Operclipygus planifrons, Caterino, Michael S. & Tishechkin, Alexey K., 2013

Caterino, Michael S. & Tishechkin, Alexey K., 2013, A systematic revision of Operclipygus Marseul (Coleoptera, Histeridae, Exosternini), ZooKeys 271, pp. 1-401 : 52-53

Operclipygus planifrons sp. n. Figs 11D12E, HMap 3

Type locality.

ECUADOR: Orellana: Yasuní Research Station [0°40.5'S, 76°24'W].

Type material.

Holotype male: "Ecuador: Napo, mid.Rio Tiputini, Yasuní Res. Stn. 0°40.5'S, 76°24'W, FIT#3. 28Jun-5Jul 1999 AKT#049 C.Carlton & A.Tishechkin" / "LSAM 0013189" (FMNH). Paratypes (8): 1: same locality as type, 23. vii– 4.viii.1999, FIT, A.K. Tishechkin (LSAM). ECUADOR: Orellana: 2:Yuturi Lodge, Rio Napo, 0°32'54"S, 76°2'18"W, 270m, 20-21.iii.1999, FIT, R. Brooks & D. Brzoska (SEMC). 1: Tiputini Biodiversity Station, 0.6376°S, 76.1499°W, 4-9.vi.2011, FIT, M.S. Caterino & A.K. Tishechkin, DNA Extract MSC-2181 (SBM NH). Pastaza: 1: Cusuimi, Rio Cusuimi 150km SE of Puyo, 320m, 15-31.v.1971, beating & sifting rotten foliage, B. Malkin (FMNH). Sucumbíos: 1:Sacha Lodge, 0.5°S, 76.5°W, 270m, 14-24.iii.1994, malaise trap, Hibbs (SEMC). COLOMBIA: Putumayo: 2: Santa Rosa (Kofan Indian village): headwaters of Rio San Miguel, 16-20.x.1970, on fermenting stump of cut palm, B. Malkin & P. Burchard (FMNH).

Diagnostic description.

As with the previous, this species is nearly identical to Operclipygus kerga in external characters. It is very similar in size (length: 2.40-2.53 mm, width: 2.12-2.22 mm). The only consistent difference is the near complete absence of a pygidial marginal stria (Fig. 11D). In a few individuals some fragments of this stria are visible near the apex, but in most it is completely absent. The genitalia are also very similar to Operclipygus kerga , with a slightly narrower, more elongate S9 (Fig. 12E), and a tegmen that is slightly thicker dorsoventrally (as viewed in lateral aspect; Fig. 12H.)

Remarks.

This species may only be separated from Operclipygus kerga by the characters in the description.

Etymology.

This species’ name refers to its flat frons, shared generally by members of the Operclipygus kerga group.