Epimetopus tridens, Perkins, 2012

Perkins, Philip D., 2012, 3531, Zootaxa 3531, pp. 1-95 : 81-83

Epimetopus tridens , new species

Figs. 118 (habitus), 123 (aedeagus), 126 (map)

Type Material. Holotype (male): Brazil: Sao Paulo, Campos do Jordão, Parque do Estado Rio Galharada , 22° 44' S, 45° 36' W, 17 x 1992, Exp. MZSP ( MSP) . Paratypes: Same data as holotype (3 MSP) .

Differential Diagnosis. This distinctive species ( Fig. 118) is differentiated from other members of the Trogoides group by several characters: 1) the longer and more sharply rounded pronotal hood; 2) the anteriorly confluent pronotal hood carinae; 3) the very small, almost absent, secondary pronotal lateral lobes, 4) the relatively deep pronotal depressions; and 5) the comparatively small elytral punctures. All carinae are well developed, and the carinae of the pronotal hood are confluent and raised anteriorly, thereby differing from all other members of the Trogoides group. Also, males have an upturned clypeus, a character not present in the others species in the group. The aedeagus ( Fig. 123), which has a very long and slender median lobe, and slender parameres, cannot be confused with any other known Epimetopus . It is similar in general plan to that of E. fimbriatus ( Fig. 122), a species with well developed secondary lateral lobes of the pronotum.

Description. Size: holotype (length/width, mm): body (length from anterior margin of pronotum to elytral apices) 3.16/1.63; head (width) 0.82; pronotum 1.26/1.21; elytra 2.08/1.63. Habitus as illustrated ( Fig. 118). Head dark brown to piceous, maxillary palpi light brown; dorsum dark brown to reddish brown with lighter V-shaped fascia at about midlength of elytra; venter and coxae reddish brown, remainder of legs ochraceous. Head (male) with clypeus upturned. Pronotum with hood carinae straight, confluent and raised anteriorly; secondary lateral lobe very small, almost absent; all ridges well raised, depressions deep. Elytron with four strong granulate carinae, third interrupted anteriorly for distance of ca. 4–5 punctures; punctures round or oval, not large, each with small granule at anterior margin, non-carinate intervals without granules. Protibiae slightly emarginate on inner margin in distal 1/2, outer margin arcuate. Metaventral depression moderately wide, ca. 14 granules along base, shallow.

Etymology. Named in reference to the trident-like median lobe of the aedeagus.

Distribution. Currently known only from the type locality in Brazil ( Fig. 126).