Paragnorimus Becker, 1910

Smith, Andrew B. T., 2010, Three new species of Paragnorimus Becker from Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae: Trichiini) with a redefinition of the genus, Insecta Mundi 2010 (126), pp. 1-8 : 2

Genus Paragnorimus Becker

Paragnorimus Becker, 1910: 302 (type species Coelocratus aenescens Bates , by subsequent designation [ Howden 1968]).

Peltotrichius Howden, 1968: 22 (type species Trigonopeltastes linea Burmeister, 1841 by original designation). New synonymy.

Generic diagnosis ( Fig. 1-10 ). Dorsal and ventral surface shiny or matt, without iridescent coloration. Head setose, usually without cretaceous markings. Clypeus rounded to slightly emarginate, not deeply emarginated, length approximately equal to or slightly greater than width. Males with antennal club length approximately equal to antennomeres 2-7, club length sometimes shorter in females. Pronotum sometimes with transverse cretaceous band, never with complete, impressed V or triangle with cretaceous markings. Pronotum with marginal bead complete, evenly convex, uniformly setose. Elytra sparsely setose, sometimes with cretaceous bands, intervals not elevated or shiny. Pygidium length approximately equal to width, setose, often with cretaceous markings. Procoxae contiguous, mesocoxae separated by thin metasternal process. Abdominal sternites usually with cretaceous markings, without erect tufts of setae on segment 5. Protibiae with 2 teeth near apex. Mesotibiae often with broad tooth or blade-like projection along outside edge.

Remark. Howden (1968) described the genus Peltotrichius for a species with a transverse cretaceous (chalky white) band across the middle of the pronotum, distinct elytral markings, and subtle sexual dimorphism. This is opposed to the species he placed in the genus Paragnorimus , which have no cretaceous marks on the pronotal disc, reflexed clypeus, and very distinct sexual dimorphism. As new species were discovered, modifications were needed to the definitions of each genus ( Howden 1970, 1971). The three new species described in this paper even more significantly bridge the gap between Paragnorimus and Peltotrichius to the point where Howden’s diagnostic characters for each genus are no longer usable. For example, P. hondurensis and P. howdeni both have the very distinct sexually dimorphic characters discussed by Howden (1968) for Paragnorimus (female pronotum more round and convex with coarse punctures) and the cretaceous markings on the pronotum characteristic of Peltotrichius . New species discovery inevitably fills in gaps between taxa and it is not surprising that modifications are needed for the generic concepts of poorly known groups such as Neotropical trichiines.

Figures

Figure 1-6. Oblique view. 1-2) Paragnorimus hondurensis. 1) Male. 2) Female.3-4) Paragnorimus howdeni. 3) Male. 4) Female. 5-6) Paragnorimus atratus. 5) Male. 6) Female.

Figure 7-10. Male genitalia of the new species of Paragnorimus. 7) Parameres of Paragnorimus hondurensis. 8) Parameres of Paragnorimus howdeni. 9) Parameres of Paragnorimus atratus. 10) Lateral view of Paragnorimus howdeni.