Erinaceialtica janestanleyae, Konstantinov & Linzmeier, 2020

Konstantinov, Alexander S. & Linzmeier, Adelita M., 2020, Moss inhabiting flea beetles of the West Indies III: Erinaceialtica, a new genus from Hispaniola (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini), ZooKeys 955, pp. 113-145 : 113

Erinaceialtica janestanleyae sp. nov. Figs 14 , 15-19 , 20-21 , Map 1

Description.

Body length 2.92-2.97 mm, width 1.45-1.51 mm. Vertex and part of head below vertex with antennal calli and frons same bright metallic green. Antennomere 11 slightly lighter than 9. Base and sides of pronotum same color as apex, bright metallic green. Antebasal pronotal impression absent. Elytral disc bright metallic green. Some spots on elytron appear black in part because elytral surface darker, in part because it is covered with dark setae. In dorsal view dark spots are: below basal margin lateral to scutellum, on lateral slope near middle, and another spot directly below it towards posterior. Elytra towards apex also appear darker. Ventral side of body dark brown, except last abdominal segment being lighter in color. Base of pro- and mesofemora white. Apex of pro- and mesofemora and most of pro- and mesotibiae dark brown, except small lighter ring around middle tibiae. Metafemora dark, with bronzy shine. Metatibia dark yellow. Setae on orbit and vertex yellow, directed laterally. Setae on middle of vertex short, directed towards middle, not forming a small “mohawk”. Pronotal setae directed posteriorly starting from about middle. Second row on punctures on elytral slope longitudinally impressed with setae directed laterally and ventrally from it.

Diagnosis.

Erinaceialtica janestanleyae has unique color and can be easily identified using the key at the end of the paper.

Habitat.

Erinaceialtica janestanleyae was collected in Zapoten forest (northern slopes of Sierra de Baoruco) in moss that was abundant on the sides of the road, tree trunks and branches (Figs 20 , 21 ). Altogether about 30 gallons (= 114 L) of moss was collected in five pillowcases. Small portion of it was processed directly with Berlese extraction and the rest was sifted and then processed with Berlese. This moss collecting event revealed the largest diversity of flea beetles that included one species of Erinaceialtica , one species of Kiskeya Konstantinov & Chamorro and a species of Andersonaltica ( Konstantinov et al. in press).

Etymology.

The species epithet, janestanleyae , is a matronym in honor of Jane Stanley of Bethesda, Maryland. We greatly appreciate Jane and her family’s friendship and generosity in providing access and encouragement at the Punta Cana Resort, including use of their beautiful home, Casa de los Sueños, near the Ecological Reserve.

Type material examined.

Holotype female: 1) Dominican Republic, Zapoten, 15.XII 2014, highest Pls, 1705 m, WP-522, 18°18.496'N, 71°41.994'W, Leg. A, Konstantinov; 2) 2014.12.15 2324 (code for molecular voucher) (USNM). Paratype female: 1) Dominican Republic, Independencia, Sierra de Baoruco, Zapoten h-1705m 15.XII.2014 WP-522, 18.19.655N, 71.41.994W, thick moss cushion on rocks trees, leg. A. Konstantinov; 2) 2014.12.15 0636 (code for molecular voucher) (USNM).

Figures

Map 1. Distribution of Erinaceialtica species on the island of Hispaniola.

Figure 14. Erinaceialtica janestanleyae sp. nov., dorsal habitus (illustration by Linden Pederson, USNM and SEL scientific illustrator internship program, summer 2019).

Figures 15 - 19. Adult Erinaceialtica janestanleyae, female 15 habitus, dorsal view 16 habitus, lateral view 17 habitus, three quarter view 18 hind tibia, three quarter view 19 habitus, frontal view.

Figures 20, 21. Zapoten, habitat of Erinaceialtica janestanleyae.