Pachybrachis charlotteae Barney, 2018

Barney, Robert J., 2018, Definition and Revision of the Atomarius Species-Group of North American Pachybrachis Chevrolat (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae), Including Descriptions of Nine New Species, The Coleopterists Bulletin 72 (1), pp. 9-74 : 35-38

15. Pachybrachis charlotteae Barney , new species Zoobank.org/ urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:24F221C7-4418-427C-B088-4126D9F95501 ( Fig. 15 , Map 3A)

Holotype. Male , labeled “TENN: Wilson Co. / Cedars of Lebanon SP / 36.0910 o N, - 86.3312 o W / 3. vi.2014, R. J. Barney [printed, black on white paper] // [circular blue disc signifying dissection by RJB] // HOLOTYPE / Pachybrachis / charlotteae / R. J. Barney 2017 [printed, black on red paper].” Deposited in MCZ. The specimen is point-mounted with genitalia affixed to a second point. It is in excellent condition with all appendages intact. There are 48 paratypes (2866 20♀♀) with identical collecting data.

Paratypes. 35166 369♀♀. See Appendix 15.

Description. Male. Yellow, with dark brown to black punctures, standard maculae diffuse; L = 1.94– 2.17 mm (mean = 2.08 mm, n = 10); W = 1.03–1.15 mm (mean = 1.10 mm, n = 10); L/W = 1.87–1.97 (mean = 1.90, n = 10). Head: Slightly wider than thoracic apex, HW = 0.76–0.83 mm (mean = 0.80 mm, n = 10); eyes widely separated, IOD = 0.20–0.27 mm (mean = 0.23 mm, n = 10); IOD/HW = 0.26–0.33 (mean = 0.29, n = 10); face yellow with large, black, W-shaped macula connecting the vertex and bases of antennae and up to base of upper lobe of eyes, punctation dense in dark areas, antennae dark brown-black, nearly reaching elytral declivity. Pronotum: Yellow, with dark brown to black, M-shaped, macula diffuse but recognizable, punctation dense in dark areas, more sparsely placed in pale areas, lateral margins smooth, PL = 0.63–0.76 mm (mean = 0.69 mm, n = 10); PW = 0.90–0.99 mm (mean = 0.96 mm, n = 10); PL/ PW = 0.68–0.79 (mean = 0.72, n = 10). Elytra: Yellow with black maculae in no particular pattern; punctation confused in baso-sutural region, striae incomplete basally, mostly regular laterally and apically. Pygidium: Finely punctate, weakly convex; dark brown to black, with 2 ovalish, yellow maculae. Venter: Black, yellow spot on last ventrite. Legs: Black with yellow and brown femoral and tibial spots. Genitalia: Median lobe in en-face view with large, oval OS with shaft widest near midpoint, with reduced PRL. POL, best seen in lateral view, deflexed at near 90° ALA, thereby creating a triangular, arrowhead-shaped area with a gently rounded terminus and 2 posteriorly projecting denticles. Arrowhead-shaped area in dorsal view with a third, middle denticle and setae on the rounded ALM and lateral edges of arrowhead ( Fig. 15 ), EFW = 0.26– 0.28 mm (mean = 0.27 mm, n = 10); AAM = 0.09–0.12 mm (mean = 0.11 mm, n = 10); AAL = 0.10–0.13 mm (mean = 0.12 mm, n = 10); AAW = 0.12–0.16 mm (mean = 0.14 mm, n = 10); AAL/AAW = 0.72–1.01 (mean = 0.83, n = 10). Seventy-nine males from five states were dissected.

Female. As in male, except L = 2.20–2.56 mm (mean = 2.41 mm, n = 9); W = 1.20–1.37 mm (mean = 1.31 mm, n = 9); L/W = 1.78–1.88 (mean = 1.84, n = 9); HW = 0.86–1.00 mm (mean = 0.95 mm, n = 9); IOD = 0.28–0.43 mm (mean = 0.35 mm, n = 9); IOD/ HW = 0.33–0.43 (mean = 0.36, n = 9).

Etymology. This species is named in recognition of Charlotte Welsh Barney, Blacksburg, Virginia, who serves as an inspiration.

Remarks. The median lobe of P. charlotteae is very similar to that of P. cephalicus . However, P. cephalicus has a distinct ridge along the edge of an inflated keel, whereas P. charlotteae has a larger, wider arrowhead at a greater angle (80° vs. 75°).

Distribution. This species is found in the Midwestern states between the 100 th meridian and Appalachian Mountains (Map 3A).

Biological Notes. This species was collected on Hypericum sp. , often in large series in cedar glades and on hill prairies.

Specimens Examined. See Appendix 15.

Figures

Fig. 15. Pachybrachis charlotteae, holotype. A) Dorsal habitus, B) Lateral habitus, C) Face, D) Pygidium, E) Median lobe of aedeagus, lateral view, F) Median lobe of aedeagus, en-face view.