Melanesicus deformatus (Browne) Beaver & Petrov & Sittichaya, 2021

Beaver, R. A., Petrov, A. V. & Sittichaya, W., 2021, A new genus of ambrosia beetle from Melanesia (Coleoptera: Curculionidae Scolytinae: Xyleborini), Zootaxa 4949 (1), pp. 163-172 : 169-170

Melanesicus deformatus (Browne) comb. n.

( Figs 9‒10 )

Xyleborus deformatus Browne 1974: 70 .

Taxonomy. The senior author has examined the holotype and paratypes ( NHML) and specimens in RAB. The species is easily distinguished by the strong, saddle-shaped impression of the elytral disc just before the declivity .

Distribution. The species is endemic to Fiji, where it occurs only in the higher altitude rain forest ( Roberts 1977).

Biology. Roberts (1977) described the biology of the species, including the gallery system, development, brood sizes, and notes associated species of Scolytinae and Platypodinae, as well as nest parasites ( Cyphagogus fijianus Kleine ) ( Coleoptera : Brentidae ). He recorded the species most frequently from Dysoxylum spp. ( Meliaceae ), but also from single host trees in three other families ( Roberts 1977). RAB collected the species only from Dysoxylum sp., and it appears to have a strong host preference for this genus. In contrast to M. partitus (see below), the adults emerge around dusk, and are strongly attracted to light ( Roberts 1977).

Figures

FIGURES 9‒10. Melanesicus deformatus (Browne) female. 9. Dorsal view; 10. Lateral view.