Epimetopus clandestinus, Perkins, 2012

Perkins, Philip D., 2012, 3531, Zootaxa 3531, pp. 1-95 : 79-80

Epimetopus clandestinus , new species

Figs. 115 (habitus), 116 (aedeagus), 128 (map)

Type Material. Holotype (male): Brazil: Mato Grosso, Caceres , MT., 16° 4' S, 57° 41' W, 16° 4' S, 57° 41' W, 2–4 xii 1955, M. Alvarenga ( MSP) . Paratypes (6): Same data as holotype (1 CAS, 1 MSP); Brazil: Mato Grosso, Caceres , MT., 16° 4' S, 57° 41' W, 1–30 xii 1955, M. Alvarenga (3 MSP) ; Venezuela: Barinas, Rio Caparo Res. Station , 32 km E El Canton, seasonal forest, black light, 7° 32' N, 70° 59' W, 3–5 ii 1978, J. B. Heppner (1 USNM) .

Differential Diagnosis. This species is very similar externally to E. trogoides ( Figs. 111, 115); it is smaller (ca. 2.50 vs. 2.88 mm) and the pronotal lateral lobes are shaped slightly differently. Reliable determinations will require dissection of males. The aedeagus is superficially similar to that of E. trogoides ( Figs. 112, 116). It differs in several respects, including the following: 1) the parameres apically are less pointed, subapically are narrower, and the medial margin is distinctly bisinuate; 2) the dorsal processes are shorter and more arcuate; 3) the distance from the apex of the dorsal processes to the tip of the median lobe is much shorter; 4) the apex of the paramere does not attain the level of the tip of the dorsal process; 6) the basal piece is more arcuate; and 7) the oriface of the basal piece is smaller.

Description. Size: holotype (length/width, mm): body (length from anterior margin of pronotum to elytral apices) 2.50/1.26; head (width) 0.72; pronotum 0.80/1.06; elytra 1.70/1.26. Habitus as illustrated ( Fig. 115). Head dark brown to piceous, maxillary palpi light brown; dorsum dark brown with lighter fascia at about midlength of elytra; venter and legs dark brown. Pronotum with hood carinae straight, converging and very narrowly separated anteriorly; secondary lateral lobe moderately large. Elytron with four strong granulate carinae, third interrupted anteriorly for distance of ca. 3–4 punctures; punctures round or oval, large, each with small granule at anterior margin, non-carinate intervals without granules. Protibiae slightly emarginate on inner margin, outer margin arcuate. Metaventral depression moderately wide, ca. 10 granules along base, shallow.

Distribution. Currently known from the type locality in Brazil, and one questionable locality in Venezuela ( Fig. 128).

Notes. The one record from Venezuela is based on a male. The aedeagus of this specimen does not significantly differ from that of the specimens from Brazil. However, the distance separating these two populations is so great that one must question whether the specimen was mislabeled. More material is needed to verify this record.