Atheta (Microdota) microelytrata Klimaszewski & Godin

Klimaszewski, Jan, Godin, Benoit & Bourdon, Caroline, 2012, Further contributions to the aleocharine fauna of the Yukon Territory, Canada (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae), ZooKeys 186, pp. 207-237 : 213

Atheta (Microdota) microelytrata Klimaszewski & Godin sp. n. Figs 722, 2344-47

Holotype

(male). Canada, Yukon, Whitehorse, Takhini, hotsprings, 60.8769, -135.3596, 30.IV.2009, 716 m, aspen litter - soil sifting, B. Godin (LFC).

Paratypes

. Canada, Yukon, Whitehorse, Takhini, hotsprings, 60.8769, -135.3596, 19.IX.2009, 716 m, alder/willow litter, soil sifting, B. Godin (ECW) 2 males; same data except: 3.V.2009 (ECW, LFC) 2 females.

Etymology.

The specific name derives from the word micro, meaning small, and elytra,in allusion to the small and short elytra of this species.

Diagnosis.

Body narrowly subparallel; dark brown, with bases of antennae and legs rust-brown; strongly glossy, with fine and moderately dense punctation on forebody and strong, meshed microsculpture (Fig. 7); head as wide as pronotum and elytra, with long postocular area, eyes moderately small and slightly protruding; antennae slender, slightly incrassate apicad, articles 4-5 subquadrate and 6-10 slightly to strongly transverse; pronotum narrower at base and broadening apicad; elytra transverse, shorter than pronotum; abdomen widest subapically; length 1.9-2.0 mm (Fig. 7). MALE: tergite 8 truncate apically and with crenulation scarcely visible (Fig. 44); sternite 8 widely rounded apically (Fig. 45); median lobe of aedeagus with apex narrow and ventrally produced, athetine bridge well developed (Fig. 22). FEMALE: tergite 8 truncate apically (Fig. 46); sternite 8 truncate and slightly emarginate medially (Fig. 47); spermatheca with pipe-shaped capsule and long, posteriorly-coiled stem (Fig. 23).

This species bears some superficial external similarity to Geostiba and Emmelostiba but has typical Atheta -like genitalia.

Distribution.

This native Nearctic species is known only from the type locality in the Yukon Territory.

Bionomics.

Adults were found in aspen, alder and willow litter in March, May and September.