Dryocoetiops nitidus (Schedl)

Beaver, Roger A., Smith, Sarah M. & Sanguansub, Sunisa, 2019, A review of the genus Dryocoetiops Schedl, with new species, new synonymy and a key to species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), Zootaxa 4712 (2), pp. 236-250 : 246

Dryocoetiops nitidus (Schedl)

(Figs 18–21)

Dryocoetes nitidus Schedl 1942a: 179 .

Dryocoetiops nitidus (Schedl) : Schedl 1964: 308.

Taxonomy. We have examined two syntypes from Java, and other specimens from W. Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatera) and Papua New Guinea ( NMW), and compared them with specimens in RAB from Brunei, China and E. Malaysia (Sabah). As pointed out by Wood and Bright (1992), Schedl’s (1979) citation of a holotype is invalid, because the species was described from several specimens without a holotype designation. The species is distinguished from D. moestus by its larger size and coarser sculpture (see key). On the basis of the material studied, there is a size gap between the two species. However, the geographical ranges of the two species overlap considerably, and it is possible further studies will show that the species should be added to the list of synonyms of D. moestus .

Distribution. Brunei, China (Yunnan), Indonesia (Java, Sumatera, West Papua), Malaysia (E. and W.), Papua New Guinea.

New records. BRUNEI, Temburong, nr. K. Belalong Field Stud. Centre, 4°33′N, 115°09′E, 300m, 11.ii.1992 ( R. A. Beaver) (1) ; CHINA, Yunnan, P. Xishuanbanna, 20 km N Jinhong, Man Dian ( NNNR), 22°07′80′′N 100°40′08′′E, 230m, 8.vii.2008 (A. Weigel) (2) ; MALAYSIA [East], Sabah, Sipitang, Mendolong , ex Macaranga petiole, 11.v.1988 (S. Adebratt) (1) .

Biology. Recorded from Shorea acuminata (Dipterocarpaceae) and Coffea sp. ( Rubiaceae ) ( Schedl 1942a). The new record from Macaranga sp. ( Euphorbiaceae ) indicates that, like D. moestus , it can occasionally be found in the petiole of large fallen leaves. Breeding in this habitat has not been observed.