Prototyrtaeus obrieni Spiessberger and Ivie

Spiessberger, Erich L. & Ivie, Michael A., 2020, A New Genus and Fourteen New Species of Anopidiina (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Diaperinae: Gnathidiini) from the West Indies, The Coleopterists Bulletin 74 (4), pp. 667-695 : 681-683

Prototyrtaeus obrieni Spiessberger and Ivie , new species

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( Figs. 4 , 15d , 16i , 17c )

?Lioon sp.: Wolcott 1936: 218 [ Byrrhidae , misidentification].

Lioon: Blackwelder 1944: 270; Wolcott 1951: 269.

Type Material. Holotype. PUERTO RICO: Rio Grande; El Verde Field Station ; 18.32361°N 065.81831°W; 21JUNE2017 314m, tree moss; E. Spiessberger, V. Ferreira ( WIBF, to be deposited in NMNH) . Paratypes (275). 18: same locality data as holotype (16 WIBF, 2 HNHM). 6: PUERTO RICO: Rio Grande; El Verde Field Station ; 18.32367°N, 65.81837°W; 21JUNE2017 307m, tree moss; E. Spiessberger, V. Ferreira. 9: PUERTO RICO; Guilarte For. Res.; Hwy. 131&158 , July; 23,197 9 LB. O’ Brien ( WIBF). 6: PUERTO RICO; Guilarte For. Res.; Hwy. 131&158 , July; 23,1979 CW. O’ Brien (3 WIBF, 2 MNHN, 1 SMNS). 1: PUERTO RICO, Hwy.; 131K5H1, Guilarte; For. Res ., July23,; 1979 L.B. O’ Brien ( WIBF). 8: PUERTO RICO, Hwy.; 131&518, Guilarte; For. Res. , July24; 1979 G.B. Marshall (7 WIBF, 1 SMNS). 3: PUERTO RICO; Guilarte For. Res.; Hwy. 131&158 , July; 23,1979 GB Marshall ( WIBF). 8: PUERTO RICO, Gui-; larteSt.For., Hdqts.; Tr. VIII-5-1999, C.W.; O’ Brien, P.W. Kovarik ( FSCA). 1: PUERTO RICO,; Guilarte St. For. ; VIII-2-199, C.W.; O’ Brien, P. Kovarik ( FSCA). 1: P. RICO: Adjuntas; Guillarte For. Res. ; 3.VIII.1999, P.W.; Kovarik, collector; beating nr. Rt.-131 ( WIBF). 3: PUERTO RICO, Carib.; N.F., El Toro Negro D.,; Hwy. 143,K 19H4 , 7-; 22-1979 GB. Marshall ( WIBF). 1: PUERTO RICO, Carib.; N.F., El Toro Negro D.,; Hwy. 143,K18H6 , 7-; 22-1979; LB. O’ Brien ( WIBF). 1: PUERTO RICO, Carib.; N.F., El Toro Negro D.,; Hwy. 143,K18H6 , 7-; 22-1979; CW. O’ Brien ( WIBF). 2: PUERTO RICO, Carib.; N.F., El Toro Negro D. ,; K19H9, Hwy.143, July; 22,197 9 LB. O’ Brien ( WIBF). 2: PUERTO RICO, Carib.; N.F., El Toro Negro D.,; Hwy. 143,K19H4 , 7-; 22-1979; CW. O’ Brien ( WIBF). 3: Cerro Dona Juana; Toro Negro Forest ; Puerto Rico / 28.XII.1966 -; 4.I.1967; S. Peck carrion trap; 900 m. elev. ( FMNH). 1: PUERTO RICO, Carib.; N.F., El Toro Negro D.,; Hwy. 143,K 18H4 , 7-; 21-1979 GB. Marshall ( WIBF). 6: 18°18’10’’N, 065°54’73’’W; PUERO RICO: Rio; Grande, El Yunque Nat.; For., Mt. Britton Tr. , 4-; 12.VIII.1999, P. Kovarik (4 WIBF, 2 CMNH). 4: PUERTO RICO, El; Yunque, Mt. Britton ; Tr. viii-4-1999, C.W.; O’ Brien, P. Kovarik ( FSCA). 1: same data, except date, viii-6- 1999. ( FSCA). 2: PUERTO RICO, El; Yunque, Mt. Britton ; Tr. Viii-11-1999, tree; ferns, C.W.O’ Brien ( FSCA). 2: PUERTO RICO:; Caribbean Nat. Forest; Mt. Britton summit; 06 AUG 1999, 941m; P. Kovarik, leaf litter ( WIBF). 11: WEST INDIES: Puerto; Rico, Carib. Nat. For.; base Mt. Britton Tr. ; 17 March 1983; R.S. Miller colr. (7 WIBF, 1 BMNH, 2 ADSC, 1 RLAC). 1: PUERTO RICO, Carib.; N.F.., Mt. BrittonTr. ,; dwarf forest, 7-29-; 1979 L.B.O’ Brien ( WIBF). 1: PUERTO RICO, Carib.; N.F., Mt. Britton; Trail , July19,1979; C.W.O’ Brien ( WIBF). 1: same data, except collector, G.B. Marshall ( WIBF). 3: PUERTO RICO:; Luquillo Nat. For.; El Verde Res. Sta. ; 27-31 DEC 2001; M. A. Ivie colr. ( WIBF). 3: PUERTO RICO:; Luquillo Nat. For; El Yunque Trail ; 30 DC 2001; M. Huben ( WIBF). 2: PUERTO RICO:; El Verde Research Sta ; ridge tops in forest; 02-30 SEP 1996; E. Nazario, pitfall ( WIBF). 2: El Yunque ; c. 3,000 ft, P.R.; May 1938; Darlington ( MCZC). 4: PuertoRico; El Yunque ; 22-XII-36/ Sta 351; Chapin and; Blackwelder ( NMNH). 4: PuertoRico; El Yunque ; 18-XII-36/ Sta 347; Chapin and; Blackwelder ( NMNH). 2: PUERTO RICO, Carib.; N.G., El Yunque Hwy. ; (191) K12H7, July19,; 1979 L.B. O’ Brien (1 WIBF, 1 RLAC). 1: PUERTO RICO: Sa.; Luquillo, El Yunque ; 17AUG1954 ( INHS). 1: Puerto Rico:; El. Yunque ; elev. 2,100 -2,200 ’; Ex Bromeliad/ 15-24 Feb. 1969; T. & B. Hlavac ( MCZC.). 1: EL YUNQUE; P.R. DECAYING ; WOOD/ INTERCEPT; JAN. 30,1967/ 67-;7124 ( NMNH). 7: Maricao Forest ; 2-3,000 ft, P.R.; May 30-June 2,’38; Darlington ( MCZC). 4: PUERTO RICO: Maricao; St. For. , 01JUL1958; M.W. Sanderson; beating & sweeping (2 INHS, 2 WIBF). 1: PUERTO RICO, Hwy.; 120, K10H2, Maricao; For. Res., July 26,; 1979 C.W. O’ Brien ( WIBF). 3: Maricao PR; fish hatchery; VIII-8-61/ collected by; Flint Spangler, ( NMNH). 1: PUERTO RICO, Hwy.; 120, km. 15-16, Maricao; St. For. Viii-10-1999,C.; W.O’ Brien, P.Kovarik ( FSCA). 2: PUERTO RICO, Mari-; cao For. Res., Hwy.; 120, K13H8 , July26,; 1979 L.B. O’ Brien ( WIBF). 2: PUERTO RICO: San German; Reserva For. Maricao; km. 162 on Rt. 120 ; 08AUG1999, P.W. Kovarik; leaf litter Berlese ( WIBF). 5: Ponce P.R.; Dec. 5, 1933; RGOakley ( NMNH). 4: Ponce PR; Dec 5.33; RG Oakley; S1 4789-3 ( NMNH). 2: Araca Catechu; Principal Finca; Adjuntas, P.R. ; Coll. 23 Oct.33; R.G. Oakley ( NMNH). 1: Araca catechu ; Adjuntas P.R.; X-23- 1933; R.G. Oakley; San Juan 4789 ( NMNH). 1: Adjuntas. P.R.; Feb. 13, 1954 / J. Maldonado; S. Medina Colls. ( NMNH) . 1: Picachos, Mts, P.R ; III-30-1929./ Coll: A.S. Muller./ Stuart T. Danforth; Collection ( MCZC). 10: PUERTO RICO: Guavate-; Carite St. For., Cerro la; Santa , 17JULY1958, summit; trail, beating and sweep; M.W. Sanderson PR58-16 (5 INHS, 5 WIBF). 2: PUERTO RICO: Carite; Native Forest ; APRIL 1999; M.A. Garcia, CNF6 ( WIBF). 1: PUERTO RICO, Hwy.; 184, K21H9, Carite; For. Res. July20,; 1979 C.W.O’ Brien ( WIBF). 28: PUERTO RICO:; El Yunque ; 16-17 JULY 1958; M.W. Sanderson ( WIBF). 9: PUERTO RICO:; Caribbean Nat. Forest; El Yunque Trail ; 610-1050m, 23SEP1987; M.A. Ivie, beating (8 WIBF, 1 BMNH). 1: PUERTO RICO, Carib.; N.F., El Yunque Hwy.; (191) K12H7 , July29,; 1979 G.B. Marshall ( WIBF). 1: same data as previous, except, K11H2, July19 ( WIBF). 1: same data as previous, except, C.W. O’ Brien ( WIBF). 2: PUERTO RICO, Carib.; N.F., El Yunque Hwy. ,; (191) K11H4, July 29; 1979 L.B. O’ Brien ( WIBF). 2: same data as previous, except, C.W. O’ Brien ( WIBF). 3: WEST INDIES: Puerto; Rico, Carib. Nat. For.; km. 12 on Hwy. 191 ; 18 March 1983; R.S. Miller colr. ( WIBF). 1: PUERTO RICO: Carib.; Nat. For., S. of Palmer ; 500-700ft, 25 SEP 1987; M.A. Ivie, under bark ( WIBF). 5: El Yunque St.,; Luquillo Forest ,; P.R. VII 2-5,1969; H.&A. Howden ( CNCI). 1: same data as previous, except, VII 6-9,1969 ( CNCI). 1: same data as previous, except, VII 10-16, 1969 ( CNCI). 5: PUERTO RICO, Carib.; N.F., El Yunque Hwy.; (191) K12H7 , July 29,; 1979 C.W.O’ Brien (3 WIBF, 2 CMNC). 3: same data as previous, except, L.B.O’ Brien ( WIBF). 1: PUERTO RICO:; Caribbean Nat. For.; East Peak Rd. 670m; 22SEP1987, M.A.Ivie; ex fungus on log ( WIBF). 1: PUERTO RICO; Monte de Estado; Area Recreativa; k.13,Rte.120 / 750m. (Rain; Forest); 20.VI.1969; W.C. Gagne ( MCZC). 1: PUERTO RICO:; P.R. Univ. Biol Sta .; Muni. Rio Grande; 11-17-1969 / 670 m. elev.; Banana leaf; Coll. L. Herman ( MCZC). 10: PUERTO RICO: Maricao,; Maricao at 18°8.890’N; 66°58.932’W 902m. Arboreal; moss sifting. 6.ix.2014; A.S. Konstantinov. WP-486 (7 WIBF, 3 NMNH). 6: PUERTO RICO: El Yunque Natl.; For., El Toro Tr. At 18°16.564’N; 65°50.288’W. 933m. Arboreal; & rock moss sifting. 8.ix.2014; A.S. Konstantinov. WP-489 (4 WIBF, 2 MHNG). 4: PUERTO RICO: Jayuya,; Toro Negro at 18°10.335’N; 66°35.504’W. 1,350m. WP-479; Arboreal moss sifting. 3 Sept; 2014. A.S. Konstantinov (3 WIBF, 1 NMNH). 13: PUERTO RICO: Caribbean;Nat.For.,Hwy.191,vic.; Palmas de Sierra,km. 12-; 134 , 25-V-1994; M.C. Thomas, beating ( FSCA). 2: PUERTO RICO: Caribbean; Nat.For.,Hwy191,vic.; Palmas de Sierra ; 24-V-1994, M.C.Thomas ( FSCA). 1: PUERTO RICO: Caribbean; Nat.For.,Mt.Britton ; Trail, 28-V-1994; M.C.Thomas, beating ( FSCA) .

Diagnosis. Prototyrtaeus obrieni has two major forms. The most distinct form has matte integument and a red antenna, whereas the second form has shiny integument and a yellow antenna, which makes it similar to P. pecki. There are also intermediate grades between these two forms. The easiest way to separate these species is by checking the lateral area of the metaventrite and the aedeagi. Prototyrtaeus obrieni has the lateral area of the metaventrite smooth or weakly punctate, while P. pecki has the metaventrite strongly punctate. Prototyrtaeus obrieni has a thinner aedeagus ( Fig. 17c ) with an acute apicale tip, while P. pecki has a wider aedeagus ( Fig. 17d ) with a broad and rounded apicale tip.

Etymology. This species is named in honor of Charles William O’ Brien (1933–2019), who, along with his constant companion, Lois Ruth O’ Brien, nee Breimeier, collected not only part of this type series, but contributed massively to our knowledge of West Indian beetles through his indefatigable collecting efforts throughout the region. The O’ Briens each collected specimens of three of the 14 species of Prototyrtaeus.

Description. 1.7–2.5 mm long, 1.3–1.5 mm wide. Dorsal surface greenish bronze, bronze, or light brown without distinct setation, only a few microsetae and a few longer setae along lateral elytral margin, matte or shiny; antenna red or pale yellow to brownish. Head not as wide as anterior edge of pronotum, frons moderately, coarsely punctate, punctures subequal to eye facet, scarcely setose; epistomal suture moderately marked; clypeus setose with a higher concentration of setae at apex; labrum with longer, denser setae; antenna with 9 antennomeres ( Fig. 15d ), antennomere 2 subequal in length, slightly wider than 3, antennomeres 7–9 forming club, gradually decreasing in width, antennomere 7 widest, club subequal or slightly longer than antennomeres 1–6, last antennomere rounded at apex. Pronotum strongly transverse, widest at base, sparsely, finely punctate, punctures smaller than eye facet; all margins beaded, anterior margin bisinuate, lateral margin nearly straight or slightly rounded, strongly beaded, bead gradually wider posteriorly, visible setae in dorsal view projecting laterally, posterior margin arcuate with bead nearly effaced medially, anterior angles rounded, projecting, posterior angles obtuse. Elytron without striae, with faint, shallow, small punctures, 1 long seta behind basal margin, pair of long setae above lateral groove on basal fourth, 1 long seta above lateral groove on apical third (if missing, distinct puncture present) ( Fig. 16a ). Metaventrite short, lateral area smooth or weakly punctate; metanepisternum with line of weak punctures. Pro- and mesocoxae rounded (external view), metacoxa transverse, narrowing outwards, femora with short, sparse, golden setae, protibia cylindrical, with sparse, straight, golden setae on dorsal surface, ventrally completely setose, becoming dense, golden brush on apical half, tarsomere 1 slightly enlarged ( Fig. 16e ). Intercoxal process of ventrite 1 acute ( Fig. 16i ), sparsely punctate, punctures each bearing a very fine, golden seta. Aedeagus ( Fig. 17c ) elongate and narrow, basale and apicale subequal in length, apicale convergent at apical third, narrowing at apex; in lateral view, aedeagus slightly curved medially.

Distribution. Puerto Rico ( Fig. 20 ).

Biology. This species was collected by ELS at the El Verde Field Station on palm trees covered in moss. This species may be confused in the field with the similar looking Loxostethus unicolor Triplehorn, 1962, which is common on fungi, rather than moss, on the same and nearby trees.

Remarks. A specimen recorded by Wolcott (1936, 1951) as “doubtfully determined by Mr. H. S. Barber” as a Lioon Casey, 1912 ( Byrrhidae ) is actually a misidentified specimen of P. obrieni, included here as a paratype. Wolcott (1936) mentioned that the specimen had a sample number of 4789, and in his next work ( Wolcott 1951) he stated that it was taken by R. G. Oakley at Adjuntas. These details are recorded on the label of the specimen, found in NMNH material that was on loan for decades and only recently became available. Wolcott’ s record was the only unresolved West Indian Byrrhidae , and the family can now be removed from West Indian faunal lists.Bizarrely,this is the sole mention in the scientific literature that we can link to any member of Prototyrtaeus.

Figures

Figs. 1–9. Prototyrtaeus species, dorsal habitus. 1) P. duartei, new species; 2) P. neiba, new species; 3) P. unomas, new species; 4) P. obrieni, new species; 5) P. pecki, new species; 6) P. gracilicornis, new species; 7) P. howdeni, new species; 8) P. sandersoni, new species; 9) P. beckeri, new species. Scale bars = 1 mm.

Fig. 15. Prototyrtaeus species, antennae. a) P. duartei, new species, b) P. neiba, new species, c) P. unomas, new species, d) P. obrieni, new species, e) P. pecki, new species, f) P. gracilicornis, new species, g) P. howdeni, new species, h) P. sandersoni, new species, i) P. beckeri, new species, j) P. darlingtoni, new species, k) P. maestrensis, new species, l) P. felis, new species, m) P. turquinensis, new species, n) P. auranticornis, new species. Scale bar = 0.5 mm.

Fig. 16. Prototyrtaeus species. Lateral view of elytron with: a) Four long setae, b) Three long setae, c) One long seta. First mesotarsomere: d) Distinctly enlarged, e) Slightly enlarged. f) Ovipositor. Abdomen, intercoxal process: g) P. duartei, new species, h) P. neiba, new species and P. unomas, new species, i) P. obrieni, new species, j) P. pecki, new species, k) P. gracilicornis, new species, l) P. howdeni, new species and P. sandersoni, new species, m) P. beckeri, new species, n) P. darlingtoni, new species, o) P. maestrensis, new species, P. felis, new species, P. turquinensis, new species, and P. auranticornis, new species.

Fig. 17. Prototyrtaeus species, aedeagi, ventral and lateral views. a) P. duartei, new species, b) P. neiba, new species, c) P. obrieni, new species, d) P. pecki, new species, e) P. gracilicornis, new species, f) P. howdeni, new species, g) P. sandersoni, new species, h) P. beckeri, new species, i) P. darlingtoni, new species, j) P. maestrensis, new species. Scale bar = 0.5 mm.

Figs. 18–20. Distribution maps of Prototyrtaeus species. 18) P. duartei, new species, P. howdeni, new species, P. beckeri, new species, P. turquinensis, new species, and P. auranticornis, new species; 19) P. sandersoni, new species, P. neiba, new species, P. unomas, new species, P. darlingtoni, new species, P. maestrensis, new species, P. felis, new species; 20) P. obrieni, new species, P. pecki, new species, and P. gracilicornis, new species.