Leptorhyparus gilli Howden, 2003

Skelley, Paul E., 2021, A new species of Leptorhyparus Howden, 2003 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini) in amber from the Dominican Republic, with comments on extant species, Insecta Mundi 2021 (892), pp. 1-7 : 4

Leptorhyparus gilli Howden

Figure 2 (see also Howden 2003)

Leptorhyparus gilli Howden 2003: 400–401 , fig. 4–7.

Diagnosis. Leptorhyparus gilli is readily distinguished from the other members of the genus by small body (length 2.3–2.6 mm); head lacking distinct tufts of setae; sides of clypeus straight to genae; pronotum having a shortened groove in the posterior interval between the paramedian and discolateral costae that does not reach the anterior fovea, the area between the groove and fovea not raised allowing these costae to appear separated ( Fig. 2 ); pronotum having a small anterior lobe of the discolateral costa; elytra with postdiscal bulbs reduced; elytra with caudal bulbs smaller and not distinctly visible from ventral view; median impression of metaventrite a narrow line entire length; and it occurs in southern Central America.

Variation. As Howden (2003) discussed for L. gilli and Minkina (2020) suspected for L. brasiliensis and L. peruanus , there are variation in details related to the development of the paramedian and discolateral costae of the pronotum, along with the area between them, puncture rows with punctures varying in size and distance, elytral intervals appearing flat or convex depending on the individual, and general size and distinctness of dorsal and ventral punctation. Some of the differences are actual variation between individuals. In others it appears to relate to the visual quality of the structures relating to dirt remnants or angle of lighting. Caution needs to be taken to recognize species differences that hold for series of specimens and not individuals. New species descriptions based on subtle differences of singletons should be avoided.

Material examined. ( 20) Holotype and 3 Panamanian paratypes in the CMNC plus the following: COSTA RICA: Heredia: Estación Biológica LaSelva, 10°26′N, 84°01′W, flight intercept trap #5, 8-VII-2005, M. Ferro (1 CSCA); Puntarenas: Estación Biológica Las Cruces , 1330 m, 08°47.14′N, 82°57.58′W, 30-V-2004, J. S. Ashe, Z. Falin, I. Hinojosa, at uv light, CR1AFH04 058, (2 FSCA: barcode KUNHM-ENT SM060993, SM0609981); 5 km SW Estación Biológica Las Cruces, 1400 m, 8°47′13″N, 82°59′13″W, 22-VI-1998, R.S. Anderson, wet cloud forest litter (3 CMNC). NICARAGUA: Jinotega: Parque Nacional Cero Saslaya, 13.77165 −85.01184, ± 150 m 1110 m, 12-V-2011, ex sifted leaf litter, ridgetop cloud forest, LLAMA11 Wa-D-03-1-all (1 SEMC: barcode KUNHM-ENT SEMC1113155 ). PANAMA: Chiriqui: Fortuna, 1050 m, 8°45′N 082°15′W, 19-IX-1978, H. Wolda, Lt. trap (2 FSCA); Fortuna, 28-VIII-1977, H. Wolda (1 CEMT, 4 FSCA); Cocle: Rio Indo Lodge , N. El Valle, 08°39′46.7″N, 80°07′07.9″W, 575 m, 18–20-VIII-2012, J. Heppner (1 FSCA); Veraguas: Santa Fe, Alto Piedra, 850 m, 16–18-VI-2011, J. B. Heppner (1 FSCA).

Comments. There is some variation in the distance between the end of the pronotal groove and the anterior foveae. Lighting must be correct to fully illuminate these structures. Sometimes the interval is more depressed making it appear as if the groove is longer. However, the groove at the bottom of this depressed interval is deep, sharply defined and always well separated from the fovea.

Figures

Figures 1–8. Leptorhyparus characters. 1–3) Head and pronotum.1) L. brasiliensis. 2) L. gilli. 3) L. peruanus. 4–5) Elytra and pygidium, caudal view. 4) L. brasiliensis, 5) L. peruanus. 6–8) Body parts of L. brasiliensis, from French Guiana. 6) Epipharynx. 7) Male genitalia, caudal view. 8) Male genitalia, lateral view.