Epimetopus venezuelensis, Perkins, 2012

Perkins, Philip D., 2012, 3531, Zootaxa 3531, pp. 1-95 : 80

Epimetopus venezuelensis , new species

Figs. 117 (habitus), 121 (aedeagus), 126 (map)

Type Material. Holotype (male): Venezuela: Apure State, ca. 1 km N. Rio Claro , roadside swale, elev. 52 m, 7° 10.162' N, 67° 38.69' W, 4 i 2006, A.E.Z.Short (AS-06-009) ( MIZA) . Paratypes (33): Venezuela: Same data as holotype (29 SEMC) ; Apure, Hato El Frio, Fundo Ceibote , elev. 100 m, 7° 49' N, 68° 54' W, 20 v 1975, C. J. Rosales (1 MIZA) ; Cojedes, Hato Mata Clara, cr. El Baul , 9° 17' N, 68° 21' W, 1–3 iii 1981, F. Fernandes (2 MIZA) ; Guarico, Calabozo , 8° 56' N, 67° 26' W, 7 ii 1969, P. & P. Spangler (1 USNM) .

Differential Diagnosis. This species differs from all others in the Trogoides group by the entirely dull, shagreened dorsal surface. It is otherwise similar in dorsal habitus to E. fimbriatus ( Figs. 117, 119). It differs therefrom in some subtle characters, such as the less denticulate pronotal lateral lobes, and a slightly narrower body form. The aedeagi of the two species differ markedly, especially the shape of the apex of the median lobe, and the fact that the dorsal processes of E. venezuelensis fit into grooves in the median lobe ( Figs. 121, 122). The aedeagus shows some very weak superficial similarity to that of E. deceptus ( Fig. 114); however, the parameres and dorsal processes are shaped very differently in the two species.

Description. Size: holotype (length/width, mm): body (length from anterior margin of pronotum to elytral apices) 3.50/1.79; head (width) 0.94; pronotum 1.18/1.44; elytra 2.41/1.79. Habitus as illustrated ( Fig. 117). Head dark brown to piceous, maxillary palpi light brown; dorsum dark brown with lighter fascia at about midlength of elytra and another, less distinct, at posterior declivity; venter and coxae piceous, remainder of legs reddish brown. Entire dorsal surface dull, matt. Pronotum with hood carinae straight, converging and narrowly separated anteriorly; secondary lateral lobe moderately large; smaller, third lateral lobe near base. Elytron with four strong granulate carinae, third interrupted anteriorly for distance of ca. 3 punctures; punctures round or oval, large, each with small granule at anterior margin, non-carinate intervals without granules. Protibiae slightly emarginate on inner margin, outer margin arcuate. Metaventral depression small, ca. 7 granules along base.

Distribution. Currently known only from Venezuela ( Fig. 126).

Etymology. Named in reference to the geographical distribution.