Roraima carinata Kodada & Jaech , 1999

Maier, Crystal A., 2013, A revision of the Larainae (Coleoptera, Elmidae) of Venezuela, with description of nine new species, ZooKeys 329, pp. 33-91 : 86

Roraima carinata Kodada & Jaech, 1999 Figs 2, 93, 94, 95

For complete species description and genitalia illustrations see Kodada and Jäch 1999.

Material examined.

"SE-Venezuela, Bolívar state, Mt. Roraima; the stream below the waterfall on the south-west face of the Mt. Roraima; which crosses a tourist pathway to Mt. Roraima plateau; ca. 2000 m a.s.l, 3. Feb. 1999" (1 Holotype, NMW).

Diagnosis.

This species can be distinguished from all other laraine Elmidae in South America by its large size and distinctive appearance. Roraima carinata is the only laraine species larger than 5.0 mm that possesses strongly carinate elytra (Fig. 93) and strongly clubbed antennae. Additionally, the shape of the pronotum is distinct among the Larainae (Fig. 94). The only other species that has carinate elytra is Hexanchorus leleupi Delève, and that species is smaller than 5.0 mm and has filiform antennae.

Intraspecific variation.

Roraima carinata varies in length from 5.1-5.2 mm and slightly in color.

Distribution and habitat.

This species is known only from the high elevation type locality. Kodada and Jäch (1999) reported that the aquatic samples which included this species came from a small (ca. 1 m wide) shaded stream with a gravel substrate crossing the tourist path on the southwestern slope of Mount Roraima, in Bolívar State, Venezuela (Fig. 2).

Associated species.

The unusual species Neblinagena doyeli was found near the Roraima carinata collection site, but at a lower elevation.