Antarctotrechus balli Ashworth & Erwin

Ashworth, Allan C & Erwin, Terry L., 2016, Antarctotrechusballi sp. n. (Carabidae, Trechini): the first ground beetle from Antarctica, ZooKeys 635, pp. 109-122 : 112-115

Antarctotrechus balli Ashworth & Erwin sp. n.

Holotype

(sex unknown), a right elytron. Antarctica, Oliver Bluffs, Beardmore Glacier region, Meyer Desert Formation, 85.117222°S, 166.657500°E, (Allan Ashworth 2003) (NMNH: ADP147741).

Derivation of genus name.

Antarctotrechus refers to its relationship with the Trechini and the place where the specimens were found.

Derivation of specific epithet.

The epithet, balli , is a Latinized eponym based on the family name of George E. Ball, Carabidologist, and academic leader of a host of younger carabidologists, in celebration of his 90th birthday, September 26, 2016.

Proposed english vernacular name.

Ball’s Antarctic Tundra Beetle.

Diagnosis.

Only the left and right elytra known (Figure 5). They are from two individuals. Form as in alate Neaustral trechines in the genus Trechisibus Motschulsky 1862. Lack of recurrent groove as in Andean and Pampas trechines in the genera Oxytrechus Jeannel 1927 and Pseudocnides Jeannel 1927, respectively. Placement of mid-discal elytral setiferous pore as in Trechisibus and other trechines, Placement of preapical in third interneur unique (Figures 6-7). Absence of apical elytral setiferous pore in third interneur unique.

Description.

(Figures 5-7). Size: Elytron length and width within range of Trechisibus species, Length 2.36 mm, W = 0.85 mm.

Color: Typically trechine brown.

Luster: Unknown due to deposition and lithification processes over ~ 20 -14 Ma.

Microsculpture: Apparently isodiametric.

Head: Unknown.

Prothorax: Unknown.

Pterothorax: Shape of humerus (compare Figure 5) not sloped, indicating the adult was possibly fully winged.

Legs: Unknown.

Abdomen: Unknown.

Male genitalia: Unknown.

Female genitalia: Unknown.

Dispersal potential.

If these beetles were macropterous (see above), they were likely capable of flight. Trechisibus adults are moderately swift and agile runners, so likely were adults of Antarctotrechus balli . All known species of Tasmanorites are brachypterous.

Other specimens examined.

A left elytron also from the type locality is designated as the paratype. This specimen is reposited in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History (NMNH:ADP147732).