New species and nomenclatural notes in Lobobrachus Sharp (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Pterostichini)

A new species of Lobobrachus Sharp, 1885, Lobobrachus cleidecostae sp. nov., from Piauí state, Brazil, is described and illustrated. The genus and Lobobrachus lacerdae Sharp, 1885, are redescribed and the identity of L. alternans Tschitschérine, 1901, is discussed. Based on study of all available specimens and published descriptions it appears that L. alternans cannot be diagnosed and is a synonym of L. lacerdae. However, the syntypes of L. alternans cannot be located, thereby making a final decision on synonymy impossible to substantiate fully. Photographs of the aedeagi of L. lacerdae, L. cleidecostae, and specimens that best correspond to L. alternans, including those putatively identified by Tschitschérine, are presented for the first time

Quantification and Evidence for Mechanically Metered Release of Pygidial Secretions in Formic Acid-Producing Carabid Beetles

This study is the first to measure the quantity of pygidial gland secretions released defensively by carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and to accurately measure the relative quantity of formic acid contained in their pygidial gland reservoirs and spray emissions. Individuals of three typical formic acid producing species were induced to repeatedly spray, ultimately exhausting their chemical compound reserves. Beetles were subjected to faux attacks using forceps and weighed before and after each ejection of chemicals. Platynus brunneomarginatus (Mannerheim) (Platynini), P. ovipennis (Mannerheim) (Platynini) and Calathus ruficollis Dejean (Sphodrini), sprayed average quantities with standard error of 0.313 ± 0.172 mg, 0.337 ± 0.230 mg, and 0.197 ± 0.117 mg per spray event, respectively. The quantity an individual beetle released when induced to spray tended to decrease with each subsequent spray event. The quantity emitted in a single spray was correlated to the quantity held in the reservoirs at the time of spraying for beetles whose reserves are greater than the average amount emitted in a spray event. For beetles with a quantity less than the average amount sprayed in reserve there was no significant correlation. For beetles comparable in terms of size, physiological condition and gland reservoir fullness, the shape of the gland reservoirs and musculature determined that a similar effort at each spray event would mechanically meter out the release so that a greater amount was emitted when more was available in the reservoir. The average percentage of formic acid was established for these species as 34.2%, 73.5% and 34.1% for for P. brunneomarginatus, P. ovipennis and C. ruficollis, respectively. The average quantities of formic acid released by individuals of these species was less than two-thirds the amount shown to be lethal to ants in previously published experiments. However, the total quantity from multiple spray events from a single individual could aggregate to quantities at or above the lethal level, and lesser quantities are known to act as ant alarm pheromones. Using a model, one directed spray of the formic acid and hydrocarbon mix could spread to an area of 5–8 cm diameter and persisted for 9–22 seconds at a threshold level known to induce alarm behaviors in ants. These results show that carabid defensive secretions may act as a potent and relatively prolonged defense against ants or similar predators even at a sub-lethal dose

Taxonomy based on science is necessary for global conservation

Peer reviewe

A New Genus of Caelostomini (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from Papua New Guinea

Will, Kipling W. (2004): A New Genus of Caelostomini (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from Papua New Guinea. The Coleopterists Bulletin 58 (4): 637-641, DOI: 10.1649/701, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1649/70

Stolonis spinosus Will, new species

Stolonis spinosus Will, new species (Figs. 2 C, 3 I –L) Type Material. HOLOTYPE: ɗ (EMEC), genitalia dissected. Labeled: " 00° 40 ' 36 "S 76 ° 24 '02"W, ECUADOR, Napo Prov., Yasuni Scientific Station, 22:IV: 1998, 210m. Col.K.Will, Headlamp"/ "U.C. Berkeley EMEC 1003666 "/[red label] " Holotype, Stolonis spinosus, K.Will ", ALLOTYPE: Ψ, (EMEC), genitalia dissected. Labeled same as holotype /" EMEC 1003665 "/[red label] "Allotype, Stolonis spinosus, K.Will ". PARATYPES: Ecuador: Orellana Prov.: Yasuni Scientific Station: 1 Ψ (EMEC), 00° 40 ' 36 "S 76 ° 24 '02"W, 22:iv: 1998, Col.K.Will, Treading in palm swamp, EMEC 1003667; 3 ɗɗ (EMEC), headlamp, 210m, EMEC 1003658, EMEC 1003659, EMEC 1003660; 4 ɗ EMEC 1003661 (EMEC), EMEC 1003663 (USNM), EMEC 1003664 (CUIC), EMEC 1003662 (QCAZ). Etymology. Specific epithet is the Latin spinosus, a, um "of thorns" and refers to the many spines in the male endophallus. Diagnosis. Differs from other Stolonis species by the combination of broad pronotum with broadly expanded lateral margins, impunctate base of the pronotum (Fig. 2 C) and immaculate elytra. The numerous spines and their pattern in the endophallus (Figs. 3 I–L) are diagnostic for males. Description. Length 5.1mm (5.0– 5.5mm). Dorsal surface black, vaguely paler at apex, shiny, lightly iridescent; antennomeres 1–3 brunneous or palpi infuscated and/or apex of antenomere 3 infuscated; anternomeres 4–6 and 11 black, 7–10 white; mouth parts brunneous and legs flavotestaceous with coxae concolorous or slightly lighter than ventral surface. Form of head average build; eyes slightly prominent; no or very slight constriction behind eyes; frontal impressions marked but not clearly delimited dorsally and medially, shallow, short, length much less than half distance from base of clypeus to anterior supraorbital setae; frons between eyes shiny, scarcely iridescent near base, microlines not evident. Pronotum (Fig. 2 C); clearly broader than long; narrowly constricted at base; anterior submarginal sulcus deep and complete; basal impressions short, nearly punctiform, not evident apically or only as very shallow, broad depressions, slightly divergent when evident; lateral margins broadly rounded and widely explanate, constricted just apicad hind setae; not evident basad hind setae; no angular process at the hind setae; base and basal impressions impunctate. Elytra, elongate oval, length 3.0mm, overall width 2.5mm; slightly convex, somewhat depressed in basal 1 / 3, form rounded and slightly sinuate near apex; humeri sloped and rounded; striae with moderately deep, small, dense punctures, somewhat less evident apically; intervals broad, nearly flat, only very slightly crenulate. Legs, slender; meso­ and metatarsi with prominent external sulcus; fifth tarsomeres ventrally glabrous. Ventral surface shiny, iridescent mesosternum with 8–10 deep, punctures; metasternum laterally with 4–6 broad, deep punctures; metepisternum with medial sulcus moderately deeply impressed, slightly longer than wide (l/w= 1.3). Base of abdominal sternum II with very narrow row of dense, moderately deeply impressed punctures; base of sterna IV–VII without evident coarse irregular microsculpture; sterna IV–VI with one pair paramedial setae; in male one pair paramedial setae and female with two pairs on VII. Aedeagus (Figs. 3 I–L) with median lobe bluntly rounded and slightly asymmetrical tip, ostium dorsal and large; ventral surface distinctly sclerotized; in repose endophallus with eight spines in form of ring in middle of median lobe in right lateral view, single spine closer to apex and small scale field left of midline from near apex to almost 1 / 4 length of median lobe, best visible in ventral view. Female reproductive tract with large, right dorsolateral bursal pouch, smaller expanded region closely subtending a more narrowed region on which the broadly connected, moderately stout and spermatheca and common oviduct connect; gland connected by a duct to base of spermatheca; laterotergites IX with scattered setae; gonocoxite­ 1 with 6 apical setae; gonocoxite 2 with 1–2 lateral ensiform setae, 1 apical nematiform seta. Pygidial gland reservoir form simple without additional lobes, chemical compounds produced unknown. Natural history and collecting information. Night active in very wet areas of primary forest. Taken treading vegetation in muddy areas and near fallen Ficus and palm plants. Collected with S. yasuni and S. catenarius.Published as part of Will, Kipling W., 2005, The Neotropical genera Oxycrepis Reiche and Stolonis Motschulsky: a taxonomic review, key to the described species and description of new Stolonis species from Ecuador (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Loxandrini), pp. 1-17 in Zootaxa 1049 on pages 11-13, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.16994

Stolonis tapiai Will, new species

<i>Stolonis tapiai</i> Will, new species <p>(Figs. 1, 2 A, 3A–D, 4A)</p> <p> <b>Type Material</b>. HOLOTYPE: ɗ (EMEC). Labeled: " 00°40'36"S 76°24'02"W, ECUADOR, Napo Prov., Yasuni Scientific Station, 22:IV:1998, Col.K.Will"/"U.C. Berkeley EMEC 1003610" /[red label] " Holotype, Stolonis tapiai, K.Will ". ALLOTYPE: Ψ (EMEC). Labeled: " 00°40'36"S 76°24'02"W, ECUADOR, Napo Prov., Yasuni Scientific Station vic[inity]., 19:IV: 1998,210m Col.K.Will,Headlamp"/"U.C. Berkeley EMEC 1003607"/[red label] "Allotype, Stolonis tapiai, K.Will ". PARATYPES: <b>Ecuador: Orellana Prov.:</b> Yasuni Scientific Station: 3ɗɗ (EMEC), 22.iv.1998, headlamp, EMEC 1003612, EMEC 1003613, EMEC 1003619; 1Ψ (EMEC), 00°37 ’03"S 76°28'00"W, 20.iv.1998, EMEC 1003617. 00°40'36"S 76°24'02: 2ɗɗ (EMEC), 22.iv.1998, EMEC 1003620, EMEC 1003621; 2ɗɗ (EMEC), 22.iv.1998, treading in palm swamp, EMEC 1003608, EMEC 1003609; 1ɗ (EMEC), 19.iv. 1998. 210m, headlamp, EMEC 1003614; 1ɗ (EMEC), 20.iv. 1998, 210m, headlamp/treading, EMEC 1003606; 210m, headlamp, 6ɗɗ and 7 ΨΨ 19.iv.1998. EMEC 1003633, EMEC 1003602 (QCAZ), EMEC 1003632 (USNM), EMEC 1003615, EMEC 1003630 (CUIC), EMEC 1003616, EMEC 1003625, EMEC 1003626 EMEC 1003627, EMEC 1003636, EMEC 1003624, EMEC 1003628, EMEC 1003629, EMEC 1003634 (EMEC). 7ɗɗ and 3ΨΨ 22.iv.1998. EMEC 1003600 (USNM), EMEC 1003603, EMEC 1003604, EMEC 1003605, EMEC 1003611, EMEC 1003618, EMEC 1003622, EMEC 1003623, EMEC 1003637 (EMEC); 2 disarticulated ɗɗ 19.iv.1998. Headlamp, fallen <i>Ficus</i> fruits nr water, EMEC 1004674 (DNA sequence data voucher, EMEC) and EMEC 1004675 (EMEC).</p> <p> <b>Etymology</b>: Noun in the genitive case, in honor of Italo Tapia, who assisted me during my field­work in Ecuador including my time collecting the type series of this beetle.</p> <p> <b>Diagnosis</b>. Differs from all other species of <i>Stolonis</i> by the location of the hind setae of the pronotum at base of the pronotum, set in the acutely pointed, prominent hind angles (Fig. 2 A).</p> <p> <b>Description</b>. Length 8.5mm (8.0– 9.1mm). Dorsal surface deep black, shiny, lightly iridescent; antennomeres 1–2 brunneous, 3 brunneous at base and black at apex, 4–6 and 11 black, 7–10 white; mouth parts brunneous and legs flavotestaceous with coxae, trochanters and ventral region of femora brunneous to black.</p> <p>Form of head average build; eyes moderately prominent; frontal impressions well marked, rectangular or crescent form, short, nearly punctiform, length less than half distance from base of clypeus to anterior supraorbital setae; frons between eyes shiny, lightly iridescent near base, microlines scarcely evident even at magnification> 35x.</p> <p>Pronotum (Fig. 2 A) clearly broader than long; narrowly constricted at base; anterior submarginal sulcus deep and complete; basal impressions elongate,>1/3 length of pronotum; lateral margins broadly rounded and widely explanate, narrowly constricted onto base; hind angles very prominent, acute and at base of narrowly constricted region of pronotum; smooth or shallowly punctate over base, in basal impressions and basal 1/3–1/2 of lateral margin. Elytra, elongate oval, length 5.2mm, overall width 3.5mm; slightly convex, rounded and notably sinuate near apex; humeri sloped and rounded; striae densely, shallowly punctate, less evident apically; intervals, broad, slightly convex, shallowly crenulate, more broadly crenulate near base and laterally. Legs, moderately slender; meso­ and metatarsi with prominent external sulcus; fifth tarsomeres ventrally glabrous. Ventral surface shiny, clearly iridescent; mesosternum with 8–10 deep, broad punctures; metasternum laterally with 6–8 deep broad punctures.</p> <p> Base of abdominal sternum II with row of dense, deeply impressed punctures; metepisternum with medial sulcus very deeply impressed, slightly longer than wide (l/w= 1.4); base of sterna IV–VII with dull band of coarse irregular microsculpture; sterna IV–VI with one pair paramedial setae; in male one pair paramedial setae on VII, female with two pairs. Aedeagus (Figs. 3 A–D) with spines of endophallus in repose a cluster to left side near apex and a single spine to the left side near midpoint of blade. Female reproductive tract (Fig. 4 A) with large right­side dorsolateral bursal pouch with a region of 1–12 irregular sclerotized plates (bs) ventro­apically on inner surface, smaller expanded region closely subtending a more narrowed region on which the broadly connected, stout spermatheca (sp) and common oviduct (co) connect; gland (sg) connected by short duct to base of spermatheca; laterotergites IX (lt) with scattered setae; gonocoxite­1 (gx1) with 6– 7 apical setae; gonocoxite 2 (gx2) with 3 lateral ensiform setae, 2 apical nematiform setae. Pygidial gland reservoir form simple with no additional lobes, chemical compounds produced: formic and acetic acids, 2­pentadecanone and C10:0, C11:0 hydrocarbons (published as species number EC199801 O in Will <i>et al</i>. 2000).</p> <p> <b>Natural history and collecting information</b>. Individuals active at night in very wet areas of primary tropical forest. Taken treading vegetation in muddy areas and near fallen <i>Ficus</i> and palm. Active and abundant on days with very heavy rains. Three larval instars and pupae were reared for this species in the laboratory. Eggs are relatively large and placed apparently randomly in the soil. Larvae were highly active. Six pigmented stemmata are present in the larvae.</p> <p> <b>Additional Material</b>. Specimens examined but not included in type series: 2ɗɗ and 2ΨΨ. EMEC 1003601, EMEC 1003635, EMEC 1003638, EMEC 1003631.The two males were reared in the lab in Ithaca, NY from the adults collected Ecuador: Orellana Prov., Yasuni Scientific Station 19.iv.1998. These specimens are not included in the type series as the males were lab­reared and not naturally occurring and the two females used for egg production were in extremely poor condition.</p>Published as part of <i>Will, Kipling W., 2005, The Neotropical genera Oxycrepis Reiche and Stolonis Motschulsky: a taxonomic review, key to the described species and description of new Stolonis species from Ecuador (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Loxandrini), pp. 1-17 in Zootaxa 1049</i> on pages 6-8, DOI: <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/169943">10.5281/zenodo.169943</a&gt

Stolonis catenarius Will, new species

Stolonis catenarius Will, new species (Figs. 2 E, 3 Q–T) Type Material. HOLOTYPE: ɗ (EMEC), genitalia dissected. Labeled: “ ECUADOR, Napo Prov., Yasuni Scientific Station, 22:IV: 1998, 210m, Col.K.Will, Headlamp"/"U.C. Berkeley EMEC 1003678 "/[red label] " Holotype, Stolonis catenarius, K.Will ". ALLOTYPE: Ψ (EMEC), Labeled same as holotype /"U.C. Berkeley EMEC 1003678 "/[red label] "Allotype, Stolonis catenarius, K.Will ". PARATYPES: Ecuador: Orellana Prov.: Yasuni Scientific Station, 00° 40 ' 36 "S 76 ° 24 '02: 1 ɗ (QCAZ), " 210m, Col.K.Will, Headlamp" EMEC 1003674; 2 m EMEC 1003679 (EMEC), EMEC 1003681 (USNM); 1 Ψ, (QZAC), 21:iv: 1998, EMEC 1003673; 1 Ψ, (EMEC), 25:iv: 1998, 210m, Col.K.Will, heading in palm swamp, EMEC 1003675; 1 Ψ(EMEC); 25:iv: 1998, 210m, Col.K.Will, headlamp, EMEC 1003676. Etymology. Specific epithet is based on the Latin word catenarius, a, um, "chains" and refers to the series of closely set punctures of the elytral striae. Diagnosis. Differs from other Stolonis species by the combination of broad pronotum (Fig. 2 E) with broadly expanded lateral margins, immaculate elytra and evenly and densely punctate elytral striae. Description. Length 6.1mm (6.1 –6.0mm). Dorsal surface black, vaguely paler at apex, shiny, lightly iridescent; antennomeres 1–3 brunneous or palpi paler; anternomeres 4–6 and 11 black, 7–10 white; mouth parts brunneous and legs flavotestaceous with coxae and trochanters concolorous with ventral surface or slightly more infuscated. Form of head slightly broader than average build; eyes only slightly prominent; not or very slightly constricted behind eyes; frontal impressions well marked but not clearly delimited medially, shallow, nearly punctiform, short, length much less than half distance from base of clypeus to anterior supraorbital setae; frons between eyes shiny, scarcely iridescent near base, microlines not evident. Pronotum (Fig. 2 E); clearly broader than long; narrowly constricted at base; anterior submarginal sulcus deep and complete; basal impressions short, 1 / 3 length of pronotum or less, very shallow apically and basally, apically divergent when evident; lateral margins broadly rounded and widely explanate, constricted just apicad hind setae; not evident basad hind setae; without angular process at the hind setae; shallowly punctate over base and in basal impressions. Elytra, elongate oval, length 3.8mm, overall width 2.3mm; slightly convex, rounded and slightly sinuate near apex; humeri sloped and rounded; striae with moderately deep small, dense, punctures, somewhat less evident apically; intervals, broad, slightly convex, only slightly crenulate. Legs, slender; meso­ and metatarsi with prominent external sulcus; fifth tarsomeres ventrally with two pair of very small setae or glabrous. Ventral surface shiny, clearly iridescent; mesosternum with 6–10 deep, broad punctures; metasternum laterally with 4–8 broad, more or less deep punctures; metepisternum with medial sulcus deeply impressed, slightly punctate, slightly longer than wide (l/w= 1.2). Base of abdominal sternum II with row of dense, moderately deeply impressed punctures; base of sterna IV–VII with very narrow, dull band of coarse irregular microsculpture, restricted to lateral region in some specimens; sterna IV–VI with one pair paramedial setae; in male one pair paramedial setae on VII, female with two pairs. Aedeagus (Figs. 3 Q–T) with median lobe bluntly rounded, slightly asymmetrical tip, ostium dorsal and large; ventral surface well sclerotized; in repose endophallus with clearly defined scale field left of midline from near apex to almost 1 / 2 length of median lobe, best visible in ventral view. Seven other spines arranged as in figure 3 R. Female reproductive tract with large right dorsolateral bursal pouch, spermatheca broadly connected and stout; appended gland duct 3.5 × length of spermatheca attached to spermatheca base; laterotergites IX with scattered setae; gonocoxite­ 1 with 5–6 apical setae; gonocoxite 2 with 2–3 lateral ensiform setae, 2 apical nematiform setae. Pygidial gland form simple, without any additional lobes, chemical compounds produced unknown. Natural history and collecting information. Night active in very wet areas of primary forest. Taken treading vegetation in muddy areas and near fallen Ficus and palm plants. Collected with S. yasuni and S. spinosus.Published as part of Will, Kipling W., 2005, The Neotropical genera Oxycrepis Reiche and Stolonis Motschulsky: a taxonomic review, key to the described species and description of new Stolonis species from Ecuador (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Loxandrini), pp. 1-17 in Zootaxa 1049 on pages 15-16, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.16994