Ptiliola

Vorst, Oscar, 2007, Ptiliola flammifera (Młynarski) reinstated as a species distinct from P. kunzei (Heer) (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae), Zootaxa 1546, pp. 63-68 : 67

Key to the Palaearctic species of Ptiliola

1. Smaller, length (labrum to elytral apex) usually less than 0.59 mm; pronotum less transverse, sides more rounded, posterior angles little defined ( Fig. 3 ). Male: aedeagal sclerites not reaching half the length of the aedeagus, strongly sclerotized ( Figs. 9, 12 ); metaventrite simple ................... P. brevicollis (Matthews)

- Larger, length usually more than 0.59 mm; pronotum more transverse, sides less rounded, somewhat narrowed anteriad ( Figs. 1, 2 ). Male: aedeagal sclerites larger, more than half the length of the aedeagus, sclerotization weaker ( Figs. 7, 8, 10, 11 ); metaventrite simple or ornated with a tuft of hairs ( Fig. 4 ) ...... 2

2. Apical fringe of elytra regular and somewhat wider ( Fig. 5 ) (this character is best appreciated by transmitted light microscopy). Pronotal reticulation somewhat coarser and less pronounced, especially towards the frontal margin ( Fig. 1 ); as a result the overall appearance of the pronotum, when studied under reflecting light, more shiny. Male: aedeagus smaller; aedeagal sclerites in ventral view more stout ( Fig. 8 ); metaventrite smoothly excavated, apically bordered by a distinct tuft of erect hairs ( Fig. 4 ) .................................... .............................................................................................................................. P. flammifera (Młynarski)

- Apical fringe of elytra more narrow, towards the suture fused to form a few brush-shaped extensions ( Fig. 6 ). Pronotal reticulation somewhat finer and more pronounced ( Fig. 2 ); as a result the overall appearance more dull. Male: aedeagus larger; aedeagal sclerites in ventral view more slender, somewhat contracted in the middle ( Fig. 7 ); metaventrite simple ............................................................................... P. kunzei (Heer)

Figures

FIGURES 1 – 6. Scanning electron micrographs of Ptiliola flammifera (1, 4, 5), P. kunzei (2, 6) and P. brevicollis (3). 1 – 3. Pronotum, scale bar 50 μm; 4. Male metaventrite, scale bar 20 μm; 5, 6. Apical fringe of elytra, scale bar 10 μm.

FIGURES 7 – 12. Aedeagi of Ptiliola flammifera (7, 10), P. kunzei (8, 11) and P. brevicollis (9, 12) in ventral (7 – 9) and lateral (10 – 12) view. Scale bar 50 μm.