Malacopterus tenellus

Lingafelter, Steven W., 2010, Methiini and Oemini (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae) of Hispaniola, The Coleopterists Bulletin 64 (3), pp. 265-269 : 268-269

Malacopterus tenellus (F.)

( Figs. 3a , 4 )

Discussion. This species of Oemini is widespread in the southwestern U.S., Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and in the Caribbean islands of Cuba, Guadeloupe, and Jamaica (Monné and Bezark 2010). It was not recorded for Hispaniola by Perez-Gelabert (2008) and is herein reported for the Dominican Republic (new country record), where it is uncommon. All specimens were collected from June through August.

Specimen Localities for the Dominican Republic. Bonao (Monseñor Prov.) (USNM); El Choco (Puerto Plata Prov.) (CMNH); La Laguna, Nisibon at Rio Maimon, Finca Papagallo (La Altagracia Prov.) (EFGC/FSCA); Sierra Martín Garcia (Azua Prov.) (CMNH); Guaraguao (La Altagracia Prov.) (CMNH); 3 km S. Sabana de la Mar (Hato Mayor Prov.) (WIBF); Barahona, 6 km NW Paraiso, Rio Nizao (Barahona Prov.) (CMNH).

KEY TO SPECIES OF METHIINI AND OEMINI FROM HISPANIOLA

1. Elytra moderately to strongly abbreviated, exposing much of hind wings posteriorly and usually at least several tergites. Length nearly always <10 mm ................................2

1′. Elytra fully developed, very little, if any, of hind wings and abdomen visible from above. Length> 11 mm ...........................................3

2. Eyes completely divided; upper eye lobe very small and widely separated from lower lobe. Elytra not extending beyond metasternum..... .............. Tessaropa hispaniolae Lingafelter

2′. Eyes not divided; upper eye lobe connected to lower eye lobe by at least one (and usually more) rows of ommatidia. Elytra extending beyond first several ventrites ( Fig. 3b ) ................ ..................................... Methia necydalea (F.)

3. Elytral costae very distinct, eburneous, separated by darker, longitudinal maculations; size usually> 20 mm; apex of femora and base of tibiae much darker than remaining part of legs ......... Malacopterus tenellus (F.)

3′. Elytral costae less distinct, not eburneous, not separated by darker, longitudinal maculae; size <15 mm; legs unicolorous ...................... .................. Methia dolichoptera Lingafelter

Figures

Fig. 3. Dorsal habitus views of a) Malacopterus tenellus and b) Methia necydalea.

Fig. 4. Map of Hispaniola showing distribution of Tessaropa hispaniolae, Methia dolichoptera, and Malacopterus tenellus. The widespread circum-Caribbean and West Indian species Methia necydalea is not shown since it would obscure the distribution points of the other species.