Pleocoma hovorei La Rue, 2007

La Rue, Delbert A., 2007, A New Species Of Pleocoma Leconte From California (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Pleocomidae), The Coleopterists Bulletin 61 (2), pp. 149-158 : 149-157

Pleocoma hovorei La Rue , new species

( Figs. 1–2 )

Type data. Holotype male ( Deposited at the California Academy of Sciences # 17942). ‘‘ U.S.A., California, Shasta County, Black Butte Rd., 27-29.XI.1999, L.R. Bronson, D.A. La Rue, C.R. Smith, 8w BLT, Pinus-Arctostaphylos. ’’ Allotype female (also deposited at the California Academy of Sciences ), same data as holotype except ‘‘on soil surface.’’

Paratypes (244). Same data as holotype (25 males, 1 female, DALC) ; same locality as holotype except labeled as ‘‘ Black Butte Rd. and Alpine Way,’’ 20.XII.1995, R. Meadville (1 male, LRBC) ; 06.XII.1996, R. Meadville (13 males, LRBC 12 , DALC 1 ) ; 26.XII.1997, C.R. Smith (4 males, DALC 1 ) ; 04.XII.1998, R. Meadville (2 males, CRSC) ; Palo Cedro, 30.X.1986, D.C. Rogers (2 males, FTHC) ; 06.XII.1997, D.C. Rogers (1 male, FTHC) ; Old Rt. 44, 18-20.XI.1998, M. Cassells, F.T. Hovore (19 males, FTHC) ; 09-10.XI.2002, F.T. Hovore, R.L. Penrose (4 males, FTHC) ; 15-17.XII.2002, F.T. Hovore, R.L. Penrose (34 males, 6 females, FTHC) ; 10-13.XII.2002, F.T. Hovore, R.L. Penrose (10 males, FTHC) ; 02-03.XII.2003, F.T. Hovore, R.L. Penrose (2 males, 2 females, FTHC) ; W. of Old 44 Bridge, North Cow Creek , 09.II.1988, D.C. Rogers, M. Cassells (2 males, FTHC) ; 04.II.1996, D.C. Rogers (6 males, FTHC) ; 09.XI.1998, D.C. Rogers (1 male, FTHC) ; Route 44 & Dersch Rd., 01.XII.2003, F.T. Hovore, R.L. Penrose (1 male, FTHC) ; Redding, Mountain Gate at Old Oregon Trail & I-5 , 29.IX.1988, D.C. Rogers (1 male, FTHC) ; Keswick Dam Rd. & A-18 , 22.XII.1991, D.C. Rogers (1 male, FTHC) ; Lake Blvd. & Walker Mine Rd ., 24.II.1991, D.C. Rogers (2 males, FTHC) ; Williamson Rd. & Walker Mine Rd ., 29.XI.1999, D.A. La Rue (2 males); Larkspur Lane & E. Cypress Ave., 15.XII.2003, M.K. Fowler (1 male, DALC) ; Shasta City, 09.XI.-13.XII.2002, L.R. Bronson (7 males); 16.XII.2002, F.T Hovore, R.L. Penrose (1 male, FTHC) ; 09.XI.-15.XI.2003, L.R. Bronson (15 males); Summit City, 11.XII.-12.XII.1994, L.R. Bronson (9 males); 6.XII.-15.XII.1995, L.R. Bronson (12 males, CRSC 1 ) ; 19.XI-10.XII.1996, L.R. Bronson (8 males, DALC 5 ) ; 27-29.XI.1999, D.A. La Rue (3 males).

California, Tehama County, Lyman Springs, near Lyonsville , 12.X.2000, D.A. La Rue (3 males) ; 08-11.XI.2002, J. Dalton (6 males, FTHC) ; 24.XI.2002, I.P. Swift (1 female, FTHC) ; 07.XI.2003, F.T. Hovore, I.P. Swift (5 males, FTHC) ; Jct. Plum Creek Rd. & Ponderosa Rd. , 12.X.2000, D.A. La Rue (3 males) ; Little Giant Mill Rd. , 1 mi. NW of Lyonsville, 31.X.2001, C.R. Smith (1 male) ; 0.5 mi. S. Jct. Plum Creek Rd. & Ponderosa Rd. , 09.XI.2004, I.P. Swift (1 male, FTHC) ;

2 mi. S. Jct. Plum Creek Rd. & Hogsback Rd. , 09.XI.2004, I.P. Swift (1 male, FTHC) ; Ponderosa Sky Ranch , 12.X.2000, D.A. La Rue (14 males) ; 31.X.2001, C.R. Smith (2 males); 16.XI.2001, C.R. Smith (9 males).

Paratypes are deposited at the California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco, CA); the Entomology Research Museum, University of California , Riverside; Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History (Washington, DC); and the private collections of L.R. Bronson (Summit City, CA); R.A. Cunningham (Chino, CA); F.T. Hovore (to be deposited at the California Academy of Sciences , San Francisco, CA); H.F. Howden (deposited at the Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada); R.E. Jensen (Canoga Park, CA); S. McCleve (Douglas, AZ); R.H. McPeak (Battle Ground, WA); C.R. Smith (Anderson, CA); B.D. Streit (Tucson, AZ); G.C. Walters (La Puente, CA); W.B. Warner (Chandler, AZ); and the author .

Description. Holotype. Male ( Fig. 1 ). Length. 27.5 mm. Greatest width. 17.5 mm. (15.0 mm. at elytral humeri). Form. Stout, robust, oval, moderately convex dorsally. Color. Dorsal integument uniformly shining concolorous black; posteromedial pronotal disk indistinctly clouded with cupreous red to reddishbrown when viewed under magnification (.25 3); head with frons, vertex, anteocular margin, eyes, reflexed anterior surface of vertical horn, black; tibia dark reddish-brown to black; dorsal surface of ocular canthi, medial scutellar disk, antennae and other appendages of head, remainder of legs and venter, reddish-brown; lamellae of antennal club light brown with a golden pruinose sheen; pubescence bright golden reddish-brown. Head. Convex, narrow, entirely, densely, coarsely to rugosely punctate, obscuring frontoclypeal suture, with long, golden reddish-brown setae. Eyes large, prominent, partially divided by canthus; dorsal surface of ocular canthi glabrous and shining, obtusely rounded distally, anterior edge produced obliquely, weakly reflexed at confluence with vertical horn, posterior edge coarsely punctate, eroded, each puncture with a long golden reddish-brown seta. Clypeal horn erect, bifurcated, deeply emarginate, broadly rounded at basal coalescence, apex divergent, weakly reflexed posteriorly, frontal surface glabrous, irregularly, coarsely punctate, heavily provided with golden reddish-brown setae at basal constriction. Vertex with subtriangular to conical, coarse to rugosely punctate, protuberance (head horn). Antennae with 11 antennomeres; scape elongate, tapering posteriorly, provided with scattered, erect, golden reddish-brown bristle-like setae; antennomere 2 transverse; antennomere 3 long, arcuate, strongly, obtusely, angulate anteriorly at apex, subequal in length to that of scape and antennomere 2 combined, with few scattered golden reddish-brown bristle-like setae. Antennomere 4 angulate anteriorly with lamellate projection approximately 1/2 length of antennomere 5, irregularly setose, provided with long bristle-like setae; antennomeres 5 through 11 elongate, subequal in length, forming lamellate club, distal tip of each lamella weakly curved outward, irregularly provided with short golden spiculae; receptors present on entire surface of each lamella (60 3). Mentum transverse, coarsely punctate; mouthparts fused, reduced; mandibles non-functional; maxillary palpi 4-segmented, each palpomere long, cylindrical, subequal in length, variably setose, provided with golden reddish-brown bristle-like setae; labial palpi 4- segmented, palpomere 1 bulbous, transverse, palpomeres 2–4 long, cylindrical, subequal in length, variably setose, provided with long golden reddish-brown bristle-like setae. Pronotum. Broad, strongly convex, transverse, approximately 2.5 3 wider than length at midline, widest at anterolateral angles. Basal angles broadly obtuse and explanate; marginal bead complete, slightly raised and reflexed. Disk glabrous, finely to moderately, irregularly punctate except for narrow, smooth, longitudinal band at midline. Margins heavily fimbriate with golden reddish-brown pubescence of variable length, especially evident and recumbent at occipital and elytral articulation; tumid, transverse prominence medially, anteromedial impression lacking, posteromedial impression immediately behind transverse prominence deeply depressed, spatulate in shape; surface of propleura finely punctate, densely clothed with a mixture of short, fine golden and long reddish-brown setae; very finely punctate with fine short pale setae anteriorly. Scutellum. Transverse, subtriangular, weakly concave, punctate as pronotum, medially with a small, shining, translucent impunctate area, posterior margin broadly rounded, medially provided with short, recumbent, golden reddish-brown setae. Elytra. Elongate, lateral margins arcuate; longitudinally 2.5 3 greater than wide, weakly explanate at posterior 2/3. Marginal bead complete, heavily fimbriate with long, erect reddish-brown setae; humeral angles sharply rounded anteriorly; posterior angles broadly, obtusely rounded. Distinct linear pattern of discal striae and costae that are well defined and deeply impressed by coarse, contiguous punctation and fine to moderate, scattered punctures; both extending longitudinal distance of elytra. Intervals weakly convex, deeply, rugose with coarse contiguous punctures; sutural costae raised, smooth, glabrous, very finely, sparsely punctate; humeral calla noticeably tumid, glabrous, anteriorly abruptly obvolvent. Metathoracic wings. Completely developed, infuscated; radial posterior and median posterior+2 veins sinuate, reduced to a narrow loop; Anal anterior vein long and arcuate. Pygidium. Transverse, subtriangular; margin obtusely rounded at distal apex, weakly sinuate at posterolateral 1/2, bead coarsely eroded with rugose punctures, heavily provided with reddish-brown setae of variable lengths. Disk translucent, very finely, evenly punctate, vestiture composed of very fine, short, recumbent pale setae (40 3), and irregularly scattered, long, reddish-brown setae. Venter. Densely pubescent with long, golden reddish-brown setae, obscuring ventral integument. 4 abdomeres variably exposed, slightly convex, each with a fine posterior marginal bead, surface finely to rugosely punctate. Legs. Procoxae large, prominent, conical; meso-, metacoxae contiguous, prominent; anterior surfaces of pro-, meso-, and metafemora glabrous, finely punctate. Dorsal surfaces finely to rugosely punctate, with elongate elliptical vestiture of fine, short, pale to reddishbrown setae. Protibiae with a short, blunt, linear apical spur, heavily quadridentate on outer margin, proximal tooth greatly obtuse, anterior 2nd through 4th subequally separated; surface deeply, rugosely punctate, submarginal edge with long, coarse reddish-brown setae following contour of dentition; length of proximal edge with row of short, pale spiculae; meso-, metatibiae strongly ridged on outer margin; finely to coarsely, contiguously punctate, longitudinally with a row of long reddish-brown setae; meso-, metatibiae with 2 stout, short, asymmetric linear apical spurs; all tarsomeres simple, subcylindrical, elongate; tarsomeres 1 through 4 subequal in length, tarsomere 5 subequal in length to preceding 3 combined; irregularly provided with short recumbent to long reddishbrown setae; unguifer plate extending slightly beyond articulation of tarsomere 5; tarsal claws elongate, symmetrical, strongly uncinate. Genitalia. Number examined. 5. Typical of genus; symmetrical, simple, internal sac reduced, feebly setose; of no apparent intraspecific diagnostic value.

Allotype. Female ( Fig. 2 ). Length. 33.5 mm. Greatest width. 20.5 mm. (16.5 mm. at elytral humeri). Form. Large, robust, ovoid, heavy bodied, strongly convex. Color. Dorsal integument uniformly shining, appearing bicolorous; head, pronotum rich reddish-brown; elytra, pronotal marginal bead, dorsal surface of ocular canthi, scutellum, antennae and other appendages of head, remainder of legs and venter, dark reddish brown, appearing piceous to unaided eye; eyes, reflexed margin of vertical horn, margins of protibial dentition, black; tibia dark reddish-brown to black; exposed abdomeres yellowish-brown; pubescence bright golden reddish-brown. Head. Moderately convex, wide, entirely, densely, coarsely to rugosely punctate, obscuring clypeo-frontal suture; variably with long, golden reddish-brown setae. Ocular canthi broadly obtuse to subquadrate at apex, shining, glabrous, with an oblique shallow carina. Vertical horn short, transverse, disc weakly tumid, anterior margin strongly reflexed, medially deeply emarginate, outer edge coarsely eroded; frontal surface irregularly, coarsely punctate, heavily provided with short golden reddish-brown setae. Vertex with feeble, transverse, subtriangular, coarse to rugosely punctate protuberance (head horn); 2 shallow, glabrous symmetrical swellings immediately behind head horn; occipital band glabrous, shining. Antennae with 11 antennomeres; scape elongate, with erect setae; antennomere 3 elongate, subarcuate, tapering posteriorly; antennomere 4 transverse; antennomeres 5 through 11 with stout, sinuate lamellae forming club; each lamella finely punctate, variably with short pale spiculae at apical tip. Mentum weakly transverse, moderately punctate, variably with reddish-brown setae. Mouthparts fused, reduced; maxillary palpi 4-segmented, palpomere 2 long, cylindrical, greater in length than palpomeres 3 and 4 combined, heavily setose, apically with golden reddish-brown bristle-like setae; labial palpi 4-segmented, each palpomere cylindrical, subequal in length, variably setose with short golden reddish-brown bristle-like setae. Pronotum. Broad, transverse, strongly convex, approximately 2.5 3 wider than length at midline, widest anterolaterally; anterior angles rounded; basal angles widely, obtusely rounded, extending over elytral humeri; anteriorly emarginate; marginal bead incomplete, absent anteriorly, feebly crenulate mediolaterally; disk glabrous, finely to rugosely punctate, heavily rugose laterad; explanate mediolaterally; margins entirely, heavily fimbriate with golden reddish-brown pubescence of variable length; surface of propleura finely punctate, densely clothed with a mixture of short, fine golden and long reddishbrown setae. Scutellum. Strongly transverse, subtriangular, feebly concave, posterior margin broadly rounded, very finely punctate, with few scattered short, recumbent, golden reddish-brown setae. Elytra. Elongate, anterolateral margins weekly divergent, strongly arcuate posterolaterally; longitudinally approximately 2.25 3 greater than wide. Marginal bead present at lateral 2/3, eroded to crenulate; heavily fimbriate throughout with long, erect reddish-brown setae. Humeral angles sharply rounded; posterior angles very broadly, obtusely rounded. Distinct linear pattern of discal striae and costae that are well defined and shallowly to moderately impressed by coarse, contiguous punctation and fine to moderate, scattered punctures; both extending longitudinal distance of elytra; intervals deeply, rugose with coarse contiguous punctures; sutural costae feebly raised, smooth, glabrous, very finely to rugosely, sparsely punctate. Humeri glabrous, smooth, abruptly obvolvent. Metathoracic wings. Brachypterous, nonfunctional. Pygidium. Transverse, subtriangular; partially obscured from above by elytral apices; margin obtusely rounded at distal apex, bead coarsely eroded with rugose punctures, heavily provided with reddish-brown setae of variable lengths; disk finely, evenly, rugosely punctate, provided with irregularly scattered, short golden setae. Venter. Densely pubescent with variably short to long, bright golden reddish-brown setae; visible areas of pterothoracic integument finely coriaceous; 4 abdomeres variably exposed, each slightly convex with a fine posterior marginal bead; surface of each finely coriaceous. Legs. Procoxae large, prominent, conical; meso-, metacoxae contiguous, prominent; anterior surfaces of pro-, meso-, and metafemora rugosely to finely punctate; dorsal surfaces rugosely to finely punctate, with irregular vestiture of fine, short, pale to reddish-brown setae. Protibiae large, heavily quinquedentate on outer margin, proximal 1st and 2nd tooth short, contiguous, greatly obtuse; anterior 3rd through 5th subequally separated; anterior surface deeply, rugosely punctate, submarginal edge with long, coarse reddish-brown setae following contour of dentition; length of proximal edge with row of short, pale spiculae. Mesotibiae with 2 linear, short, blunt asymmetric apical spurs, inner spur subequal in length to 2 3 outer spur; outer margin with a produced, thin, sinuate flange, extending obliquely outward; meso-, metatibiae finely to coarsely, contiguously punctate, longitudinally with a row of long reddish-brown setae and coarse, short yellowish spiculae. All tarsomeres simple, globose; tarsomeres 1 through 4 subequal in length, tarsomere 5 elongate, globose at apex, subequal in length to preceding 3 tarsomeres combined; variably with short recumbent to long reddish-brown setae; tarsal claws short, symmetrical, weakly uncinate. Genitalia. Not examined.

Diagnosis. Adults may be recognized by the following combination of morphological characters:

Males. Size moderate (length 22.5–29.0 mm); robust oval; dorsal integument uniformly shining concolorous black, scutellum, appendages and venter reddishbrown, pubescence bright golden reddish-brown. Ocular canthi obtusely rounded at apex. Vertical horn bifurcated and deeply emarginate, apex divergent, reflexed posteriorly, narrowing toward base. Antennomere 3 elongate, arcuate, angulate anteriorly at apex; antennomere 4 angulate anteriorly as a lamellate projection 1/4 to 2/3 length of antennomere 5; antennomeres 5 through 11 forming club, lamellae elongate and subequal in length. Pronotum glabrous, convex, broadly transverse, approximately 2.5 3 wider than long at midline, widest at broadly rounded anterolateral angles with basal angles obtuse and narrowing, disk finely, evenly punctate, medially with a prominent transverse carina; anteromedial impression lacking, posteromedial impression moderately to deeply depressed and spatulate in shape. Elytra with discal striae distinctly incised and complete through linear length, rugosely contiguous to finely, moderately punctate; intervals deeply rugose with coarse, contiguous punctures; costae smooth. Protibiae moderately robust; tarsomeres elongate.

Females. Size large (length 30.0– 35.5 mm); broadly robust; elytral integument uniformly shining dark reddish-brown to piceous, pronotum reddish-brown; appendages and venter chestnut brown, pubescence bright golden reddish-brown. Ocular canthi broadly obtuse at apex; vertical horn short, reflexed, transverse, deeply emarginate at apex. Antennae with antennomere 3 elongate, subarcuate; antennomere 4 transverse, angulate anteriorly; antennomere 5 through 11 with stout lamellae forming club. Pronotum broad, transverse, evenly convex, widest anterolaterally, basal angles obtuse; discal surface glabrous, coarsely punctate with rugose areas. Scutellum glabrous, coarsely punctate. Elytra glabrous, coarsely punctate with heavy rugose areas, discal striae and costae distinct, moderately incised and complete through linear length.

Intrapopulational variation. Primary intrapopulational character variation includes dorsal color, antennal profile of antennomeres three and four, relative lamellar configuration, pronotal shape and punctation, and elytral sculpture. Variation of these characters apparently combine at random without any notable phenotypic, populational, or geographic correlation.

Males (234). Intermediate examples in elytral coloration are perceptible in a small percentage of males from the more extensively sampled populations, particularly in western Shasta County, as well as variance in the posteromedial pronotal disk being faintly infused with cupreous red to reddish-brown primarily when viewed under magnification (.25 3). These specimens are well within the diagnostic range and acceptable intrapopulational variation of P. hovorei . Dorsal coloration in Pleocoma is often subject to transitional phenotypic variance and rarely, if ever, may be employed exclusively as species-diagnostic. This subtle colorational gradient may indicate a fundamental response to a divergent selective environmental regime exerted by the habitat (Baum and Larson 1991) perhaps resulting from discrete elevational, edaphic or host diversity.

Notable antennal variation is exhibited in the profile of antennomere three which is typically uniformly elongate, subcylindrical, and arcuate with the distal anterior apex strongly angulate. Variation being expressed in the degree of anterior angulation which is prominent and obtuse to feebly indicated. Antennomere four is angulate anteriorly being produced as a distinct lamellate projection which varies from 1/4 to 2/3, rarely 1/8 or 3/4, the length of antennomere five. Antennomeres five through eleven, forming the lamellate club, are uniformly elongate and subequal in length with variation being expressed in the outward curvature at the distal 1/3. In some specimens, being subparallel and devoid of significant curvature with an isolated example exhibiting subsinuous lamellae.

Pronotal variation is expressed in the medial transverse ridge which is typically displayed as a raised, abrupt carina or variably reduced to a gibbous swelling; the posteromedial impression sometimes deeply excavated or very shallowly depressed; the longitudinal glabrous midline may be lacking, being obscured by fine to moderate punctation; and the explanate discal surface at the anterolateral angles may be heavily punctate to rugosely, contiguously punctate.

Elytral sculpture is remarkably uniform within material examined. An isolated example exhibits a longitudinally broken or discontinuous 3rd or 4th interval of one elytron; the outer 4th striae sometimes evanescent or feebly indicated; the marginal bead rarely subcrenulate posteriorly.

Females (10). Interpopulational variation is remarkably stable in the few specimens available for analysis. Most notable variation is expressed in elytral coloration which varies from rich reddish-brown to dark reddish brown, appearing piceous to the unaided eye. Apices of the protibial dentition may appear blunt or worn. This condition is likely attributable to fossorial behavior.

Taxonomy. Based upon congruent synapotypic structural similarities, suggesting a common progenitor, P. hovorei is considered the sister species of P. staff ( Figs. 3–4 ), at present, the only other member of the P. staff species group.

Linsley (1946) provided a provisional key to the species of Pleocoma , and to date it remains the only published key. It may be used to distinguish several common species. Males of P. hovorei will key to couplet 17 where the following modification will serve to distinguish species:

17. Pronotum with transverse ridge feebly to moderately developed; elytral intervals distinct; confluently punctate or subrugose; striae moderate; northern Oregon ............................................................. 18

17(1). Pronotum with transverse ridge prominent and distinct; elytral intervals finely, sparsely punctate; striae moderately impressed; dorsal coloration bicolorous (pronotum piceous, elytra chestnut to reddish-brown); California: northern Sierra Nevada Mountains (Butte, Nevada, and Yuba Counties)............................................ P. staff Schaufuss

17(2). Pronotum with transverse ridge moderately to prominently developed; elytral intervals deeply rugose with coarse contiguous punctures; striae deeply impressed; dorsal coloration concolorous (pronotum and elytra black); California: northern San Joaquin Valley to southern Cascade Range (Shasta and Tehama Counties).................................................................................. P. hovorei La Rue , new species

Ecology. Pleocoma species are apparently able to exploit a variety of soil conditions, slopes, exposures, and plant communities. Based upon field observations, specific host plant association is not a predominate ecological factor with distribution closely oriented to soil conditions. While primarily radicicolous, larvae will consume any organic matter within the soil to the extent of consuming the soil itself under conditions of environmental stress and starvation (F.T. Hovore, 2004, pers. comm.). Consequently, P. hovorei has been encountered in a diversity of ecological associations.

The type locality, Black Butte Road, is situated upon a south-facing slope of hard-packed, rocky red clay soil supporting an open yellow pine ( Pinus sp. ) forest with an understory of mixed manzanita scrub ( Arctostaphylos sp. ) adjacent to a small residential area. Males were taken at black light traps and lights of private dwellings, with larvae and a paratype female being dug from the soil beneath Arctostaphylos manzanita Parry.

The various Redding sites are located within residential or commercial areas surrounded by remnants of oak ( Quercus sp. ) and pine woodland and introduced ornamental vegetation.

Shasta City and Summit City localities are within or adjacent to residential communities in pine, oak, and manzanita scrub growing in heavy, red, clay soils intermixed with pale sandstone. Specimens were taken at lights of private dwellings and community businesses.

The Palo Cedro site is in an area of valley oak and gray pine with an understory of riparian and upland scrub growing on heavy, clay silts adjacent to a seasonal creek. Male specimens were taken primarily within open fields beneath a scattered oak-pine canopy, while females were encountered within a residential backyard lawn area far removed from the oak-pine influence.

A male collected at Dersch Road was in undisturbed scrub oak with an understory of mixed chaparral growing in light, loamy soil interspersed with areas of reddish clay adjacent a residential area.

Lyman Springs and Lyonsville areas are a mix of incense cedar ( Libocedrus sp. ) and black oak forest with an understory of buckbrush (Ceonothus sp.) in open and disturbed areas growing on rocky, red, clay soil oriented on a north-facing slope. South-facing slopes support an oak, incense cedar, and yellow pine woodland with an understory of manzanita thickets or open rabbit brush ( Chrysothamnus sp. ) growing on a dark, rocky, clayish loam. A female was found within an area of incense cedar, while males were taken in open pine and oaks.

The small hamlet of Ponderosa Sky Ranch is a continuation of the Lyonsville woodland community with similar soils. Males were taken at lights of private dwellings and community businesses.

Adult Behavior. Males of P. hovorei fly most numerously at daybreak in light to heavy rainfall with continued activity over subsequent mornings and dusk with or without precipitation. Females were excavated at depths of 30–60 cm, often with one to three males still within the plugged burrow above. The allotype female was encountered on the soil surface with antennae extended in an exposed lawn area in late morning following a night of precipitation.

Because of topography and elevation, the upper San Joaquin Valley receives less precipitation in contrast to the higher environments of the southern Cascade Range. Consequently, adult activity generally starts over a month earlier in the Lyonsville area as compared to the type locality at Black Butte Road and Palo Cedro localities. The atypically late appearance of the few specimens in February may be attributable to winters with a prevailing El Niño climatic regime indicated by aberrant precipitation patterns and delay of suitable conditions that are part of an assemblage of stimuli influencing adult emergence and activity. These late appearances are indicative of phenotypic plasticity (Schlichting and Smith 2002:190).

Remarks. Pleocoma hovorei is the species reported by Linsley (1945:113–114) from near Lyonsville, Tehama County, and Hovore (1977:231, 1981:2) from Redding, Shasta County.

Etymology. It is a privilege to name this new species in honor of the late Frank T. Hovore, eminent coleopterist and foremost authority of the genus Pleocoma , and for the many years of friendship and encouragement he gave me.

Figures

Figs. 1–4. Dorsal habitus photos of Pleocoma hovorei, new species, and P. staff. 1) holotype male, P. hovorei; 2) allotype female, P. hovorei; 3) male, P. staff; 4) female, P. staff.