Rhopalapion longirostre ( Olivier, 1807 )

Giusto, Carlo, 2021, Taxonomic revision of the genus Rhopalapion Schilsky, 1906 (Coleoptera Apionidae) with description of Rhopalapion celatum n. sp. from the Turanian Region, Zootaxa 4908 (1), pp. 41-65 : 46-56

Rhopalapion longirostre ( Olivier, 1807)

( Figs. 1–7 , 10–11 , 13–20 , 25–29 , 35–37 , 41–44 , 49–53 )

Apion longirostre Olivier, 1807: 35 ; Pl. III Figs. 51.a, 51.b

Apion (Rhopalapion) longirostre ; Schilsky 1906: V

Rhopalapion longirostre ; Alonso-Zarazaga 1990: 71

Pseudapion (Rhopalapion) longirostre ; Ehret 1994: 8 Type locality. Constantinople [= Istanbul] (Marmara Region, Turkey) .

Diagnosis. A Rhopalapion species differing from R. celatum n. sp. in the following combination of characters: male protibiae mucronate; rostrum, in both sexes, on average, more slender (Lr/Wmsr: ♁ 4.23–5.17 [4.64], ♀ 7.81–11.75 [10.25]); in dorsal view, mesorostral dilatation well developed, a little bit dentiform in male and rounded in female; prorostrum with sides feebly concave, particularly in female; prothorax, on average, isodiameric (Lp/Wp: ♁ 0.88–1.10 [1.00], ♀ 0.91–1.09 [1.01]); disc densely punctate with punctures round to oblong, sometime confluent to form striolae , and interspaces microreticulate; elytra, in dorsal view, elongate in outline, with rounded sides; male meso- and metatibiae with smaller, blunt and oblique apical mucro; different shape of genitalia, in particular, tegmen with shorter apical membranous lobes, subrounded, folded at base and separated by a thin median notch; suprafenestral sclerites with 1–2 long outer setae and 1 shorter inner seta (occasionally 0).

Type series. Olivier described and illustrated this species from an unspecified number of male and female specimens from Constantinople, the current Istanbul. In his collection, stored in the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, there are six specimens, one here designated as lectotype and the remaining five becoming paralectotypes. One ♁ and 2 ♀♀ are mounted on one card ( Figs. 1, 3–5 ), labelled: longirostre / Const. [= Constantinople] [big handwritten label] // Olivier [little round handwritten label] // MUSEUM PARIS / OLIVIER 1834 [rectangular label (1834 is the year in which the specimens became part of the museum’s collection)] // LECTOTYPUS ♁ / Apion longirostre / Olivier, 1807 / C. Giusto des. 2019 [red rectangular printed label] // PARALECTOTYPUS ♀ / Apion longirostre / Olivier, 1807 / C. Giusto des. 2019 [two red rectangular printed labels]. The ♁ specimen on this card is designated as the lectotype. There are also an additional 1 ♁ and 2 ♀♀, mounted on another card ( Fig. 2 ), labelled: Olivier [little round handwritten label] // MUSEUM PARIS / OLIVIER 1834 [rectangular label] // PARALECTOTYPUS ♁ / Apion longirostre Olivier, 1807 / C. Giusto des. 2019 [red rectangular printed label] // PARALECTOTYPUS ♀ / Apion longirostre / Olivier, 1807 / C. Giusto des. 2019 [two red rectangular printed labels].

Material examined. AFGHANISTAN — Faryab Province: Goudgé Konti, 7.VI.1959, G. Remaudère leg., on Althaea (16 ♁♁, 22 ♀♀ MNHN);— Herat Province: Kushk [= Kuschke, Kusche] (2 ♀♀ BMNH; 1 ♁, 1 ♀ CG; 11 ♁♁, 3 ♀♀ MRSN);— Paktia Province: Gardez, 18.VI.1959, G. Remaudère leg. (1 ♁ MNHN). ALGERIA — Blida Province: Blidah (3 ♁♁, 4 ♀♀ MNHN). ARMENIA: no exact localities: Aras River Valley [= Araxesthal], H. Leder & E. Reitter leg. (1 ♁, 1 ♀ MNHN); Armenia (2 ♀♀ MNHN). AUSTRIA — Lower Austria: Bisamberg, 250 m a.s.l., 9.X.1999, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (1 ♀ CG);— Vienna: Salamannsdorf, 280 m a.s.l., 9.X.1999, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (1 ♁, 2 ♀♀ CG); Vienna env. (1 ♁, 1 ♀ ZMHB); Vienna env., Ad. Hoffmann leg. (2 ♀♀ ZMHB); Vienna env., E. Moczarski leg. (1 ♁ ZMHB). AZERBAIJAN — Agdash District: Aðdaþ [= Aresch] (2 ♁♁, 2 ♀♀ MNHN);— Ganja-Qazakh District: Ganja [= Elisabetpol] (1 ♁, 1 ♀ CG; 2 ♁♁, 1 ♀ MRSN);— Lankaran District: Lankaran [= Lenkoran], 1897, Korb leg. (1 ♁, 1 ♀ ZMHB); Lankaran [= Lenkoran], Dr. Martin leg. (1 ♁ MNHN). BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: Moglitz, 18.VI.1912 (1 ♁, 1 ♀ ZHMB). BULGARIA — Blagoevgrad: Melnik, 26–27.VI.1979, M. Mazur leg. (5 ♁♁, 4 ♀♀ MW); Melnik env., 12–19.V.1981, H. Wendt leg. (2 ♁♁, 1 ♀ ZMHB); Melnik env., 12–20.V.1981, H. Wendt leg. (1 ♀ ZMHB);— Burgas: Brjastovec env., 19.V.2009, M.G. Morris leg., reared from Alcaea rosea L. (2 ♁♁ MGM); Brjastovec env., 21.V.2012, M.G. Morris leg., reared from Alcaea rosea L. (1 ♀ MGM); Burgas, V.Apfelbeck leg. (1 ♁, 1 ♀ ZMHB); Otmanli, 12.VII.1977 (1 ♁ MM);— Dobrič: Batovo env., 27.V.2007, M.G. Morris leg. (1 ♀ MGM);— Plovdiv: Kalofer, 14.VII.1978, Borowiec leg. (1 ♁ MW);— Sofia: Samokov, 16.VII.1997, H. Perrin leg., on Alcaea rosea L. (3 ♁♁, 3 ♀♀ MNHN); Samokov, 1– 4.VIII.1998, J.P. Carbonnel leg., on Alcaea rosea L. (1 ♁, 1 ♀ MNHN); Sofia, V.Apfelbeck leg. (1 ♁, 1 ♀ ZMHB);— Varna: Albena env., 7.VI.2006, M.G. Morris leg. (1 ♀ MGM); Tsarkva env., 15.VI.2006, M.G. Morris leg., on Alcaea rosea L. (1 ♁ MGM). CROATIA — Dubrovnik-Neretva County: Dubrovnik [= Ragusa], V.1899, K. Flach leg. (1 ♁ ZMHB); Korčula [= Isola di Curzola], VI.1911, Mussapp leg. (2 ♁♁, 2 ♀♀ MSNG);— Istria County: Rabac, 27.VI–1.VII.1980, L. Cederholm leg. (1 ♀ MW);— Split-Dalmatia County: Spilt, Adria, 8.VII.1939 (1 ♁, 1 ♀ ZMHB);— Zadar County: Zadar [= Zara] env., Müller leg. (1 ♁, 1 ♀ ZMHB); no exact locality: Dalmatia (2 ♀♀ MRSN). CYPRUS: Drouseia, 550 m a.s.l., 17.IV.2010, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (11 ♁♁, 3 ♀♀ CG); Fama- gusta, 5.VII.1931, L. Komites leg., on Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (2 ♁♁, 1 ♀ BMNH); Kidási, 250 m a.s.l., 23.IV.2010, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (5 ♁♁, 2 ♀♀ CG). EGYPT: no exact locality: Aegypt, O. Schneider leg. (1 ♁ ZMHB). FRANCE — Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: Les Barquets, 5.VI.1991, on Alcea rosea L. (1 ♁ BMNH); Vassieux-en-Vercors, 1,100 m a.s.l., 9.X.2012, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (1 ♀ CG);— Corse: Furiani env., 200 m a.s.l., 3.VI.1996, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (3 ♁♁, 1 ♀ CG); no exact locality: Corse (1 ♁, 2 ♀♀ MRSN);— Novelle-Aquitaine: Aunac, VIII.1992, A. Datta leg., reared from seeds of hollyhock (3 ♁♁, 2 ♀♀ BMNH);— Occitanie: Etang de Leucate, shore SW, 1 m a.s.l., 24.VI.1995, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (1 ♀ CG);— Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: Cabasse, env. S, 220 m a.s.l. ca., 20.V.2013, C. Giusto, G. Gardini & S. Zoia leg. (1 ♀ CG); Gourdon, env. S, 700 m a.s.l., 21.V.2013, C. Giusto, G. Gardini & S. Zoia leg. (1 ♁ CG); Malaucene, 360 m a.s.l., 23.VI.1993, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (5 ♁♁, 9 ♀♀ CG); Martigues, Cap Couronne, 5 m a.s.l., 17.V.2013, C. Giusto, G. Gardini & S. Zoia leg., on Alcea rosea L. (1 ♀ CG); Massif de la Sainte Baume, Plan d’Aups, 680 m a.s.l., 18.VI.1995, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (5 ♁♁, 5 ♀♀ CG); Mont Ventoux, S slopes, Ft. De Rolland, 500–600 m a.s.l., 23.VI.1993, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (10 ♁♁, 7 ♀♀ CG); Saint-Maximinla-Sainte-Baume, 26.V.1988, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (16 ♁♁, 16 ♀♀ CG); Vence, 25.V.1988, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (1 ♁ CG). GEORGIA — Adjara: Batumi [= Batoum] (1 ♁, 1 ♀ MNHN);— Abkhazia: Pitsunda [= Püsunda], coast, 18–30.V.1970, Ermisch leg. (1 ♀ ZMHB);— Mtskheta-Mtianeti: Mtskheta [= Mzcheta], 23–30.VI.1986, Wrase & Schülke leg. (1 ♁, 2 ♀♀ ZMHB); Zahesi [= Zehneti], 800 m a.s.l., 1–10.VI.1987, Wrase & Schülke leg. (1 ♀ ZMHB);— Shida Kartli: Bekami 10.VII.1983, I. Lopatin leg. (1 ♀ MW);— Tbilisi: Kachreti, 5 km E, 600 m a.s.l., 11.VII.2011, M. Košťál leg. (1 ♁, 1 ♀ MK). GERMANY — Baden-W̹rttemberg: Oberndofr, 04.IX.2004, M. Eifler leg. (4 ♁♁, 1 ♀ ZMHB);— Berlin: Berlin, 13.VI.2014, J. Willers leg., on Malva sp. (1♀ ZMBH); Dahlem, Botanical Garden, 21.VI.2002, J. Willers leg., on Malva sp. (1 ♁ ZMHB); Dahlem, Botanical Garden, 22.VI.2002, J. Willers leg., on Malva sp. (1 ♁ ZMHB);— Mecklenburg-West Pomerania: Karlsburg (1 ♁, 1 ♀ ZMHB). GREECE — Central Macedonia: Thessaloniki [= Salonique] (1 ♁ MNHN);— Corfu: Corfu (1 ♀ BMNH);— Crete: Anogeia, 700 m a.s.l., 9.VI.1998, Beretta leg. (1 ex. MB);— Eastern Macedonia and Thrace: Metaxades, 28.V.2007, F. Angelini leg. (1 ex. FA); Protokklisi, 28.V.2007, F. Angelini leg. (29 exx. FA);— Epirus: Perama env., 31.V.1989, S. Zoia leg. (1 ♀ CG);— North Aegean: Lemnos, IV–VI.15 (2 ♁♁ MNHN); Lesbo, U. Sahlberg leg. (1 ♁, 1 ♀ ZMHB); Mount Olympus, 14.VI.70 (2 ♁♁, 2 ♀♀ ZMHB); Mount Olympus (1 ♁ MRSN);— Peloponnese: Kastania, 1,200 m a.s.l., 8.V.2004, F. Angelini leg. (2 exx. FA); Tripoli, 28.VII.1978, F. Sacco leg. (3 ♀♀ FS);— Thessaly: Meteora, 19.V.2005, F. Angelini leg. (2 exx. FA);— Western Greece: Kalavryta, 28–29.IV.1999, F. Angelini leg. (1 ex. FA);— Western Macedonia: Kratero, 10.VI.2007, F. Angelini leg. (1 ex. FA); no exact locality: Greece (1 ♀ MNHN). HUNGARY — Central Hungary: Pest, K. Saio leg. (1 ♁, 3 ♀♀ ZMHB);— Central Transdanubia: Balatonkenese (3 ♁♁, 2 ♀♀ ZMHB); Balatonkenese, 28.V.1972, Fix leg. (1 ♁, 2 ♀♀ ZMHB); Balatonkenese, 7.VI.1978, Fix leg. (2 ♀♀ ZMHB); Balatonkenese, Lake Balaton [= Plattensee], 20.V.1972 (1 ♀ ZMHB); Hajmáskér, 200 m a.s.l., 16.V.1996, M. Košťál leg. (1 ♁ MK); Lake Balaton [= Plattensee], 1.VI.1972 (2 ♀♀ ZMHB); Lake Balaton [= Plattensee], 2.VI.1972 (1 ♁ ZMHB); Lake Balaton [= Plattensee], 3.VI.1972 (1 ♁ ZMHB); Lake Balaton [= Plattensee], 4.VI.1972 (2 ♁♁, 1 ♀ ZMHB);— Northern Great Plain: Jászberény, Pórtelek (1 ♀ ZMHB);— Southern Transdanubia: Villány env., V.1980, Sieber leg. (1 ♁, 2 ♀♀ ZMHB); no exact localities: Hungary (1 ♁, 2 ♀♀ BMNH); N Hungary (2 ♁, 2 ♀♀ MRSN). IRAN — Golestan Province: Gorgan, Golestan National Park [= Forêt de Golestan], 23.VI.1965, L. Matile leg. (1 ♁ MNHN); Gorgan, Golestan National Park [= Forêt de Golestan], 24.VI.1965, L. Matile leg. (3 ♁♁, 1 ♀ MNHN); Gorgan, Nahar Khvoran [= Forêt de Naharkhoran], 25.VI.1965, L. Matile leg. (2 ♀♀ MNHN);— Mazandaran Province: Kalardasht, 28.VI.1965, L. Matile leg. (1 ♀ MNHN);— Teheran Province: Teheran, 5.XI.1874, A. Kerim leg. (1 ♀ MNHN). ISRAEL — Haifa District: Beit Oren env., 220 m a.s.l., 6.IV.2014, C. Giusto leg. (8 ♁♁, 9 ♀♀ CG); Haifa [= Caïffa] (3 ♁♁, 1 ♀ MNHN); Mishmar HaCarmel, 310 m a.s.l., 6.IV.2014, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea setosa (Boiss.) Alef. (17 ♁♁, 16 ♀♀ CG); Nahal Oren, 3.IV.1995, E. Colonnelli leg. (1 ♀ FS);— Judea and Samaria Area: Ariel, 6.V.2010, L. Friedman leg., on Alcea setosa (3 ♁♁, 4 ♀♀ CG);— Northern District: 2 km E of Banias, 29.V.1973, I. Löbl leg. (1 ♁ MW); Ein Gev, 185 m b.s.l., 4.IV.2014, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea dissecta (Baker f.) Zohary (9 ♁♁, 7 ♀♀ CG); Ha Yarden Park, 190 m b.s.l., 4–5.IV.2014, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea dissecta (Baker f.) Zohary (31 ♁♁, 20 ♀♀ CG); Nazareth, P. de La Brûlerie leg. (1 ♁, 1 ♀ MNHN); Snir, 280 m a.s.l., 5.IV.2014, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea setosa (Boiss.) Alef. (9 ♁♁, 7 ♀♀ CG); Tel Dan, 180 m a.s.l., 5.IV.2014, C. Giusto leg. (12 ♁♁, 2 ♀♀ CG); no exact localities: Israel, reared from seeds of Alcea digitata (1 ♀ BMNH); Palestine, on Alcea setosa (Boiss.) Alef. (1 ♁, 1 ♀ MW). ITALY — Aosta Valley: Aosta, Porossan, 5.VII.1978, G. Bartoli leg. (28 ♁♁, 14 ♀♀, MSNG);— Emilia-Romagna: Castelnovo ne’ Monti, 700 m a.s.l., 24.VI.1984, C. Giusto leg. (1 ♀ CG); Gatteo, Sant’Angelo, 14.VI.2011, G. Platia leg. (3 ♁♁, 4 ♀♀ CG); Verghereto, Alfero, 22.VI.1972, Botto leg. (1 ♁ CG); Verghereto, Alfero, 20.VI.1972, Botto leg. (2 ♁♁, 3 ♀♀ MSNG);— Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Monfalcone, Lisert, 5.IX.2010, L. Morin leg. (2 ♀♀ LF); Monfalcone, Lisert, 24.VI.2012, L. Morin leg. (2 ♀♀ LF);— Liguria: Genova, Aggio, 8.VIII.1986, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (6 ♁♁, 5 ♀♀ CG); Genova, Bavari, 300 m a.s.l. ca., 25.VII.1985, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (11 ♁♁, 2 ♀♀ CG); Genova-Nervi, 23.VI.1972, S. Riese leg. (1 ♁, 4 ♀♀ MSNG); Genova-Nervi, 29.V.1972, S. Riese leg. (2 ♁♁, 1 ♀ MSNG); Mignanego, Paveto, 23.VII.1983, G. Ratto leg. (2 ♀♀ CG); Montoggio, Creto, 27.IV.1989, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (1 ♁, 2 ♀ CG); Sant’Olcese, 300 m a.s.l., 22.III.1989, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (1 ♁, 3 ♀♀ CG); Stella, 20.VI.1988, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (2 ♁♁, 1 ♀ CG); Tiglieto, 400 m a.s.l. ca., VII.1984, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (14 ♁♁, 8 ♀♀ CG); Tiglieto, 500 m a.s.l. ca., VIII.2013, M. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (25 ♁♁, 25 ♀♀ CG); Urbe, Martina Olba, 484 m a.s.l., 1.VI.1986, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (1 ♁ CG); Urbe, Martina Olba, 484 m a.s.l., VIII.1984, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (15 ♁♁, 15 ♀♀ CG);— Lombardy: Toscolano Maderno, 13.VII.1969 (1 ♀ CG); Varzi env., 420 m a.s.l., 4.VI.1995, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (6 ♁♁, 6 ♀♀ CG);— Piedmont: Acqui Terme, Ovrano, 300 m a.s.l., 19.VI.1977, G. Salamanna leg. (22 ♁♁, 14 ♀♀ MSNG); Condove, Lajetto, 900 m a.s.l., C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (14 ♁♁, 5 ♀♀ CG); Cuorgnè, Roncasso, 417 m a.s.l., 7.IV.1981, P.M. Giachino leg. (1 ♀ MRSN); Laghi della Lavagnina, 25.V.1990, R. Cardara leg. (1 ♁ RC); Lerma, Mond’Ovile, 23.VII.1973, S. Riese leg. (2 ♁♁, 3 ♀♀ MSNG); Montaldo di Mondovì, 800 m a.s.l., 6.VIII.1995, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (6 ♁♁, 3 ♀♀ CG); Monte Musinè, 2.VI.1975, Ribottaro leg. (1 ♁ MRSN); Novalesa, 12.VII.1982, G. Bartoli leg. (7 ♁♁, 6 ♀♀ MSNG); Roasio, 10.VI.1979, R. Caldara & A. Ongaro leg. (1 ♁ RC); Sampéyre, 970 m a.s.l., 5.VIII.1997, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (2 ♁♁, 2 ♀♀ CG); Torre Pellice, 7–15.VII.1980, G. Bartoli leg. (14 ♁♁, 15 ♀♀ MSNG);— Sardinia: Barúmini, 180–200 m a.s.l., 6.VII.1999, C. Meloni leg. (1 ♁ MSNG);— Sicily: Isnello, Piano Zucchi, 1,100 m a.s.l., 16.V.2008, C. Baviera & A. Rando leg. (3 exx. CB); Nicolosi, 6.IX.2015, on Alcea rosea L. (1 ♀ CG; 1 ♁, 1 ♀ MSNG); Novara di Sicilia, 650 m a.s.l., 25.V.2000, G. Müller leg. (1♁, 1 ♀ GM); Taormina, 300 m a.s.l., 1.VI.2000, G. Müller leg. (1♁, 1 ♀ GM);— Tuscany: Bagno a Ripoli, 9.VIII.1978, G. Bartoli leg. (1 ♁ MSNG); Firenze env., V.1994, A. Bordoni leg. (1 ex. AB); Isola d’Elba, Campo nell’Elba, Marina di Campo, 100 m a.s.l., 28.IV.1993, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (1 ♀ CG); Minucciano, Lago di Gramolazzo, 680 m a.s.l., 20.V.1998, F. Angelini leg. (1 ex. FA); Montanare di Cortona, 310 m a.s.l., 1.VIII.2015, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (35 ♁♁, 55 ♀♀ CG);— Umbria: Costacciaro, 520 m a.s.l., 8.VI.2016, M. Bocci leg. (11 ♁♁, 7 ♀♀ FA);— Veneto: Monteviale, Costigiole, 22.V.1988, P. Fontana leg. (2 exx. SB); Pove del Grappa, 27.V.1993, S. Biondi leg. (2 exx. SB); Santorso, Roagna, 3.V.1993, S. Biondi leg. (1 ex. SB); Sarego, Monte Roccolo, 10.VIII.1980, A. Bizzi leg. (24 exx. SB); Val Liona, Grancona (2 exx. SB); Velo Veronese, 1,050 m a.s.l. ca., 22.IX.2013, C. Giusto & G. Gardini leg., on Alcea rosea L. (2 ♁♁, 3 ♀♀ CG); Vicenza, 22.V.1975, Beretta leg. (3 ♀♀ MSNG); Vicenza, 28.V.1975, Beretta leg. (3 ♁♁, 3 ♀♀ CG). KYRGYZSTAN — Chuy Region: Bishkek, 1–3.VI.2003, R. Dobosz leg. (1 ♁ MW); Beshkungei near Bishkek, 800 m a.s.l., 18.VI.2006, R. Ruta leg. (2 ♁♁ MW). LEBANON — Beqaa Governorate: Rachaiya env., 5 km S, Tannoura, 6.VI.2016, C. Reuter leg. (3 ♁♁, 1 ♀ MR);— Beirut Governorate: Beirut [= Beyrouth] (1 ♁, 1 ♀ BMNH; 12 ♁♁, 19 ♀♀ MNHN); Beirut [= Beyrouth], env. N, 16.X.1998, C. Canepari leg. (1 ♁, 1 ♀ CG); Beirut [= Beyrouth], Frater Jean leg. (1 ♀ MNHN); Beirut, IV.1885, D. Ganglbauer leg. (1 ♀ ZMHB);— Mount Lebanon Governorate: between Aalita and Machnaqa, 1,000 m a.s.l., 4–15.V.2000, G. Sama leg. (1 ♀ CG); Kfar Debiane, 1,250 m a.s.l., 30.V.2016, C. Reuter leg. (4 ♁♁, 3 ♀♀ MR). NORTH MACEDONIA — Skopje Statistical Region: Petrovec, Katlanovo, Badar, 27.VII.1975 Wiese, U. Göllner leg. (1 ♁ ZMHB);— Southwestern Statistical Region: Ohrid, 22.VI.1973, B. Gruev leg. (1 ♀ MM);— Vardar Statistical Region: Kavadarci, P.Angelov, leg. (2 ♀♀ MM); no exact locality: Keretschkol, A. Schatzmayr leg. (1♁ MSNG). MOLDOVA: Bender [= Tighina, Bendery], VII.1936, S.G. Hering leg. (15 ♁♁, 13 ♀♀ ZMHB). MONTENEGRO: Herceg Novi [= Castelnuovo], [G. Paganetti-]Hummler leg. (3 ♁♁, 1 ♀ MSNG; 2 ♁♁, 2 ♀♀ ZMHB); Herceg Novi [= Castelnuovo], 15.VI.1911 A. Spaney & F. Schumacher leg. (17 ♁♁, 8 ♀♀ ZMHB); Kotor, 6.V.2012 (1 ♁ RR). POLAND — Lower Silesian Voivodeship: Wrocław, Maślice, 4.VII.2019, M. Wanat leg. (5 ♁♁, 1 ♀ MW);— Subcarpathian Voivodeship: Jarosław, Pasieka ul. Okrzei, 5.VII.2014, M. Wanat leg. (1 ♁, 1 ♀ MW). ROMANIA — Dobruja: Canaraua Fetei, Băneasa env., 1.VII.1998, H. Perrin leg., on Alcea rosea L. (5 ♁♁, 5 ♀♀ MNHN); Dumbrăveni, edge of the forest, 2.VII.1998, H. Perrin leg. (1 ♁, 1 ♀ MNHN); Măcin, 1908, A.L. Montandon leg. (3 ♀♀ MNHN);— Moldavia: Munteni (1 ♁ MRSN);— Transylvania: Cluj-Napoca, Zorilor, 19.VII. 2009, 350 m a.s.l., E. Colonnelli leg. (1 ♀ EC); Sântana de Mureș, Chinari [= Varhegy], Zoppa leg. (1 ♁ MRSN); Timișoara [= Temeswar] (1 ♁, 1 ♀ MNHN);— Wallachia: Comana, Vlasca, A.L. Montandon leg. (1 ♀ MNHN). RUSSIA (SOUTH EUROPEAN TERRITORY)— Southern Federal District: Krasnaja Poljana (5 ♁♁, 3 ♀♀ ZMHB); Volgograd [= Sarepta] (9 ♁♁, 18 ♀♀ MNHN; 1 ♁ ZMHB); Volgograd [= Sarepta], 5.VI.2000 (1 ♀ CG); no exact localities: Russie (1 ♁ MNHN); Russie mér. (1 ♁ BMNH; 6 ♁♁, 4 ♀♀ MNHN). SERBIA — Central Serbia: Požarevac (2 ♁♁, 2 ♀♀ ZMHB);— Vojvodina: Ruma [= Рума], Schwieger leg. (1 ♁, 2 ♀♀ MSNG). SLOVAKIA — Banská Bystrica Region: Radnovce [= Radnóth], E. Csiki leg. (2 ♁♁, 1 ♀ ZMHB);— Košice Region: Malý Horeš, 25.V.1995, M. Wanat leg. (1 ♁ MW);— Nitra Region: Gbelce (1 ♁ MSNG); Nitra [= Neutraer-Comitat], V. Zoufal leg. (2 ♁♁ MRSN); Štúrovo 23.V.1975, Fritsche leg. (14 ♁♁, 3 ♀♀ ZMHB); Štùrovo, Hegyfarok, 150 m a.s.l., 22.V.1992, M. Košťál leg. (1 ♁ MK). SLOVENIA — Slovene Littoral: Sežana, Vrhovlje env., 340 m a.s.l., 3.VI.2012, S. Zoia leg. (1 ♁ CG). SWITZERLAND — Canton of Lucerne: Buchrain, 5.VI.1995, M. Uhlig leg., on Malva sp. (1 ♀ ZMHB); Buchrain, 31.VII.2005, M. Uhlig leg., on Altaea sp. (15 ♁♁, 11 ♀♀ ZMHB);— Canton of Valais: Ausserberg, 1,000 m a.s.l., 5.VII.2015, C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (11 ♁♁, 9 ♀♀ CG). SYRIA — As-Suwayda Governorate: As-Suwayda, 3.V.2008, Stěpánek leg. (2 ♁♁ AP);— Homs Governorate: Qala’at al Hosn, Krak des Chavaliers, 671 m a.s.l., 4.V.2009, M. Uliana leg. (1 ♁ LF);— Latakia Governorate: Latakia [= Lattaquie] (4 ♁♁, 4 ♀♀ MNHN). TURKEY — Aegean Region: Bergama 2.V.1916, S.G. Bauer leg. (1 ♀ ZMHB); Ýzmir [= Smyrne] (2 ♁♁, 1 ♀ MNHN); Ephesus, J. Sahlberg leg. (1 ♀ ZMHB); Ephesus, U. Sahlberg leg. (1 ♁ ZMHB);— Black Sea Region: Tokat [= Tkt] (31 ♁♁, 25 ♀♀ MNHN);— Central Anatolia Region: Ankara, Plant Protection Institute (3 ♁♁, 2 ♀♀ BMNH); Konya, 1899, Korb leg. (1 ♁, 1 ♀ ZMHB); Dereköy, 10 km W, 31.V.2011, F. Angelini leg. (1 ♁ CG);— Mediterranean Region: Adana (40 ♁♁, 26 ♀♀ MNHN); Amanusgebirge [= Nur Daðlarý], V–VIII.1914, Dr. Tölg leg. (1 ♀ MNHN); 20 km N of Anamur, 600 m a.s.l., 6.VI.2002, C. Giusto & S. Zoia leg., on Alcea rosea L. (4 ♁♁, 3 ♀♀ CG); Arslanköy, 1,450 m a.s.l., 3.VI.2002, C. Giusto & S. Zoia leg., on Alcea rosea L. (2 ♁♁, 4 ♀♀ CG); Çamlýyayla, 1,410 m a.s.l., 2.VI.2002, C. Giusto & S. Zoia leg., on Alcea rosea L. (4 ♁♁, 4 ♀♀ CG); Çamlýyayla env., 1,280 m a.s.l., 2.VI.2002, S. Zoia & C. Giusto leg., on Alcea rosea L. (1 ♁ CG); Kahramanmaraş, Püren Geçidi env., 1,550 m a.s.l., 23.V.2001, E. Colonnelli leg. (1 ♀ EC); Karaçay Bucaðý, env. NE, 100 m a.s.l., 31.V.2002, C. Giusto & S. Zoia leg. (4 ♁♁, 7 ♀♀ CG); Pazarcýk env., 1.VI.1983, M. Meregalli leg. (1 ♁, 1 ♀ MM); Samandað, Seleukeia Pieria, 40 m a.s.l., 1.VI.2002, C. Giusto & S. Zoia leg. (2 ♁♁, 3 ♀♀ CG); Tarsus (1 ♁ MNHN);— Marmara Region: Beşik Bay [= Besika Bay] (5 ♁♁, 5 ♀♀ BMNH); Istanbul [= Constantinople] (8 ♁♁, 12 ♀♀ MNHN); Istanbul, Scutari (12 ♁♁, 6 ♀♀ MNHN); no exact localities: [?] Lajoya (10 ♁♁, 3 ♀♀ MNHN); [?] le, de Buffiveuh (4 ♁♁, 1 ♀ MNHN); [?] Turcia, Allion (1 ♁ MNHN); Turkey (12 ♁♁, 10 ♀♀ MNHN); Anatolia [= Asia Minor] (2 ♀♀ BMNH; 2 ♁♁, 3 ♀♀ MNHN); Taurus Montains [= Lyciae Taurus], VI.1903 F. Hauser leg., 1 ♁ MRSN). TURKMENISTAN — Balkan Region: Serdar [= Kysil-Arwat], 1898, F. Hauser leg. (2 ♀♀ BMNH; 1 ♁, 1 ♀ CG; 2 ♁♁, 2 ♀ MRSN);— Mary Region: Chemen-i-Bid, 20–25.IV.1993, P. Čhechowsý leg. (2 ♁♁, 1 ♀ CG); no exact localities: Kopet-Dagh (3 ♁♁ MRSN); Saramsakli (2 ♀♀ MRSN). U.S.A. — Utah: Providence, 29.V.1970, G.F. Knowlton leg. (2 ♀♀ BMNH);— Minnesota: Moorhead, 3.IX.1970, J.R. Powers leg., on hollyhock seeds (1 ♁, 1 ♀ MW);— Missouri: Columbia, VII.1981 (1 ♁, 1 ♀ CG; 1 ♀ FS). UKRAINE — Autonomous Republic of Crimea: Crimea (1 ♁, 1 ♀ BMNH; 1 ♁ MNHN); Dmitrove, 250 m a.s.l., 19.IV.2008, M. Košťál leg. (1 ♁ MK); Dobre, 28.V.2005, J. Borowski leg. (1 ♀ MW); Simferopol (1 ♁, 1 ♀ ZMHB);— Khmelnytskyi Oblast: Kamyanets Podilskiy, Smotrich env., 26.VI.1996, M. Wanat leg. (1 ♁, 1 ♀ MW).

Other no exact localities: Caucasus (2 ♀♀ MNHN) ; Stalino, IX.1943 (1 ♁ MNHN) ; Syrie (1 ♁, 3 ♀♀ MNHN) ; Syrie, C. Piochard de La Brûlerie leg. (1 ♀ MNHN) ; Tr. Casp. [= Transcaspia], Penschdeh (1 ♁ MNHN) .

Redescription (Ƌ ♀). Lb: ♁ 2.30–3.23 mm [2.80 mm], ♀ 2.25–3.44 mm [2.95 mm]. Body integument dark brown to piceous; apical tibial mucrones, coxae and trochanters brown to dark brown. Body scales piliform with

more or less pointed apex ( Figs. 10–11 ); only few scales on base of 3 rd elytral interval, at apex of elytra, on meso-and metanepisterna, on mesoepimera and at apex of femora with more or less truncate apex.

Male rostrum as in Figs. 13–14, 17–18 ; in dorsal view, mesorostral dilatation slightly dentiform, prorostrum with slightly concave sides, feebly narrowing from mesorostral dilatation to apical third then weakly widened to apex; in profile, rostrum distinctly angulate above antennal insertion; Lr: 0.78–1.24 mm [0.99 mm]; Lpr: 0.54–0.91 mm [0.71 mm]; Lmtr: 0.21–0.36 mm [0.28 mm]; Wmsr: 0.20–0.25 mm [0.23 mm]; Lr/Wmsr: 4.23–5.17 [4.64]; Lr/Lp: 1.15–1.65 [1.41]; Lb/Lr: 2.42–2.90 [2.74]. Female rostrum as in Figs. 15–16, 19–20 ; in dorsal view, prorostrum with parallel sides, feebly widened toward apex in the apical fourth; Lr: 1.28–2.51 mm [1.88 mm]; Lpr: 0.95–1.94 mm [1.43 mm]; Lmtr: 0.29–0.62 mm [0.44 mm]; Wmsr: 0.15–0.22 mm [0.20 mm]; Lr/Wmsr: 7.81–11.75 [10.25]; Lr/Lp: 2.00–3.17 [2.54]; Lb/Lr: 1.34–1.79 [1.46]. Forehead densely punctate; punctures round, 17–23 µm in diameter, hardly separated or, very often, confluent to form striolae ; interspaces matt, microsculptured. Antennae ( Figs. 25–26 ) inserted at basal 0.24–0.32 [0.29] (♁) or 0.20–0.27 [0.24] (♀) of rostrum; La: ♁ 0.78–1.15 mm [0.98], ♀ 1.06–1.47 mm [1.25 mm]; Lc: ♁ 0.31–0.41 mm [0.36 mm], ♀ 0.32–0.42 mm [0.39 mm]; La/Lpr: ♁ 1.12–1.66 [1.37], ♀ 0.67–1.20 [0.86]; La/Lc: ♁ 2.66–3.06 [2.81], ♀ 2.81–3.58 [3.19].

Prothorax ( Figs. 6–7 ) mostly isodiametric to slightly longer than wide, widest just behind middle; only few populations show weakly transverse prothorax; disc densely punctate, punctures round to oblong, 17–25 µm in diameter, hardly separated or, very often, confluent to form striolae ; interspaces matt; Lp: ♁ 0.55–0.81 mm [0.68 mm], ♀ 0.55–0.89 mm [0.72 mm]; Wp: 0.56–0.80 mm [0.68 mm], ♀ 0.52–0.84 mm [0.72 mm]; Lp/Wp: ♁ 0.88–1.10 [1.00], ♀ 0.91–1.09 [1.01]. Scutellum subquadrate, matt. Elytra ( Figs. 6–7 ), in dorsal view, with weakly rounded sides and weakly widening backwards; on elytral disc, intervals 2.9–3.3 times as wide as striae; Le: ♁ 1.57–2.25 mm [1.92 mm], ♀ 1.51–2.39 mm [2.02 mm]; We: ♁ 0.85–1.28 mm [1.05 mm], ♀ 0.83–1.30 mm [1.09 mm]; Le/We: ♁ 1.66–2.01 [1.82], ♀ 1.71–2.02 [1.86]. Legs with femora robust and rather swollen, 2.80–2.90 (♁), 2.91–3.04 (♀) times as long as wide; all male tibiae ( Figs. 27–29 ) with short, blunt and oblique apical mucro; tarsi moderately elongate; 1 st segment 1.60–1.90 times as long as wide; 2 nd 1.12–1.37 times as long as wide, 0.80–0.84 times as long as 1 st; 3 rd 0.81–0.90 times as long as wide, with lobes well developed, 0.83–0.98 times as long as 2 nd; onychium 1.27–1.44 times as long as 2 nd segment.

Male sternite IX as in Fig. 35 . Tegmen ( Figs. 36–37 ) with apical membranous lobes fairly long, subrounded, folded at base; suprafenestral sclerites with 2 long outer setae (only occasionally 3) and 1 shorter inner seta (occasionally 0). Penis ( Figs. 41–44 ), in ventral view, with parallel sides from base to ostium then gradually restricted to apex. Female genitalia as in Figs. 49–53 .

Remarks. This species is very variable throughout its distribution.Apart from some local forms, it is possible to observe clinal variability of the following characters: vestiture composed of denser, whiter and thicker scales from North-West to South-East, probably as a response to increasing sunshine ( Figs. 10–11 ); body size on average bigger in Europe than in the remaining territories; rostrum, particularly that of female, longer and more widened at apex in Europe while it tends to be shorter and more cylindrical in southern and eastern populations; analogously, and probably related to the length of the rostrum, prothorax is longer than wide in European and western Asiatic populations and isodiametric or even transverse in some Middle East populations.

The “typical” form, decidedly predominant in the whole area, is characterized by long rostrum ( Figs. 13–16 ) (Lr: ♁ 0.78–1.24 mm [0.99 mm], ♀ 1.60–2.51 mm [2.03 mm]; Lr/Wmsr: ♁ 3.71–5.17 [4.53], ♀ 8.00–13.00 [10.37]; Lr/Lb: ♁ 2.42–3.09 [2.79], ♀ 0.54–0.78 [0.68]), female prorostrum longer than antennae (Lpr/La: ♀ 1.05–1.50 [1.25]), prothorax, on average, longer than wide (Lp/Wp: ♁ 1.00–1.10 [1.03], ♀ 1.00–1.09 [1.03]) and vestiture composed of thin scales with pointed apex ( Fig. 10 ). This form is associated with Alcea rosea L.

A characteristic form has been found in Israel, exclusively along the Jordan Valley , on Alcea dissecta (Baker f.) Zohary. It is recognizable by its short rostrum, particularly in female ( Figs. 17–20 ) (Lr: ♁ 0.82–1.06 mm [0.95 mm], ♀ 1.28–1.66 mm [1.48 mm]; Lr/Wmsr: ♁ 3.74–4.52 [4.24], ♀ 6.70–8.67 [7.52]; Lr/Lb: ♁ 2.75–3.22 [2.96], ♀ 0.47–0.55 [0.52]); female prorostrum, on average, shorter than antennae (Lpr/La: ♀ 0.86–1.00 [0.96]); transverse prothorax (Lp/Wp: ♁ 0.88–0.99 [0.97], ♀ 0.91–0.99 [0.96]) and vestiture similar to the “typical” one .

A further form from Israel, not found in the Jordan Valley , associated with Alcea setosa (Boiss.) Alef. , shows intermediate characters between the two previous forms (Lr: ♁ 0.82–1.11 mm [0.98 mm], ♀: 1.50–2.16 mm [2.01 mm]; Lr/Wmsr: ♁ 3.90–4.68 [4.25], ♀ 8.33–10.68 [9.76]; Lr/Lb: ♁ 2.79–3.04 [2.90], ♀ 0.58–0.69 [0.66]; Lpr/La: ♀ 1.04–1.20 [1.13]; Lp/Wp: ♁ 0.96–1.06 [1.00], ♀ 0.96–1.05 [1.00]) .

The last form, whose host plant is unknown, occurs in Afghanistan (Faryab Province: Goudgé Konti). It is similar to that from Jordan Valley , but it is characterized by longer rostrum ( Lr : ♁ 0.96–1.23 mm [1.13 mm], ♀: 1.34–1.99 mm [1.73 mm]; Lr/Wmsr: ♁ 4.50–5.14 [5.02], ♀ 8.40–9.75 [8.85]; Lr/Lb: ♁ 2.48–2.98 [2.68], ♀ 0.53– 0.63 [0.58]), female prorostrum, on average, shorter than antennae (Lpr/La: ♀ 0.83–1.00 [0.90]), prothorax variable in length, on average isodiametric (Lp/Wp: ♁ 0.99–1.03 [1.00], ♀ 0.95–1.03 [1.00]) and vestiture composed of thicker scales ( Fig. 11 ) .

Box-plots ( Fig. 59 ) generated from analysis of data exclusively relating to female specimens and limitedly to four ratios (Lr/Lb, Lr/Wmsr, Lpr/La, Lp/Wp) show the differences among the forms mentioned above. For convenience, populations were grouped as follows: pop. 1: “typical” form from Istanbul (Constantinople and Scutari), host plant: A. rosea ; pop. 2: all remaining populations belonging to the “typical” form, host plant: A. rosea ; pop. 3: Israel (excluding Jordan Valley), host plant: A. setosa ; pop. 4: Israel ( Jordan Valley), host plant: A. dissecta ; pop. 5: Afghanistan: Goudgé Konte, host plant: unknown.

Distribution. Palaearctic Region: Algeria, Portugal, Spain, France, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Georgia, Russia (South European Territory), Azerbaijan, Armenia, Iran, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan ( Alonso-Zarazaga et al. 2017, Furlan 2002, Grosso-Silva 2005, Tuba & Lakatos 2010).

Nearctic Region (introduced): Canada (British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia), U.S.A. (Washington, Oregon, California, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia) ( Kissinger 1968; Majka et al. 2007, 2011; O’Brien & Wibmer 1982; Per- rin 1984; Salsbury 2000; Tuba & Lakatos 2010).

Remarks. This species is reported here, for the first time, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Kyrgyzstan, and in North America from Utah and Minnesota.

The ascertained presence in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan only of R. celatum n. sp. and its possible presence also in Tajikistan suggest that former records concerning the presence of R. longirostre in these areas should be considered plausible, but requiring confirmation (see Schatzmayr 1923, Osella 1966, Osella 1968, Nasreddinov 1975, Meregalli & Osella 1978, Perrin 1984, Arzanov 1990, Alonso-Zarazaga 2011, Alonso-Zarazaga et al. 2017). For this reason Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have been temporarily excluded from the distribution of R. longirostre ( Fig. 64 ).

Bionomy. This is a widespread and abundant species that lives in xeric or xerothermophilous habitats from low altitudes, 190 m b.s.l., to mountains up to 1,550 m a.s.l. It is associated with Alcea digitata Alef. , Alcea dissecta (Baker f.) Zohary, Alcea rosea L. and Alcea setosa (Boiss.) Alef. Considerations regarding possible additional host plants and further bionomic notes are summarized above, as indicated in the paragraph dedicated to the bionomy of the genus.

Figures

FIGURE 59. Box-plots showing differences among female populations of Rhopalapion longirostre in selected ratios. pop. 1: “typical” form from Istanbul, host plant: Alcea rosea; pop. 2: all remaining populations belonging to the “typical” form, host plant: Alcea rosea; pop. 3: Israel (excluding Jordan Valley), host plant: Alcea setosa; pop. 4: Israel (Jordan Valley), host plant: Alcea dissecta; pop. 5: Afghanistan: Goudgé Konte, host plant: unknown.

FIGURE 64. Southeastern distribution of Rhopalapion longirostre in the Palaearctic Region and distribution of Rhopalapion celatum n. sp. (? = no exact locality).

FIGURES 1–5. Type series of Apion longirostre Olivier, 1807 stored in the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris (▲ = lectotype, ● = paralectotype) (Photos S. Zoia).

FIGURES 6–9. Habitus. 6–7: Rhopalapion longirostre, 6: ♁, 7: ♀, both from Turkey: Istanbul.—8–9: Rhopalapion celatum n. sp., 8: ♁ holotype, 9: ♀ paratype, both from Iran: vic. tomb of Cyrus. Scale bar: 2 mm.

FIGURES 10–12. Dorsal scales. 10–11: Rhopalapion longirostre, 10: ♁, from Turkey: Istanbul; 11: ♁, from Afghanistan: Goudgé Konti—12: Rhopalapion celatum n. sp., ♁ paratype, from Iran: vic. tomb of Cyrus.

FIGURES 13–24. Head in dorsal and lateral view. 13–20: Rhopalapion longirostre, 13–14: ♁, 15–16: ♀, both from Turkey: Is- tanbul; 17–18: ♁, 19–20: ♀, both from Israel: Ha Yarden Park.—21–24: Rhopalapion celatum n. sp., 21–22: ♁ paratype, 23–24: ♀ paratype, both from Iran: vic. tomb of Cyrus. Scale bar: 2 mm.

FIGURES 25–34. Antenna and apex of male pro-, meso- and metatibiae. 25–29: Rhopalapion longirostre, 25, 27–29: ♁, 26: ♀, both from Turkey: Istanbul.—30–34: Rhopalapion celatum n. sp., 30, 32–34: ♁ paratype, 31: ♀ paratype, both from Iran: vic. tomb of Cyrus.

FIGURES 35–40. Sternite IX and tegmen in dorsal and lateral view. 35–37: Rhopalapion longirostre, ♁, from Turkey: Istan- bul.—38–40: Rhopalapion celatum n. sp., ♁ paratype, from Iran: vic. tomb of Cyrus.

FIGURES 41–48. Penis and penal apex in ventral and lateral view. 41–44: Rhopalapion longirostre, from Turkey: Istanbul.— 45–48: Rhopalapion celatum n. sp., holotype, from Iran: vic. tomb of Cyrus.

FIGURES 49–58. Sternite VIII, gonocoxites in ventral and lateral view, styli and spermatheca. 49–53: Rhopalapion longirostre, from Turkey: Istanbul.—54–58: Rhopalapion celatum n. sp., paratype, from Iran: vic. tomb of Cyrus.