. Mandibles hairy, twice as long as broad (Fig. 2) . Maxillae hairy, palpi four-segmented: first segment sub-triangular, smallest; second segment twice as large as third; fourth segment as long as first two segments combined, excavated laterally (Fig. 3). Labium with mentum punctulate, palpi three-segmented, third segment as long as two others. Neck black, half as wide as pronotum. Prothorax black, hairy, margined at base by a sulcus, sides becoming rounded beyond middle, median canal prominent. Scutellum punctate, hairy, with a median sulcus, shape as in Fig. 6. Elytra pale with brown margins, vittate, more than twice as long as wide, 4 to 6 mm long, 1.5 to 2 mm broad. Legs black with portions of tibia and tarsi pale or rufous, tibial apex with a circle of short thick spines, claws with small empodia provided with a pair of long spines. Abdomen pubescent, fifth ventral sternite punctulate, hairy, about as long as wide (Fig. 7); sixth sternite entire or slightly emarginate, very narrow, in form of ring (Fig. 9); fifth tergite entire, longer than broad, hairy, punctulate (Fig. 8). Genitalia : parameres (lateral lobes) finely and sparsely spined laterally, produced into a narrow process apically (Fig. 10); aedeagus (median lobe) serrate apically (Fig. 11).
FEMALE: Length : 9 mm to 11 mm. Width : 3 mm to 4 mm. Antennae with terminal segment as long as preceding two segments combined. Maxillary palpi with last segment as long as second, slightly excavated laterally. Neck black or red, more than half as wide as pronotum. Pronotum without a distinct median canal. Elytra vittate or not. Abdomen with fifth sternite entire, broader than long; fifth tergite sub-triangular, broader than long or equal. Genitalia : valvifers sparsely punctured and hairy at apex laterally (Fig. 12).
Type Locality: Queensland (Rockhampton).
Specimens Examined: Bogan river, N.S. Wales (BM) 1; Fitzroy river, Victoria (BM) 2; Queensland (BM) 5; Rockhampton (BM) 4; no locality (BM) 3.
Egestria suturalis Pascoe
Egestria suturalis Pascoe, 1871. p. 359.
Description. — MALE: Length : 13 mm. Width : 3 mm. Color black. Head black, punctate, hairy, clypeolabral suture prominent. Eyes entire
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
29
or feebly sinuate, separated by more than twice their width above. Antennae eleven-segmented: first segment wider and twice as long as second, second segment smallest, third segment less than twice as long as second, last segment slightly tapering beyond middle, only slightly longer than tenth (Fig. 4). Labrum longer than broad, punctulate, apex fringed with short and long hairs. Mandibles robust and blunt as compared with E. taeniata. Maxillae as in E. taeniata, bigger in size. Labial palpi three-segmented, third segment slightly longer than second. Neck black, punctulate, more than half as wide as pronotum. Prothorax as in E. taeninata, median canal less distinct. Scutellum punctured, hairy, shape as in Fig. 5. Elytra black, punc¬ tured, hairy, more than twice longer than broad, 8 mm long, 3 mm broad. Claws with chitinous empodia, provided with a pair of long spines. Abdomen with fifth sternite punctulate, hairy, wider than long; sixth sternite entire or only feebly emarginate, very narrow, in form of ring; fifth tergite longer than broad, hairy, punctulate, emarginate. Genitalia : parameres finely and less sparsely spined laterally, produced into a narrow process apically; aedeagus spinous on sides apically (Fig. 13). ’
FEMALE: not seen by the author.
Specimens Examined: Fitzroy river, Victoria (BM) 2- N S Wales (BM) 1; Victoria (CNHM) 1; no locality (BM) 2.
Systematic position. — Egestria Pascoe could be well placed in the tribe Eurygeniini, where it closely resembles Pergetus campanulatus in many characters of eye, tempora, maxillary palpi, neck, pronotum, claw wing, and fifth abdominal sternite, but differs in the following characters: eyes feebly sinuate (in some specimens), labrum with ventral surface flat dorsal surface convex, excavation of fourth segment of maxillarv oaloi less prominent (Abdullah, 1960). y P P
REFERENCES CITED
Abdullah, Mohammad
1960. A revision of the genus Pergetus (Coleoptera: Pedilidae), Canadian Journ. Zool., 38: 875-878.
Pascoe, F. P.
1871. Notes on Coleoptera, with descriptions of new genera and species Pt T Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. ser. 4, VIII: 358-91. “ ’
Egestria taeniata Pascoe: Fig. 1, Male antenna; Fig. 2, Male mandible; Fig. 3, Male
Sv?1 uL Fl<^' 6,’ Ma?e scutellum; Fig. 7, Male fifth abdominal sternite; Fig. 8 Male fifth abdominal tergite; Fig. 9, Male sixth abdominal sternite; Fig. 10, Male tegmen- Mg. 11, Male aedeagus; Fig. 12, Female genitalia.
Egestria suturalis Pascoe: Fig. 4, Male antenna; Fig. 5, Male scutellum; Fig 13 Male aedeagus. ’
30
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
See Page 29 for captions.
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
31
REVIEW
THE BEETLES OF THE UNITED STATES. A Manual for Identification. Introduction and Fascicles, 1-9. Ross H. Arnett, Jr. 1960. Catholic Univer¬ sity of America Press, Washington. 210 pp., illus.
This is the first section of what is scheduled to be a key to the families and genera of the Coleoptera of North Amer¬ ica north of Mexico. The book is thus in the tradition of LeConte’s Classification of the Coleoptera of North America (ex¬ clusive of the Coccinellidae, Chrysome- lidae, and Rhynchophora) (1861-73), of LeConte and Horn’s work of the same title (1883), and of Bradley’s Manual of the Genera of Beetles of America North of Mexico (1930), and there is no doubt but that it will prove as useful and as essential as these books have been. The classification used is a modification of the one devised by Crowson in his Na¬ tural Classification of the families of Coleoptera (1955).
A 44-page Introduction reviews the ex¬ ternal antomy of adult beetles and gives an artificial key to families of the Cole¬ optera of the World based on adult char¬ acters, with families not further treated in the book in parentheses. The area cov¬ ered by the book is continental United States, but most of the genera of im¬ mediately adjacent areas of Canada and Mexico are included.
Each family is covered in a separate fascicle with separate pagination, bibli¬ ography, and index, but continuous pagi¬ nation is likewise provided and we are assured that there will be a cumulative index at the end. For each family there is a general introduction including a nice figure of a typical species, a fairly de¬ tailed description, ecology, distribution, etc. This is followed by an artificial key to genera and a list of the subfamilies, tribes, genera, and subgenera in natural sequence. For each genus and subgenus there is given the author of the genus, the date of original description, syno¬ nyms, number of North American species, and the North American distribution.
The present 210-page section covers the Cupedidae and the eight families of
Adephaga. The 128-page section on Cara- bidae is by Dr. George E. Ball and car¬ ries the classification by keys to subgenera with a short paragraph of discussion de¬ voted to each genus and subgenus. Dr. Ball has provided us with a paper which will rank with George Horn’s essay of 1881 as one of the great documents on the North American fauna of this family of beetles.
Since the labor has been assumed of indicating the distribution of the genera, one might wish that it had been a bit more adequately done. Looking at the matter from the viewpoint of the Pacific Northwest fauna alone, I find the follow¬ ing deficiencies in the descriptions of dis¬ tribution: Rhysodes, Wn., Id., Or.; Clini- dium, B. C., Wn.; Apteraliplus, Wn.; Bry- chius, B. C., Wn., Id., Or.; Hydrotrupes, Or.; Agabinus, B. C., Wn., Or.; Agabus, B. C., Wn., Id., Or.; Lacornis, B. C., Wn., Id.; Neoscutopterus, B. C.; Cy bister, Wn., Or. I do not suggest that a state-by-state description of the distribution should have been given but that the general descrip¬ tions should be formed so as to imply these areas. Dineutus, said to be “gen¬ erally distributed,” is virtually unknown from western North America except pos¬ sibly extreme southern California. In Dy- tiscidae, Deronectes and Oreodytes are treated as genera on p. 195, as subgenera on p. 198. On p. 53 no mention is made of the recent attempt of E. Rivalier (Re¬ vue Frangaise d’Entomologie 17, 1950: 217-244; 21, 1954: 249-268) to subdivide Cicindela into a number of genera and subgenera. These are all trivial matters, however. The book as a whole is a splen¬ did work that puts its author in the fore¬ front of American coleopterists.
The book is issued as separate punched sheets for which the publishers provide, at an extra charge, an efficient loose leaf binder. The printing is by letter press on an excellent quality of thin opaque paper.
Now that this new key to genera is un¬ derway, some North American coleop- terist or coleopterists should give his, her, or their attention to the preparation of a new catalogue of our beetle fauna.
Melville H. Hatch
32
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
WALTER M. KULASH
Dr. Walter M. Kulash, Research Professor of Entomology at North Caro¬ lina State College, died at the age of 48, in Raleigh, on September 18, 1960.
Dr. Kulash was born in Haydenville, Mass., on January 8, 1912. He entered the Massachusetts State University, and took his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. at that institution, finishing in 1942. He joined the staff at N. C. State College the same year and remained there until his death.
Because of his deep interest in both people and insects, it would be difficult to say whether his main contributions were in teach¬ ing or research, but both were respectable. He had been teaching courses in Applied Entomology and Forest Entomology in the years preceding his death. His research papers, more than seventy, are indicative of a wide variety of interests — corn insects, tobacco insects, cotton insects, forage insects, insects of stored products, soil insects, and others. Recently, his interests had narrowed considerably and he had begun to intensify his efforts on the biology of elaterids, and his interest in these extended enthusiastically to the taxonomy of the groups he worked with in the field — efforts which he would not live to carry to maturity.
He was a former president of the N. C. State College chapter of the Ameri¬ can Association of University Professors, a former secretary of the Zoological Section of the N. C. Academy of Sciences, and a former president of the N. C. Entomological Society. He was a member of the Coleopterists’ Society, the Entomological Society of America, the Society of Systematic Zoology, and the Society of Sigma Xi.
Dr. Kulash attended the International Congress of Entomology at Montreal, in 1956, and at Vienna in 1960, where he presented two papers. During the latter trip, he visited entomologists and institutions in England, France, Belgium, Austria, and Poland. He visited Colombia as a consultant in 1956.
Dr. Kulash was keenly intellectually curious. In addition to his accom¬ plishments in Entomology, he was well versed in philosophy and languages. These qualities were well-tempered with a lively, ever-present sense of humor which never gave personal offense. His presence was a welcome asset to any gathering of people. His passing was a grievous loss to his professional col¬ leagues at N. C. State College, his students and former students, and to friends in all walks of life in North Carolina and in other places where he was known.
David A. Young, Jr.
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A Manual of Common Beetles of Eastern North America
by Elizabeth S. Dillon and Lawrence S. Dillon* Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas
A scientifically accurate and authoritative identification manual describing the common forms making up 90 per cent of the beetles found in Eastern North America. Includes: 1,200 species in 64 common families, 1,160 species illustrated in black and white, 17 species illustrated in full color, 37 line drawings of larvae, and 544 text figures.
Each family, genus, and species is fully described and keyed to enable the student or collector to identify specimens quickly and carefully. Ex¬ plains in detail the structure, habits, and ecology of beetles. Contains complete instructions for collecting, killing, preserving, pinning, and labeling. 896 pages $9.25. Professional discount of 15% , postpaid.
“. . . should have a lasting effect on the whole of coleopterology in North America.”— Charles D. Michener, The University of Kansas.
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“. . . truly a remarkable accomplishment .... entirely worth the great effort they have expended during the 15 or 20 years they have devoted to the preparation of the manuscript.”— J. Gordon Edwards, San Jose State College.
Row, Peterson and Company
Publishers of Good Books in Evanston, Ill.andElmsford.N.Y.
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1961
VOl{|Me"1^ 1 JUNE (No. 2)
JUL 19 1961
if Ur lLLIrttflS UNIVERSITY OF II
ARTICLES
5 ANTHRIBIDAE : Synonymy of Nearctic species, by B. D. Valentine 33
*— MALACHIIDAE: Synonymy, by W. Wittmer . 36
o OEDEMERID AE : Key to and Notes on New World
cvj Genera, by R. H. Arnett, Jr . 49
— 1 PYROCHROIDAE : Immature stages, by T. J. Spilman 5 and W. H. Anderson . 3g
SCOLYTIDAE: Key to N. A. Genera, by S. L. Wood . 41
NOTES
Review . ^5
Book notice . . __
I
THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA PRESS WASHINGTON 17, D. C.
A Quarterly Publication Devoted, npv to the Study of Beetles ^
THE COLEOPTERISTS* BULLETIN
The Coleopterists’ Bulletin is published by The Catholic University of America Press, Washington 17, D. C. and edited by Ross H. Arnett, Jr. It is issued four times a year beginning with March. All business matters should be addressed to The Coleop- terists’ Bulletin at the Press. Manuscripts and other editorial matter should be ad¬ dressed to the editor, Department of Biology, Catholic University of America, Washing¬ ton 17, D. C.
Subscriptions: The subscription price for each annual volume of four numbers is $5.00 payable in advance. All sub¬ scriptions begin with the first issue of the year and those subscribing later in the year will receive the back issues of the volume.
Back volumes: A stock of back volumes is maintained and may be purchased as follows: 3 to date, $5.00 ea.; single numbers, $1.25 each; all prices postpaid. Missing numbers: Issues lost in the mail will be supplied free of charge if no¬ tified within three months after mailing.
EDITORIAL BOARD
William H. Anderson, Ph.D.
U. S. Department of Agriculture Washington 25, D. C.
Ross H. Arnett, Jr., Ph.D.
Editor of the Bulletin Catholic University of America
Eugene J. Gerberg, Ph.D.
Insect Control and Research, Inc. Baltimore, Md.
W. Gardner Lynn, Ph.D.
Head, Department of Biology Catholic University of America
James A. Magner, Ph.D., S.T.D.
Business Manager of the Bulletin Catholic University of America
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U. S. Department of Agriculture Washington 25, D. C.
NOTICE TO AUTHORS
Manuscripts will be considered ONLY FROM SUBSCRIBERS and should be typewritten on 8^ x 11 sheets with at least 1 inch margins, double spaced, and on one side of the paper only. Notations after the author’s name, such as address, project numbers, etc., should be treated as footnotes, and in general, acknowl¬ edgements should also be in footnotes. It is preferred that other footnotes be avoided. Illustrations should be sent un¬ mounted, but numbered. The manu¬ script should be marked to indicate the location of text figures or the position of full page plates. A bibliography should be compiled at the end and references in the text referred to this bibliography. All geo¬ graphical names in periodical abbrevia¬ tions should be spelled out, and the full title of each article cited should be given.
Manuscripts will be acknowledged upon receipt. As soon as possible thereafter the author will be notified as to accept¬
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Any article, note, or news items likely to be of interest to readers of the Bulletin will be considered. Articles with illustra¬ tions are particularly desired, and in all
cases, descriptions of new species must be illustrated. Descriptions of new species or genera MUST contain keys or be cor¬ related with existing keys.
A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION DEVOTED TO THE STUDY OF BEETLES
The Coleopterists’ Bulletin
Volume 15
June (No. 2)
1961
NEW SYNONYMY IN NEARCTIC ANTHRIBIDAE
By Barry D. Valentine1- 2
A rcccm trip to the United States National Museum in Washington gave
1° StUiyu.the type spec“ of North American An- thrihidae d^P°slted the^e. This collection contains holotypes of all anthri-
s described by Charles Schaeffer and W. Dwight Pierce (except Toxo- lopis sextuberculatus Schaeffer). Examination of the type material there has revealed that four of the species described by Pierce are synonyms of previously described forms. The synonymy is as follows.
Ormiscus saltator LeConte
Ormiscus saltator LeConte 1876. Proc. American Philos. Soc. 15(96) : 397.
Ormiscus angulatus Pierce 1930. Proc. United States Nat. Mus. 77(17): 6. Nec Ormiscus angulatus Jordan, 1904-290. NEW SYNONYMY.
Ormiscus piercei Sleeper 1954. Ohio Jour. Sci. 54(2): 117. Nomen novum. NEW SYNONYMY.
The only distinguishing feature given by Pierce is that the transverse pronotal carina is „ broadly angulate” in angulatus and “more sharply and narrowly angulate in saltator. The degree of angulation of this carma is extremely variable, and Pierce’s type from Dallfs, Texas is not d™0n- tinuously divergent from normal saltator (based on specimens compared
W'i A°nte.s l/Pe ser‘®s)- 1° vtew of the extensive carinal variation the only diagnostic feature for separating the two forms becomes worthless It is a so a temptation to synonymize O. solidus Pierce; however I have not yet been able to demonstrate that this brown, long haired form is just another variation of saltator, although this might well be so
10.' Ohioartmem °f Z0°'°gy and Entomolo«y- ™e Ohio State University, Columbus
2 I wish to acknowledge the help of Miss Rose Ella Warner and TV wiiiio ur Anderson, U. S. Department of Agriculture, during my LXs in Washin^T *
33
24
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
Ormiscus sextuberculatus (Schaeffer)
Ormiscus sextuberculatus (Schaeffer) 1906. Trans. American Ent. Soc.,
32: 269.
Toxotropis victoriensis Pierce 1930. Proc. United States Nat. Mus., 77(17): 11. NEW SYNONYMY.
As in O. saltator above, Pierce relies on the conformation of the trans¬ verse pronotal carina to distinguish his species; this is “broadly rounded” in sextuberculatus and “narrowly rounded” in victoriensis. There is varia¬ tion in this feature in most species of Ormiscus. A comparison of the Pierce type from Victoria, Texas with a topotype of sextuberculatus from Enter¬ prise, Florida in the Schaeffer collection (this specimen may be the missing type of sextuberculatus, but it bears no type label) reveals no differences except in minor details of pattern. These are partially due to sexual di¬ morphism, males having white faces while those of females are mottled brown. Pierce overlooked this feature although he had both sexes before him, the April 5 specimen being male and the other two being female.
Goniocloeus bimaculatus (Olivier)
Goniocloeus bimaculatus (Olivier) 1795. Entomologie 4, genus 80, no. 19.
Tropideres barberi Pierce 1930. Proc. United States Nat. Mus., 77- (17): 13. NEW SYNONYMY.
Pierce says of barberi, “the angles of the apical emargination of the beak are never acute, dentiform as in bimaculatus.” However, his type specimen has these long acute teeth at the edges of the apical emargination as well developed as any bimaculatus. Pierce apparently overlooked them because of the heavy pubescence at the rostral apex. He also says that “sides of prothorax [are] strongly sinuate, due to prominence of lateral prolongation of prothoracic ridge” in bimaculatus, and “almost evenly rounded” in barberi. This is variable in the series I have studied. However there is a tendency for greater angulation in more northern specimens, Pierce’s type series being from Brownsville, Texas. He also states that barberi has the “punctuation of the head and thorax much finer”; this is exag¬ gerated but true. I feel that the close similarity between the Brownsville and the more northern and eastern specimens indicates a single species, barberi representing one extreme of the variation. I realize that this is sub¬ jective opinion; material from Texas north of Brownsville would settle this matter, but I know of no specimens taken in this area.
Tropideres fasciatus (Olivier)3
Tropideres fasciatus (Olivier) 1795. Entomologie 4, genus 80, no. 9.
Eurymycter bicarinatus Pierce 1930. Proc. United States Nat. Mus., 77(17): 17. NEW SYNONYMY.
3 The genus Eurymycter, in which this species was formerly placed, was synonym- ized with Tropideres Schoenherr, 1823, by Valentine, 1960, Trans. American Ent. Soc., 86 ( 1 ) : 70, after the present paper was in press.
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
35
The only feature cited by Pierce that separates these two forms is the tricarinate vs. bicannate rostrum. The other differences cited in pattern and sculpture concern characteristics that are notoriously variable in the genus. Therefore a closer look at the rostral carinae is of considerable importance in assessing the degree of relationship. Pierce says of bicarinatus, “the rostral carinae are close together and very prominent, with no room for a median carina between them as in fasciatus.” Despite this statement his type has a median carina which, although poorly developed is per¬ fectly visible at the rostral base. Of fasciatus he says, “the specimen at hand which most nearly answers the description of this species ... has . . . two distinct rostral carinae with a less distinct median basal carina.” The only difference is one of degree, Pierce’s type having higher and closer lateral carinae and a more obscure median one. As a series of fas- ( iatus demonstrates the variability of rostral sculpture, it is best to consider bicarinatus a synonym representing one extreme of this variability. Pierce’s type is from Tenino, Washington; fasciatus occurs throughout the Pacific Northwest, specimens having been seen from Washington, Oregon Idaho and Utah, as well as eastern United States.
REVIEW
The Zoology of Iceland. Volume III, Part 46. Coleoptera 1. Synopsis, by SvenGisleLarsson and Geir Gigja. 218 pp., 10 figs. 1952. 2. General Re¬ marks. by Sven Gisle Larsson. 85 pp., 13 figs. 1959.
1 he beetle fauna of Iceland consists of 160 species plus 40 species based on adventitious introductions not likely to be established and 7 species whose records are open to doubt. Not one of the 160 established species is peculiar or even subspecific ally peculiar to the Iceland fauna, but all occur in northwestern Europe and establish Iceland as a definite part of the Palaearctic region. 78 or 49 percent of the established species are con¬ sidered by Larsson as indigenous, i.e., as being established in the island before man’s advent. Larsson suggests that these indigenous species are the remnants of a Pre-Glacial or even an Oligocene fauna, that arrived in Iceland when the water barriers were much narrower than at present or even non-existent. They sur¬
vived the not quite complete glaciation of the country in numerous small refugia, the possible existence of which is considered in some detail. The species introduced by man constitute several categories: 35 spe¬ cies associated with the rural culture, 8 species associated with stables, 5 species associated with human abodes, 19 species associated with stored products, and 14 species associated with horticulture. Sev¬ eral of the adventitious species, the author suggests, are possible candidates for introduction if and when portions of the country are reforested.
The four principal families in the established fauna are Staphylinidae, 59 species (31 indigenous); Carabidae, 19 species (17 indigenous); Curculionidae, 15 species (13 indigenous); Crypto- phagidae, 13 species (none indigneous).
The bulk ol the book consists of a carefully prepared annotated list con¬ taining: (1) a reference to a recent des¬ cription, (2) Iceland bibliography, (3) Iceland distribution, (4) general distri¬ bution, and (5) biology and remarks. Melville H. Hatch, University of 1 Vashinqton , Seattle.
36
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
PSEUDATTALUS CHAMP. A SYNONYM OF ABLECHRUS
WATERH. (MALACHIIDAE)
By W. Wittmer1
A few years ago I received through the courtesy of the late Dr. M. Y. Marshall several specimens identified as Attalus granularis (Er.) which were taken at Brunswick, Ga. June 5, 1952, by Dr. D. G. Kissinger. Ex¬ amining the specimens I found that they did not belong to Attalus but to Ablechrus Waterh. In order to ascertain that the insect described by Erich- son also belongs to Ablechrus , Dr. K. Delkeskamp, Zool. Museum Hum¬ boldt Univ., Berlin, was kind enough to examine the holotype. He in¬ formed me that Erichson’s holotype has 9-jointed antennae, which is char¬ acteristic of the genus Ablechrus. There can be no doubt, therefore, that Attalus granularis (Er.) must be listed under Ablechrus.
Pseudattalus Champ, which has the same characteristics as Ablechrus Waterh. must be regarded as a synonym of Ablechrus. I recently had the opportunity to examine the type of Waterhouse at the British Museum, London, and found its congenerity. As the genus Ablechrus was omitted in the Col. Cat. of Junk, Pars 159, I believe the following list will be of interest:
Ablechrus Waterhouse
Ablechrus Waterhouse, Proc. Zool. Soc. London 1877, p. 79.
Tucumanius Pic, Ann. Soc. Ent. Belgique 47. 1903, p. 300 — Wittmer, Rev. de Ent. 12, 1941, p. 512.
Pseudattalus Champion, Trans. Ent. Soc. London 1914, p. 79 — Wittmer, l.c.
arcuatipes Pic, Mel. exot. — ent. 30, 1919, p. 17 {Tucumanius) , BRAZIL.
armatus Champion, Trans. Ent. Soc. London 1914, p. 80, t. 2, fig. 17 ( Pseudattalus ), GUATEMALA.
minimus Gorham, Biol. Centr. Americana, Col. Ill, 2, 1882, p. 121 (part.) ( Ebaeus ).
seminulus Gorham, l.c. (nee. Er.) {Ebaeus).
bosqui Pic, Rev. Soc. Ent. Argentina 2, 1928, p. 50 {Attalus), — Wittmer, Neotropica 1, 1954, p. 31 ( Tucumanius ), ARGENTINA.
cameroni Wittmer, Mitt. Schweiz. Ent. Ges. 30, 1957, p. 157 {Tucu¬ manius), HAITI.
fiavipes Waterhouse, Proc. Zool. Soc. London 1877, p. 79, GALAPAGOS ISLAND.
1 Herrliberg-Ziirich, Switzerland.
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
37
granularis Erichson, Entomogr. I, 1840, p. 112 (Anthocomus)— Lee
Smithsonian Misc. Coll., 6, 1863, p. 54 (Attains)— G. H. Horn
Trans. American Ent. Soc. 4, 1872, p. 123— Marshall, Proc. Cali¬ fornia Acad. Sci. 27, 1951, p. 96, U.S.A.
guadeloupensis Pic, Mel. exot.— ent. 11, 1914, p. 11 ( Ebaeus ) — Le-
^"iq’s?01' of/T1, 1947’ P' 165’ fig' 197~ Wittmer, Ent. Medd. zo, 1953, p. 528 ( Tucumanius ), GUADELOUPE.
maCWTINAWittmer’ Ne0tr°pica h I954> P- 30 ( Tucumanius ), ARGEN-
mininms Erichson, Entomogr. I, 1840, p. 113 (Anthocomus)— Gotham BioL Centr. Americana Col. Ill, 1882, p. 121 (part.) (Ebaeus).— Champion, Trans. Ent. Soc. London 1914, p 80 t 2 fio 16 16 i & b (Pseudattalus), PANAMA, COLOMBIA! ’
/ii^TOcoern/eir^Gorham, Proc. Zool. Soc. London 1898, p. 323 (Ebaeus),
"'^"ARGENTINA S°C' E'U' BdgiqUe 47’ 19°3’ P' 300 tucumanius).
punctatus Gorham, Biol. Centr. Americana, Col. Ill, 1882, p. 321 (Ebaeus) Champion, Trans. Ent. Soc. London 1914, p. 81, PANAMA
m“GENTmk.eXOt_ent- 3°’ 19 ‘9’ P' 16 ('Tucuman,us) BRAZIL
texensis Marshall, Col. Bull. 9, 1955, p. 45 (Pseudattalus), U.S.A. (Texas).
BOOK NOTICE
BIOLOGY AND CONTROL OF THE WESTERN PINE BEETLE, by J. M. Miller and F. P. Keen, of the Forest Service. U. S. Department of Agricul¬ ture Misc. Publ. No. 800, vii and 381 pp., 70 figs. March 1960. Price $2.25.
Here is a book filled with a tremen¬ dous amount of information about the life of the scolytid Dendroctonus brevi- comis LeConte. It is a summary of the first fifty years of research, 1902-1952. The book is concerned with the beetle, the effect of the environment on the beetle, the effect of the beetle on the en¬ vironment which in this case is mostly western yellow pine, and survey and con¬ trol methods. The economic importance of this species can be understood when we read that it destroyed trees which
would have provided 18 million dollars annually in salaries for employees of sawmills. It is no wonder, therefore, that its competition with the lumberman has earned the beetle the title “The Pine Beetle Logging Company,” probably the only instance in which an insect has been called a commercial concern. This re¬ port makes good reading for anyone in- teiested in insect biology and methods of study, especially for those who are con¬ cerned with tree borers, and taxonomists owe economic entomologists a vote of thanks for such a study. It is important to remember that almost all the really thorough studies on the biology of insect species were made for economic reasons.
Anon.
38
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
ON THE IMMATURE STAGES OF NORTH AMERICAN
PYROCHROIDAE
By T. J. Spilman and William H. Anderson1
If an entomologist in the Eastern United States should lift the loosened bark from a fallen log, the chances are very good that he would find a long, flat, pale yellow larva, having a forceps-like tail. The chances are also very good that this larva would be a pyrochroid, not a cucujid as believed by many collectors. Perhaps such larvae are usually thought to be cucujid because their flat shape is similar to that of the adult Cucujus clavipes. Pyrochroid adults are certainly not flat. One characteristic, easily seen in the field with the aid of a low-powered hand lens, will serve to separate the Pyrochroidae from all other flattened larvae with forceps¬ like tails: the pyrochroids have the ninth sternite with closely set, small spines on the anterior and lateral borders (fig. 1). The ninth sternite is that plate lying just anterior to the anus. Flat larvae in other families may have teeth on the ninth sternite but they are not like those on the pyro¬ chroids.
The larvae of the family Pyrochroidae may be characterized as follows. This description is slightly modified from Peterson’s Larvae of Insects, Part 2, 1951, p. 67. Full-grown larvae measure 20 to 35 mm. Head and body segments depressed, orthosomatic, firmly sclerotized, smooth, shiny, and lightly pigmented. A few conspicuous setae may be present on most segments. Head exserted, depressed, subequal in width to prothorax, possessing a lyre-shaped epicranial suture which surrounds a fused frons and clypeus. Labrum is a distmct lobe. Three-segmented antennae are conspicuous, slender, and usually subequal in length to head; with a dis¬ tinct papilla in membrane between segments 2 and 3. Ocelli present, usually 4 or 5 on each side. Mandibles strong, asymmetrical, sclerotized, usually tridentate at the curved apex; distinct molar areas, especially on left mandible. Each maxilla consists of a bipartite cardo, three-segmented palpus, and a combined stipes and set ferous mala with a distinct spine (uncus) at distomesal corner. Labium with a well-defined submentum, mentum, a slightly elongate ligula, and a pair of two-segmented palpi. Prothorax somewhat longer than the subequal mesothorax or metathorax and about same width as that of head. Three pairs of legs subequal in size and structure, each consisting of 4 segments and a terminal claw-like tar- sungulus. Abdomen from dorsal view has 9 segments. Eighth segment is usually twice as long as ninth without urogomphi included. Ninth seg¬ ment consists largely of 2 large, posteriorly projecting, deeply pigmented, roughened urogomphi, with 2 usually distinct pits on margin between their proximal portions. On venter of ninth segment a continuous arch of small spines (asperities) occurs cephalad of the anus. Spiracles annular or oval; they are located on lateral aspects of mesothorax and abdominal segments
1 Entomology Research Division, Agriculture Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
39
1 to 7; on eighth segment they are on ventrolateral portion of tergite. Commonly found under the bark of dead deciduous or coniferous trees.
Four genera of Pyrochroidae are known from America, north of Mexico. We have never seen the immature stages of I scholia, a genus which is tentatively included in this family in the Leng Catalogue. The other three
genera and as many species as are known to us may be differentiated as follows:
KEY TO THE LARVAE OF PYROCHROIDAE OF AMERICA,
NORTH OF MEXICO
1. Urogomphi short and stout, straight or slightly curved, each with obviously coarse pro¬
jections on inner face (fig. 2); abdominal segment 8 having oval spiracle located approximately equidistant from lateral line and tergo-sternal suture -
- NEOPYROCHROA FLABELLATA (F.)
Urogomphi often long and obviously curved, smooth or granulate on inner face (if urogomphi not obviously curved, then the inner face is smooth or granulate); ab¬ dominal segment 8 having circular spiracle adjacent to the lateral line - - - 2
2. Abdominal segment 8 shorter, one and one-half times as long as segment 7; urogomphi
and dorsum of segment 9 between bases of urogomphi without granules, or if pres¬ ent not more deeply pigmented than the surrounding integument (fig. 3) -
— ^ - 7 - SCHIZOTUS CERVICALIS Newman
Abdominal segment 8 twice or nearly twice as long as segment 7; urogomphi with
granules that are obviously darker than the surrounding integument - 3
3. Urogomphi nearly straight, short, the length of each, measured from base of curve
between them, less than the distance between them at apices (fig. 4) _
~ DENDROIDES C0NC0L0R (Newman)
Urogomphi curved, elongate, the length of each, measured from base of curve between
them, greater than the distance between them at apices - 4
4. Abdominal segment 8 near anterior margin with distinct complete transverse ridge;
urogomphi with many tubercles (fig. 5) -
DENDROIDES EPHEMEROIDES (Mannerheim) and PICIPES Horn Abdominal segment 8 with scarcely discernible ridge, the latter broadly interrupted at midline of tergite; urogomphi with few, indistinct granules -
DENDROIDES CANADENSIS Latreille
The pupae of beetles are very poorly known. Many of our most com¬ mon species are unknown in the pupal stage. This is unfortunate, for the pupal stage could provide valuable characteristics in showing us the relationships of taxa. Experienced coleopterists can identify some pupae even to species because they recognize in the pupae the habitus of the adults. We were able to identify male pupae of N eopyrochroa to species because of the distinctively sculptured heads. In addition, if the beetle is in the later part of the pupal stage, one can actually see and identify the ensuing adult stage through the pupal skin. When these methods are not possible, we must rely on structures which are unique to the pupal stage. Such structures are the projections on the middle abdominal seg¬ ments and pronotum. These projections are usually either in the form of tubercles or broad lobes.
A very brief description of the pupae of the Pyrochroidae follows. Head and dorsum of body with elongate, subcylindrical tubercles, their length quite obviously greater than their width. Each tubercle with a long, slender seta, which may be apically or subapically placed. Tubercles ^arranged as follows. Pronotum with 3 or 4 on each of the anterior and posterior
40
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
angles, with 2 pairs on posterior border. Middle segments of abdomen with tergite having 2 or 4 pairs on posterior border near midline, 1 bifurcate or 2 simple ones at posterolateral angle, and one on lateral border; 1 on pleural area below the spiracle, and 2 on each posterolateral corner of sternite, the inner of which is longer.
KEY TO THE KNOWN PUPAE OF PYROCHROIDAE OF AMERICA, NORTH OF MEXICO
1. Tergites of abdominal segments 2 to 6 with one large, apical ly bifurcate tubercle on
the posterolateral angle, and with all tubercles on these tergites having setae arising
subapically (fig. 6) - NE0PYR0CHR0A Blair
Tergites of abdominal segments 2 to 6 with two slender, apically simple tubercles on posterolateral angle, and with all tubercles on these tergites having setae arising apically (fig. 7) - 2
2. Metafemur having 7 or more setae visible when viewed ventrally - SCHIZOTUS Newman
Metafemur having 5 or rarely 6 setae visible when viewed ventrally- DENDROIDES Latreille
Figure 1, ventral view of apex of abdomen of a pyrochroid larva, showing small spines on plate just anterior to anus. Figs. 2-5, dorsal views of urogomphi of larvae. Fig. 2, Neopyrochroa flabellata; Fig. 3, Sc/iizotus cervicalis; Fig. 4, Dendroides con- color; Fig. 5, Dendroides ephemeroides; Figs. 6-7, Dorsal views of posterolateral quarter of third abdominal tergite of pupae. Fig. 6, Neopyrochroa flabellata; Fig. 7, Dendroides concolor.
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
41
A KEY TO THE NORTH AMERICAN GENERA OF
SCOLYTIDAE
By Stephen L. Wood1> 2
For the past several years this writer has been engaged in a study of the comparative morphology of Scolytoid and other Rhynchophorous beetles to obtain the necessary background for preparing a natural classi¬ fication of all Scolytoid genera. Although far from complete, this study has advanced sufficiently that many of the ideas can be utilized in the following preliminary classification.
Bibliographic references to the generic names employed here, their synonymy, and the names of species included in each may be obtained by consulting the Leng Catalogue and its supplements, and Wood 1951 1954a and b, 1956, 1957a, b and c, and 1959a and b, with two excep¬ tions. These exceptions are Thamnophthorus Schedl (1938), included be¬ cause one mutilated unidentifiable specimen belonging to this genus was collected in Florida and may also occur in Arizona; and Dendrocrcinulus Schedl (1937). Since its description Schedl has included a number of Central and South American species in Dendrocranulus, but to my knowl¬ edge has never called attention to its synonymy with Xyloclcptes of Amer¬ ican writers (nec. Ferrari, 1867). Schedl’s genus appears to be valid and should be used to designate the New World allies of Xylocleptes Ferrari.
All of the genera included here in the tribe Xyleborini are grouped by Schedl into the genus Xyleborus Eichhoff. In the absence of any compre¬ hensive review of the tribe and in view of the distinctness of the groups
within this tribe in North America, tentative generic recognition is retained for each.
A character not previously described in the subfamily Ipinae suggests a sharp break between the Pityophthorini-Corthylini and other Ipinae. In virtually all other Scolytidae a tubercle at the anterior end of the mete¬ pisternum fits into a corresponding groove on or near the inner costal margin at the humeral angle of the elytra. In Pityophthorini and Corthy- lini this tubercle is absent and is replaced by two subtransverse grooves on the metepisternum; the elytral groove is reduced and modified to match those of the metepisternum. As a result of this shift in position of the mechanism that locks the elytra in the closed position the elytra extend ventrad to a greater degree than in other Scolytidae completely covering at least the posterior two-thirds of the metepisternum. While concealment of the metepisternum is merely a reflection of the more fundamental but
obscure morphological change, it is easily observed and serves as a useful key character.
1 Department of Zoology and Entomology, Brigham Young University, Provo Utah. Scolytoidea contribution no. 19.
2 A key to the Nearctic subfamilies, tribes and genera of Scolytidae is presented below m order that it will be available for use in “The Beetles of the United States ” fascicle 110, by R. H. Arnett, Jr.
42
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
KEY TO THE GENERA OF SCOLYTIDAE OF THE UNITED STATES
1. Lateral margin of anterior and posterior tibiae unarmed except for a single curved process at outer apical angle that curves toward and extends beyond process of inner apical angle; lateral line of pronotum sharply elevated; antennal club flattened, the sutures strongly procurved, funicle seven-segmented (subfamily SCOLYTINAE,
tribe Scolytini) - 2
Lateral margin of anterior tibia armed by several toothlike processes none of which curve toward the inner process; lateral line of pronotum raised or not, antennal
club and funicle variable - 3
2(1). Elytral declivity rather steep, descending to meet the horizontal abdomen; scutellum
small, flush with surface of elytra; antennal scape at least as long as funicle --L0GANIUS Elytra slightly if at all declivous behind, the abdomen ascending abruptly behind to
meet them; antennal scape distinctly shorter than funicle - SCOLYTUS
3(1). Anterior margins of elytra raised and bearing a series of crenulations; scutellum, if visible, rounded, somewhat depressed and displaced posteriorly causing a slight emargination between bases of elytra; prcnotum usually unarmed; head usually
visible from above (subfamily HYLESININAE) - 4
Anterior margins of elytra unarmed, usually smooth and either rounded or with a fine raised line; scutellum flush with elytral surface, its anterior margin and elytral bases forming an almost straight transverse line across body; pronotum usually armed by granules or asperites on at least anterior third; head usually concealed from
above (subfamily IPINAE) - 25
4(3), Prothoracic tibia with a curved bifid process, and meso- and metathoracic tibiae with a single curved spine extending beyond spine of inner apical angle; prothorax usually longitudinally strigose; antennal funicle seven-segmented; lateral prosternal area bearing a sharply elevated ridge from coxae to anterior margin; crenulations on
elytral bases rather small (tribe Bothrosternini) - 5
Tibiae bearing several teeth, none extending beyond tarsal insertion; prothorax never
longitudinally strigose; antennal funicle and prosternal area variable - 6
5(4). Sutures of antennal club straight; rostrum distinctly wider than distance between eyes;
body elongate -- - - CNESINUS
Sutures of antennal club procurved; rostrum width at tip equal to distance between
eyes; body oval; frons excavated, with median tubercle just above epistoma -- PAGIOCERUS 6(4). Lateral prosternal area sharply elevated from coxae to anterior margin; crenulations on elytral bases usually poorly developed; funicle seven-segmented, club conical-
head somewhat prolonged, subrostrate; eye entire (tribe Hylastini) - 7
Prosternal area without elevated ridge; head not prolonged, the frontal area usually sexually dimorphic; funicle four- to seven-segmented; antennal club more or less
flattened; eye variable - 10
7(6). Crenulations at elytral bases rather well developed, forming a single row of teeth; first and second segments of antennal club subequal in length; body rather stout, length
less than 2.5 mm.; in roots of herbaceous legumes • - - HYLASTINUS
Crenulations at elytral bases poorly developed, irregularly placed, not forming a definite single row; first segment of antennal club distinctly longer than second; usually
larger than 3 mm., very slender if smaller - 8
8(7). Anterior coxae widely separated; general surface of elytra and between punctures on pronotum dull; vestiture sparse, recumbent, yellow; body color reddish brown
- SCIERUS
Anterior coxae narrowly separated, almost contiguous; general surface between punc¬ tures on pronotum and elytra smooth and shining; the longer hairlike vestiture erect;
mature color usually dark brown or black - 9
9(8). Third tarsal segment broad, bilobed; pronotum usually constricted anteriorly, about
equal numbers of small and large punctures intermixed on disc - HYLURGOPS
Third tarsal segment narrower, emarginate; pronotum not noticeable constricted an¬ teriorly, punctures in fcrmly large, in erm.x^d with very few small ones - HYLASTES
10(6). Scutellum visible, elytral bases notched for its reception; third tarsal segments stout, usually somewhat bilobed (except slender in CHRAMESUS) if slender fore coxae
separated - - 11
Scutellum absent, elytra bases only slightly or not at all emarginate at suture; third tarsal segments slender; fore coxae contiguous
21
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
43
11(10).
12(11).
12
15
13(12).
Eye oval, entire; antennal club less strongly compressed, subconical (except DENDROC- TONUS), anterior coxae contiguous (except XYlECHIIMUS); male frons not impressed (tribe Hylurgini) -
Eye more elongate, frequently sinuate or emarginate; club more strongly compressed, usually asymmetrical in outline; anterior coxae separated by an intercoxal piece (tribe Hylesenini) -
Antennal club rather strongly flattened; vestiture hairlike; submarginal epistomal process well developed; antennal funicle five-segmented; mesosternum flat, sloping
a - - - - - DENDROCTONUS
Antennal club almost conical, only slightly compressed; vestiture of abundant, short scalelike or stout bristlelike setae and interstrial rows of longer setae; epistomal process obsolete; antennal funicle five- or seven-segmented - 13
Mesosternum slightly convex, sloping; vestiture of abundant short bristles and rows
of longer hair-
HYLURGOPINUS
14(13).
15(11).
16
16(15).
17(16).
Mesosternum protuberant, anteriorly declivous; short ground vestiture scalelike - 14
Antennal funicle five-segmented; median rows of longer, erect setae scalelike -- XYLECHINUS Antennal funicle seven-segmented; median rows of longer, erect setae hairlike _
7 - PSEUDOHYLESINUS
Antennal funicle six- or seven-segmented, club less strongly compressed, the sutures transverse; tibiae more slender, abruptly narrowed apically, the teeth confined to
apical one-fourth (except LEPERISIIMUS) -
Antennal funicle five-segmented, club more strongly compressed, the sutures oblique or obsolete; tibiae more strongly dilated, rather gradually narrowed on apical third, the teeth distributed over apical half - ig
Antennal funicle six-segmented; anterolateral areas of pronotum unarmed and eye
shallowly emarginate - - _ CARPHOBIUS
Antennal funicle seven-segmented; anterolateral areas of pronotum armed by a few
asperities or else eye not emarginate - 17
Pronotum unarmed in anterolateral areas; scutellar notch between elytra very deep, acute; elytra extended anteriorly over pronotum, the margins in humeral area angulate, pronotum abruptly grooved to accommodate elytral margins; all coxae very widely separated; costal margins of elytra rather strongly ascending pos¬ teriorly, the abdomen ascending to meet them; xylophagous species - DEIMDROSIIMUS
Pronotum armed by a few asperities in anterolaterai areas; scutellar notch obtuse; anterior margins of elytra rather evenly rounded, not strongly extended over pro¬ notum; coxae moderately separated; bark inhabiting species - 18
18(17). Eye entire; costal margins of elytra ascending slightly at apex, abdomen ascending
to meet them; vestiture scaleiike; hosts FRAXIIMUS species - LEPERISIIMUS
Eye shallowly emarginate; costal margins of elytra descending to apex, abdomen
horizontal; vestiture hairlike; hosts ALIMUS species - ALIMIPHAGUS
Eye deeply emarginate; antennal club with three oblique sutures; pronotum unarmed;
hosts Cupressinine trees, rarely other conifers - PHL0E0STIMUS
Eye entire; antennal club either deeply divided on one side into three parts, or club solid and unmarked by sutures; prothorax usually armed by a few asperities in anterolateral areas - 20
Antennal club deeply divided into three units that may be movable on one another;
vestiture hairlike - PHLOEOTRIBUS
Antennal club solid, unmarked by sutures, the funicle apparently attached to its
side; vestiture mostly scalelike - CHRAMES’JS
Eye sinuate or entire; crenulations on elytral bases restricted to area between fifth
interspaces; funicle four- or five-segmented; monogamous species (tribe Hypoborini) 22 Eye deeply emarginate or entirely divided; crenulations on elytra bases more generally distributed, extending lateral to fifth interspace; funicle five- or six-segmented;
polygamous species (tribe Polygraphini) - 24
Antennal funicle four-segmented, sutures of club indicated only by marginal notches; elytra with uniseriate rows of erect, broad interstrial scales and recumbent strial hair of equal length; pronotum armed by three or four pairs of median tubercles,
the anterior pair usually m ?rg!na| LIPARTHRUM
Antennal funicle five-segmented, sutures of club transverse, distinct; elytral vestiture without conspicuous recumbent hair; pronotum armed by two or three widely sepa¬ rated paired clusters of lateral teeth - 23
19(15).
20(19).
21(10).
22(21).
44
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
23(22).
24(21).
25(3).
26(25).
27(26).
28(27).
29(27).
30(29).
31(30).
32(29).
33(32).
34(32).
Antennal club broad, only slightly longer than wide, with two sutures; setae on anterior margin of pronotum not specially modified; elytral vestiture of fine, tapering sub-
plumose hair - CHAET0PHL0EUS
Antennal club usually much longer than wide, with three sutures; anterior margins of pronotum bearing a fringe of specialized setae; elytral vestiture of stout bristle-
or scalelike setae - RENOCIS
Antennal club marked by sutures; eye emarginate; antennal funicle always five-seg¬ mented - CARPHOBORUS
Antennal club solid, unmarked by sutures; antennal funicle five- or six-segmented,
variable; eye completely divided into two parts - POLYGRAPHUS
Metepisternum visible to posterior extremity; antennal club usually thickened basal ly, obliquely truncate or sutures, if visible, strongly displaced apically on posterior
surface; antennal funicle one- to six-segmented - 26
Metepisternum largely covered by elytra, visible only in front; antennal club strongly flattened with sutures on both sides, those on posterior surface not strongly dis¬ placed apically; tibiae slender, usually bearing about three teeth on apical portion;
antennal funicle with from one to five segments - 65
Antennal funicle six-segmented (five-segmented in CACTOPINUS); anterior coxae mod¬ erately separated by an intercoxal piece - 27
Antennal funicle two- to five-segmented; anterior coxae contiguous (except XYLO-
SANDRUS of the Xyleborini) - 36
Outer apical angle of fore tibia armed by a process extending beyond tarsal insertion;
lateral margin of pronotum marked by a sharp, finely raised line (tribe Hexacolini) 28
Fore tibia with sides parallel, usually armed only on apical margin by small teeth, never with process on outer apical angle exceeding tarsal insertion; lateral margins of
pronotum rounded (tribe Micracini) - 29
Anterior area of pronotum transversely rugose; pronotum and elytra subglabrous
- HEXACOLUS
Pronotum uniformly punctured, unarmed; vestiture of pronotum and elytra abundant,
consisting of erect, stout, almost scalelike bristles - PYCNARTHRUM
Antennal club small, greatest width through basal half, apex narrowly rounded, the
sutures straight, transverse - 30
Antennal club usually larger, the greatest width through apical half, apex broadly
rounded, the sutures procurved - 32
Prothorax asperate to base in median area, summit on basal third, usually extending behind its basal margin and over scutellum; male frons bearing a very large, long, partly double process which may curve upward and backward over prothorax, some¬ times reaching its posterior margin: body usually covered by an incrustation -CACTOPINUS Summit at or slightly behind middle of prothorax, basal third devoid of asperities;
male frons not armed by a largi median process - 31
Elytral declivity subvertical, bisulcate, obtusely angulate behind; sutures of antennal club distinctly marked by rows of setae; antennal pedicle and scape about equal
in length - STENOCLEPTUS
Elytral declivity more gradual, evenly convex, rather narrowly rounded behind; sutures of antennal club indicated only by marginal notches; scape distinctly longer th^n
pedicle - CRYPTOCLEPTES
Elytra broadly rounded behind; margins of antennal club usually constricted at first
suture - 33
Elytra acuminate behind; antennal club without sutural constrictions at sides - 34
Pronotum wider than long, widest near base; summit more prominent; fore tibia more
slender, apically obliquely truncate, mucro often bifurcate - PSEUDOTHYSANOES
Pronotum longer than wide, widest near middle; summit less prominent; fore tibia
rather broad, more nearly truncate apically, mucro undivided - THYSANOES
Sutures of antennal club broadly procurved, the first appearing bisinuate and extending less than one-third length of club; scape club-shaped, with few setae; eye oval, rather small; fore tibia more slender, slightly wider apically, with supplemental
tubercles on posterior face - HYLOCURUS
Sutures of club very strongly, narrowly procurved, the first usually reaching middle of club; scape compressed, subtriangular, with numerous long setae; eye large, elongate; fore tibia broad, sides subparallel, posterior surface devoid of tubercles except for teeth on apical margin
35
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
45
>ia with all five teeth
on distal
- MICRACIS
35(34). Eyes moderately separated beneath, entire; fore tib margin, mucro broad -
Eyes subcontiguous beneath, emarginate; fore tibia with at least one of the five teeth
°U,teri nKWgm' muCro more slender - MICRACISELLA
36(26). Antennal club more strongly flattened, with sutures on both faces, those on posterior
ace strongly procurved and limited to apical half; costal margins of elytra slightly
Antemal'rh1hP0Shtrr'0r!y; + antennal three" t0 five-segmented (tribe Cryphalini)
Antennal club obliquely truncate or at least with sutures of posterior face restricted
d t0 ^ tHan aP'Ca one"fourth; costal margins of elytra descending posteriorly -
r0Dn°.UcnJ wlthout a fine, raised lateral line (an indistinct line in CRYPHALOMOR- PHUS ; eye sometimes sinuate, never emarginate; costal margin of elytra ascend¬ ing only slightly posteriorly - - - - _
Pronotum acutely margined at sides, and with a fine, raised line at least on basal one-
38(37). Antennal funicle .five-segmented; antennal club narrow, pointed at tip, suYuresstVaight’
not septate, basal half of pronotum without scalelike setae - CRYPHAI IK
Antennal funicle four-segmented; antennal club broadly rounded at tip, the sutures
. +CUrVe^' rtly Sept3te °r b°th; b3Sal half of Pronotum with scalelike setae ---- - 39
38 ' Antennal dub not septate, sutures indicated by three strongly procurved rows of setae
Antennal club with at least part of firs7s‘u7ure VepiaYern7n7o7 sutu7erindicTdTv°CERUS strongly procurved rows of setae - y
40(39). Sutures of antennal club straight, the first septate; anterior maVgin "of pronrtum slightly
produced; pronotum with no indication of a fine raised lateral line _ PROCRYPHALUS
Antennal club with a strongly oblique septum on one side, no other sutures indicated
ra ised lateral* ' ^ i ne- P^°n°_^^n_ broac^y mounded; pronotum with an indistinct, fine!
41(37). Antennal club not septate, with sutures indicated by rather strongly ^ec^ved^ows RPHUb of setae; third tarsal segment broad and emarginate - TAENIOGLYPTES
42(41) f " ant.en"al Club Straight or P^curved; third tarsal segment cylindrical - 42
42(41). Antennal funicle five-segmented (male usually four-segmented); eye distinctly emargi-
nate, body size greater than 1.4 mm. (except some STEPHANODERES) _ 43
nb:2rsiZe^^rt,0m^^!gm!^_!y^inUate 10 indlstlnct,y ^arginate;
37
46
38
41
43(42).
45
rows of
STEPHAIMODERES
2.4 times
Strial punctures obsolete; posterior half of pronotum finely granulate- antennal club
StrfaTn septate; male and female Sl'milar in size and appearance----HYPOCRYPHALUS S rial punctures distinct; posterior half of pronotum not closely granulate usuallv punctate; male much smaller than female _ _ _ _ _ __
44(43). Abtebnal blub not septate; raised lateral margin of pronotum extending "two" thii-ds stria, b "sties - 7!! - m_a_r9mj elytra glab™s ««pt for a few subcapitate inter!
FithirdUtoUfredis°tf a"teral Ci“b 'tor;i'n^„''^^^RENUS
strial t0 elytra clothed ’by Is o
45(42). First suture of antennal club partly septate; body slender, more than 2 a ernes as than iaWmm.-S!-!!7"dS!r!al_PUnCtUreS n0t 35 Str0ngly imPressedi usually larger Antennal dub not septate; body stouTle’JThl^TtT^^^^^^
A t 'PfUnCtl|ire+S m°re Strongly lmPressed; smaller than 1.1 mm. - -TRISCHIDIAS
46(36). An ennal funicle two- or three-segmented; pronotum unarmed, punctured over entire
AntPnn^T'f ater|3 ra'Sed; mmute size' 2 mm- or less (tribe Crypturgini) 47
Antenna funicle four- or five-segmented; pronotum usually armed anteriorly by
over ^Vm. _l^_^nar^ed_ ^era* ""e sharply raised; usually larger, mostly
Antennal funicle two-segmented, club with one obscure suture indicated" at tip” CRYPTIJ RC IK Antennal funicle three-segmented; club with three sutures indicated ------ Dm URGIK
Eye completely divided by an emargination; antennal funicle four-segmented club with out distinct sutures (tribe Xyloterini) - ' _
Anterior margin of eye sinuate or emarginate, never completely divided- antennal funicle five-segmented (four-segmented in LYMAN TOR), club usually with evident sutures 50
47(46).
48(46).
46
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
49(48). Antennal club with subcorneous basal area strongly, rather narrowly procurved; anterior tibia of female thickened and tuberculate on posterior face, flattened and finely tuberculate in male; male head deeply, broadly excavated, the prothorax subquad¬ rate; female frons convex, anterior margin of female pronotum rounded --TRYP0DENDR0N Antennal club with subcorneous basal area broadly procurved; anterior tibia flattened and devoid of tubercles on posterior face; frons not excavated in either sex; anterior
margin of prothorax rounded in both sexes - XYLOTERINUS
50(48). Pronotum either punctured or else finely granulate over almost entire surface, dorsal profile evenly convex, not strongly declivous anteriorly, anterior margin never armed; tibia usually rather slender and armed by few, coarse teeth; declivity unarmed
(tribe Dryocoetini) - 51
Pronotum more coarsely asperate and more strongly declivous anteriorly, usually punc¬ tate at least on posterior third, anterior margin sometimes armed; tibia variable;
declivity frequently armed by spinous processes - 55
51(50). Prothorax distinctly longer than wide, widest at middle; antennal club compressed or with membranous apical portion extended beyond corneous portion, sutures pro-
curved; scutellum very small - 52
Prothorax about as wide as long, widest on posterior third, rather strongly narrowed on anterior half; antennal club subtruncate, sutures transverse or recurved; scutellum
moderate to large - 53
52(51). Antennal funicle four-segmented; club compressed, sutures strongly arcuate; pronotum
granulate on anterior half, punctured behind; host ACER - LYMANTOR
Antennal funicle five-segmented; club less strongly compressed, sutures rather broadly
procurved; pronotum granulate to base; host CUCURBITA - DENDROCRANULUS
53(51). Basal corneous portion of antennal club reaching beyond middle; declivity short, steep,
confined to posterior one-fourth of elytra - - DRYOCOETES
Corneous portion of club not reaching middle in central area; declivity gradual, extend¬ ing over at least posterior one-third - 54
54(53). Pronotal asperities very fine, widely separated; pronotum moderately to weakly
convex both transversely and longitudinally - POECILIPS
Pronotal asperities larger, very close, their bases almost touching; pronotum very
strongly convex both transversely and longitudinally. - COCCOTRYPES
55(50). Meso- and metathoracic tibiae rather slender, abruptly narrowed apical ly, armed by a few rather widely spaced coarse teeth; males and females similar in size and general
shape (tribe Ipini) - 56
Meso- and metathoracic tibiae rather broadly dilated to a point slightly beyond middle then gradually narrowed to apex, and armed by a series of small closely set teeth of more or less uniform size and shape; males rare, usually smaller and radically
different in shape (tribe Xyleborini) - 60
56(55). Elytral declivity, rather narrowly bisulcate, margins moderately elevated, rounded and armed by not more than three teeth; lower margin of declivity rounded; usually
smaller than 3 mm. - 57
Elytral declivity broadly, rather deeply excavated, margins acutely elevated and armed by more than three tubercles or teeth; lower margin of declivity provided with an acutely elevated transverse ridge separating declivital excavation from apical
margin; usually larger than 3 mm. - 59
57(56). Prosternal intercoxal piece short, obtuse; female frons deeply, rather narrowly exca¬ vated; male declivity with two or three pair of enlarged teeth; antennal club
compressed, two sutures visible on distal third of posterior face - PITYOGENES
Prosternal intercoxal piece long and acutely tapered; female frons convex; male decliv¬ ity more narrowly impressed - 58
58(57). Antennal club compressed, with two sutures visible on distal fourth of posterior face;
elytral declivity less strongly impressed, the lateral teeth minute; vestiture on
anterior parts of prothorax and frons not more abundant or longer - ORTHOTOMIDES
Antennal club obliquely truncate, without sutures on posterior face; elytral declivity more strongly impressed, the lateral teeth larger particularly in male; vestiture much longer and more abundant on anterior portion of prothorax and frons, particu¬ larly in female - PITYOKTEINES
59(56). Antennal club obliquely truncate, the sutures recurved; elytral declivity less strongly excavated, the third tooth displaced mesally, not on summit of declivited margin - ORTHOTOMICUS
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THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
47
Antennal club flattened the sutures procured bisinuate or transverse; elytral declivity
broadly excavated' 3,1 teeth on summit of lateral margin - IPS
60(55). Anterior^ coxae widely separated; body stout, elytra less than 1.3 times as long as
Anterior coxae contiguous; body elongate, often slender, elytra at least 1 ^ti^^s N°RUS as long as pronotum -
61(60). Antennal club more strongly compressed; corneous area small, near base, its distal margin procurved, distal pubescent portion reaching basal one-fifth at sides; elytra obliquely truncate behind, declivity broadly, concavely excavated and acutely margi¬ ned on a complete circle at periphery - - dremnoriik
Antennal club thickened basally, corneous area larger with its distal margin recurved pubescent area not reaching basal third; elytral declivity margined on upper half -
62(61).
convex, not acutely
Pronotum wider than long, rather coarsely asperate in front; body stout _
/ o v r°notum longer than wide, rather finely asperate in front; body slender -
63(62). Pronotum subquadrate, asperate to base, anterior margin unarmed; declivity beari several granules or rather large teeth, some on second interspace --- Pronotum subcircular, minutely reticulate-granulate
64(62).
65(25).
62
63
64 'ing
AMBR0SI0DMUS
... - - and punctured on basal half
anterior margin armed by a series of median teeth; declivital granules small ANISANDRUS Scutellum conical; lower margin of declivity, beginning about interspace seven bearinq a series of pointed tubercles, the one nearest suture (at end of interspace two) largest XYLEBORIN US
Scutellum flat; lower margin of declivity acute or rounded, unarmed - XYLEBORUS
Posterior oral region including pregula flush with surrounding surface of head pregula broad, its lateral sutures apparently diverging to run behind oral ridge; pubescence more abundant; antennal club usually smaller, funicle five-segmented except three- or four-segmented in DENDROTERUS; bark or twig beetles (tribe Pityophthorini) Posterior oral region including pregula depressed below surrounding surface of head or pregula narrow, greatly reduced in size, its sutures extending anteriorly into oral cavity; pubescence less abundant; antennal club usually larger, the funicle one-
to five-segmented; ambrosia beetles (tribe Corthylini) _
66(65). Basal and lateral margins of prothorax rounded, without a fine raised line; antennal
club somewhat larger in size; vestiture shorter and more uniform in length" _ 67
Basal and posterior portion of lateral margins with a fine raised line; antennal club
. Proportionately smaller; vestiture usually longer on declivity than on disc _ 68
67(66). Antenna funicle three-segmented (sometimes four segments in Mexican species)- c ub less than twice as long as funicle; female pronotum without oatches of pilose
pubescence; elytral pubescence abundant - 1 _ DENDROTFRIK
Antennal funicle five-segmented, club at least twice as long as funicle; female prothorax with a pair of pilose pubescent areas on middle third of lateral areas-
elytral pubescence sparse - PITYORfiRi i cr
68(66). Antennal club devoid of sutures except for one strongly oblique septum on anterior a of club only, prothorax evenly rounded in dorsal profile, summit inconspicuous asperities fine, transition from asperate to punctured area gradual — TH AM NO PHTH OR US ntennal club with at least two complete sutures indicated at least by setae- thorax usually more strongly declivous anteriorly, summit and asperities variable -
66
73
pro¬ arrangement of
69(68). Sutures of
. , antennal club not septate; pronotal asperities usually extending behind middle at sides, the transition from asperate to punctured area gradual; body moderately to very stout - _________
First and second sutures of antennal club septate; pronotal asperities usually not reaching middle, the transition from asperate to punctured area usually abrupt,
summit usually well developed; body moderately stout to slender _ 1
70(69). Usually smaller, 2.0-2.9 mm.; anterior margin of pronotum rather coarsely serrate- pronotum with transverse impression behind summit; ninth interspace weakly vated, antennal club distinctly longer than funicle; twig beetles, never
69
70
71
in
ele-
cones
Usually larger, 2. 6-4.0 mm.; anterior margin of pronotum feebly or not at all serrate- pronotum without transverse impression behind summit; ninth interspace not ele- 71,,q, D vat^d; club and funicle equal in length; in cones, rarely in twigs, of PINUS-- C0N0PHTH0RUS 71(69). Pronotum and elytra minutely densely punctured; vestiture very short usually dense- antennal club with first segment shorter than others; greater development of
48
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
72(71).
73(65).
74(73).
75(73).
frontal vestiture a male character; hosts QUERCUS, rarely other broadleaf trees
- „ - PSEUDOPITYOPHTHORUS
Pronotum and elytra more coarsely, less densely punctured; vestiture usually longer
and less abundant; greater development of frontal vestiture a female character - 72
Pregular area greatly enlarged and ornamented by a beardlike growth of long hair
- PITYOPHILUS
Pregular area normal and without conspicuous vestiture - PITYOPHTHORUS
Antennal funicle five-segmented, club smaller, less than twice as long as funicle - 74
Antennal funicle one- or two-segmented; club very large, more than three times as
long as funicle - 75
Costal margins of elytra near declivital suture normal, not elevated; pronotal punctures rather coarse, abundant; elytral punctures confused, vestiture rather abundant
- CONOPHTHOCRANULUS
Costal margins of elytra near declivital suture strongly elevated, forming a horizontal flange; pronotal punctures minute, rather sparse; elytral punctures in rows, vestiture
sparse - GNATHOTRICHUS
Antennal funicle two-segmented; posterior surface of fore tibia tuberculate; elytra
emarginate or divaricate at sutural apex - MONARTHRUM
Antennal funicle one-segmented; posterior surface of fore tibia smooth; elytra evenly
rounded behind, without a sutural notch at apex - CORTHYLUS
REFERENCES
Ferrari, J. A.
1867. Die Forst-und Baumzuchshadlichen Borkenkafer. Gerold: Wein., 95 pp. SCHEDL, K. E.
1937. Scolytidae und Platypodidae-Zentral und Sudamerikanische arten. Arch. Inst. Veg., Rio de Janeiro, 3: 155-170.
1938. Die einteilung der Pityophthorinae. Arch. Naturgesch. (n.f.), 7: 157-188. Wood, S. L.
1951. Two new species and a new genus of Scolytidae (Coleoptera) from Utah. Jour. Kansas Ent. Soc., 24(1): 31-32.
1954a. A revision of North American Cryphalini (Scolytidae: Coleoptera). Univ. Kansas Sci. Bull., 36(2): 959-1089.
1954b. Bark beetles of the genus Carphoborus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in North America. Canadian Ent., 86(11): 502-526.
1956. New species of bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), mostly Mexican. Part II. Canadian Ent., 88(5): 231-240.
1957a. Ambrosia beetles of the tribe Xyloterini (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in North America. Canadian Ent., 89(8): 337-354.
1957b. Distributional notes on and synonymies of some North American Scolyti¬ dae (Coleoptera). Canadian Ent., 89(9): 396-403.
1957c. New species of bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), mostly Mexican.
Part IV. Great Basin Naturalist, 17(3-4): 105-110.
1959a. New species of bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), mostly Mexican.
Part V. Great Basin Naturalist, 19(1): 1-7.
1959b. New records and species of Arizona bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolyti¬ dae). Great Basin Naturalist, 19(2-3): 57-62.
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
49
CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS A MONOGRAPH OF THE OE DEMERI DAE 14. A KEY TO AND NOTES ON THE NEW WORLD GENERA’ -
By Ross H. Arnett, Jr.3- 4
Numerous observations on Neotropical Oedemeridae have accumulated uring t e past several years, the publication of which is necessary before further cataloging and revisionary work are possible. These various studies have resulted in the following revised key to the genera occuring in the New World, and the notes on these genera will lead to a new catalog of the group. A considerable number of species have been generically reassigned, making necessary a new catalog of species which is being prepared and will be published separately.
The present catalogs of the New World species, namely my revision of the Nearctic species (1951), and Blackwelder’s checklist of the Neo¬ tropical species (1945) should be referred to for complete citations for the genera and species discussed below, unless otherwise indicated. Other ib lographic references are given in previous papers of this series and will not be repeated here. For quick reference, the following proposed changes in Blackwelder s checklist are listed below. These are discussed further in
t e text in each case, except for the genera which are removed from the family.
Changes in Blackwelder^ checklist.— An examination of specimens of Cycloderus Solier, 1851, including holotype and paratype specimens confirms the placing of this genus in Salpingidae, probably near Polypria Chevrolet (see Seidhtz, 1917) . It is not a member of the family Oedemeri¬ dae Copidi ta LeConte does not occur in South America. The species placed in this genus in the Checklist, with one exception, are to be variously as- signed m the genera: Oxacis, Oxycopis, Paroxacis, and Ananca. (See under Copidita below for a discussion of the exception.) Sessinia Pascoe does not occur in the New World. The species assigned here in the Checklist belong in Ananca and Oxycopis. Oxacis LeConte includes species that have been assigned below to Paroxacis , Oxycopis , and Alloxacis. Meloeditylus
]4! ^44reV1°US P‘in °f tHiS S6rieS’ n°' 13, WaS PLlblished in I960, Coleopt. Bull..
"Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, Washington 17 D. C.; Entomological Series, paper no. 1 1 81UI1 1/j
Washington ?vd*C Depar,ment of The Catholic University of America,
4 This research has been supported in part by grant no. 14272 from the National Science Foundation. This help is herewith gratefully acknowledged The loan of material is acknowledged in previous parts of this series. In addition to these would like to acknowledge thankfully, the help given me by Mr. T. J. Spilman United States Department of Agriculture^ The Institute Miguel Lillo, Tucuman, thru the late Dr F. Monros, Dr. G. Kuschel, Umversidad de Chile and Dr A da . •
is" based °SWald° CrUZ’ have lent many sPecimens upon which much of this study
50
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
Pic, 1926 is to be placed in Pedilidae near Copobaenus Fairmaire and Ger¬ main. Sisenopiras Pic, 1923 belongs in the Nacerdinae, not in the Asclerini. Rhopalobrachium Boheman, 1858 is placed in the Salpingidae temporarily (see Crowson, 1955, p. 173). It is not an oedemerid. Loboglassa Solier, 1851 is placed in Salpingidae near Lacconotus following Blair, 1928, Col. Cat., pars 99, p. 33. No further reference will be made herein to the genera removed from the family.
The following key is a complete revision of my previous keys to the genera of Oedemeridae found in the New World (see previous numbers of this series). This key is based on representatives of each genus and is not compiled from descriptions. In the case of the genera described by Pic, it cannot be absolutely certain that the material in front of me actually represents the species described by Pic, but in all cases this material fits the Pic descriptions. Until the Pic types can be studied, this seems to be a practical approach, and unless Pic was grossly wrong in his descriptions, I do not anticipate that there will be any generic changes as a result of an examination of his types. Because his specific descriptions are so brief and based almost entirely on color patterns, the identification of his species can be no more than a logical guess until type material is available. Never¬ theless, I feel that redescription of species, using Pic names, is practical, and I shall do so with the full knowledge that nomenclatorial changes may be necessary when my material is compared with the types. However, unless such a procedure is followed, further systematic work on this family will be delayed for many years.
KEY TO THE NEW WORLD GENERA OF OEDEMERIDAE
1. Antennal base situated within deep emargination of eye (fig. 1); mandibles bifid or
entire; claws simple (Calopodinae) - 2
Antennal base situated in front of eyes which may be emarginate or entire - 3
2(1). Mandibles bifid at apices (in New World species); antennae of male elongate, serrate, of female elongate, simple; basal central apodeme of eighth abdominal sternite of
male short, not projecting beyond base - CALOPUS
Mandibles entire; antennae of both sexes simple, filiform; basal central apodeme of
eighth abdominal sternite of male long, projecting beyond base - SPAREDRUS
3(1). Front tibia with single apical spur (Nacerdinae) - 4
Front tibia with two apical spurs (Oedemerinae) - 8
4(3). Distance between eyes in dorsal view more than twice width of one eye in dorsal view
(fig. 2) - 5
Distance between eyes in dorsal view less than twice width of one eye in dorsal view
(fig. 3); mandibles bifid at apices; claws simple - XANTHOCHROA
Figures 1-3. Fig. 1, Calopus angustus LeConte, head, dorsal view; Fig. 2, Micro- nacerdes atricollis Pic, head, dorsal view; Fig. 3, Xantliochroa erythrocephala (Ger- mar), head, dorsal view.
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
51
5(4).
6(5).
7(6).
8(3).
9(8).
10(9).
11(9).
12(11).
Eyes entire, protruding from side of head (fig. 2) - 6
Eyes emarginate, remform, only slightly protruding; mandibles bifid; claws simple NACERDES Claws toothed at base; mandibles bifid at apices; terminal four segments of antennae
pale in color (in the two known species available for study) - MICRONACERDES
Claws simple at base; mandibles bifid - 7
Head obviously elongate, approximately twice as long as wide; eyes hemispherical placed on extreme lateral sides of head (as in fig. 2); pronotum more or less quadrate, laterally somewhat sinuate; antennal segments extremely long, 6 to 8
times as long as broad, antennae extending to or beyond apex of elytra - SISENOPIRAS
Head not elongate; pronotum cordate, laterally more or less evenly arcuate; antennal segments short, two to two and one-half times as long as broad, antennae not
extending beyond middle of elytra - DITYLOIDEA
Elytra often narrowed behind and somewhat shortened (fig. 4), and/or males with strongly enlarged hind femora (Oedemerini, not in the New World).
Elytra entire, not narrowed or shortened; if male with enlarged hind femora (rarely)
this enlargement is slight and hardly noticeable - g
Body stout, broad, carabidform, somewhat rounded in cross-section (fig. 5); eyes small; antennae short and moderately stout, not flattened, inserted some distance from eyes (Ditylini) -
Body narrow, subdepressed, not carabidiform; eyes sometimes small, usually prominent
and reniform; antennae usually long and slender, or flattened (Asclerini) - 11
Eyes very small, oval, only very slightly emarginate; head, including eyes, definitely wider than pronotum at widest dimension; body carabidiform, very much so in some males; only third segment of hind tarsi broad and definitely tomentose
beneath — -- - - - DITYLONIA
Eyes small, reniform; head definitely narrower than pronotum at widest dimension; body less carabidiform; second and third segments of hind tarsi broad and tomentose beneath DITYLUS
Eyes small to moderate, round or oval, at most only very slightly emarginate (fig 6)-
mandibles bifid at apices--- — • - 12
Eyes moderate to large, definitely emarginate, usually reniform (fig. 7); mandibles bifid
at apices, or entire - ^
Pronotum with dense erect hairs - 13
Pronotum at most with fine (rarely coarse) depressed hairs - 14
F„FlG,URnl4;7* FlG\4.’ °f1de™era nobilis (Scopoli), elytra and hind legs, dorsal view; £ ? i i yJU* duadncolhs LeConte, dorsal view; Fig. 6, Heliocis repanda (Horn) head, dorsal view; Fig. 7, Diplectroides longicornis Champion, head, dorsal view.
52
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
13(12). Pronotum broadest at middle (fig. 8); epipleural fold distinct anteriorly--MECOPSELAPHUS
Pronotum distinctly cordate (fig. 9); epipleural fold lacking - PLATYLYTRA
14(12). Claws toothed or distinctly quadrate at base; head short (fig. 10) - V0D0MARUS
Claws simple, never appearing distinctly quadrate - - 15
15(14). Head somewhat elongate; eyes partly dorsal; antennae inserted in front of eyes (fig.
6); body compact - HELIOCIS
Head definitely short, eyes lateral, antennae inserted between eyes (fig. 11); body elongate - SISENECANTHARIS
Figures 8-11. Fig. 8, Mecopselaphus maculicollis Solier, pronotum, dorsal view; Fig. 9, Platylytra vitticollis Fairmaire, pronotum, dorsal view; Fig. 10, Vodomarus foveolatus Champion, head, dorsal view; Fig. 11, Sisencantharis chilensis (Fairmaire), head, dorsal view.
16(11).
17(16).
18(17).
19(18).
20(18).
21(16).
22(16).
Both mandibles entire - 17
Both mandibles bifid at apices - 22
Right mandible with small, subapical tooth, left mandible entire - 21
Claws simple, at most slightly quadrate at base - 18
Claws with distinct basal tooth - PROXACIS
Eyes large, closer together in dorsal view than bases of antennae (fig. 7) - DIPLECTROIDES Eyes somewhat smaller, farther apart in dorsal view, nearly as far, or farther apart
than bases of antennae (fig. 12) - 19
Eyes moderate, round, only slightly emarginate; head short, front from inner anterior corners of eyes to epistomal ridge much shorter than distance between eyes (fig.
12) - XANTH0CHR0INA
Eyes larger, emarginate; head moderate to elongate in length; front from inner anterior corners of eyes to epistomal ridge as long as or longer than distance be¬ tween eyes - 20
Head elongate, at least twice as long as broad (fig. 15) - RHINOPLATIA
Head about as broad as long, exclusive of mandibles which may be elongate (fig.
14) - OXACIS
Head elongate in front, longer than wide; pronotum elongate, subcordate; eyes trans¬ verse, slightly emarginate (fig. 13) - PIRAS
Head about as long as wide (fig. 16); pronotum about as long as broad, cordate; eyes
reniform - - ALL0XAC1S
Claws toothed at base - 23
Claws simple, at most somewhat quadrate basal ly - 25
Figures 12-15. Fig. 12, Xanthochroina bicolor (LeConte), head, dorsal view; Fig. 13, Piras nasalis Champion, head, dorsal view; Fig. 14, Oxacis trimaculata Champion, head, dorsal view; Fig. 15, Rhinoplatia ruficollis Horn, head, dorsal view.
1961
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
53
3 2 ’ Each elytron with three complete costae; pronotum with two anterior lateral and one
median posterior impressions; male genitalia with furcate paramere _ ASCLERA
Elytra with vague, incomplete costae; pronotal impressions irregularly formed- male
genitalia with large, trough-like paramere, apical ly acute _ _ 24
24(23). Pronotum with very prominent, elevated basal margin (fig. 17) - MIMODIPLECTRUS
Pronotum without noticeable basal elevation (fig. 18) - MATUSINHOSA
25(22). Eyes much closer together in dorsal view than bases of antennae including partbasa
ndge (as m fig. 7) - — -DIPLECTRUS
Eyes farther apart in dorsal view, nearly as far, or farther apart than bases of antennae including parabasal ridge (as in fig. 12) _ 26
_ . 17 ' '18
17 uURESj 1 6;' 1 9‘ FlG- 16: AI,oxacis dorsalis (Melsheimer), head, dorsal view Fir IJ: M!'”?dePlectrus cyampennis Pic, pronotum, dorsal view; Fig. 18 Matusinhosa ZZ v'eCwPr0n0tUm' d°rsal v,ew: Flc' >9’ Eumecomera obscura (Horn), pronofum!
26(25). Second antennal segment short, one-third or less length of third segment _
Second antennal segment long, one-half or more length of third segment - ™
27(26). Pronotum broad (fig. 19); eyes reniform - EUMFPnMFRA
Pronotum narrow, cordate (fig. 20); eyes emarginate -
28(27). Ga‘^naphieCaa(|Jly(fib‘fid2il^9e, usually visible from above; maxillary palpi large, longer
Galea apically tufted, small, usually not visible from above; maxillary palpi not notice- PIDITA ably large; body slender, antennae long and delicate (fig. 20) _ ANANCA
27 29
RA
28
iGuRes 20-25. Fig. 20, Ananca pallens (Solier), dorsal view Fig 21 CnniAitn quadnmaculata (Motschulsky), mouthparts, dorsal view; Fig. 22 Urop’latosisene ?
Fie,’ ^24 ( °a11S (Pl/?’ antenna; FrG’ 23, Sisenes championi Florn, head, dorsal view Tll “I’ A tllsomaHus ciner ascens (Fairmaire and Germain), dorsal view Fig 25’ Thelyphassa sp., maxillary palpus of male. ’ ’
54
THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
29(26). Second antennal segment, small, broad and somewhat flattened, segments 3-8 enlarged
and flattened, segments 9-11 filiform (fig. 22) - UROPLATOSISENES
Second antennal segment small, round; following segments at most somewhat flattened,
never enlarged - 30
30(29). Second antennal segment nearly as long as third; body slender; metallic or semi-
metallic - VASACES
Second antennal segment approximately one-half length of third - 31
31(30). Eyes protruding, widely separated dorsal ly, laterally placed (fig. 23); body a satin
texture - SISENES
Eyes not prominent, dorsal ly placed - 32
32(31). Body subdepressed - 33
Body noticeably rounded in cross-section; pronotum large, head large (fig. 24) ANISOMALLUS 33(32). Pronotum quadrate; apical segment of maxillary palpi of male greatly enlarged,
C-shaped (fig. 25) - THELYPHASSA
Pronotum cordate; apical segment of maxillary palpi of male not modified - OXYCOPIS
Notes on the genera and species. — The following genera, all of which are included in the preceding key, are now known to occur in the New World.
Calopodinae
Calopus Fabricius, 1775
One species only, C. angustatus LeConte, 1851, occurs in the New World in the Pacific Northwest in fair numbers. Ten old specimens col¬ lected in Quebec, Maine, and Pennsylvania have been seen, but the presence of this species in Northeastern United States and Canada needs to be authenticated by an examination of additional specimens. The pre¬ ceding key to genera makes use of bifid mandibles to separate this genus from Sparedrus. There is a specimen in the United States National Museum Collection from Tibet, apparently an undescribed species, which has both mandibles entire so that this characteristic is not usable outside of the New World. However, the characteristics of the male genitalia are valid for all species of this genus.
Sparedrus Dejean, 1821
Seven species are included here. The five New World species are con¬ fined to Texas and Central America. It appears that not all of these are distinct species, but not enough material is available at present to con¬ firm this.
The subfamily Calopodinae appears to be an ancient branch of the family, based on larval and adult characteristics. Although these insects are very different from other Oedemeridae, there are no reasons for associa¬ ting them with another family or giving them family status. They meet all of the requirements for inclusion within the Oedemeridae as now defined. Crowson (1955) has pointed out valid affinities of this group with other heteromerous families, however, and if our assumption that these are ancient species is correct, these affinities indicate the possible origin of the family.
Nacerdinae
Xanthochroa Schmidt, 1846
The New World species in this genus are confined to the Nearctic Region and were revised by me in 1951. Xanthochroa bogotensis Kirsch, 1866, is transferred to Nacerdes (see below).
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THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
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Nacerdes Dejean, 1834
Four species of this genus apparently occur in the New World. One is introduced, the other three are endemics. The following changes in the catalogs are necessary:
Nacerdes melanura (L., 1758)
Newer da particularis Pic, 1924, Mel. Exot.-Ent. 42- 17 NEW
SYNONYMY.
This species is common in North America along both coasts and along major drainage systems. I have seen only one specimen from South Amer- !??’ that troni Chile, but a number of specimens are available from the West Indies It has also been reported from Baja California, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Argentina. Pic’s N. particularis from Colombia is obviously this species and is placed in synonymy above. The apical black spots on each elytron are not mentioned in his description, but these are frequently re¬ duced or absent as may be seen in long series.
Nacerdes bogotensis (Kirsch, 1866) NEW COMBINATION
This species is transferred from Xanthochroa and is known to me from Panama. The widely separated eyes and other features make this new generic assignment necessary.
The other two species assigned here, N. brevipennis Fairmaire, and
N. cmerea Laporte are unknown to me, but I suspect that they should be assigned elsewhere.
Dityloidea Fairmaire and Germain, 1863
Dityloidea janthina (Fairmaire and Germain), the only species in this genus, is well represented in collections and is abundant. It can be easily separated by the key to genera above.
Micronacerdes Pic, 1923
Pic has described six species and two varieties in this genus. Two speci¬ mens have been identified by me as belonging to this genus. The genus was placed in the Asclerini in Blackwelder’s catalog (1945), but "Pic’s description makes it clear that the genus should be in the Nacerdinae to “Owing Nacerdes . The assignment of Asclera suturalis Fleutiaux and . le’ 1 to this genus by Pic is not correct. This species is Alloxacis simplex Waterhouse (see below under Alloxacis). The two species known w.u16 a^C: M\fricollis Pic, 1 923, from Peru (length 5.2 mm.; Monson Xa..fy’ Tin§° Maria, Nov. 29, 1945, E. I. Schlinger and E. S. Ross, colls., Cahforma Acad. Sci. Coll.), and M. latefasciatus Pic, 1923, from Bolivia (length 6.5 mm.; Rurrenabaque Beni, W. M. Mann, coll., United States JNat. Mus. Coll.). Both specimens have broken antennae, but they show at the apical two segments are pale, a feature not mentioned by Pic in is brief descriptions. The small size and quadrate pronotum, plus characters given in the key will serve to separate members of this’ genus until more material is available for better descriptions.
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THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
Sisenopiras Pic, 1923
Six species are included in this genus by Pic, all from Brazil. The genus belongs in the Nacerdinae near Nacerdes, but is very distinct. An undes¬ cribed species in the United States Nat Mus. collection also occurs in British Guiana.
Redescription of the genus. — Body elongate, length 9.5 to 13.5 mm. Head elongate, twice as long as wide exclusive of the eyes. Eyes placed at the extreme lateral margin of the head, round, entire, bulging, hemi¬ spherical. Antennae inserted near eyes, distant from base of mandibles; long and slender, as long as, or longer than the body giving the insect a decided cerambycid appearance. Mandibles both bifid at the apices. Apical segment of the maxillary palpus elongate, apically obliquely truncate. Pronotum elongate, quadrate, widest subapically. Legs long and slender; tarsal formula 5-5-4; fore tibia with a single apical spur; hind tarsi with the penultimate segment bilobed, and tomentose beneath, other segments without such a tomentose pad. Elytra elongate, apically rounded, entire. Abdomen of male with the fifth visible sternite emarginate, the genitalia exposed.
Further description and characterization of the species will be presented in a revision of the genus in a later paper.
Oedemerinae
The division of this subfamily into tribes, supplemented by characters of male genitalia and larvae, will be the subject of a later paper. Rozen (1960) has shown that certain changes are necessary. Before a firm classi¬ fication can be offered, a better study of the Old World genera is necessary. The Ditylini and Asclerini are fairly well defined. It appears that the Oedemerini might not occur in the New World, but the tribe has not been properly defined on adult characters, so for the present Rozen’s definition will obtain. I have allowed no New World genera to remain in the Oedemerini, but this is very unsatisfactory because of the lack of a proper definition of the tribe.
Ditylini
The genus Ditylini remains as in my 1951 revision. The genus Ditylonia Seidlitz, 1899 should also be included in this tribe, and contains the six Central American species described by Champion in Ditylus.
Asclerini
The remaining New World genera of the family are members of this tribe. They should be arranged in the following order.
Mecopselaphus Solier, 1 849
Two species are included here. M. maculicollis Solier is abundant in Chile. I am not familiar with M. lycoides Kirsch, 1873 from Peru.
Platylytra Fairmaire and Germain, 1863
The single species P. vitticollis Fairmaire and Germain from Chile is all that is included here. This genus is similar to the preceding genus, but may be easily recognized by the characters given in the key.
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THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
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Matusinhosa Pic, 1923
Seven species and a variety are included in this genus by Pic. A mistake in Blackwelder s catalog lists all but one from French Guiana, and omits one species. Actually all but one occur in Brazil. I have before me all of the species except M. minuta Pic, 1923, the only one from French Guiana.
suspect that this species is really not a member of this genus but more material is necessary before this can be certain. The genus is best defined on the basis of the characters of the male genitalia. Further definition must await a revision of the genus.
Mimodiplectrus Pic, 1923
This genus is monobasic. It appears to be merely an aberrant species of the preceding genus, with very similar male genitalia, but must be studied further before this can be verified.
Diplectrus Kirsch, 1866
This large genus, with 21 species, is badly in need of revision. Some species assigned here may eventually prove to be misassigned, and some
of the species in Sisenes probably fall here. All species occur in Central or South America.
Eumecomera Arnett, 1951
There are no changes necessary here (see Arnett, 1951).
Vodomarus Champion, 1889
This genus contains two species, one from Mexico and Guatemala, and an apparently undescribed species from Panama. It is possible that the latter has been described in another genus, so description will be postponed pending further study. V. chilensis (Fairmaire, 1863) is transferred to Sisenecantharis (see below).
Heliocis Arnett, 1951
This monobasic genus remains as described. The record of one male from Arizona is very doubtful (as in Arnett, 1951). This is a Horn para- type ( Chrysanthia repanda Horn, 1896) and should be considered as mis¬ labeled. The species is abundant in Florida and in Texas. There are differ¬ ences between these two populations which may or may not be sufficient to consider them separate species. Only after considerably more studv can the significance of the differences be determined. The Florida specimens have been found on Rubus sp., Ptelea trifoliata, and Erigeron quercifolius.
Xanthochroina Ganglbauer, 1881
The New World species in this genus, X. bicolor (LeConte, 1851) rema ns the only described species for this area. Two other species occLir in Brazil, which may belong here, but again, these may well be described m another genus, e.g., Oxacis or Copidita, so further comments must wait until this can be clarified. The North American species is widely distributed
throughout the western mountain region where it is associated with dying pine.
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THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
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Alloxacis Horn, 1896
This is another genus badly in need of revision. Many species are to be included here which were placed in Oxacis by Champion due to a lack of definition prior to 1896. Pic failed to realize that Alloxacis also occurs in the Neotropical Region. In addition to those species treated in my Nearctic Region revision (1951) and the species described since then, the following species are included here. All known species occur in the New World except two species, Alloxacis flavipes Kono, 1937 from Saipan, and Allox¬ acis geniculata Kono, 1937 from Okinawa, both of which belong to this genus. It is likely that other Old World species also will be assigned to the genus.
Alloxacis hoodi Van Dyke, 1953
Alloxacis hoodi VanDyke, 1953. Occ. Pap. California Acad. Sci., no. 22, p. 43. (Galapagos Islands).
Alloxacis simplex (Waterhouse, 1879) NEW COMBINATION
Copidita simplex Waterhouse, 1879. Trans. Ent. Soc. London, p. 308. (St. Barthelemy).
Asclera suturalis Fleutiaux and Salle, 1898. Ann. Soc. Ent. France (6) 9: 434 (Guadeloupe) NEW SYNONYMY.
Micronacerdes suturalis var. dufaui Pic, 1929. Echange, 45: 8 (Guade¬ loupe) NEW SYNONYMY.
Alloxacis tropicalis Champion, 1890, NEW COMBINATION
Oxacis tropicalis Champion, 1890. Biol. Centrali-Americana, Coleopt. 4(2): 157 (British Honduras and Honduras).
Alloxacis flavicollis (Kirsch, 1866) NEW COMBINATION
Hypasclera flavicollis Kirsch, 1866. Berliner Ent. Zeitschr., 10: 213 (Colombia) .
Alloxacis binotaticeps (Pic, 1934) NEW COMBINATION
Oxacis binotaticeps Pic, 1934. Mel., 63: 25 (Costa Rica).
This is probably a synonym of A. tropicalis Champion.
Piras Champion, 1889
Only a few specimens of this genus representing two species are known. Aside from the somewhat elongate head, there is little to separate it from A lloxacis.
Oxacis LeConte, 1886
This is one of the largest genera of the family. It is confined to the New World; all Old World species belong in other genera, and are trans-
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THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
59
ferred to other genera below. Some species of “Copidita” as described by Pic belong here, and many species are removed to other genera. This genus is being revised by the author and will be the subject of an extensive paper elsewhere. In each case the species removed lack the characteristics of Oxacis, sensu stricto Arnett, 1951. All of the species below have been described in, or have been later assigned to Oxacis. All species not listed here remain in the genus as they are listed in the Junk catalog (Schenkling,
1915). The result of this action leaves only New World species in the genus.
Oxacis debilis Horn, 1896 to Paroxacis (Nearctic)
Oxacis falli Blatchley, 1928 to Oxycopis (Nearctic)
Oxacis lucana (LeConte, 1866) to Paroxacis (Nearctic)
Oxacis notoxoides (Fabricius, 1801) to Oxycopis (Nearctic)
Oxacis thoracica (Fabricius, 1801) to Oxycopis (Nearctic)
Oxacis suturalis (Horn, 1896) to Oxycopis (Nearctic)
Oxacis mimetica (Horn, 1896) to Oxycopis (Nearctic)
Oxacis fuliginosa LeConte, 1866 to Oxycopis (Nearctic)
Oxacis ( Oxycopis ) luteostriata Arnett, 1951 to Oxycopis (Nearctic)
Oxacis ( Oxycopis ) mcdonaldi Arnett, 1951 to Oxycopis (Nearctic)
Oxacis (Oxycopis) dietrichi Arnett, 1951 to Oxycopis (Nearctic)
Oxacis (Oxycopis) mariae Arnett, 1951 to Oxycopis (Nearctic)
Oxacis (Xanthochroina) bicolor (LeConte, 1851) to Xanthochroina (Nearctic), NEW COMBINATION
Oxacis (Paroxacis) recendita Arnett, 1951 to Paroxacis (Nearctic)
Oxacis (Paroxacis) interrita Arnett, 1951 to Paroxacis (Nearctic)
Oxacis holosericea Champion, 1890 to Alloxacis (Nearctic and Neotropical)
Oxacis femoral is Champion, 1890 to Paroxacis (Neotropical) NEW COM¬ BINATION
Oxacis mandibularis Champion, 1890 to Paroxacis (Neotropical) NEW COMBINATION
Oxacis pleuralis (LeConte, 1866) to Alloxacis (Nearctic and Neotropical)
Oxacis litoralis Champion, 1890 to Paroxacis (Neotropical) NEW COM¬ BINATION
Hypasclera flavicollis Kirsch, 1866 to Alloxacis (Neotropical) NEW COM¬ BINATION
Oxacis limbata Champion, 1890 to Paroxacis (Neotropical) NEW COM¬ BINATION
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THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
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Oxacis carinicollis Lewis, 1895 to Asclera (Palearctic)
Oxacis pallidicolor Pic, 1934, to Ananca (Ethiopian) NEW COMBINA¬ TION
Oxacis vittipennis Lea, 1917 to Sessinia (Australian) NEW COMBINA¬ TION
Oxacis apicicollis Lea, 1917 to Sessinia (Australian) NEW COMBINA¬ TION
Oxacis concaviceps Blackburn, 1899 to Sessinia (Australian)
Oxacis majorina Lea, 1917 to Sessinia (Australian) NEW COMBINA¬ TION
Oxacis caloptera Lea, 1917 to Sessinia (Australian) NEW COMBINA¬ TION
Oxacis picticeps Lea, 1917 to Sessinia (Australian) NEW COMBINA¬ TION
Oxacis geayi Pic, 1935 to Oxycopis (Neotropical) NEW COMBINATION
Oxacis alternata Pic, 1927 to Paroxacis (Neotropical) NEW COMBINA¬ TION
Oxacis latecincta Pic, 1927 to Paroxacis (Neotropical) NEW COMBINA¬ TION
Oxacis poirieri Pic, 1935 to Paroxacis (Neotropical) NEW COMBINA¬ TION
Oxacis discoidalis Pic, 1934 to Oxycopis (Neotropical) NEW COMBINA¬ TION
Oxacis binotatipennis Pic, 1934 to Oxycopis (Neotropical) NEW COM¬ BINATION
Oxacis binotaticeps Pic, 1934 to Alloxacis (Neotropical) NEW COM¬ BINATION
Oxacis geniculata Chevrolet, 1877 to Paroxacis (Neotropical) NEW COM¬ BINATION
Oxacis galapagoensis Linell, 1898 to Paroxacis (Neotropical) NEW COM¬ BINATION
Rhinoplatia Horn, 1868
In addition to the two species known from Southwestern United States, there is a third species, undescribed, from Chile. The single specimen is a female with prominent markings. I cannot be certain that this is congeneric with the species of Rhinoplatia until I see a male; therefore, formal descrip¬ tion will be delayed until more material is available.
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THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
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Paroxacis Arnett, 1951
This genus was described as a subgenus of Oxacis but was elevated to
• .1 n •« are as distinct as those used for other
genera in the family, a fact not obvious at the time of its description Many s°uth American species belong here, some of which have been assigned in t e listing under Oxacis , above. The complete list will be shown in the catalog to be published later.
Diplectroides Champion, 1889
The four species listed in Blackwelder’s catalog (1945) are before me in very small series. I doubt the validity of D. pectoralis Pic, 1923 but the limited number of specimens makes it impossible to know the variation of color pattern used to separate this from D. flavicollis Champion, 1890.
Copidita LeConte, 1866
Only two species are included in this genus, C. quadrimaculata (Mot- schulsky, 1853), a litoral species along the western coast of the United States, and Copodita (sic) Lycopodita lyciformis Pic, 1924. This second species almost certainly does not belong here. But because of the peculiar problem it presents, it is kept here until this can be solved. Like most all of the other species Pic and other authors have assigned to Copidita, C. lyciformis probably belongs in Oxycopis. However, in a footnote Pic erected the subgenus Lycopodita for this species. All catalogers, including Zoologi¬ cal Record, have overlooked this name, as is easy to do in such cases. The following is the reference:
Lycopodita Pic, 1924. Mel. Exot.-Ent., 42: 21 (note 1).
Type species: Copodita (sic) Lycopodita lyciformis Pic, 1924 lc p 21 (monbasic). ’
I have identified in some material from Brazil, specimens which seem to escr\P^|on subgenus Lycopodita. If these are correctly identi¬ fied, then this is a senior synonym of Oxycopis, but in view of the number of name changes again necessary, I do not deem it advisable to make this synonymy until the holotype of the type species can be studied. Therefore, it is necessary for present cataloging purposes to keep this as a subgenus and species of Copidita LeConte, 1866.
Ananca Fairmaire and Germain, 1863
I have examined the type species of both Ananca and Sessinia and find these species to be generically distinct. Ananca has been treated by all recent authors as a junior synonym of Sessinia. This incorrect synonymy has caused great confusion in the literature. Among other things, Sessinia has the mandibles entire, while Ananca has them both bifid at the apices. This alone is of sufficient value to separate the two as genera. Moreover, the two species of these genera have a different habitus and other features which make them distinct. Ananca is confined to the New World and Sessinia to the Old World. Unfortunately, most of the Old World species recently described in Sessinia belong in the genus Eobia, a situation requir¬ ing still further nomenclatorial changes. Many of the New World species
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THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
Volume 15
described in Sessinia belong in Oxycopis rather than Ancmca. These New World changes will be reflected in the pending catalog.
Oxycopis Arnett, 1951
This genus was also described as a subgenus of Oxacis, but subsequently elevated to generic rank because the distinctive features are sufficient to warrant such action in the light of what is now known about oedemerid genera. Most of the species assigned to Copidita and many species in Ses¬ sinia belong here.
Anisomallus Fairmaire and Germain, 1863. Ann. Soc. Ent. France, ser. 4 3: 276.
Type species: Ditylus cinerascens Fairmaire and Germain, 1861, Cole- opteres du Chile, 2: 6 (monobasic).
Type specimen: British Museum (Natural History).
This genus and species has been overlooked since the Gemminger and Harold catalog (Catalogus Coleopterorum, 7: 2166, 1870). It is related to Oxycopis. The single female type is known from San Antonio, Chile (Central Chile). I have a very large number of specimens of this species from Chile.
Vasaces Champion, 1889
There are no changes here since my revision of the genus in 1953. Since then, however, I have seen additional material of each of the species which helps to confirm their specific rank.
Sisenecantharis Pic, 1942. Echange Num. Spec. (Opusc. Mart. VIII), p. 14. Type species: Sisenecantharis rufceps Pic, l.c., p. 14 (monobasic).
Pic described this genus for his species from Chile. The type species is a synonym of Oedemera chilensis Fairmaire, which does not belong in the genus Oedemera. A corrected catalog is given below.
Sisenecantharis chilensis (Fairmaire, 1863) NEW COMBINATION
Oedemera chilensis Fairmaire, 1863. Ann. Soc. Ent. France, ser. 4, 3: 282.
*
Sisenecantharis ruficeps Pic, 1942. Echange, Num. Spec. (Opusc. Mart. VII), p. 14. NEW SYNONYMY.
This species occurs in Chile in fair abundance. It has been placed in the Oedemera subgenus Stenaxis Schmidt, 1 846, but is not congeneric with the type species of that subgenus.
Sisenecantharis vittata (Kirsch, 1873) NEW COMBINATION
Stenaxis vittata Kirsch, 1873. Berliner Ent. Zeitschr., 17: 416.
This species is described from Peru (from Sarayaxu), but is not avail¬ able to me. However, the description and the generic placement in Stenaxis indicate that it should belong here.
There is a third species, from Chile, which appears to be undescribed, but may be one of the species described in Ananca or Sessinia. Until these are worked out, it is best not to describe this species as new.
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THE COLEOPTERISTS' BULLETIN
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Sisenes Champion, 1889
Many species have been described in this genus. Through an unfor¬ tunate mistake, 1 designated an obscure species as the type species of this genus. (This is one of the weaknesses of preparing type species catalogs without knowing the species in each case.) This will result in a name change for the more familiar species because not all of those species now assigned to the genus are congeneric with the type of the genus. More material is needed from Mexico before this classification change can be effected.
Uroplatosisenes Pic, 1934
Pic described this genus as a subgenus of Sisenes. However, the antennal structure is sufficient, along with some other body features exhibited by the specimens before me, to consider these species separate and generically
distinct from the type species of Sisenes. Uroplatosisenes is therefore given generic rank.
Thelyphassa Pascoe, 1876
It is no surprise that an Australian and New Zealand genus is repre¬ sented in Chile. One specimen sent to me by Dr. Kuschel belongs in this genus. It appears to be distinct from all of the Old World species of this genus known to me. It has the generic characters of the type species of the genus, and is a male. It is in too poor a condition, I believe, to describe as the holotype specimen of a new species, so I prefer to wait pending the receipt of more material.
A sclera Dejean, 1834
This genus is well represented in both the Old World and the New World faunas. The Nearctic species were treated by me in 1951. Oedemera vestita so™etimes referred to A sclera properly belongs in Stereopalus ol Pedihdae. The Leng catalog lists this species in both the Pedilidae and Jedemendae. Pic has described eight species from the Neotropical Region which appear to belong here and will be treated in a later revision.
Postscript.— Many changes have been suggested throughout the body of this paper which have not been documented. I am fully aware of the situa¬