Epimetopus arcuatus, Perkins, 2012

Perkins, Philip D., 2012, 3531, Zootaxa 3531, pp. 1-95 : 56-58

Epimetopus arcuatus , new species

Figs. 94 (habitus), 88 (aedeagus), 128 (map)

Type Material. Holotype (male): Paraguay: Dep. Concepcion, Arroyo Toro Paso, Unterlauf (contrib. Rio Apa ), seepage, 23° 51' S, 56° 46' W, 24 x 2002, U. Drechsel ( NMW) . Paratype: Same data as holotype (1 NMW) .

Differential Diagnosis. The dorsal habitus ( Fig. 94) differs from that of other members of the Thermarum group by the elytral carinae which, in dorsal view, appear arcuate and, in lateral view, appear sinuate posteriorly.

The elytral punctures are quite large and round. The pronotal lateral lobes are slightly more angulate that those of the other members of the group. The aedeagus is similar to that of E. thermarum ( Figs. 87, 88), but notably differs in the following: 1) the median lobe is wider, and less acutely pointed apically; 2) the lateral margins of the parameres are virtually parallel, not bending outward; and 3) the median lobe distal part that extends beyond the tips of the dorsal processes is shorter (best seen in lateral view).

Description. Size: holotype (length/width, mm): body (length from anterior margin of pronotum to elytral apices) 2.11/1.11; head (width) 0.55; pronotum 0.75/0.86; elytra 1.34/1.11. Habitus as illustrated ( Fig. 94). Head piceous, maxillary palpi light brown; pronotum brown; elytra brown to dark brown except very faint lighter fascia in front of middle, and one behind middle (specimen may be slightly teneral); venter and coxae piceous, remainder of legs brown to reddish brown. Head (male) with sharply upturned clypeus. Pronotum with hood carinae slightly arcuate, converging and confluent anteriorly, grooved throughout; secondary lateral lobe small. 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 with inner margin straight, outer margin arcuate. Metaventral depression shallow, moderately wide, ca. seven granules along base.

Etymology. Named in reference to the arcuate elytral carinae.

Distribution. Currently known only from the type locality in Paraguay ( Fig. 128).