Tachyxysta howdenorum, Boyd, Olivia F. & Erwin, Terry L., 2016

Boyd, Olivia F. & Erwin, Terry L., 2016, Taxonomic review of New World Tachyina (Coleoptera, Carabidae): descriptions of new genera, subgenera, and species, with an updated key to the subtribe in the Americas, ZooKeys 626, pp. 87-123 : 97

Taxon classification Animalia Coleoptera Carabidae

Tachyxysta howdenorum sp. n. Figs 2I, 3I, 4I, 5I, 6E

Type material.

Holotype: male (UASM) with following label data: "MEXICO. Chiapas, / El Aguacero, 16 km / W Ocozocoautla / 680m 5.[?]13.VI.1990 / H. & A. Howden FIT". Paratypes: 6 (2 male, 4 female) in CNC, FSCA, UASM, from type locality [1♀, UASM], " MEX.,Jnct.Rts. / 190&195,Chis. / VI-6-1969 / J.M.Campbell" [2♂, one with second label, "At Black / Light", CNC], "HONDURAS / Comayagua Dept. / Rancho Chiquito / Km 64 / 29 May 1964 // Blanton, Broce, / & Woodruff Coll. / Light:UV, trap" [1♀, FSCA], "Jct.Hwys 190-195, / Chis.Mex.VI.6, / 1969 H.F.Howden" [2♀, UASM].

Type locality.

México: Chiapas: El Aguacero.

Description.

Size, form, color, head, prothorax, pterothorax, abdomen, genitalia, and distribution as in description of the genus.

Derivation of specific epithet.

The patronym howdenorum honors Henry and Anne Howden, collectors of the holotype. The Howdens collected several examples included in the type series of Tachyxysta howdenorum two decades apart in different locations.

Remarks.

Despite its superficial resemblance to the genus Xystosomus , Tachyxysta howdenorum possesses a combination of characters that support its placement among the Tachyina but discourage its membership in any previously described tachyine genus; Tachyxysta howdenorum has an apicolaterally notched protibia and an apical recurrent groove reminiscent of Tachyta , but lacks the denticulate tarsal claws diagnostic for that genus (Erwin, 1975).