Bolitogyrus confusus Brunke

Brunke, Adam J., 2017, A revision of the Oriental species of Bolitogyrus Chevrolat (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Staphylininae), ZooKeys 664, pp. 1-97 : 12

Bolitogyrus confusus Brunke sp. n. Figs 8 J–L, 19A (map)

Bolitogyrus electus , Hu et al. 2011 (misidentification).

Type locality.

Phou Pan, Hua Phan, Laos.

Type material.

Holotype (♂, NMW). NE-LAOS: prov. Hua Phan, Ban Saluei, Phou Pan, 1.-31.5.2011, 20°12'N 104°01'E, 1500-1900 m, leg. Holzschuh [printed] / Holotype ♂, Bolitogyrus confusus Brunke, des. A. Brunke 2017 [red printed label] / AJB0000442 [identifier label].

Paratypes (2 ♂ 1 ♀, NHMB, NMW, SNUC). Same data as holotype, 1 ♀, AJB0000470.

China: Yunnan: Pingbian County, Gejiu City, Yuping, Daweishan, 2000 m, 20.V.2005, W-X. Bi, 1 ♂, AJB0000471, SNUC.

Laos: Xiangkhouang: Phou Sane Mt., 30 km NE Phonsavan, 1400-1700 m, 19.630 103.335, 10-30.V.2009, D. Hauck, 1 ♂, AJB0000443, NHMB.

Diagnosis.

Among the members of the Electus Group: head punctures clearly separated (Fig. 3B); elytra non-metallic; hind tibia entirely dark, as dark as darkened portion of femur (Fig. 3H); antennomere 6 weakly transverse, 7 distinctly transverse (Fig. 4B); paramere slightly longer than median lobe, only moderately dilated and apex not attenuate (Fig. 8J); apex of median lobe in lateral view forming an elongate triangle (Fig. 8B); median lobe with expansion in lateral view (Fig. 8B); peg setae absent from only narrow strip along middle of paramere (Fig. 8K).

Description.

Measurements ♂ (n = 3): HW/HL 1.30-1.35; PW/PL 1.24-1.28; EW/ EL 1.20-1.28; ESut/PL 0.79-0.80; PW/HW 1.11-1.14; forebody length 4.0-4.6 mm.

Measurements ♀ (n = 1): HW/HL 1.38; PW/PL 1.19; EW/ EL 1.24; ESut/PL 0.79; PW/HW 1.07; forebody length 4.5 mm.

Extremely similar to B. electus (and B. uncus ) and differing only in the following: antennomere 6 weakly transverse, 7 distinctly transverse (Fig. 4B), paramere much less dilated at apical third, apex not attenuate - evenly converging to apex (Fig. 8J-L).

Distribution.

Figure 19A. Known from southeastern Yunnan and northern Laos. A single female from northern Thailand may belong to this species.

Bionomics.

Bolitogyrus confusus has been collected from forests in May, at elevations at or less than 2000 m and has a distinctly more southern distribution than all other members of the Electus group.

Etymology.

The species epithet refers to the previous confusion of this species with B. electus and B. uncus .

Comments.

This is the taxon illustrated by Hu et al. 2011 as B. electus . The authors commented that the 'apex [of the paramere] was broader’ but attributed this to intraspecific variation. Additional distinguishing characters can be found under diagnosis.