Metrodora rana, Bolivar, 1887

Cadena-Castañeda, Oscar J., Quintana-Arias, Ronald Fernando, Infante, Ivette Coque, Silva, Daniela Santos Martins & Tavares, Gustavo Costa, 2025, Studies on pygmy grasshoppers: On the current Metrodorinae sensu lato classification (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) with emphasis on American and Malagasy taxa, Zootaxa 5597 (1), pp. 1-265 : 15-22

Metrodora rana Bolívar, 1887

( Fig. 1 , Map 1 and 2)

Metrodora rana Bolívar, 1887: 248. Holotype: male, PERU, Alto Amazonas. Depository: MNCN.

Remarks. M. rana is only known from the holotype male ( Fig. 1 ). However, Giglio-Tos (1898) recorded a female from the Santiago Valley ( Ecuador). The author mentioned that it has a more pronounced medial carina of the vertex and denticulations on the middle femur, which suggests, according to what has been studied here, it could be another species of one of the other genera delimited here and not a conspecific female of M. rana . Hebard (1924a, b) recorded a female from Bucay, Guayas ( Ecuador), which he compared with Tylotettix simplex Hebard, 1924 , although Hebard was not wholly sure of the affiliation of his specimen. Günther (1939) recorded two females from Peru in the Stettin Museum. Buzzetti & Devriese (2007) reported a female collected at Yasuni Scientific Station but suggested that it was closely related to Morseidora acuta ( Günther, 1939) , comb. nov. So again, it most likely is not a conspecific female. When observing this panorama of the historical records of the species, perhaps only those provided by Günther (1939) could be conspecific females, so it was urgent to define the genus Metrodora and its type species, which was selected as a lectotype by Paris (1994). Based on this specimen, the redescription that applies to the genus and species is provided to understand the morphology of this taxon and obtain better identifications when additional specimens are found.

The type specimen of M. rana does not have antennae, so they must most likely be filiform not reaching the humeral angles, and with 14–15 antennal segments, like related taxa. Furthermore, the type specimen is designated under number 140 of the MNCN catalog ( Fig. 1B ), but the right front leg and the left middle leg are missing ( Paris 1994) .

MAP 1. Distribution of Metrodorini ( Metrodorina stat. nov. and Miriatrina stat. nov.) and Metopomystrini trib. nov. species.

Genus Tylotettix Morse, 1900 , stat. resurr.

Tylotettix Morse, 1900: 6 .

Metrodora (partim): Günther, 1939: 292.

Type species: Tylotettix sinuata Morse, 1900 , by original monotypy.

Redescription. Body granulated and robust ( Figs. 2A , 3A , 4A ). Head little exserted ( Figs. 2C , 3B , 4B ). In frontal view: vertex twice as wide as an eye; medial carinae 1.5 to 2 times longer than the lateral ones; frontal costa bifurcation located at the middle of the eyes; scutellum wide; fascial carinae prominent and curved, ramification of fascial carinae angled; upper margin of the antennal grooves at the level of the lower margin of the eyes; lateral ocelli placed between the inferior area of the eyes, near the base from where each branch of the fascial carinae diverges; medial ocellus located close to the lower portion of the scutellum; antennae situated below the eyes, and with 15 segments (antennae only known to T. simplex comb. nov.); palpi narrow, the apical segments moderately depressed ( Figs. 2E , 3C , 4C ). In lateral view: carinae of the vertex prominent and protruding between the eyes; fastigio-fascial angle convex in front and deeply at its upper margin where the carinae converge to connect with the medial carina; fascial carinae rounded and emerging between the antennae, slightly sinuate above and below; eyes subglobose, with rounded dorsal surface and almost straight ventral margin not elevated higher than vertex ( Figs. 2C , 3B , 4B ). Thorax. Pronotum not surpassing the tip of hind femora. Pronotal disc with tectiform surface and median carina cristate arched anteriorly, nearly straight posteriorly, and rounded apically in dorsal and lateral views. Lateral carinae sinuate in dorsal and lateral views; humeral angles concave; angles of the lateral lobes moderately outward and not acute; infrascapular area with medium width, ending at the level of the fourth to sixth abdominal segments; lateral area poorly developed ( Figs. 2A , 3A , 4A ). Wings absent. Legs stout and slightly elongated. Fore and mid-femora compressed, undulated, or with mid-sized lobes. Hind femora with ante-genicular tooth moderately developed; genicular tooth triangular and with apex rounded. Hind tibia scarcely ampliated near the apex; first and third segments of the hind tarsi equal in length ( Figs. 2C , 3B , 4B ). Abdomen. Last segments moderately constricted; cerci conical; penultimate sternite long, two times longer than the subgenital plate, almost straight; subgenital plate short, cupuliform, upcurved, and apex rounded.

MAP 2. Distribution of Metrodorini ( Metrodorina stat. nov. and Miriatrina stat. nov.) and Metopomystrini trib. nov. species. Detail of north of South America.

Female. Similar to male, differing in the somewhat larger size, slightly more robust body, and slightly wider vertex. Pronotal disc somewhat more rugose and more elevated. Ovipositor valves conspicuously serrulated, and subgenital plate covering the first basal third of the lower valves.

Species included. Tylotettix sinuata Morse, 1900 , comb. resurr., T. simplex Hebard, 1924 , comb. resurr., and T. pygmaea Roberts, 1937 , comb. ressur.

Distribution. Northern South America ( Venezuela), extending through Central America from Panama to Nicaragua (Maps 1 and 4).

Remarks. Originally this genus included only the type species from Nicaragua ( Morse 1900) and was alocated in the group Cladonotae (=subfamily Cladonotinae ) ( Fig. 3 ). Later, additional species were added by Hebard (1924a) and Roberts (1937) from Panama ( Fig. 2 ) and Venezuela ( Fig. 4 ), respectively. Günther (1939) synonymizes Tylotettix under Metrodora by comparing it with some characters that are now part of the general diagnosis of the tribe Metrodorini . Therefore, Tylotettix stat. resurr. is revalidated and differentiated from Metrodora and nearby genera by the characters provided in the Metrodorina stat. nov. genera key.

The three species originally described in this genus have their original combination restored. In the species descriptions, the authors mention that they do not have a scapular area, but this is not the case ( Roberts 1937). This structure of the pronotum is present in all three species. Possibly, the authors were referring to the lateral area, which is absent or poorly developed in the species of this genus. A key to identifying species in the genus is provided below.

Key to species of Tylotettix

1. Pronotum relatively longer, extending to near or slightly beyond the apices of the hind femora, with an apex rather acute ( Figs. 2A, C ). Median carina of pronotum cristate moderately elevated from the anterior margin to the first third of the disc, then subelevated ( Fig. 2D )................................................................ T. simplex stat. resurr.

- Pronotum extending just beyond the terminalia, barely reaching the proximal portion of the genicular lobes of the hind femora and with a rounded apex. Median carinae of the pronotal disc cristate, progressively curving from the anterior to the posterior margin ( Figs. 3A , 4A ).................................................................................. 2

2. Scutellum three times wider than scape ( Fig. 3C ), medial carina of the vertex curved forward ( Fig. 3B )................................................................................................... T. sinuata stat. resurr.

- Scutellum two times wider than scape ( Fig. 4C ), medial carina of the vertex slightly upcurved ( Fig. 4B )................................................................................................. T. pygmaea stat. resurr.

Genus Platytettix Hancock, 1906 , stat. resurr.

Platytettix Hancock, 1906: 88 .

Metrodora (partim): Günther, 1939: 292.

Type species: Platytettix reticulatus Hancock, 1906 , by original monotypy.

Redescription. Body small, robust, and strongly rugose ( Figs. 6 , 9 , 12 ). Head slightly exserted. In frontal view: vertex considerably broader than an eye, two or three times wider; medial and lateral carinae almost similar in length (in some species, the medial carina is longer than the lateral carinae); frontal costa bifurcation located at the middle of the eyes; scutellum wide, fascial carinae prominent and curved; antennae situated below the lower margin of the eyes, in the middle length of each branch of the fascial carinae and with 14–15 segments; lateral ocelli located between the eyes near the base from where each branch of the fascial carinae diverges; medial ocellus located on the lower portion of the scutellum; palpi narrow, with the three apical segments moderately depressed ( Figs. 7A , 10A , 16A ). In lateral view: carinae of the vertex low, short and do not protruding between the eyes; fastigio-fascial angle rounded; fascial carinae rounded and produced between the antennae, abruptly sinuate above and below; eyes subglobose, with rounded dorsal surface and almost straight ventral margin and very slightly elevated above the vertex ( Figs. 7B , 10B , 16B ). Thorax. Pronotum robust, not surpassing the tip of hind femora or ending near it. Pronotal disc anteriorly straight and posterior apex pointed; median carina elevated, forming a hump that rises conspicuously and occupies the anterior half of the pronotal disc ( Figs. 10B , 12A , 15A ). Humeral angles little developed; angles of the lateral lobes flattened and projected to the sides, triangularly sub-spiniformproduced ( Figs. 12B , 16C ), obliquely truncate behind and denticulated ( Figs. 7C , 10B ); infra-scapular area wide and extending to seventh or eighth abdominal segment; lateral area originating from the upper half of the infrascapular area with same width from the base to the apex in lateral view ( Figs. 6A , 9A , 10D, 10E ). Wings absent. Legs stout and a slightly elongated. Fore and mid-femora compressed, dorsal and ventral margins conspicuously wavy, forming small projections ( Figs. 7D, 7E ). Hind femora with ante-genicular tooth well-developed (except P. uniformis comb. rev. ( Figs. 5A , 6A )), and genicular tooth triangular with apex acute ( Figs. 12A , 15A ). Hind tibia scarcely ampliated near the apex; first and third segments of the hind tarsi equal in length. Abdomen. Last segments moderately constricted; cerci conical and reduced ( Figs. 8A , 11A , 16F ); penultimate sternite mid-sized, 1.5 times longer than subgenital plate, and almost straight ( Figs. 8B , 11B , 16G ); subgenital plate short, cupuliform, upcurved, and apex rounded ( Figs. 8D , 16G ).

Female. Similar to male, differing in the somewhat larger size, slightly more robust body ( Figs. 12 , 14A , 17 ), and slightly wider vertex ( Figs. 14C , 20B ). Pronotal disc a little more rugose and slightly more elevated median carina. Ovipositor valves with moderated serrations ( Figs. 18D , 22G ), subgenital plate covering the first basal third of the lower valve or not ( Figs. 18E , 22H ).

Species included. Platytettix reticulatus Hancock, 1906 , comb. resurr., P. gibbosulus ( Walker, 1871) , comb. nov., P. arcuatus Bruner, 1920 , comb. resurr., P. gibbinotus Bruner, 1910 , comb. resurr., P. uniformis Bruner, 1910 , comb. resurr., P. pilosus Cadena-Castañeda & Tavares , sp. nov.

Distribution. Amazon between Peru , Colombia, Brazil, and French Guiana (Maps 1 and 2).

Remarks. Hancock (1906) described the genus with one species, placing it in the section Metrodorae (=subfamily Metrodorinae ). Later, Bruner (1910, 1920) included the other three species in Platytettix . Then, Günther (1939) synonymized Platytettix under Metrodora in the same way as Tylotettix .

Much later, Cadena-Castañeda et al. (2020) synonymized P. reticulatus under Amorphopus gibbosulus Walker, 1871 , and, in turn, located this species within Metrodora . Here, we restore P. reticulatus comb. resurr. as a valid species, so its original combination is revalidated. Likewise, A. gibbosulus (= P. gibbosulus comb. nov.) remains a valid species, which is similar to P. arcuatus comb. resurr., grouping six species within this genus. When comparing with the species of Metrodora s. l., it is evident that Platytettix stat. resurr. must be revalidated, redefined, and differentiated from Metrodora and nearby genera by the characters provided in the key to Metrodorina stat. nov. genera. Platytettix stat. resurr. and Metrodora s. str. are the only genera of this subtribe that do not have the medial carina of the vertex projecting conspicuously into the middle of the eyes.

Key to species of Platytettix

1. Hump of median carina of pronotum moderately elevated ( Figs. 5A , 6A ); in lateral view, from the humero-apical carina to the highest edge of the hump, rising as high as half the length of the fore-femur ( Figs. 5B , 7B ). Hind femora with genicular and ante-genicular tooth poorly developed ( Fig. 6A )........................................ P. uniformis comb. resurr.

- Hump of the median carina of the pronotum noticeably elevated; in lateral view, from the humero-apical carina to the highest edge of the hump, rising as high as the length of the fore femur or more ( Figs. 12A , 14A , 16B , 18A ). Hind femora with genicular and antegenicular tooth generally well-developed ( Figs. 12A , 19 , 21A )................................... 2

2. Surface of the pronotum covered by abundant bristles ( Figs. 9 , 10 ). Antegenicular tooth, moderately developed ( Fig. 9A ).......................................................................................... P. pilosus sp. nov.

- Body surface generally without bristles ( Fig. 12 , 14 , 16 , 21 ). Antegenicular tooth well-developed ( Figs. 12A , 19 , 21A )..... 3

3. Pronotal hump rounded, curved backward and more conspicuous than in other species; in lateral view, from the humero-apical carina to the highest edge of the hump, rising as high as twice the length of the fore-femur or more ( Fig. 12A ). Lower margin of lateral lobes of pronotum greatly produced ( Fig. 12B )................................ P. reticulatus comb. resurr.

- Pronotal hump subquadrangular and curving slightly backward; in the lateral view, from the humero-apical carina to the highest edge of the hump, rising as high as 1.0 or 1.5 times the fore-femur length ( Figs. 13A , 14A , 16B , 18A ). Lower margin of lateral lobes of pronotum generally angulate pointed ( Figs. 16C , 18B , 22C )............................................. 4

4. Mid-sized (8–9 mm.) ( Fig. 13 ). Dorsal margin of the median carina hump rounded ( Figs. 13A, B ). Mid femur with one small ventral projection............................................................... P. gibbinotus comb. resurr.

- Small-sized (6–7 mm.). Dorsal margin of median carina hump almost straight ( Figs. 16B , 18A , 19B ). Mid femur with at least three ventral projections................................................................................ 5

5. Coloration brown with ocher sections, without conspicuous stripes on the anterior margin of the pronotum ( Figs. 14A , 15A ). Pronotum apex straight in lateral view ( Fig. 14B , 15B ). Subgenital plate covering much of the lower valves of the ovipositor................................................................................ P. arcuatus comb. resurr.

- Coloration reddish-brown or dark brown, with a conspicuous yellow stripe “like a necklace” running along the anterior margin of the pronotal disc and the lateral lobes ( Figs. 18 , 21 ). Pronotum apex “truncated” and slightly rising in lateral view ( Fig. 19A ). Subgenital plate of the female not noticeably covering the base of the lower valves of the ovipositor ( Fig. 22G )........................................................................................... P. gibbosulus comb. nov.

Figures

FIGURE 1. Metrodora rana Bolívar, 1887. Male holotype. A. Habitus in lateral view. B. Labels. C. Habitus in dorsal view. D. Frons. E. Head and pronotum in dorsal view. Photos: M. París (MNCN).

FIGURE 2. Tylotettix simplex Hebard, 1924 comb. rev. Male holotype. A, C. Habitus in lateral views. B. Labels. D. Head and pronotum in lateral view after Hebard (1924). E. Frons.

FIGURE 3. Tylotettix sinuata Morse, 1900 comb. rev. Male holotype. A–B. Habitus in lateral views. C. Frons. D. labels.

FIGURE 4. Tylotettix pygmaea Roberts, 1937 comb. rev. Female holotype. A–B. Habitus in lateral view. C. Frons. D. labels.

FIGURE 5. Platytettix uniformis Bruner, 1910 comb. rev. Female lectotype. A–B. Habitus in lateral view. C. Frons. D. labels.

FIGURE 6. Platytettix uniformis Bruner, 1910 comb. rev. Male habitus A. Lateral and B. Dorsal views.

FIGURE 7. Platytettix uniformis Bruner, 1910 comb. rev. Male. A. Frons. B–C. Head and thorax in lateral and dorsal views respectively. D. Fore femur. E. Mid femur.

FIGURE 8. Platytettix uniformis Bruner, 1910 comb. rev. Male terminalia. A. Dorsal. B. Lateral. C. Axial D. ventral views.

FIGURE 9. Platytettix pilosus Cadena-Castañeda & Tavares sp. nov. Male habitus A. Lateral and B. Dorsal views.

FIGURE 10. Platytettix pilosus Cadena-Castañeda & Tavares sp. nov. Male. A. Frons. B–C. Head and thorax in lateral and dorsal views respectively. D. Fore femur. E. Mid femur.

FIGURE 11. Platytettix pilosus Cadena-Castañeda & Tavares sp. nov. Male terminalia. A. Dorsal. B. Lateral. C. Axial. D. Ventral views.

FIGURE 12. Platytettix reticulatus Hancock, 1906 comb. rev. Female habitus A. Lateral and B. Dorsal views. Photos: J. Tumbrinck.

FIGURE 13. Platytettix gibbinotus Bruner, 1910 comb. rev. Male lectotype. A–B. Habitus in lateral views. C. Frons. D. labels.

FIGURE 14. Platytettix arcuatus Bruner, 1920 comb. rev. Female holotype. A–B. Habitus in lateral and dorsal views respectively. C. Frons. D. labels.

FIGURE 15. Platytettix arcuatus Bruner, 1920 comb. rev. Male habitus A. Lateral and B. Dorsal views.

FIGURE 16. Platytettix arcuatus Bruner, 1920 comb. rev. Male. A. Frons. B–C. Head and thorax in lateral and dorsal views respectively. D. Fore femur. E. Mid femur.

FIGURE 17. Platytettix arcuatus Bruner, 1920 comb. rev. Female habitus A. Lateral and B. Dorsal views.

FIGURE 18. Platytettix arcuatus Bruner, 1920 comb. rev. Female A–B. Head and thorax in lateral and dorsal views. C–E. Terminalia in dorsal, lateral and ventral views respectively.

FIGURE 19. Platytettix gibbosulus (Walker, 1871) comb. nov. Female holotype. A–B. Habitus in lateral views. Photos: J. Tumbrinck.

FIGURE 20. Platytettix gibbosulus (Walker, 1871) comb. nov. Female holotype. A. Habitus in lateral view. B. Frons. C. Labels. Photos: J. Tumbrinck.

FIGURE 21. Platytettix gibbosulus (Walker, 1871) comb. nov. Female habitus A. Lateral and B. Dorsal views.

FIGURE 22. Platytettix gibbosulus (Walker, 1871) comb. nov. Female. A. Frons. B–C. Head and thorax in lateral and dorsal views. D. Fore femur. E. Mid femur. F–H. Terminalia in dorsal, lateral and ventral views respectively.