Taldycupes lidgettoniensis Ponomarenko, 2005

Ponomarenko, Alexandr G. & Mostovski, Mike B., 2005, New beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) from the Late Permian of South Africa, African Invertebrates 46, pp. 253-260 : 256-257

Taldycupes lidgettoniensis Ponomarenko , sp. n.

Fig. 2

Etymology: From the type locality.

Description: Elytron 1.9 mm long, 0.54 mm wide. Elytron small, elongated and convex, 3.5 times as long as wide, widest at its midlength, humeral part not narrow. Epipleural border narrow, without cells. There are 10 rows of rounded cells on disc of elytron, with about 25 cells in one row; cells in four rows in middle part of elytron much bigger than others. Sutural margin bordered. Scutellar row of cells short. Three veins ending on margin of elytron, others ending at its apex.

Holotype: NMSA, no. 2505, part and counterpart of isolated elytron. SOUTH AFRICA: KwaZulu-Natal: Howick, locality of Lidgetton; Upper Permian , Ecca Group , Volksrust Formation.

Comparison: This species is very close to T. africanus sp. n., but differs in being almost 0.7 times smaller than the latter species and having wider elytra with biggest cells situated closer to the sutural margin.

Family Rhombocoleidae Rohdendorf, 1961 Genus Rhombocoleites Ponomarenko, 1969

Figures

Fig. 2. Taldycupes lidgettoniensis Ponomarenko, sp. n., holotype NMSA, no.2505: part (A, B) and counterpart (C) of isolated elytron under different illumination.