Phonius versus OPITZ nov.sp. (Figs 15, 179, 278)

Holotype: ♂. Type locality: MEXICO: Puebla, 4 mi sw Acatepec, July 11, 1973, Mastro & Schaffner (TAMU).

D i a g n o s i s: The narrow black line that extends from the middle of the pronotal disc, and extends forward to the epicranium, will distinguish this beetle from Phonius sanquineus CHEVROLAT. The forebody is completely black in specimens of the Chevrolat species.

D e s c r i p t i o n: Size: Length 10.0 mm; width 2.8 mm. Form: As in Fig. 278. Color: Cranium and prothorax light castaneous, except epicranium with a narrow black line that extends backward across the pronotal arch and pronotal disc; antenna, pterothorax, legs and abdomen dark brown. Head: Cranium minutely punctate; antenna (Fig. 15) slightly serrate, antennomeres gradually increasing in diameter from scape to antennomere 11, funicular antennomeres filiform; eyes finely facetted, eye narrower than frons (EW/FW 25/55). Thorax: Pronotum (Fig. 179) transverse, very finely punctate; pronotal arch well defined; subapical depression well defined; side margins of pronotum proper strongly arcuate (PW/PL 105/95); elytra flat, its depth reduced to elytral apex, disc with erect and slightly recumbent black setae and sculptured by slightly roughened surface; epipleural fold positioned laterally (EL/EW 295/85). Abdomen: Pygidium scutiform.

N a t u r a l H i s t o r y: The available specimen was collected in July.

D i s t r i b u t i o n: This species is known from México.

E t y m o l o g y: Thetrivialname, versus, is a Latin noun with a meaning of "line"; with reference to the narrow black line on the pronotal disc.