Platyparadonus beckeri Etzler and Ivie, 2019

Etzler, Frank E. & Ivie, Michael A., 2019, Platyparadonus, A New Circum-Caribbean Genus Of Sand-Associated Negastriinae (Coleoptera: Elateridae), Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 121 (1), pp. 15-25 : 23-24

Platyparadonus beckeri Etzler and Ivie , new species

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:7A979C50-E2D8-4775-9DE9-6A65F365DBA5 (Figs: 4, 23, 28–29)

Diagnosis.—A generally smaller size, <3mm, a nearly uniform amber color, with the legs and antennae not contrasting with the body, and an aedeagus that is straight and half the length of the abdomen, will readily separate this species from P. marleyi .

Description.—Amber, head and pronotum darker amber, legs and antennae not contrasting with body. Length 2.3mm. Antennomeres 3–10 about 1.5X longer than wide, apical and basal portions concolorous. Aedeagus ( Figs 28–29 ) ca. 0.5mm long, straight, basal struts of median lobe nearly reaching base of parameres.

Etymology.— The specific name is in honor of the late Dr. Edward Coulton Becker (1923–2008), to recognize his important contributions to the study of Elateridae and his early recognition of these species as belonging to a distinct genus.

Specimens examined.— 2. Holotype: Colombia: Magd. Parque, Tayrona , 21mi E. Sta. Marta , V–15–1973, Howden and Campbell (male, CNCI). Paratype: Same data as holotype (1, CNCI).

Field notes.— Both specimens were collected on a hot, overcast day, either in the afternoon or early evening at a blacklight (1:30–8PM) ( Howden 1973). The collecting locality was a heavily cut-over area along the coast with coconut palms, so it appears that disturbed habitat does not necessarily affect this species. Satellite photographs of the locality show a prevalence of wrack on the beach immediately adjacent to the coconut groves. This suggests that this species may also be found under beach wrack, similar to P. marleyi .

Figures

Figs. 25–29. Hind wing and aedeagi. Lines below wing and left of aedeagi are 1mm. All aedeagi on same scale. 24, Right hind wing, P. marleyi, dorsal view. 25, P. marleyi, dorsal view. 26, P. marleyi, lateral view. 27, P. marleyi, ventral view. 28, P. beckeri, dorsal view. 29, P. beckeri, ventral view.