Epimetopus clypeatus, Perkins, 2012

Perkins, Philip D., 2012, 3531, Zootaxa 3531, pp. 1-95 : 59-61

Epimetopus clypeatus , new species

Figs. 95 (habitus), 97 (aedeagus), 126 (map)

Type Material. Holotype (male): Guyana: Region 8, Iwokrama Forest, 1 km W Kurupukan, Iwokrama Field Stn., ex. mercury vapor/UV light, elev. 60 m, 4° 40' N, 58° 41' W, 20 v 2001, R. Brooks, Z. Falin (GUY1BF01 001) ( SEMC).

Differential Diagnosis. The dorsal habitus ( Fig. 95) is very similar to that of other members of the Thermarum group; the pronotal lateral lobes are slightly smaller than is usual in the group. Males are distinguished from other members of the group by the distinctively upturned and medially pointed clypeus. The aedeagus ( Fig. 97) differs from that of other members of the group in several respects: 1) the dorsal processes converge slightly, and at the tips are produced in a sharp point directed medially; 2) the median lobe distal part is widened and is deeply cleft in the midline; and 3) each paramere is produced in a point apically, and bear two microsetae on the point.

Description. Size: holotype (length/width, mm): body (length from anterior margin of pronotum to elytral apices) 1.92/1.05; head (width) 0.53; pronotum 0.68/0.73; elytra 1.30/1.05. Head piceous, maxillary palpi light brown; pronotum brown; elytra brown except very faint lighter fascia near middle, (specimen may be slightly teneral); venter and coxae piceous, remainder of legs brown to reddish brown. Head (male) with sharply upturned clypeus. Pronotum with hood carinae very slightly arcuate, converging and confluent anteriorly, grooved throughout; secondary lateral lobe small. Elytron with four strong carinae, weakly granulate, third interrupted anteriorly for distance of ca. 3 punctures; punctures round or oval, small, each with small granule at anterior margin, non-carinate intervals without granules. Protibiae with inner margin straight, outer margin arcuate. Metaventral depression moderately wide, ca. seven granules along base.

Etymology. Named in reference to the modified male clypeus.

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