Gauchodaeus patagonicus Paulsen & Ocampo

Paulsen, M. J. & Ocampo, Federico C., 2012, The Ochodaeidae of Argentina (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea), ZooKeys 174, pp. 7-30 : 23-24

Gauchodaeus patagonicus Paulsen & Ocampo sp. n. Fig. 17Map 4

Type material.

Holotype male (IAZA), pinned. Original labels: a) "Piedra del Águila / (131) 525 m. / Neuquén - Argentina"; b) "7-II-92 / Leg. Mario Gentili"; c) on red paper "Gauchodaeus / patagonicus ♂ / Paulsen & Ocampo / HOLOTYPE". Two paratypes (IAZA, MJPC) labeled as holotype. One paratype (CMNC) labeled: a) "Ea. Llamuco / (1100 M.S.N.M.) / Neuquén - Arg."; b) "18-III-74 / LG. M. Gentili"; c) black-bordered "H. & A. Howden / Collection / ex. A. Martínez coll.". One paratype (IAZA) labeled: "14-I-80 / Leg. M. Gentili"; "Bajada Marucho / (870 m.s.n.m.) / NEUQUÉN - ARG." All paratypes labeled: "Gauchodaeus / patagonicus / Paulsen & Ocampo / PARATYPE" on yellow paper.

Type locality.

Argentina: Neuquén: Piedra del Águila.

Diagnosis.

The elongate body of this species (Fig. 17) is unlike that any other South American ochodaeids, which are in a different subfamily. The pectinate mesotibial spur, lack of propygidial tubercles, and simply rounded elytral apices will separate it from Parochodaeus or any other scarabaeoids.

Description, holotype male.

Length:5.2 mm. Width:2.5 mm. Color: Reddish brown, shiny. Head: Surface tuberculate, punctate, with short setae increasing in length near eyes. Clypeus subtrapezoidal, long (length equal to 1/2 width). Mentum tumid. Pronotum: Surface punctate, tuberculate, tubercles small, setose. Elytra: Surface setose; setae moderately long, recumbent. Legs: Metafemur with posterior margin entire (not toothed in distal half). Abdomen:Stridulatory peg absent.

Description, paratypes (n=4). Length:5.7- 5.9 mm. Width:2.5-2.7 mm. Specimens examined did not differ significantly from the holotype. The CMNC specimen lacks an abdomen.

Etymology.

The species is named for the region of Patagonia, where it is found. The name is used a masculine adjective in the nominative singular.

Distribution

(Map 4). ARGENTINA: NEUQUÉN: Bajada Marucho (1); Estancia Llamuco (1); Piedra del Águila (3).

Temporal fistribution.

January (1), February (3), March (1).

Remarks.

This species is found in Neuquén province. All known specimens were collected by Mario Gentili in a desolate and arid habitat. The method of collection is not indicated on the labels, but it is probable that the species is nocturnally active and attracted to light.