Two new species of the Epimetopus mendeli species group and notes on its adult and larval morphology (Coleoptera: Hydrophiloidea: Epimetopidae).
Fikáček Martin, Barclay Maxwell V. L., Perkins Philip D.
Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae 51(2): 477-504, 2011
Views: 1176
Abstract: The Epimetopus mendeli species group is delineated based on characters of the
head, elytra and male genitalia. Three species are included in the group:
E. mendeli sp. nov. (Peru), E. flavicaptus sp. nov. (Ecuador) and E. angulatus
Balfour-Browne, 1949 (Bolivia). The external morphology of Epimetopus mendeli
sp. nov. is described and illustrated in detail, and the diagnostic characters
for the other two species of the group are discussed and illustrated. Larval
morphology, including the primary chaetotaxy of E. mendeli sp. nov., is
described in detail based on first instar larvae from the egg case carried by an
identified female. The larva is compared with the previously published
description of larval Epimetopus Lacordaire, 1854 and the morphology of the
abdominal apex is discussed, revealing only slight differences between various
Epimetopus larvae. Larva of E. mendeli sp. nov. is also briefly compared with
the larvae of remaining hydrophiloid families.
Key words: Epimetopidae, Epimetopus, new species, adult, larva, primary chaetotaxy, morphology, Neotropical Region, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru