Laccophilus mazzoldii, new species

(Figs. 11, 29)

Type locality. Thailand, Mukdahan Province, Phu Pha Thoep National Park, ca. 16°26′N, 104°48′E.

Material examined. Holotype male, labelled: LAOS, Savannakhet Prov., / Phou Xang He NBCA, ca. 5km / SW Ban Pa Phaknau, 250-400 m, / 17°00′ N, 105°38′ E, / 31.V. – 6.VI. 2011 // NHMB Basel / Laos 2011 Expedition, / M. Brancucci, M. Geiser, / D. Hauck, Z. Kraus, / A. Phantala & E. Vongphachan (NHMB). Paratypes: 7 females, same label data as holotype (NHMB, NMPC); 1 male, 1 female: Thailand, Mukdahan [Prov.] 1.I. / 2000, Phu Pha Thoep N.P. / Small pools on dry stream / bed, Mazzoldi P. leg. (23) (PMCB) .

Diagnosis. Large, oblong oval species (body length 4.6– 4.7 mm). The new species is characteristic, with elytral colouration that resembles L. aurofasciatus . Laccophilus mazzoldii differs from that species by narrower body shape, elytral sculpture moderately impressed with meshes complete, and by distinct shape of median lobe, resembling that of L. javanicus .

Description. Colouration: Head and pronotum testaceous. Elytra blackish with broad testaceous subbasal band not separated from elytral base but interrupted on suture, mediolateral spot very small, preapical spot large (preapical transverse band broadly interrupted in sutural area), and small apical spot (Fig. 11). Appendages and ventral part testaceous.

Surface structures and sculpture: Head reticulation simple, composed of medium sized irregular polygonal meshes, which are moderately deeply impressed. Frons between eyes, and clypeus with several large punctures. Reticulation of pronotum same as that of head. Pronotum along margins with numerous large setigerous punctures. Reticulation of elytra simple, composed of well impressed medium sized irregular polygonal meshes similar to that of head or pronotum. Meshes mostly complete, their inner space usually with several (1–3) small punctures; in some parts secondary microreticulation indicated. Each elytron with indistinct sutural, discal and lateral rows of large serial setigerous punctures. Ventral side reticulated with fine elongate meshes. Prosternal apophysis lanceolate. Abdominal ventrites with numerous oblique grooves and several large setigerous punctures, lateral margin bordered. Apical ventrite rounded posteriorly, with only few large setigerous punctures and transverse grooves on disc. Male pro- and mesotarsomeres 1–3 weakly dilated with bundle of adhesive setae on ventral side. Claws of pro- and mesotarsi simple and equal.

Male genitalia: Median lobe of aedeagus in lateral view as in Fig. 29.

Female genitalia: Similar to male; pro- and mesotarsomeres not dilated.

Variability. Measurements (N= 10): Body length 4.5–4.7 mm (mean value 4.5 mm, holotype 4.5 mm); width 2.5–2.6 mm (mean value 2.5 mm, holotype 2.5 mm).

Etymology. The new species is dedicated to its collector, Paolo Mazzoldi (Brescia, Italy), a specialist on Dytiscidae .

Distribution. So far known only from two close localities on both sides of the Thai-Laotian border (Fig. 41).