Rhodobaenus schusteri Anderson, 2022

Anderson, Robert S., 2022, New species of Rhodobaenus LeConte, 1876 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Dryophthorinae) from Central and South America, Zootaxa 5115 (2), pp. 267-273 : 272

Rhodobaenus schusteri Anderson , new species

Figs. 7–8 , 13–14

Specimens examined: Holotype male, labeled GUATEMALA: Zacapa, 3.5 km S.E. La Union, 1600 m, 27 Jun 1993, R. Anderson, cloud forest litter, 93-20. ( CMNC) . Paratypes, GUATEMALA: Suchixtepec, Santa Barbara Reserve, Refugio Quetzal , 1600 m, 1-20 Jul 2007, 14.541759, -91.197294, Juan Pablo Perez (1 male, CMNC) . HONDURAS: Cortés, Parque Nacional Cusuco, 15.48572 -88.23746 ± 5m, 1210 m, 30 May-3 Jun 2010, LLAMA, #Ma-C-06-2-02, mesophyll forest, malaise trap (1 male, CMNC) . MEXICO: Chiapas, 2 km S.E. Custepec, 15.72101, -92.95017, 1520 m, 17 May 2008, LLAMA Wa-A-02-1-08 (1 male, CMNC) .

Diagnosis: Length, 5.4–5.7 mm. Rostrum very short, length slightly less than one-half length pronotum. Pronotum very slightly longer than width across base, with large diamond-shaped black macula along midline, basal area very slightly (if at all) impressed. Elytra with similar black maculae on humeri, across intervals 2–6 at about midlength and just before declivity across intervals 3–8. Pygidium somewhat tumescent. Tarsus with claw bearing article flat, not excavate, between claws.

Identification: In Vaurie (1981) this species will key to Rhodobaenus nigrosignatus Champion in couplet 3. The two species share a short rostrum, similar (although not identical) black pronotal and elytral markings. Rhodobaenus schusteri can be separated by the larger pronotal black macula, a more robust pronotum, a slight (if any) basal pronotal impression and elytra with the humeral and discal black maculae well-separated.

Description: Length 5.4–5.7 mm in male. Cuticle black to reddish-brown, no whitish spots around punctures, general body color greyish with distinct black maculae. Rostrum not humped over scrobe, uniformly arcuate, very short, length slightly less than one-half length pronotum. Gular peduncle flat, not angulate behind. Antennal scape subcylindrical, about two-thirds length of rostrum, about twice length funicle, very slightly clavate apically. Antennal scape with only article 1 longer than wide, articles 2–6 moniliform (2–4) to slightly wider than long (5–6), width of club slightly less than width of apex of rostrum; spongy apex about two-fifths length of club. Antennal groove with posterior border almost touching anterior margin of eye. Pronotum very slightly longer than width across base, with large diamond-shaped black macula along midline, basal area very slightly (if at all) impressed. Elytra very slightly wider than pronotum, longer than pronotum by about two-thirds, striae with vaguely defined punctures, with black maculae similar to that on pronotum on humeri, across intervals 2–6 at about midlength and just before declivity across intervals 3–8. Prosternum flat in front of coxa. Posterior femur with width at apex about twice width at base, tarsus with claw bearing article flat, not excavate, between claws. Pygidium with punctate part short, about as wide as long, somewhat convex, lacking any apical tuft. Abdomen lacking ventral tubercle. Male not dissected, female not known.

Etymology: This species is named after Dr. Jack Schuster, of Guatemala City, Guatemala. For many years, Jack has been instrumental in facilitating and hosting entomologists visiting Guatemala and for guidance to interesting places to study and collect. A stay at his house, located in a wonderful forest patch in the heart of Guatemala City, is treasured by any of his many visitors.

Natural history: The four known specimens have been collected in mid-elevation wet cloud forests between 1200–1600m elevation. Two of the four specimens were collected in leaf litter samples.

Figures

FIGURES 1–8. Species of Rhodobaenus. 1–2, Rhodobaenus chamorroae. 1, Dorsal habitus, male. 2, Lateral habitus, male. 3–4, Rhodobenus flecha. 3, Dorsal habitus, female. 4, Lateral habitus, female. 5–6, Rhodobenus howdenorum. 5, Dorsal habitus, male. 6, Lateral habitus, male. 7–8, Rhodobenus schusteri. 7, Dorsal habitus, male. 8, Lateral habitus, male.

FIGURES 9–14. Species of Rhodobaenus. 9–10, Rhodobaenus chamorroae. 9. Dorsal view of pygidium. 10. Lateral view of pygidium. 11–12, Rhodobaenus flecha. 11. Dorsal view of pygidium. 12. Lateral view of pygidium. 13–14, Rhodobaenus schusteri. 13. Dorsal view of pygidium. 14. Lateral view of pygidium.