Laemophloeus sexarticulatus Kessel

Thomas, Michael C., 2013, A review of New World Laemophloeus Dejean (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae): 1. Species with antennal club of more than three antennomeres, Insecta Mundi 2013 (294), pp. 1-23 : 4

Laemophloeus sexarticulatus Kessel

Fig. 7 , 12-22 , 49

Laemophloeus sexarticulatus Kessel 1926: 72 , 82

Types. Presumably in the MZPW. Kessel (1926) in his original description reported having 22 specimens. Specimens agreeing with his description were present in his collection at MZPW. The concept of this species is based on specimens in the Kessel collection.

Diagnosis. Length, 1.2-1.8 mm. The following combination of character states distinguish this species: antennal club composed of six antennomeres; trifurcate sensoria present on VI-X ( Fig. 16 ); body entirely testaceous ( Fig. 7 ); head microreticulate and, in males, epistome with a deep emargination over the antenna ( Fig. 12 ); male genitalia as in Fig. 17-22 . The front of the epistome is bordered by a groove which curves posteriorly near the middle and becomes evanescent on the frons ( Fig. 12 , 22 ). In large specimens of both sexes the longitudinal line on the head is deeply impressed and nearly reaches the curved epistomal groove, forming a triangular region that is not as well defined as in the following two species.

Distribution. Mexico, Central and South America. Kessel (1926) described this species from “Badenfurt, Santa Catharina”. Badenfurt is in southern Brazil at approximately 26.877°S 49.148°W.

Specimens examined. 128, from the following localities: BELIZE: Orange Walk: Rio Bravo Conservation Area, vic. Research Station ; BOLIVIA: Santa Cruz: Reserva Privada Potrerillos de Guendá ; 3.7km SSE Buena Vista, Hotel Flora & Fauna 405m ; BRAZIL: Rondonia: 62km. SW Ariquemes Fzda. Rancho Grande ; St. Catarina: Badenfurt ; Rio du Sul ; HONDURAS: Olancho: Catacomas ; Montana de Malacate ; MEXICO: Veracruz: Lake Catemaco , “Coyame” ; PANAMA: Barro Colorado Island , Snyder-Molina Tr .; SURINAME: Brokopondo: Ston Eiland Eco-Resort near Brownberg ; TRINIDAD: Arima: Arima Valley “Simla” Beebe Trop. Res. Center ; Curepe , Santa Margarita Circular Rd .; Simla , Arima-Blanchisseuse Rd .; St. Augustine Pax Guest House. Deposited in DEFS, FSCA, and MNKM .

Discussion. This is the most widely distributed Laemophloeus species possessing more than a three-segmented antennal club and the one best represented in collections.

Figures

Figure 7. Laemophloeus sexarticulatus Kessel.

Figures 12-17. Laemophloeus sexarticulatus Kessel. 12) Head and pronotum. 13) Head. 14) Pronotum. 15) Antennal club. 16) Antennomere IX, showing trifurcate sensilla. 17) Male genitalia.

Figures 18-22. Laemophloeus sexarticulatus Kessel. 18) Median lobe and tegmen. 19) Male claspers. 20) Median lobe. 21) Tegmen. 22) Distal end of flagellum showing bifurcate apex and denticles. The dark object near the basal plates is a fungal spore capsule.

Figures 47-49. Laemophloeus spp., heads, ventral view. sexarticulatus.