Phyllium (Phyllium) fallorum, Cumming, 2017

Cumming, Royce T., 2017, A new species of Phyllium (Phyllium) Illiger, 1798 from Mindanao, Philippines (Phasmida, Phylliidae), Zootaxa 4303 (2), pp. 297-300 : 297-299

Phyllium (Phyllium) fallorum n. sp. ( Figures 1 & 2 ).

Holotype: ♀: Philippines, Mindanao , Davao Del Sur, Kapatagan X-2015 [Coll. RC 16-121 ].

Description: Small size for the genus (66.5 mm, only 10.2 mm longer than current smallest Phyllium (Phyllium) riedeli Kamp & Hennemann, 2014 ). A rather robust species in several aspects; a broad smooth head, robust thoracic tubercles, and broad abdomen/subgenital plate. Coloration is based on a photo of the specimen shortly after being collected. Figures are of the specimen after being dried resulting in some loss of color.

Coloration. Overall coloration a pale green more akin to lime green. Venation of the tegmina slightly darker and more orange especially closer to the base. Compound eyes, mesopraescutum, mesopleurae, and antennae of an orangish nature as well. Mesocoxae with conspicuous black interior mark surrounded by a burnt red color.

Morphology. Head capsule about as wide as long, with vertex smooth, lacking significant protuberances. Antennae (3.8 mm), consisting of nine segments with the pars stridens on antennomere III with 27 teeth. Pronotum with anterior margin concave and slight convex lateral margins converging to a straight posterior margin. Pronotum anterior margin is approximately 1.6 times wider than the posterior margin. Anterior and lateral margins of the pronotum have a distinct rim whereas the posterior margin lacks a distinct rim. Prosternum is slightly granulate with no notable structures. Mesopraescutum wider than long, slightly narrowed posteriorly. Lateral rims with 7+/- tubercles of varying sizes (5 major, ~2 minor). Mesopraescutum mediolongitudinal carina distinctly raised with three large tubercles along the sagittal plane, with the most prominent located on the concave rim of the anterior. Mesopleurae angled at around 45 degrees; strong lateral margin with 5 major tubercles and a notable but smaller tubercle between major tubercles III and IV. Face of the mesopleurae marked with two pits, one on the anterior third and one on the posterior third, with the anterior pit larger and more noticeable. Mesosternum somewhat uniformly granulose continuing onto the metasternum. Tegmina (length 40.1 mm, maximum width 16.5 mm) extending almost to the posterior of abdominal segment VII. Alae are drastically underdeveloped and almost unrecognizable as alae. Abdominal segments II–IV gradually widening with IV the widest segment, first 2/3 gradually widening and the posterior 1/3 parallel. Abdominal segments V–X gradually tapering towards the apex. Segments VI–VIII gently rounded creating a crenate edge. Anal segment wider than long with a broad, rounded apex. Subgenital plate ovular in shape with posterior margin slightly passing over the anterior margin of anal segment X. Gonapophyses longer than the anal abdominal segment, protruding to about half the length that the cerci extend past the apex. Cerci are slightly cupped with a granular surface. Profemora with a moderately wide rounded exterior lobe and triangular interior lobe. Interior lobe wider than exterior lobe, anterior edge dentate with six small teeth spaced in groups of two. Protibiae lacking exterior lobe, interior lobe very reduced and only present on the posterior half as a scalene rounded triangle. Exterior and interior lobe of mesofemora gently rounded with the exterior lobe slightly wider and interior lobe slightly serrate. Exterior and interior lobe of metafemora gently rounded with interior lobe wider and serrate.

Measurements [mm]: Length of body 66.5, length/width of head 5.8/5.9, pronotum 4.7, mesonotum 4.7, length/ width of tegmina 40.1/16.5, greatest width of abdomen 31.0, profemora 11.9, mesofemora 10.5, metafemora 13.5, protibiae 7.4, mesotibiae 7.9, metatibiae 11.4, antennae 3.8.

Etymology: This new species is a patronym named to honor the Fall family of BioQuip Products, California, United States. BioQuip Products was born in 1947 when Richard Fall began manufacturing entomology drawers in the family’s garage. Wife Louise Fall and sons, Ken and Chris, continue to run the family work today.

Figures

FIGURE 1. Phyllium (Phyllium) fallorum n. sp., A: dorsal view; B: ventral view.

FIGURE 2. Phyllium (Phyllium) fallorum n. sp., A: antennae, head, pronotum, and mesothorax; B: genitalia, ventral view.