Euconnus astrus, Caterino, 2022

Caterino, Michael S., 2022, First report of the Euconnus Thomson subgenus Cladoconnus Reitter in the New World, represented by thirteen new Appalachian species (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae), ZooKeys 1137, pp. 133-175 : 133

Euconnus astrus sp. nov.

Figs 7 , 15C

Type material.

Holotype ♂, deposited in CMNC: "ALA., Jackson Co., 5mi.N.W.Princeton, 19.V.1972, S.Peck. Ber.240" / "Caterino DNA Voucher Extraction MSC12286 Cladoconnus (AL)"; Paratypes (3): 1 ♂, same data as type; (FMNH); 1 ♂, 1 ♀: "nr. Jess Elliot Cave, Jackson Co., ALA. 8.IV.1961" / "Hollow Tree, V.D.Patrick, H.R.Steeves, leg."

Other material.

(4) - AL: Marshall Co., Grant , 25-May-1958 (1 ♂); Colbert Co. , Maud , nr. McCluskey Cave, 26-Mar-1962 (3 ♀, 1 ♂) .

Diagnostic description.

This species is externally identical to E. adversus , above, and can only be distinguished by male genitalic characters. Both species share very prominent antennal carinae (e.g., Fig. 14C ), those on antennomeres VIII and IX both strong and oblique, that of VIII most produced at base and that of IX most produced at apex. They similarly appear to be wing-dimorphic, with winged males and wingless females; aedeagus (Fig. 15C ) with median lobe evenly tapered and narrowly rounded at apex; parameres thin, each bearing three short terminal setae, the setae not reaching apex of median lobe; compressor plate short, asymmetrical, truncate on one side (left as drawn), narrowly and unevenly produced on other; left upper endophallic sclerite strongly hooked, with prominent, blunt median tooth on inner margin; right upper endophallic sclerite a short curved spine, the tip pointing laterad; lower endophallic armature comprising a deeply bifurcate process, with two long, slightly sinuate spikes pointed distad.

Distribution.

This species is only definitely known from northeastern Alabama, where it has been found in a few caves, as well as a few free-living situations. A series from Colbert County, in northwestern Alabama, comprises only females. Males from this locality would be interesting to examine.

Remarks.

This species appears closely related to E. adversus , but differs substantially in genitalic characters, with the right upper endophallic sclerite quite different, and the lower endophallic sclerites much more elongate. The species name means ‘starry’, referring to the nearby NASA rocket science and spacecamp facilities.

Figures

Figure 7. Map of collecting records for Euconnus (Cladoconnus) cumberlandus (circles) and E. (C.) astrus (stars).

Figure 14. Habitus and character photos of Euconnus adversus A male, lateral view B male, dorsal view (NT. A. 009) C SEM of male antenna.

Figure 15. Aedeagus A Euconnus adversus (type locality - Celo Knob, NC) B Euconnus adversus (non-type locality - Chestnut Ridge, SC) C Euconnus astrus D Euconnus cultellus.