Hydraena premordica

Perkins, Philip D., 2011, New records and description of fifty-four new species of aquatic beetles in the genus Hydraena Kugelann from South America (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae), Zootaxa 3074, pp. 1-198 : 55

Premordica Complex

Two species comprise the Premordica Complex: H. premordica , and H. ecuadormica ( Figs. 114–115 ). These are medium sized (ca. 1.50–1.76 mm) species with a wide body form; the pronotum has a large fascia, and lacks a pronotal scintilla. The mesoventral intercoxal process is comparatively narrow, and the metaventrite has distinct plaques. The male genitalia in this complex ( Figs. 116–117) have a basic plan similarity: the main piece is bulbous in the basal part (seen in lateral view) and has two long setae immediately distal to this part; the distal piece is largely membranous; the right paramere apically is distinctively shaped; and the left paramere is elongate. It is difficult to determine the location of the gonopore within the membranous distal piece. H. premordica is known from Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana, whereas H. ecuadormica is currently known only from Ecuador.

Figures

FIGURE 114. Hydraena premordica, holotype, dorsal and lateral habitus, and venter.

FIGURE 115. Hydraena ecuadormica, holotype, dorsal and lateral habitus, and venter.