Agnosthaetus nunni Clarke, 2011

Clarke, Dave J., 2011, A Revision of the New Zealand Endemic Rove Beetle Genus Agnosthaetus Bernhauer (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), The Coleopterists Bulletin (mo 10) 2011, pp. 1-118 : 66-68

publication ID

https://doi.org/ 10.1649/0010-065X-65.mo4.1

publication LSID

lsid:zoobank.org:pub:0818A3A2-AB42-43D8-8F76-4F65F367C584

persistent identifier

https://treatment.plazi.org/id/821C0482-AE43-4A2B-B957-CCB1199C4E24

taxon LSID

lsid:zoobank.org:act:821C0482-AE43-4A2B-B957-CCB1199C4E24

treatment provided by

Carolina

scientific name

Agnosthaetus nunni Clarke
status

sp. nov.

(31) Agnosthaetus nunni Clarke View in CoL , new species

( Figs. 177 View Figs , 180 View Figs , 184 View Figs , Map 7 View Map 7 )

Type Material. Holotype. ♂, with four labels: “New Zealand DN| Swampy| Summit [45°48′S 170°29′E; 735m]| 10-Nov-02/ In| tussock| litter/ FMNH-INS 0000 019 704 / HOLOTYPE Agnosthaetus nunni Clarke , ♂, design. D. Clarke 2011”, in JTNC. Paratypes. 46 specimens (17♂ 25♀ 4 unsexed) NEW ZEALAND: South Island: Otago, Waipori Pond, 460 m, 8.ix.1968, 68/111, moss & litter, J.C. Watt, 1♂ (in NZAC); CO: Deep Stream, Dunedin City Council water reserve [see Barratt et al., 2009 for locality and collection details], 700 m, 45°44′S, 169°54′E, tussock grassland ( Chionochloa , Gaultheria , Poa ), 12.i.2002, plot 4, tussock 5, berl., soil & tussock litter, with tussock plant, B.I.P. Barratt, 1♀, FMNH-INS 48445 (in AGRL); 11.i.2002, plot 4, turf 2, turf, B.I.P. Barratt, 2♂ 3♀, FMNH-INS 48440–442 (in AGRL); 12.i.2002, plot 4, turf 10, turf, B.I.P. Barratt, 1♀, FMNH-INS 48444 (in AGRL); 12.i.2002, plot 9, turf 17, turf, B.I.P. Barratt, 1♂, FMNH-INS 48446 (in AGRL); 9.iii.2001, plot 1, turf 6, turf, B.I.P. Barratt, 1♂, FMNH-INS 66725 (in AGRL); 9.iii.2001, plot 2, turf 8a, turf, B.I.P. Barratt, 1♀, FMNH-INS 66724 (in AGRL); 9.iii.2001, plot 7, turf 8, turf, B.I.P. Barratt, 1♀, FMNH-INS 66726 (in AGRL); Lammermoor Ra., site of Mountain Hut, 1080 m, 45°40.14′S, 169°46.553′E, 7.xii.2008, vegetation from edge of bog, J.T. Nunn, 1♀ (in JTNC); Rock & Pillar Ra., 1250 m, 45°27′47″S, 170°2′59″, 24.xii.2000, in turf near stream, J.T. Nunn, 1♂, 2♀, FMNH- INS 19700, 701, 705 (in JTNC); Rock & Pillar Ra., 1165 m, 13.xi.1969, 69/210, swards, J. McBurney, 1♀, FMNH-INS 38430 (in FMNH); Rock & Pillar Ra., McPhees Rock, 1280 m, 45°28.36′S, 169°59.58′E, tussock grassland, 9– 12.ii.1986, pitfall trap, R.M. Emberson, 1♀, FMNH-INS 19072 (in LUNZ); 9–12.ii.1986, yellow pan trap, J.W. Early, 1♂, FMNH-INS 19077 (in LUNZ); Rock & Pillar Ra., Six Mile Crk., 1225 m, 45°25.126′S, 170°5.227′E, 14.iv.2001, in turf, J.T. Nunn, 1♂, FMNH-INS 19714 (in JTNC); Upper Manorburn, 560 m, 45°30.951′S, 169°26.823′E, 2.ii.2002, in tussock litter, J.T. Nunn, 1♀, FMNH-INS 19702 (in JTNC); DN: Lammermoor Ra., Ailsa Craig, 1125 m, 45°38.916′S, 169°47.237′E, subalpine tussock, 9.xii.2007, washed soil sample, J.T. Nunn, 1♀, FMNH-INS 48494 (in JTNC); Lammermoor Ra., site of Mountain Hut, 1080 m, 45°40.2′S, 169°46.781′E, 24.i.2009, sifted moss from edge of bog, J.T. Nunn, 1♀ (in JTNC); 26.iv.2009, washed soil sample, under moss in shade of rock outcrop, J.T. Nunn, 1♀ (in JTNC); Swampy Spur trig (35 m W of), 661 m, 10.v.2010, sifted ground moss and tussock litter, J.T. Nunn, 1♂ (in JTNC); Swampy Summit, 735 m, 45°47.636′S, 170°28.528′E, 29.x.2000, J.T. Nunn, 1♂, FMNH-INS 19699 (in JTNC); 28.i.2001, extracted from turf, J.T. Nunn, 4 sex unknown, FMNH-INS 19706–709 (in JTNC); 13.xi.1999, in moss on rock, J.T. Nunn, 2♂, FMNH-INS 19696, 746 (in JTNC); 30.i.2000, in moss on rock, J.T. Nunn, 2♀, FMNH-INS 19697–698 (in JTNC); 16.iii.2002, in tussock litter, J.T. Nunn, 1 sex unknown, FMNH-INS 19716, 2♂, FMNH-INS 19717– 718 (in JTNC); 24.x.2004, in tussock litter, J.T. Nunn, 1♀, FMNH-INS 19724 (in JTNC); Swampy Summit [“N of Dunedin” on label], 700 m, 45°47.772′S, 170°28.602′E, 5.ii.1983, 83/25, litter & plants, J.C. Watt, 2♀, FMNH-INS 38431–432 (in NZAC); SL: Blue Mtns., Manuka Ridge, Rd. 100, 700 m, 45°47.306′S, 170°15.959′E, subalpine scrub and tussock, 2.xii.2006, tussock litter, J.T. Nunn, 1♀ (in JTNC); 13.x.2007, underside of embedded stones, J.T. Nunn, 1♂ (in JTNC); Blue Mtns., Microwave Station, 940 m, 45°51.995′S, 169°24.78′E, 9.viii.2003, in soil and grass, J.T. Nunn, 1♀, FMNH-INS 19867 (in JTNC); Blue Mtns., MW Relay Station, 940 m, 45°51.995′S, 169°24.78′E, 9.i.1999, 2♂, FMNH-INS 19740 (in JTNC); 13.ii.2005, 1♂, FMNH-INS 19743 (in JTNC); 3.i.2005, in tussock litter, 2♀, FMNH- INS 19741–742 (in JTNC); Blue Mtns., N., 950 m, 5.i.1985, B.I.P. Barratt, 1♂, FMNH-INS 38433 (in NZAC); Blue Mtns., N., 1050 m, 5.i.1985, B.I.P. Barratt, 1♀, FMNH-INS 38434 (in NZAC); Blue Mtns., summit ridge, 820 m, 45°51.744′S,

169°25.414′E, 9.ii.2002, in tussock litter, J.T. Nunn, 1♀, FMNH-INS 19703 (in JTNC) .

Diagnosis. In addition to the characters given in the nunni species-group diagnosis, A. nunni may distinguished from all other known Agnosthaetus species by the combination of the nearly smooth head with sparse and shallow punctures, short temple ( Fig. 11 View Figs , tm, <50% EYL), and distinct elytral and hypomeral ( Fig. 24 View Figs , hy) microsculpture. Males may be easily distinguished from all other species by the distinct broadly triangular medial tooth at the apex of the labrum ( Fig. 177 View Figs ). The aedeagus may be distinguished from others in this species-group by the outwardly curving parameres in dorsal view, and the curved apices in lateral view ( Fig. 180 View Figs , arrow).

Description. Color: Variably reddish brown, occasionally with darker pigmented abdominal segments ( Fig. 6 View Figs ). Head: Frontal ridge absent. Dorsum sparsely punctate; with punctures much sparser posteriorly. Punctures shallow, rather indistinct; diameter anteriorly subequal to or slightly greater than diameter of eye facet, gradually decreasing in diameter posteriorly; interpuncture distance anteriorly 0.5–1.0X puncture diameter, increasingly greater posterolaterally. Dorsal microsculpture present on entire or most of surface; distinctly reticulate, fainter posteriorly. Dorsal tentorial sulcus (cf. Figs. 10–11 View Figs , dt) distinctly slit-like; width subequal to or less than puncture diameter. Sublongitudinal ridge (cf. Fig. 10 View Figs , sr) distinct; not confused by smaller carinae or punctures (cf. Fig. 10 View Figs , sr); crest at antennal tubercle with distinct microsculpture. Area above and behind antenno-ocular carina ( Figs. 10–11 View Figs , arrow) more or less smooth, without subsidiary carinae. Antennoocular carina continuing behind eye onto temple (cf. Fig. 10 View Figs , ao). Temple ( Fig. 11 View Figs , tm) short, less than 50% EYL. Subocular surface more or less evenly microsculptured (cf. Fig. 65 View Figs ). Labrum distinctly sexually dimorphic ( Fig. 177 View Figs ). Apical labral margin in males strongly emarginate medially, evenly dentate, with 14–17 teeth (n =5), with medial, dorsally projecting tooth, more than 4X width of paramedial teeth. Apical labral margin in females broadly convex, not emarginate medially; with 17–19 teeth (n =10), all teeth subequal in length. Adoral labral surface in males with subapical transverse ridge ( Fig. 177 View Figs , arrow). Mandible sexually dimorphic; males with single, dorsally directed tooth, without preapical spur (cf. Fig. 189 View Figs ); females with single, mesially projecting tooth, without spur. Prothorax: Pronotum without microsculpture, or at most with faintly reticulate microsculpture. Medial pronotal sulci anteriorly separate from and terminating posterior to anterior punctures or continuous with anterior punctures (cf. Fig. 76 View Figs ). Distance between medial sulci very slightly greater posteriorly. Pronotal basolateral carina present, distinct (cf. Fig. 76 View Figs , bp). Anterior pronotal puncture (cf. Fig. 70 View Figs , ap) distinct; medial puncture (cf. Fig. 70 View Figs , mu) distinct; basal puncture ( Fig. 70 View Figs , bu) absent or indistinct. Medial pronotal seta subequidistant from medial and lateral sulci (cf. Fig. 73 View Figs , mu). Pronotal hypomeron ( Fig. 24 View Figs , hy) with distinct reticulate microsculpture. Prosternum with faintly reticulate microsculpture. Pterothorax: Elytron ( Fig. 23 View Figs , e) with faint but distinct microsculpture; with 2 macrosetae, set in distinct punctures; laterally with single ridge (cf. Fig. 84 View Figs , ek). Mesothoracic epimeral region ( Fig. 24 View Figs , mer) with distinct microsculpture. Metathoracic pleural region ( Fig. 24 View Figs , m) with distinct reticulate microsculpture. Metathoracic pleural ridge present, fully developed; metathoracic pleural groove ( Fig. 24 View Figs , gr) incomplete posteriorly, forming elongate oval punctiform impression. Abdomen: Abdominal vestiture short, somewhat appressed, dorsally more or less evenly projecting posteriorly but with middle setae directed posteromedially. Abdominal sternite III of male glabrous apicomedially; IV with surface very slightly impressed apicomedially, flanked by small diffuse patches of coarse acuminate setae; V with surface glabrous and impressed apicomedially, flanked by patches of coarser acuminate setae, apex distinctly emarginate; VI with surface more or less glabrous apically, but with denser patch of coarse acuminate setae behind this; VII with surface nearly glabrous apicomedially. Aedeagus ( Fig. 180 View Figs ): “ Type B” (see description on p. 8). Apical part of median lobe parallel-sided, gradually produced into acute, sharp point. Apicolateral setae small; apicomedial setae up to 10X longer than apicolateral setae ( Fig. 184 View Figs ). Paramere not exceeding apex of median lobe; in lateral view produced apically into lobe; with apical part perpendicular to median lobe; in dorsal view with outer side sinuously curving; with 4 setae on vental edge of apex.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a noun in the genitive case, honoring Mr. John Nunn of Dunedin, New Zealand for his substantial and valuable contributions to this revision, not least of which was provision of the exquisite larval specimen on which the descriptions and illustrations presented here were largely based. Mr. Nunn contributed the only known (or most of the) specimens of several species described here, and through his efforts has also dramatically improved the distributional knowledge for many South Island Agnosthaetus species. The choice of species, one of only two occurring in the vicinity of Dunedin City, is meant also to acknowledge Mr. Nunn’ s more local contributions to the knowledge of the beetle fauna of Dunedin.

Distribution. ( Map 7 View Map 7 ). South Island: CO; DN; SL.

Biology and Ecology. Habitat: subalpine scrub and tussock grassland. Specimens have been taken from moss and tussock litter, marginal bog vegetation, soil samples, and in yellow pan traps and pitfall traps. Phenology: year-round. Elevation: 460–1,280 m.

Remarks. This species is most similar externally to A. carnelius and A. enigmus , and in aedeagal morphology to A. carnelius ( Figs. 180–181 View Figs ). From A. carnelius , it differs most significantly by head punctation (see descriptions), but also in the much shorter temple. The punctation of the head characteristically decreases in diameter and density posteriorly and is overall shallower than in A. carnelius . The elytron also has distinct reticulate microsculpture (absent in A. carnelius ), and the hypomeral microsculpture is distinct compared to A. carnelius , in which it is faint to absent. If males are available, it may be distinguished from A. carnelius and A. enigmus by the dorsally projecting medial tooth at the labral apex that is up to six times wider than the adjacent teeth, compared to the other species in which it is minute (barely visible at high magnification) to only slightly wider than the adjacent teeth (cf. Figs. 177–178 View Figs ).

NZAC

New Zealand Arthropod Collection

AGRL

Lethbridge Research Station

FMNH

Field Museum of Natural History

LUNZ

Lincoln University Entomology Research Museum

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