Epimetopus vulpinus, Perkins, 2012

Perkins, Philip D., 2012, 3531, Zootaxa 3531, pp. 1-95 : 65-66

Epimetopus vulpinus , new species

Figs. 101 (habitus), 105 (aedeagus), 126 (map)

Type Material. Holotype (male): Brazil: Rio Grande do Sul, Pelotas , 31° 46' S, 52° 20' W, 28 xi 1952, C. Biezanko ( USNM) . Paratype: Uruguay : Lavalleja , Rio Cebollati, Picada de Rodriguez, 33° 32' S, 54° 23' W, 5 i 1957, C. S. Carbonell (1 USNM) .

Differential Diagnosis. The dorsal habitus of E. vulpinus ( Fig. 101) is very similar to that of other members of the Plaumanni group. It differs from the others in having slightly more ovate elytra, and usually a larger V-shaped fascia on the elytra. It is the smallest member of the group (ca. 2.17 mm). Males have the clypeus upturned, as do E. vianai and E. multiportus . Examination of the male genitalia will be essential for reliable determinations. The aedeagus ( Fig. 105) is much broader (in both views) than others in the species group; the dorsal processes are shaped differently and are broader basally than those of other species; and the median lobe above the bases of the dorsal processes is not parallel-sided.

Description. Size: holotype (length/width, mm): body (length from anterior margin of pronotum to elytral apices) 2.17/1.19; head (width) 0.59; pronotum 0.81/0.87; elytra 1.44/1.19. Habitus as illustrated ( Fig. 101). Head piceous, maxillary palpi light brown; pronotum dark brown to piceous; elytra dark brown except yellowish on carinae in basal ¼, large V-shaped fascia near midlength, and at apical ¼ of elytra; venter piceous; legs rufous. Pronotum with hood carinae very slightly arcuate, almost straight, converging and confluent anteriorly, grooved throughout; secondary lateral very small, almost absent. Elytron with four strong granulate carinae, third interrupted anteriorly for distance of ca. 3 punctures; punctures round or oval, large, each with small granule at anterior margin, non-carinate intervals without granules. Protibiae slightly emarginate on inner margin, almost straight. Metaventral depression moderately deep and wide, ca. nine granules along base.

Etymology. Named in reference to the dorsal processes of the median lobe of the aedeagus, which are shaped like fox ears.

Distribution. Currently known from southeastern Brazil and Uruguay ( Fig. 126).