Sphaeropthalma mesillensis (Cockerell)

Pitts, James P., Wilson, Joseph S., Williams, Kevin A. & Boehme, Nicole F., 2009, Velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) of the Algodones sand dunes of California, USA, Zootaxa 2131, pp. 1-53 : 44

Sphaeropthalma mesillensis (Cockerell)

Photopsis mesillensis Cockerell, 1897 . Entomologist 30: 137. Male. Holotype data: New Mexico, Mesilla, 30 Jul (UMSP).

Diagnosis of male. This species is recognized by the deeply excised mandible with the tooth forming an acute angle, the lack of mesosternal processes, the marginal cell that is equal to the stigma in length, the first segment of the metasoma that is petiolate with the second segment and densely punctate, the second sternite that lacks an anteromedial tumid region, and the genitalia with a cylindrical cuspis that is densely setose dorsally with the apex having longer sparse setae ( Fig. 5 ).

Material examined. California, Imperial Co. , 3 mi. NW Glamis, 2 males, 15–16.Sep.1972, M.S. Wasbauer and A. Hardy ( CDFA).

Distribution. Southern California and Texas north to Utah.

Remarks. This species is not common on the Algodones Sand Dunes and is also found in Texas. Considering the disjunctive distribution of this species, ultimately it may represent a new species distinct from the species in Texas.

Figures

FIGURES 1 – 6. Lateral view of genitalia. 1. Acanthophotopsis falciformis; 2. Sphaeropthalma becki; 3. S. difficilis; 4. S.