Laemophloeus lecontei Grouvelle, 1876

Thomas, Michael C., 2015, A review of New World Laemophloeus Dejean (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae): 3. Nearctic species, Insecta Mundi 2015 (450), pp. 1-35 : 10

Laemophloeus lecontei Grouvelle

Fig. 12 , 32-35

Laemophloeus lecontei Grouvelle, 1876:496 Laemophloeus chevrolati Grouvelle, 1878: 264 ; synonymy by Thomas 2014: 10

Types: Thomas (2014) discussed type material of L. lecontei and L. chevrolati housed in the MNHN.

Diagnosis. The combination of the unusual pubescence – composed of clusters of 2-3 setae – of the antennal club ( Fig. 35 ), entirely pale body ( Fig. 12 ), and, in the male, epistome with clypeal teeth and deep emarginations over the antennal bases ( Fig. 32 ) is sufficient to recognize this species in the Nearctic fauna. The male genitalia ( Fig. 33-34 ) are unlike those of any other known Nearctic species in having the parameres separated for their entire length; the basal primary setae located at about the basal third on the inner margin of each paramere; the lateral primary setae located at the posteriolateral angle of each; and the unusually shaped basal plates. Length, 2.0mm - 3.5mm.

Distribution. Caribbean, North, Central and South America. In the Nearctic, L. lecontei has been collected only in extreme southern Florida.

Specimens examined. 29, all in the FSCA.

USA: FLORIDA: Miami-Dade Co.: Camp Mahachee, nr. Matheson Hammock; Matheson Hammock; Monroe Co.: Upper Key Largo.

Discussion. This is the most widely distributed species of Laemophloeus in the West Indies ( Thomas 2014), and is confined to the tropical portion of Florida that shows a strong West Indian influence in both its flora and fauna.

Figures

Figure 12. Laemophloeus lecontei, male habitus.

Figures 32-35. Laemophloeus lecontei, male. 32) Head and pronotum. 33) Aedeagus.34) Parameres.35)Antennomere 10 (specimen from Mexico).