Monneoncideres Nearns and Swift, 2011

Nearns, Eugenio H. & Swift, Ian P., 2011, New taxa and combinations in Onciderini Thomson, 1860 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae), Insecta Mundi 2011 (192), pp. 1-27 : 8

Monneoncideres Nearns and Swift , gen. nov.

( Figures 3 a-d)

Type species. Monneoncideres cristata Nearns and Swift , sp. nov, here designated.

Description. General form elongate-ovate, robust, moderate-sized. Head with frons flat, subquadrate or elongate. Eyes with lower lobes large, oblong, moderately separated. Antennae short, not distinctly longer than body; antennal tubercles prominent, moderately separated; scape clavate, antennomere III longest. Pronotum subcylindrical, wider at base, transverse, sides with acute protuberance each side behind middle; disk with three tubercles, median tubercle glabrous. Elytra with humeri prominent, anterior margin arcuate, angle with several round, shiny tubercles. Legs moderate to short in length; femora clavate apically; tibiae slightly expanded apically.

Etymology. This distinctive genus is named for Miguel A. Monné with appreciation for his friendship, encouragement, and inspiration. The name is derived from the surname “Monné” and “ Oncideres ;” the gender is feminine.

Diagnosis and Remarks. This genus superficially resembles some species of Oncideres Lacordaire, 1830 and Psyllotoxoides Breuning, 1961 but can be distinguished by the combination of the following characters: eyes with lower lobes large; frons distinctly flat; pronotum with glabrous median tubercle; and base of elytra with arcuate, strongly elevated cristae.

Figures

Figure 3. Monneoncideres cristata, sp. nov., holotype female. a) Dorsal habitus. b) Lateral habitus. c) Close-up of head. d) Close-up of pronotum.