Pseudomicracis tomicoides ( Schedl, 1961 )

Jordal, Bjarte H., 2022, The strongly dimorphic bark beetle genus Pseudomicracis (Coleoptera, Scolytinae) in Madagascar-an integrated taxonomic revision, Zootaxa 5125 (3), pp. 325-343 : 338

Pseudomicracis tomicoides ( Schedl, 1961)

( Figs 36, 39, 42 , 45, 48, 51 )

Micracidendron tomicoides Schedl, 1961: 141

Saurotocis tomicoides ( Schedl, 1961) , combination by Wood (1984)

Pseudomicracis tomicoides ( Schedl, 1961) , combination by Jordal (2021c)

Type material. Holotype, female: Madagascar, Perinet , 23.xi.1952, Dr K.E. Schedl [ MNHN] . Allotype male and paratypes: same data as holotype [ MNHN, NHMW] .

Diagnosis. Length 2.6–2.9 mm, 2.3–2.5 × as long as wide. Antennal club almost three times as long as wide, sutures not evident, basal segment shiny, very short; male declivity impressed, demarcated on each side by 5–7 large tubercles; posterior margin of elytra with a distinct rim; interstriae with densely placed and strongly confused setae; female frons with dense, long, soft setae; antennal scapus short, with a very long and thin dorsal spike with long setae longer than spike.

Distribution and biology. Madagascar. Only known from the type locality where it was dissected from Ocotea cymosa and O. laens (Lauraceae) branches about 4–5 cm diameter ( Schedl 1977). One male may accept one, two or three females, copulate with these just inside the entrance, and each female excavate longitudinal egg tunnels in the phloem.

Figures

FIGURES 36–44. Dorsal, lateral and front view of Pseudomicracis tomicoides male holotype (36, 39, 43); Pseudomicracis dispar male (37, 40, 43); Pseudomicracis pennata male holotype (38, 41, 44).

FIGURES 45–53. Dorsal, lateral and front view of Pseudomicracis tomicoides female allotype (45, 48, 51); Pseudomicracis dispar female (46, 49, 52); Pseudomicracis pennata female allotype (47, 50, 53).