Nespilobaris inflatirostris (Voss), new combination

(Figs. 14, 17)

Acythopeus inflatirostris Voss 1941: 893 .

Holotype female, Tienmuschan, China (NHMB); examined.

Acythopeus proximus Voss 1958: 82 .

Holotype Kuatun [Guadun], Fujian, China (NHRS); not examined, ID based on 2 PT in AKMB. New synonymy.

Diagnosis. The basal hump on the rostrum in combination with a paired dorsal vitta (Fig. 14) make N. inflatirostris relatively conspicuous in the Chinese weevil fauna. Very large males have flat, subcordate elytra with a laterally protruding edge and an anteriorly extremely tubular prothorax; they look exasperatingly different than females and small males. Moreover, the rostrum of very small males can be disproportionally short while the scape is normal. Several species with a similar color pattern occur in the Philippines and Indonesia.

Notes. Voss (1958) described small, almost parallel-sided specimens with a deviating male rostrum as a distinct species, Acythopeus proximus, but intermediate forms to A. inflatirostris indicate that this is a single, polymorphic species. We transfer the species to Nespilobaris Morimoto & Yoshihara because of the basally constricted profemur and the basally deeply sulcate rostrum. The genus is widespread in the Old World (including Africa and Australia) and may have a more senior, overlooked name.

Distribution. The species has been found in China (Anhui, Fujian, Guizhou, Zhejiang) and Laos (Fig. 17).

Biology. Unknown.

Material examined. CHINA. Anhui: Taipingshien, X/1934 (JPPC 2). Fujian: Daanyuan, Wuyishan, 24.–27.iv.2013 (IZCAS 1); Guadun, 28.iii.1946, 6.x.1946 (AKMB 2), 2.iv.1946 (HNHM 1); 27.4º N 117.4º E [Shaowu or near], 29.iv.1938 (AKMB 1). Guizhou: Zhiyuyou, Fanjingshan, Huixiangping, 2.viii.2001 (IZCAS 1). Zhejiang: Fengyangshan, 2.vii.2008 (IZCAS 1); Longwangshan, Anji, 7.iv.1996 (IZCAS 1); Tienmushan, 21.v.1936 (IZCAS 1); West Qianqintang, Hangzhou, 6.–7.viii.2008 (IZCAS 3); West Tianmushan, Sanmuping, 30.vii.1998 (IZCAS 1). LAOS. Houa Phan: Ban Saluei to Phou Pane Mt., 10.v.–16.vi.2009 (NHMB 1).