Eunatalis auricoma Gerstmeier & Seitner 2013

Gerstmeier, Roland & Seitner, Martin, 2013, Revision of the checkered beetle genus Eunatalis Schenkling, 1909 (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Clerinae), Zootaxa 3698 (1), pp. 1-77 : 8-10

Eunatalis auricoma Gerstmeier & Seitner 2013 , n. sp.

( Figures 11–12 , 55 A)

Specimens examined: Holotype ♀: Mt Finnigan, 850–950m, via Helenvale, N. Qld., 3–5 Dec 1970, Monteith, Thompson, Cook, Sheridan & Roberts (QM)

Diagnosis: This is one of the larger species, similar in size to E. titana and E. laevis . E. auricoma n. sp. differs from all species by the four transverse foveae on submentum, the extremely protruding deep wrinkles on the sides of the pronotum and the long yellow setae, especially of the thorax.

Length: (1 specimen measured) Total length: 39 mm.

Head: Black, scattered with yellowish pilosity, posterior part of clypeus densely vested with erect yellow setae; interocular space smaller than one eye width; punctation very dense; epistomal suture distinct; submentum with four transverse foveae diverging anteriorly ( Fig. 11 ).

Thorax: Pronotal length to width ratio 1.07:1; pronotum black, vested with yellowish setae, laterally (in the middle) and at apex densely vested with golden-yellow setae, conspicuously constricted towards apex; sparsely punctate, sides with extremely protruding deep wrinkles; longitudinal groove slightly developed (short and shallow), grooves of sub-basal collar fused. Scutellum dark brown to black, slightly punctate.

Elytra: Elytral length to width ratio 2.17:1; elytra black, with long isolated yellow setae; elytral base slightly broader than pronotum, broader behind the middle; punctation circular to oblong, with two conspicuously protruding lateral nodules; in basal half as broad as interstices, behind the middle abruptly smaller, decreasing towards apex, punctations of tenth stria conspicuous to the middle; punctations of ninth stria vestigial; interstices weakly ridged, with conspicuous microsculpture.

Lower surface: Black, lightly vested with yellow pilosity; procoxal cavities wide open behind; posterior part of mesepisternum conspicuously shallow; metaventrite densely vested with yellow setae in the middle.

Legs: Black, densely vested with yellow setae, especially inner edges; finely wrinkled; mesotibiae slightly bent.

Distribution: Only known from type locality, Mt. Finnigan, Northern Queensland.

Seasonal occurrence: Collected in December.

Etymology: The specific epithet, auricoma , a Latin adjective refers to the golden-yellow pilosity, especially that of the thorax.

Figures

FIGURE 11. Eunatalis auricoma n. sp., head, lower surface, with four transverse foveae.

FIGURE 12. Distribution of Eunatalis auricoma n. sp.

FIGURE 55. (A) Eunatalis auricoma n. sp., (B) Eunatalis debilis, (C) Eunatalis fasciata, (D) Eunatalis flavopilosa n. sp., (E) Eunatalis foveata n. sp., (F) Eunatalis hirta.