Zorion guttigerum (Westwood)

Schnitzler, Franz-Rudolf & Wang, Qiao, 2005, Revision of Zorion Pascoe (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), an endemic genus of New Zealand, Zootaxa 1066, pp. 1-42 : 25-28

Zorion guttigerum (Westwood)

( Figs. 6 , 17, 25)

Obrium guttigerum Westwood, 1845: 28 . – White, 1846: 20, 1855: 240; Redtenbacher, 1868: 199; Hutton, 1873: 164.

Zorion guttigerum Bates, 1874: 22 . – Bates, 1875: 319; Waterhouse, 1876: 14; Broun,1880: 585; Hutton, 1904: 193; Aurivillius, 1912: 156; Hudson, 1934: 114; Blair, 1937: 265; Dumbleton, 1957: 611; Manson, 1960: 27; Duffy, 1963: 127; Wang, 2002: 675 –687. Zorion castum Broun, 1893: 1281 . – Hutton, 1904: 193; Aurivillius, 1912: 156; Hudson, 1934: 114; Blair, 1937: 265. syn. nov.

Diagnosis

Zorion guttigerum is uniformly dark in colour and may be distinguished from the dark variations of Z. taranakiensis and Z. batesi by the golden to golden­yellow colour of the spot or being without spot. Zorion taranakiensis and Z. batesi both have ivory coloured spots.

Redescription

Body length: Male 3.78–6.36 mm, female 3.78–7.57 mm.

Colour: Body dark purple brown all over with a golden spot on each elytron (Fig. 17). Elytral spot 1.4 wider than long and transversely located, not touching elytral suture but reaching elytral margin; central axis through spot at right angle in relation to suture; distance between central axis of spot and elytral shoulder 0.37–0.58 elytral length. Scape and pedicel dark purple brown; antennal segments 3–7 or 3–8 whitish at base but gradually becoming dark brown towards apex; antennal segments 8–11 or 9–11 dark brown. Pro­ and mesocoxal cavity bounded by dark edge; trochanter and apex of coxa dark; femur whitish at base and without dark ring at beginning of dark purple brown club as in Fig. 1 ; tibia and tarsi light brown throughout. Abdominal segments dark purple brown as remainder of the body.

Structure: Body surface glabrous, glossy. Apex of elytra rounded. Females with two or more hairs on epipleural fold; males without such hairs.

Ovipositor and spermatheca: Ratio of dorsal to ventral baculi being 1:1.3. Spermatheca sclerotised, more so at apex, strongly curved, bean­shaped, wider at the base and gradually tapering towards apex, no sclerotised structure within. Spermathecal gland arising at around 0.33 of spermatheca length from the base.

Var ia t io n: Overall body colour may vary from dark orange to dark orange­brown or almost black purple with metallic appearance. Spot may be up to 1.2 longer than wide and may be golden yellow in colour; positioned on a forward or backward angle in relation to elytral suture; may almost reach elytral margin, and distance between spot and suture is not less than 4 the distance to margin. Scape may be creamy golden brown sometimes with darker apex; pedicel dark brown; antennal segments 3–11 whitish at base but gradually becoming dark brown towards apex. Coxa and trochanter may be light orangebrown. Tibia and tarsi may be dark purple or orange­brown and tibia sometimes light brown in the middle section.

Biology

Males were collected between 20 Oct. and 25 Mar., and females between 10 Oct. and 23 Jan. Specimens were collected by Malaise trap, in flight intercept trap, beating at night; and found indoors at window or on veranda post, in litter, and at a height of up to 1372 m.

Adults were found on flowers of wild carrot, male kiwi fruit vine, yarrow, spindleberry bush flowers, Brachyclottis repanda (Compositae), Eucalyptus gregsoniana , Hebe sp., Hoheria (Malvaceae) , Lagunaria pattersonii (Malvaceae) , male Pennantia corymbosa , Physocarpus opulifolius , Pomaderris , Schefflera digitata ; Senecio petasitis , Spirea sp. ( Rosaceae ), and on foliage or branches of tussock, lucerne tree, peppertree, on grass, raspberry, runner beans, Crataegus , Galium palustre (Rubiaceae) , Gaultheria , Muehlenbeckia , Nothofagus menziesii , Olearia virgata , Phormium , and Sophora microphylla (Papilionaceae) . Adults reared ex N. menziesii of up to 900m (coll. Oct., em. 14 Nov. and. 2 Dec.); Discaria toumatou (Ramnaceae) (coll. 11 Nov., em. 1 Dec.); matagouri ( D. toumatou ) stems and from N. fusca (em. 29 & 7 Nov.). In addition, we found larvae and pupae from dead Alnus cordata twigs. One larva was found parasitized by a braconid ( Hymenoptera ), Mt. Misery, 600 m, that emerged on 7 Nov. 1977, J. S. Dugdale (NZAC). Wang (2002) described mating behaviour of Z. guttigerum on the herbaceous Angelica archangelica hirsuta (Umbelliferae) in an urban garden.

Distribution

This species is widely distributed from the central North Island to the South Island ( Fig. 25). On the North Island a few specimens were found in the Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty regions and the south west Gisborne region. The species’ distribution extents southwards throughout the Taupo region, central Hawkes Bay, the eastern side of Mt Taranaki, the Rangitikei, Wanganui, Wairarapa and the Wellington region. On the South Island the distribution ranges from the Marlborough Sounds, the Nelson region through to the Marlborough region with some specimens found in the Buller and Kaikoura region. The distribution then is restricted to the eastern part of the South island extending through North Canterbury, Mid Canterbury inclusive Banks Peninsula, South Canterbury and the Mackenzie region. One specimen was recorded from southern part of the Central Otago region.

Comments

No specimen had been designated as holotype in Westwood’s original description of O. guttigerum . There are four syntypes in the BMNH collection, which came to the BMNH from the Parry collection via Fry. One specimen bears a red type label, which is thought to have been added at some later stage (S. Shute, BMNH, pers. comm.). The right middle and hind legs of the lectotype are missing. The paralectotypes are not in a very well preserved state, with antennae and some legs missing.

The label of the Z. castum holotype states the specimen as male, however, the specimen is female. The original description states the locality of the specimen to be near Stratford collected by A.T. Urquhart. The common name “Blue longhorn” is given by Manson (1960).

The holotype of Z. castum Broun, 1893 does not differ from the four syntypes of Z. guttigerum ( Obrium guttigerum Westwood, 1845 , by original designation); therefore Z. castum is placed in synonymy with Z. guttigerum .

Material examined

Lectotype: Obrium guttigerum , designated here. 1 ɗ Port Nicholson, ex Mus. Parry, via Fry coll. ( BMNH 1905–100).

Paralectotypes: Obrium guttigerum , designated here. 1 ɗ ex Mus. Parry, via Fry coll. (BMNH 1905–100). 2 Ψ ex Mus. Parry, via Fry coll. (BMNH 1905–100).

Holotype: Zorion castum . 1 Ψ Mt Egmont, No.2256, Broun coll. ( BMNH 1922–482).

Other material examined: 214 ɗ, 187 Ψ. AK: Waionui (1 ɗ 2 Ψ MONZ). SC: Waihi Gorge (1 ɗ CMNZ). WO: Mt. Pirongia (4 Ψ WMNZ f– 030800 –3/10, f– 030800 –4/10); Waitomo (2 ɗ, 3 Ψ AMNZ 18811, 18813, 18814, 18815, 18817, f– 030800 –5/10, f– 030800 –6/10). BP: White Pine Bush (1 Ψ NZAC f– 030800 –2/10); Rotorua (1 Ψ BMNH 1922–221). GB: Waikaremoana (1 ɗ, 1 Ψ NZAC). TK: Mt. Egmont (1 ɗ LUNZ); Makahu (1 Ψ NZAC); Okoke, Urenui (2 ɗ, 2 Ψ MONZ); Manaia (1 ɗ, 1 Ψ NZAC). RI: Ohakune (1 Ψ BMNH Broun coll. 1922–482; 2 ɗ, 6 Ψ NZAC, f– 030800 –9/10; 1 ɗ F. R. Schnitzler coll.); Lake Colenso (1 ɗ F. R. Schnitzler coll.). TO: Desert Road (1 ɗ LUNZ); Raurimu (3 ɗ, 1 Ψ NZAC m– 030800 –7/10, f– 030800 –8/10); Waimarino (1 Ψ BMNH); Waihohonu Track (1 ɗ NZAC); Waipakihi (2 ɗ NZAC); Oio (2 ɗ NZAC); Erua (1 Ψ AMNZ 18818); Kaimanawa (1 ɗ, BMNH, 1 Ψ NZAC); Ruapehu (1 Ψ NZAC f– 030800 –10/10). HB: Kaweka Ra (1 Ψ NZAC f– 190400 –2/4); Napier (1 ɗ, 2 Ψ Q. Wang coll.; 1 ɗ, NZAC m– 110400 –2/2); Clifton (2 Ψ NZAC f– 100400 –2/2); Hastings (8 ɗ, 10 Ψ NZAC, f– 050400 – 1/2, f– 060400 –2/2, f– 100400 –1/2, m– 120400 –1/2, m– 120400 –2/2, m– 170400 –1/2, f– 190400 –1/4, f– 190400 –4/4, m– 180400 –1/2; 7 ɗ, 1 Ψ F. R. Schnitzler coll.); Havelock North (12 ɗ, 2 Ψ NZAC f– 060400 –1/2, m– 110400 –1/2, m– 130400 –1/2, m– 130400 –2/2, m– 170400 –2/2, f– 190400 –3/4); Wimbelton (1 ɗ, 2 Ψ NZAC). WI: Fielding (2 ɗ, 1 Ψ NZAC); Ruahine Rd, Triplex Creek, (1 ɗ NZAC); Manawatu Gorge (1 Ψ NZAC); Ashurst (6 ɗ NZAC); Palmerston North (2 ɗ, 3 Ψ NZAC f– 210600 –3/4, f– 210600 –4/4; 18 ɗ, 7 Ψ F. R. Schnitzler coll.); Rangitane (3 Ψ 1 ɗ NZAC); Grasslands (3 ɗ NZAC); Manawatu, Tiritea Road (2 Ψ NZAC); Paiaka (2 ɗ, 1 Ψ MONZ; 5 Ψ, 6 ɗ NZAC). WN: Balance (1 Ψ NZAC f– 090800 –3/9); Levin (1 Ψ, 1 ɗ LUNZ; 1 Ψ F. R. Schnitzler coll.); Weraroa (2 Ψ, 2 ɗ NZAC m– 090800 –2/9, f– 090800 –1/9); Waikanae beach (1 Ψ MONZ f– 090800 –8/9). Hutt Valley (3 Ψ, 1 ɗ WMNZ f– 090800 –5/9, f– 090800 –4/9; 1 ɗ AMNZ 18816); Wellington (2 Ψ, 1 ɗ AMNZ 18808, 18810, 18819; 4 Ψ BMNH 1925–23, 1927–409; 1 ɗ BPBM; 3 ɗ JNNZ m– 090800 7a/9, m– 090800 7b/9); Port Nicholson (1 ɗ BMNH 93–60). WA: Masterton (1 ɗ F. R. Schnitzler coll. m– 090800 –9/9). Castlecliff (2 ɗ, 2 Ψ, OMNZ f– 090800 –6b/9, SEM stub No. 332 Hort Research Palmerston North); Putangirua Stm., Palliser (1 ɗ JNNZ); Pakuratahi Forks (1 ɗ JNNZ). SD: Stephen’s Island (2 ɗ, 2 Ψ NZAC m– 110800 –1/10; 4 ɗ, 1 Ψ WMNZ m– 110800 –6/10, f– 110800 –5/10); Ship Cove (1 Ψ NZAC); Queen Charlotte Sound, Maud Island (2 Ψ, 2 ɗ NZAC m– 110800 –4/10); Arapawa Island, Te Iro Bay (3 Ψ, 3 ɗ LUNZ m– 110800 – 2/10, f– 110800 –3/10). NN: Takaka Hill (1 Ψ NZAC); Nelson (1 ɗ NZAC m– 110800 –7/10); Canaan, Nelson (3 ɗ, 1 Ψ NZAC f– 110800 –8/10); Mt Misery (2 ɗ, 4 Ψ NZAC); Mt Robert near Lake Rotoiti (3 Ψ NZAC). MB: Blenheim (1 Ψ BPBM; 1 Ψ, 1 ɗ NZAC); Mt. McCabe (1 ɗ, NZAC m– 110800 –10/10); Lake Tennyson (1 Ψ NZAC f– 110800 –9/10). BR: Inangahua (1 ɗ NZAC); L. Rotoroa (1 Ψ NZAC); Greymouth (3 ɗ, 2 Ψ BMNH 1905–313). KA: Pudding Hill (1 ɗ BMNH 1922–482); Mt. Terako, Cunningham Stream (12 ɗ, 6 Ψ F. R. Schnitzler coll.); Mt. Terako, Mason River (1 Ψ F. R. Schnitzler coll.); SH 70, Mt. Lyford (2 ɗ, 2 Ψ F. R. Schnitzler coll.). NC: Hope River, Glynn Wye (1 ɗ LUNZ); Lewis Pass (2 ɗ NZAC); 18 km W Springfield, Lake Lyndon (1 Ψ, 1 ɗ BPBM); 8 km NW Springfield, Waimakariri River (2 Ψ BPBM); Waimakariri Basin (3 ɗ LUNZ); Amberley Beach (1 Ψ CMNZ). MC: Canterbury (1 Ψ, 2 ɗ BMNH 1946–280); Mt. Hutt, McClemans (4 ɗ, 2 Ψ NZAC); Cass (1 ɗ LUNZ); Lake Georgina near Lake Coleridge (2 Ψ, 3 ɗ NZAC); 64 km NW Christchurch, Ashley Gorge (1 Ψ BPBM); Highbank (1 Ψ CMNZ); Riccarton (3 Ψ, LUNZ); Southbridge (1 Ψ LUNZ); Christchurch (9 Ψ, 12 ɗ BMNH 1905–303, 1905–313; 1 ɗ, 2 ɗ NZAC; 4 ɗ, 3 Ψ LUNZ); Mc.Lennan’s Bush (1 Ψ, 1 ɗ NZAC); Banks Peninsula (3 Ψ, 1 ɗ BPBM; 3 Ψ, 3 ɗ BMNH; 4 ɗ, 5 Ψ CMNZ; 4 Ψ LUNZ; 2 ɗ, 3 Ψ, F. R. Schnitzler coll.); Mt Algidus (2 ɗ LUNZ); Cashmere (1 ɗ LUNZ); Hilltop (1 Ψ NZAC); Trentham (1 Ψ, BMNH 1922–482). MK: Mt. Cook (1 Ψ NZAC). SC: Coopers Creek (1 ɗ LUNZ); Peel Forest (1 ɗ LUNZ; 1 ɗ MONZ). CO: Roaring Meg (5 ɗ, 2 Ψ NZAC); Roxburgh (1 ɗ JNNZ). Unknown localities: Manhera State Forest (1 Ψ NZAC); Wainuiomata, South Island (2 ɗ NZAC); MaClells? (1 ɗ NZAC); Moehau (1 ɗ NZAC m– 030800 –1/10); no data (3 Ψ,3 ɗ BMNH; 6 Ψ, 2 ɗ BPBM); no location (9 Ψ BMNH 1927–409, 1930–355); ??? Bush (1 Ψ BMNH); ex. Simson (2 ɗ BMNH 1927–409).

Figures

FIGURE 6. Ventral view of aedeagus Z. batesi and SEM images of spines from Z. guttigerum: Sp, spinose region: fs, first section; ss, second section; ts, third section; te, terminal end; Spl, spineless region; ds, dorsal lobe; md, median lobe; vt, ventral lobe; cr, chitinous rods; mds, median struts; int, internal sac; a­c, external surfaces of aedeagus; d, fine thin short hair­like spines; e, dense long thin single spines; f, paired spines; g­i, scale like digitate spines (scale bar for a­c & e 10 m, scale bar for d & g­i 4 m).

FIGURES 1 – 3. Ventral view of hind femora representing features of: 1, dark coloured femur; 2, light coloured femur with dark ring; 3, light coloured femur without ring.