Rhodobaenus chamorroae Anderson, 2022

Anderson, Robert S., 2022, New species of Rhodobaenus LeConte, 1876 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Dryophthorinae) from Central and South America, Zootaxa 5115 (2), pp. 267-273 : 268

Rhodobaenus chamorroae Anderson , new species

Figs 1–2 , 9–10

Specimen examined: Holotype male, labeled W. Colombia, Calima Valley , 1988 ( BMNH).

Diagnosis: Length 14.0 mm. Black except for bright red markings as follows: two large circular spots on either side of midline in anterior one half of pronotum, posterior one half of pronotum except for a narrow basal black band, anterior two-thirds of elytra except for black area around the scutellar shield, black posthumeral spots black spots laterally at about midlength, and black spots on intervals 3–5 just before the midlength, large spots on prosternum, and two smaller circular spots laterally on metasternum. Rostrum moderately long, evenly curved, not humped at base, black, lacking any dorsal or ventral hairs; ventrally with peduncle only very slightly produced, rounded. Pronotum no impressed at base. Pygidium with sparse very short yellowish setae not forming distinct apical tuft. Ventral surfaces of tarsal article 3 densely almost completely pilose, tarsus with claw bearing article flat between claws.

Identification: With its larger body size and the claw bearing article of the tarsus flat (and not excavate) between the claws, this species is a member of the R. nawradii group. Unlike other members of the group which are generally entirely grey or black, some with dark velvety black markings or a pale colored “V” or “C” shaped marking on the elytra, this species has striking vivid red markings on the pronotum and elytra.

Description: Length 14.0 mm in male. Cuticle black except for bright red markings as follows: two large circular spots on either side of midline in anterior one half of pronotum, posterior one half of pronotum except for a narrow basal black band, anterior two-thirds of elytra except for black area around the scutellar shield, black posthumeral spots black spots laterally at about midlength, and black spots on intervals 3–5 just before the midlength, large spots on prosternum, and two smaller circular spots laterally on metasternum. Rostrum not humped over scrobe, uniformly slightly arcuate throughout length, moderately long, length slightly shorter than length pronotum, basal area not impressed. Gular peduncle slightly produced, rounded, not angulate behind. Antennal scape subcylindrical, about one half length of rostrum, subequal in length to funicle, slightly clavate apically. Antennal scape with articles 1 and 2 slightly longer than wide, articles 3–6 moniliform, width of club subequal to width of apex of rostrum; spongy apex about two-fifths length of club. Antennal groove with posterior border separated from anterior margin of eye by very slightly more than width of apex of scape. Pronotum slightly longer than width across base, basal area not impressed. Elytra slightly wider than pronotum, slightly less than twice as long as pronotum, striae with well-defined shallow punctures. Prosternum flat in front of coxa. Femora lacking rows of long fine hairs along ventral surfaces, posterior femur with width at apex slightly greater than width at base, tarsus with ventral surface of article 3 densely, almost completely pilose, claw bearing article flat, not excavate, between claws. Pygidium with punctate part about as wide as long, somewhat convex, with yellowish setae short, uniformly spaced, not forming apical tuft. Abdomen lacking ventral tubercle. Male not dissected, female not known.

Etymology: This species is named after Dr. Maria Lourdes Chamorro, of Washington D.C., in recognition of her work on phylogeny of the Dryophthorinae .

Figures

FIGURES 1–8. Species of Rhodobaenus. 1–2, Rhodobaenus chamorroae. 1, Dorsal habitus, male. 2, Lateral habitus, male. 3–4, Rhodobenus flecha. 3, Dorsal habitus, female. 4, Lateral habitus, female. 5–6, Rhodobenus howdenorum. 5, Dorsal habitus, male. 6, Lateral habitus, male. 7–8, Rhodobenus schusteri. 7, Dorsal habitus, male. 8, Lateral habitus, male.

FIGURES 9–14. Species of Rhodobaenus. 9–10, Rhodobaenus chamorroae. 9. Dorsal view of pygidium. 10. Lateral view of pygidium. 11–12, Rhodobaenus flecha. 11. Dorsal view of pygidium. 12. Lateral view of pygidium. 13–14, Rhodobaenus schusteri. 13. Dorsal view of pygidium. 14. Lateral view of pygidium.