Epimetopus trilobus, Perkins, 2012

Perkins, Philip D., 2012, 3531, Zootaxa 3531, pp. 1-95 : 16

Epimetopus trilobus , new species

Figs. 32 (habitus), 36 (aedeagus), 128 (map)

Type Material. Holotype (male): Venezuela: Bolivar, Los Pijiguaos , trampa interceptacion, elev. 600 m, 6° 35' N, 66° 45' W, 3–13 vi 1992, C. J. Rosales, V. Savini, J. L. Garcia, J. DeMarmels ( MIZA) . Paratype: Same data as holotype (1 MIZA) .

Differential Diagnosis. Differentiated from all members of the Costatus group, except E. lacordairei , by the trilobed apical margin of the pronotal hood ( Figs. 10, 32). The aedeagus is distinctive by virtue of the apically bifid apex of the median lobe ( Fig 36). Although the aedeagus differs markedly from that of E. lacordairei ( Fig. 14), the bifid apex of both, the similarity in elytral structure, and especially the tri-lobed pronotal apex, suggest a relationship.

Description. Size: holotype (length/width, mm): body (length from anterior margin of pronotum to elytral apices) 1.28/0.64; head (width) 0.43; pronotum 0.50/0.51; elytra 0.85/0.64. Habitus and sculpture as illustrated ( Fig. 32). Head bicolored, frons red, clypeus black, venter and coxae reddish brown, remainder of legs ochraceous. Eye with ca. 3–4 facets between canthus and posterior margin. Pronotal hood minutely trilobed. Elytra with elongate granules linking punctures; 3rd carina absent from basal ½ of elytron, otherwise carinae quite high. Protibiae arcuate, anterior surface flat. Metaventral depression shallow.

Etymology. Named in reference to the tri-lobed pronotal apex.

Distribution. Currently known only from the type locality in Venezuela ( Fig. 128).