Eunatalis laevis (Waterhouse, 1894)

Gerstmeier, Roland & Seitner, Martin, 2013, Revision of the checkered beetle genus Eunatalis Schenkling, 1909 (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Clerinae), Zootaxa 3698 (1), pp. 1-77 : 30

Eunatalis laevis (Waterhouse, 1894)

( Figures 27–28 , 56 C)

Natalis laevis Waterhouse, 1894: 287 ; Jordan 1894: t. 13, f. 14.

Specimens examined: Lectotype (designated here): Dorey, 94–27; Natalis laevis (Type) Waterh. (♀, BMNH).

Comment on the type specimen: As Waterhouse (1894) made no reference to specimens in his description it cannot be assumed that the nominal species-group name, Natalis laevis , was based on a single specimen. The 'type' specimen located in the Natural History Museum, London (BMNH) must therefore be considered a syntype (ICZN 1999: Article 73.2) and available for lectotype designation (ICZN 1999: Article 74.1).

Others: Owgarra, B.N. Guinea Meek (MNHN). Terr. Papua /NG., Okapa Rd., Irafa 7000', 3.VI. 1972; Eunatalis laevis (C.O. Waterh.) , J.R. Winkler det., 1972 (JKCB). Komba-Bez, D.N. Guinea, L. Wagner leg.; Nolte- Hannover, comp. 24.VIII.1931; Schenkling det., DEI Müncheberg Col-02893 (SDEI). N. Guinea, Hatam: VI, Beccari 1875; Eunatalis laevis Waterh. ; Teste Schenkling; cfr. schada N. 6492 (MNHN). New Guinea: Tifalmin, IV: 1970, leg. W. Wheatcroft; Collection of Verne Reaves, 2 ex. (FMNH). New Guinea: Tifalmin, XII: 1970, leg. W. Wheatcroft; Collection of Verne Reaves (FMNH). Arfak, Irian Jaya, Indonesia, VII. 2005 (RGCM).

Diagnosis: E. laevis , the largest clerid species, is distinctly characterized by its size and obsolete elytral punctation.

Length: (9 specimens measured) Total length: 36–53 mm.

Head: Black, with isolated pilosity; with dense, small and large punctation, with weak wrinkles; interocular space about one eye width.

Thorax: Pronotal length to width ratio 0.95:1; pronotum dark brown to black, with isolated pilosity and punctation, conspicuously wrinkled laterally; strongly convergent towards apex; dorsal longitudinal groove very weak to absent; grooves of sub-basal collar less distinct, fused. Scutellum dark brown to black.

Elytra: Elytral length to width ratio 2.61:1; elytra light brown to black, with very isolated pilosity; elytra broader behind middle; with hidden punctation (only very minute punctations between interstices); interstices 2, 4 and 6 weakly ridged; interstices with distinct microsculpture.

Lower surface: Dark brown to black, with dense pilosity; procoxal cavities slightly opened posteriorly.

Legs: Black, with dense pilosity mainly at the inner edge of femora, with dense punctation and wrinkles; mesotibiae conspicuously bent.

Abdomen: Tegmen closed ventrally, constricted conspicuously towards apex; phallic tip open; spicular fork fused halfway.

Distribution: New Guinea.

Seasonal occurrence: Collected during the whole year.

Figures

FIGURE 27. Eunatalis laevis: (A) Phallus lateral, (B) Phallus ventral, (C) Tegmen ventral, (D) Spicular fork, (E) Pygidium, (F) Ventrite VI.

FIGURE 28. Distribution of Eunatalis laevis.

FIGURE 56. (A) Eunatalis integra, (B) Eunatalis laevicollis, (C) Eunatalis laevis, (D) Eunatalis lugubris, (E) Eunatalis mastersii, (F) Eunatalis ninae n. sp..