Miridiba siamensis Keith, 2004

Gao, Chuan-bu & Coca-Abia, María Milagro, 2021, Revision of the genus Miridiba Reitter, 1902 (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Melolonthinae): genital morphotypes and new taxonomic data, European Journal of Taxonomy 749, pp. 1-94 : 79-80

Miridiba siamensis Keith, 2004

Miridiba siamensis Keith, 2004: 11 , figs 2–3 (type loc.: Na Haeo, Loei, Thailand).

Miridiba siamensis – Coca-Abia 2008: 682, 684 (in key).

Diagnosis

See Keith (2004).

Remarks

Keith (2004) described Miridiba siamensis from only one male specimen. Unfortunately, we were unable to study the holotype. However, according to the original description, this species shows features of the external morphology that characterize the genus Miridiba , such as labrum strongly depressed at middle, frons with developed carina, foretibia with a row of longitudinal pubescence and apices of first-four segments of fore- and mesotarsi with a tuft of setae ventrally. On the other hand, the author illustrated the male genitalia in lateral and dorsal views ( Keith 2004: figs 2–3). According to the illustrations ( Keith 2004: fig. 2), the parameres in lateral view could have the dorsal tubular complex characteristic of morphotype IX. The upper part shows divergent branches in dorsal view ( Keith 2004: fig. 3), and the lower part shows short ventral branches pubescent with apical ends curved ventrally ( Keith 2004: fig. 2). Besides, dorsal tubular complex forms a soft concavity, typical of this genital morphotype at distal end. Unfortunately, Keith (2004) did not illustrate the parameres in ventral view, and it is not possible to tell whether the ventral branches under the dorsal tubular complex are present, or not. In our opinion, the morphology of the parameres shows features that characterize the genital morphotype IX “ Ciliatipennis ”. Hence, we consider Miridiba siamensis should be included in this genital morphotype. Nevertheless, the holotype must be studied to confirm this consideration.

Distribution

Thailand.