taxonID	type	description	language	source
943B87C254263E7A5C8AE42836E43B57.taxon	description	Figures 1 – 5, 41	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C254263E7A5C8AE42836E43B57.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A member of Rhyparus, distinguished from all other Western Hemisphere species by the generally smooth dorsal surface; discomedial costa of elytron swollen posteriorly, covering trichome and part of the large caudal bulb (Fig. 4 – 5), and with distribution in Guatemala (Baja Verapaz, Zacapa) (Fig. 41).	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C254263E7A5C8AE42836E43B57.taxon	description	Description. Holotype female (Fig. 1 – 4). Body length 4.94 mm, width 1.75 mm. Elongate, almost parallel-sided, flattened, dark brownish black, surface generally dull, alutaceous, partly clothed with fine, pale yellow setae on head and at caudal bulbs of elytral costae. Head. Surface dull, alutaceous, transversely subhexagonal. Clypeus trapezoidal in outline, anteriorly weakly concave in anterior view, concave between teeth in dorsal view; anterior margin weakly upturned with sharp tooth on each side of medial third, lateral thirds concave to rounded tooth anterior of clypeo-genal junction. Genae moderately lobed laterally, distinctly excavated anterior of eyes. Clypeocentral disc evenly convex, lacking costae; peridiscal impression strong basally, reduced and obsolete anteriorly. Frons with four small, distinct frontodiscal costae, equal in size and prominence. Head with widely scattered punctures, equal in size and distribution from base to apex; punctures with short, pale, yellow setae. Pronotum. Surface dull, alutaceous, costae weakly glossy, widest in middle; with paramedian, discolateral, and submarginal costae equally distinct. Costae with row of minute punctures and setae on each side. Paramedian costae incomplete, most prominent at anterior margin, reduced and obsolete at weak constriction near anterior third; distinct and weakly diverging to posterior margin. Discomedian costa nearly straight, distinctly interrupted by fovea on anterior third, present at anterior margin. Submarginal costa complete, sinuate, with angulation just behind middle. All costal intervals impunctate, with exceptions as follows; interval between paramedian costal constriction with less than 12 indistinct punctures. Intervals between paramedian, discolateral, and submarginal costae anteriorly with four indistinct punctures. Basally, paramedian and discolateral costae each with two foveate punctures on each side, at base (heavily encrusted) and posterior quarter. Lateral margin strongly sinuate, reduced posteriorly; anterior lobes slightly more prominent than intermediate lobes that project triangularly. Scutellum. Scutellar shield minute, narrow, apex acute. Elytra. Surface with flattened intervals strongly alutaceous, costae weakly alutaceous; each elytron with five elevated costae separated by five flattened intervals. Costae moderately convex, low, not sharply convex; with row of minute setose punctures on each side. Juxtasutural costa complete from base to apex. Discomedian costa broader than others, straight from base to apex; gradually swelling at apex, extending over trichome and broadly touching caudal bulb. Discolateral costa slightly narrower than discomedian costa, nearly straight, curving into trichome apically. Posthumeral costa narrower that preceding, equally prominent, turning inward to trichome at apex. Submarginal costa slightly wider than posthumeral costa; with distinct angulate lobe at point where it turns inward to caudal bulb. Elytral humerus at base of posthumeral costa bearing fine punctures with short setae. Costal intervals of elytron flat; with two rows of strial punctures of moderate size, separated by more than two diameters within a row and between the rows; third interval with third intermediate row of punctures of nearly equal size, row ending in apical quarter; punctures in fourth interval larger, more distinct and somewhat transverse giving a slightly wrinkled appearance to surface. First and second elytral costal intervals with two rows of widely separated punctures, third costal interval with three puncture rows. Caudal trichomes small, narrowed. Caudal bulbs large; in dorsal view transverse, strongly angulate at end of submarginal costa, medially curving caudally near juxtasutural costa; dorsally rounded in posterior view; lacking distinct puncture, with fine scattered setae; surface of bulb and area between bulb and elytral margin equally alutaceous; posterior surface of bulb with large, coarse punctures. Ventral thorax. Surface weakly dull, alutaceous. Metaventrite flattened, in the middle with distinct deep longitudinal median impression in posterior three-quarters, impression equally deep and wide along length; disc on either side with row of coarse punctures just outside of medial impression, rest of surface with coarse and irregularly spaced punctures, separated by one puncture diameter or more, decreasing in size anteriorly and laterally, all punctures bearing a short seta. Abdomen. Abdominal ventrites 2 – 4 with narrow, transverse, anterior groove that is crenately margined, somewhat fluted interiorly; ventrites laterally with large, distinct, triangular depression, rest of surface with scattered, fine punctures bearing a short seta. Abdominal ventrite 5 (last) as long as preceding two ventrites medially; surface evenly coarsely punctate, punctures separated by one puncture diameter or less; with a small, transversely elongate, punctate fovea laterally; anterior margin with a narrow, crenated groove extending to lateral margin. Pygidium with central carina strong, split at basal third, Y-shaped, ending abruptly at apical third, not complete to apex; surface in lateral view angularly concave at base; each side with large, triangular, alutaceous areas occupying most of surface. Legs. Profemur alutaceous, with large, impressed punctures; mesofemur and metafemur weakly glossy with fine punctures; all punctures bearing a very short seta. Mesofemur robust, with posterior margin bearing two weak angulations at middle and apical third. Metafemur narrow, weakly widened medially third. Protibia with bidentate apex; inner tooth greatly reduced; medial margin straight. Mesotibia with apex truncate; lacking medially projecting spine on inner apical angle; inner margin straight in apical third. Metatibia weakly widened to truncate apex; lacking medially projecting spine of inner apical angle small; inner margin straight in apical third. Mesotarsomere 1 as long as mesotarsomeres 2 – 4. Metatarsomere 1 as long as metatarsomeres 2 – 5 combined. Male. Unknown. Variation. The paratype female has a body length 4.38 mm, width 1.63 mm. Other than body measurements, there are no notable variations between the two specimens.	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C254263E7A5C8AE42836E43B57.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype female deposited in FSCA: “ GUATEMALA: Dept. Zacapa / Sierra de las Minas; Cerro los / Monos; nr. 15.11690, − 89.68064; / 4 km nnw San Lorenzo; 2230 m / 18 – 21 - V- 2010; cloud forest / P. Skelley, at light // [red paper] HOLOTYPE ♀ / Rhyparus / cucullatus / des. 2024 / Skelley & Smith ”. Paratype. Only one additional female studied: “ GUATEMALA: Baja Verapaz / Los Ranchitos, Res. Quetzal / 31 - V- 2 - VI- 2015, 1680 m / Coll. J. B. Heppner & E. Fuller ” (1 CMNC).	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C254263E7A5C8AE42836E43B57.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species epithet refers to the enlarged caudal end of the discomedian elytral costa which covers the trichome. It is derived from the Latin “ cucullus ” meaning cap or hood, combined with “ - atus ” meaning to have or provided with.	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C254263E7A5C8AE42836E43B57.taxon	discussion	Comments. Rhyparus cucullatus presents a number of odd character states that make its placement into a species group difficult. However, the enlarged caudal bulb of the elytron is somewhat similar to the enlarged bulbs of R. isidroi Cartwright and Woodruff and R. vitikaboureki Mencl and Rakovič (see Mencl and Rakovič 2013). Both of these species have three rows of coarse punctures on the second elytral interval, while R. cucullatus has only two rows of moderate punctures. The elongate and swollen posterior end of the discomedian elytral costa that covers the trichome and touches the caudal bulb is unique for the genus in the Western Hemisphere.	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C254233E755C8AE0AE313A388F.taxon	description	Figures 6 – 12, 41	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C254233E755C8AE0AE313A388F.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A member of Rhyparus readily distinguished from all other Western Hemisphere species by the strongly bilobed caudal bulb. Other important diagnostic characters include the pronotal lateral margin with anterior lobe more prominent than intermediate lobe, elytron with discomedian costa greatly reduced or absent medially, elytral trichome narrowed and partially divided by caudal bulb near discolateral costa; second and third costal intervals of elytron having three rows of equally coarse punctures (rows may be confused medially in third interval, appearing as four rows in some), and with elytron having three distinct lobes apically. Known from Mexico and Guatemala (Fig. 41).	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C254233E755C8AE0AE313A388F.taxon	description	Description. Holotype male (Fig. 6 – 8). Body length 5.3 mm, width 2.0 mm. Elongate, somewhat parallel-sided, flattened, dark brownish black, surface generally dull, partly clothed with fine, pale yellow setae on head and all longitudinal costae on pronotum and elytra. Head. Surface subglossy, weakly alutaceous, transversely subhexagonal (Fig. 9). Clypeus trapezoidal, anteriorly weakly concave in anterior view, concave between small teeth in dorsal view; anterior margin weakly upturned with obtuse tooth on each side of medial third, lateral thirds concave to rounded tooth anterior of clypeo-genal junction. Gena moderately prominently lobed laterally, distinctly excavated anterior of eyes. Clypeal disc convex with two costae evident only as small tubercles visible in dorsal view; peridiscal impression strong basally, broadly grooved anteriorly. Frons with four short frontodiscal costae, medial two weakly developed, lateral two distinct. Head with widely scattered fine punctures, slightly larger and denser at base of head, smaller punctures on clypeal disc widely separated; punctures with a short, pale yellow seta. Pronotum. Surface dull, costae more glossy, widest anteriorly, with paramedian, discolateral, and submarginal costae distinct. Costae on each side with very small punctures bearing a very small seta. Paramedian costae incomplete, most prominent at anterior margin, reduced and obsolete at constriction near anterior third; distinct and diverging to posterior margin. Discomedian costa basally straight, distinctly interrupted by fovea on anterior third, present at anterior margin. Submarginal costa complete to posterior margin, sinuate, with angulation just posterior of middle. Costal intervals between paramedian, discolateral, and submarginal costae anteriorly with four coarse punctures. Interval between paramedian costae coarsely punctate over constriction at anterior third. Basally, paramedian and discolateral costae each with two foveate punctures on each side, at base (heavily encrusted) and posterior quarter. Lateral margin strongly sinuate, reduced posteriorly; anterior lobe prominent, sharply projecting laterally; intermediate lobe reduced, sharp. Scutellum. Scutellar shield minute, narrow, apex acute. Elytra. Surface dull, subglossy; each elytron with five elevated costae separated by five flattened intervals; intervals coarsely, rugosely punctate (Fig. 10). Costae (where present) narrow, sharply convex; on each side with a row of very small punctures bearing a short seta. Juxtasutural costa complete from base to apex, depressed to apex. Discomedian costa sinuate, strongly reduced (or absent) medially; gradually swelling at apex to small postdiscal bulb, lacking apical patch of setae. Discolateral costae narrow entire length, sinuate, medially concave and curving inward at apex into trichome. Posthumeral costa less prominent than discolateral costa, weakly sinuate, curving inward to trichome at apex. Submarginal costa narrow entire length, sharply turning inward at apex and with bifid caudal bulb, each elytron appears tridentate apically. Costal intervals flattened, dull, with foveate punctures, slightly separated, surface rugose; second and third costal intervals with three rows of equally large punctures, third costal interval with three rows of equally coarse punctures; all puncture rows complete nearly to apex, where they abruptly end at declivity into trichomes. Caudal trichomes small, narrowed. Caudal bulbs large, divided with medial and lateral lobes in dorsal view; dorsally flattened in caudal view; slightly projecting anteriorly and dividing trichome opposite discolateral costa; bulb coarsely punctured on posterior margin; surface between bulb and apical elytral margin alutaceous with foveate punctures. Ventral Thorax. Surface weakly dulled, alutaceous. Metaventrite flattened, in the middle with distinct deep longitudinal median impression in posterior three-quarters, impression equally deep and wide along length; disc on either side with punctation large and regularly spaced, separated by one diameter, decreasing in size anteriorly and laterally, all punctures bearing short setae. Abdomen. Abdominal ventrites 2 – 4 with narrow, transverse, anterior groove that is smoothly margined, crenate interiorly; ventrites laterally with large, distinct, triangular depression, rest of surface with scattered fine punctures bearing a short seta. Abdominal ventrite 5 (last) as long as preceding two ventrites medially; surface evenly coarsely punctate, punctures separated by one puncture diameter or less; medially with small carina on anterior half having punctate fovea on either side of midline and a transversely elongate punctate fovea laterally; anterior margin with a narrow, crenated groove extending to lateral margin. Pygidium with central carina strong, split at basal third thus Y-shaped, complete to apex; each side with large, triangular, alutaceous areas occupying most of surface. Legs. All femora weakly glossy, with moderately deep, distinct punctures; all punctures bearing a very short seta. Mesofemur robust, with posterior margin bearing a single blunt angulation at middle and another indistinct angulation at apical third. Metafemur narrow, weakly widened at apical third. Protibia with bidentate apex; inner tooth greatly reduced; medial margin straight. Mesotibia with apex truncate; large, medially projecting tooth on inner apical angle; inner margin straight in apical third. Metatibia weakly widened to truncate apex; tooth of inner apical angle small, projecting caudally; inner margin straight in apical third. Mesotarsi with basal tarsomere as long as next three tarsomeres. Metatarsomere 1 as long as metatarsomeres 2 – 5 combined. Genitalia. Male genitalia (Fig. 11 – 12) with basal piece long; parameres short, rounded in caudal view, length a quarter basal piece length. Allotype female. Body length 5.3 mm, width 1.9 mm. Similar to male in most characters. Mesotibia lacking inner apical tooth. Metatibia with inner apical tooth reduced. Abdominal ventrite 5 lacking the punctate fovea on either side of midline. Pygidium similar to males except median carina reduced in apical half, not reaching apex. Variation. Body length 4.7 – 5.8 mm, width 1.8 – 2.2 mm. Discomedian elytral costa varies from distinctly reduced to absent medially. Most specimens from Veracruz, Mexico have the discomedian costa absent, obscured by punctures, but some have it weakly present. In comparison, most from Guatemala have it evident but weak, while some have it reduced and only evident by straight rows of punctures. Although showing some regional variation, these all have other characters defining the species. Another variation is with the second and third costa intervals of the elytron having three rows of equally coarse punctures, occasionally coalescing. Puncture rows of the third costal interval may be confused medially, appearing as four rows in some.	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C254233E755C8AE0AE313A388F.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype male and allotype female in FSCA: “ MEXICO: Veracruz / Rancho Viejo, ‘ Piedra Blanca’ / 19 ° 30 ′ 59.33 ″ N, 97 ° 00 ′ 32.90 ″ O / 1639 m, 7 - 12 - VIII- 2016, J. Luis / S. Huerta, trampa de luz UV // [red paper] HOLOTYPE ♂ / Rhyparus / hexadentatus / des. 2024 / Skelley & Smith ”. Allotype with similar label except blue, stating “ ALLOTYPE ♀ ”. Paratypes. In addition to the holotype and allotype, 29 paratypes were studied: GUATEMALA: Guatemala: Puerta Parada, 16 - X- 1999, J. C. Schuster (1 FSCA); Jalapa: Miramundo, Pino Dulce, 14.53388 ° N 90.15236 ° W, 2300 m, 18 - IX- 2008, R. S. Anderson, cloud forest, ex sifted leaf litter, RSA 2008 - 135 (1 CMNC); Quetzaltenango: Fuentes Georginas, 2400 – 2600 m, 14 – 16 - VI- 2015, J. B. Heppner & E. Fuller, (1 FSCA); Zunil, Las Fuentes Georginas, 14 ° 45 ′ 0.4 ″ N, 91 ° 28 ′ 48.8 ″ W, 2440 m, 26 - VI- 2011, Ratcliffe, Cave, Cano, Moore, cloud forest, MV / BL (2 UNSM); San Marcos: rd. to Bojanal (sic), 23 - X- 2006, R. Turnbow, mv + bl (2 RHTC); Los Pocitos, 15.16540 − 92.11480, 2405 m, 10 - VI- 2015, R. Anderson, cloud forest litter, 2015 - 134 (1 CMNC); Parque Municipal Refugio del Quetzal, 14.93916 − 91.87296, 1818 m, 4 - VI- 2015, R. Anderson, cloud forest litter, 2015 - 103 (1 CMNC); Suchitepéquez: Refugio El Quetzal, 14.55827 − 91.19124, ± 50 m, 2022 m, 16 - VI- 2009, R. S. Anderson, oak forest, ex sifted leaf litter, RSA 2009 - 104 (1 CMNC). MEXICO: Chiapas: Mpio. Angel Albino Corzo, Reserva Biosfera El Triunfo, Campamento El Quetzal, 15 ° 43.239 ′ N, 92 ° 56.405 ′ W, 1800 m, 18 - VII- 2007, R. S. Anderson, mixed hardwood forest litter, 2007 - 017 (1 CMNC); Oaxaca: 32 km S. W. Valle Nacional, KM 85, 1650 m, 26 - VII- 1992, R. S. Anderson, trans / cloud forest, leaf litter Berlese, 1992 - 030 (1 CMNC); 15 mi. S. Valle Nacional, 4000 ft, 20 - V- 1971, H. Howden (1 CMNC); Veracruz: same data as holotype (allotype + 10 FSCA; 4 IEXA, 2 NHML).	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C254233E755C8AE0AE313A388F.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species epithet reflects the distinct caudal lobe development and dentate apex of the submarginal costa on the elytra appearing as six large caudal teeth.	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C254233E755C8AE0AE313A388F.taxon	discussion	Comments. Rhyparus hexadentatus shows an interesting mix of characters. The reduced discomedian elytral costa and the caudal bulb sharply angulate anteriorly, splitting trichome close to the discolateral costa (see arrow in Fig. 10, compare with Fig. 1, 13, 18, 30) place it close to R. zayasi Cartwright and Woodruff and R. sculpturatus Cartwright and Woodruff. However, the pronotal shape with enlarged anterior marginal lobes and the 3 – 4 rows of punctures in the third elytral interval are more similar to R. blantoni Cartwright and Woodruff, R. suspiciosus Cartwright and Woodruff, and R. spilmani Cartwright and Woodruff. Rhyparus hexadentatus differs from all of these by having three distinct puncture rows in the second elytral interval and a bilobed caudal bulb. Although the variations within the populations of R. hexadentatus appear notable on paper, only with an adequate series of specimens can we see these are only variations, and that they vary regionally. In this species, care was needed when examining development of elytral costae and counts of interval puncture rows. Variable series, such as those available here, illustrate the caution needed when attempting to describe any minorly different aphodiine based on only one or a few specimens.	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C2542C3E705C8AE3C630D63B70.taxon	description	Figures 13 – 17, 29, 41	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C2542C3E705C8AE3C630D63B70.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A member of Rhyparus, distinguished from all other Western Hemisphere species by the following combination of characters: dorsal body weakly alutaceous, appearing glossy with weak opalescence; elytron with outside margin of submarginal costa in lateral view turning upward at a 90 ° angle at caudal bulb (Fig. 15, 29); flattened discomedian costa with caudal apex bearing large, prominent trichome; posteriorly flattened discolateral costa making posterior half of elytral disc appear flat (compare Fig. 17 with Fig. 5, 22); third elytral costal interval with three rows of round, distinctly separated punctures in basal half, two rows in apical half; last abdominal ventrite with a central foveate depression; and distribution in Mexico (Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí) (Fig. 41).	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C2542C3E705C8AE3C630D63B70.taxon	description	Description. Holotype female (Fig. 13 – 15). Body length 4.00 mm, width 1.50 mm. Elongate, flattened, dark brownish black, weakly alutaceous, weakly dull with weak opalescence; partly clothed with indistinct, fine, very short setae on head and all longitudinal costae on pronotum and elytra. Head. Surface weakly dull, weakly alutaceous, transversely subhexagonal (Fig. 16). Clypeus trapezoidal, anteriorly truncate in anterior view, concave between teeth in dorsal view; anterior margin narrowly upturned with obtuse tooth on each side of medial third, lateral thirds concave to rounded obtuse tooth anterior of clypeo-genal junction. Gena moderately lobed laterally, distinctly excavated anterior of eyes. Clypeocentral disc convex with two indistinct, longitudinal costae weakly evident in dorsal profile; peridiscal impression strong basally; anteriorly narrowly, weakly grooved, appearing as row of punctures. Frons with four small, low frontodiscal costae, lateral costae longer than medial costae. Head with evenly scattered fine punctures; coarser punctures at base of head, smaller punctures on clypeal disc; punctures with short, pale yellow setae. Pronotum. Surface and costae weakly dull, widest in middle; with paramedian, discolateral, and submarginal costae distinct, all with anterior portions roundly costate. Paramedian costae incomplete, prominent at anterior margin, obsolete at constriction near anterior third, distinct and weakly diverging to posterior margin. Discolateral costa nearly straight, distinctly interrupted by fovea on anterior third, present at anterior margin. Submarginal costa complete, sinuate; posterior lobe small, broadly rounded laterally. Median interval at constriction of paramedian costa lacking coarse punctures. Other costal intervals impunctate except for four large pores at anterior margin and at basal third on each side of paramedian costa. Interval between discolateral and submarginal costae flattened posterior of fovea. Lateral margin deeply notched, with prominent anterior and intermediate lobes; anterior lobe slightly smaller and more triangular than intermediate lobe, posterior lobe lacking. Posterior marginal groove broad, deep, and crenated by pronotal costae. Scutellum. Scutellar shield minute, narrow, apex acute. Elytra. Surface weakly alutaceous, costae somewhat glossy, intervals opaquely dull, weakly opalescent; widest in middle; flattened intervals with coarse punctures distinctly separated. Costae convex, each slightly different. Juxtasutural costa complete from base to apex, weakly flattened. Discomedian costa mostly straight from base to apex; medially depressed, distinctly flattened, lower medially than at ends and discolateral costa; gradually swelling at apex to moderately large postdiscal bulb; trichome of costa large, encroaching onto dorsal surface of costa. Discolateral costa prominent, gradually enlarging posteriorly for entire length; distinctly sinuate, medially concave; in caudal view costa low, with apex of discolateral costa projecting laterally which gives caudal half of elytral disc a flattened appearance (Fig. 17). Posthumeral costa distinct, complete to apex, narrower than discolateral costa. Submarginal costa narrow entire length; turning upward at 90 ° angle and abruptly inward to caudal bulb (Fig. 15), forming a lateral angulation or lobe. Costal interval 1 (between juxtasutural and discomedian costae) flattened, with 13 coarse, distinctly separated punctures in outer row. Costal interval 2 (between discomedian and discolateral costae) with two rows of coarse, rounded, distinctly separated punctures. Costal interval 3 (between discolateral and posthumeral costae) with three rows of coarse, rounded, distinctly separated punctures; median puncture row present on basal half, punctures smaller than outer rows. Costal interval 4 (between posthumeral and submarginal costae) with punctures somewhat transverse, connected or nearly so to adjacent row in basal half; rugose-washboard surface distinct medially, lesser so toward base. Caudal trichomes at end of discomedial costa large; trichome small at ends of discolateral and posthumeral costae, hidden; trichome of caudal bulb narrowed, transversely elongate. Caudal bulbs moderately large, transverse; in dorsal view, weakly prominent laterally, curving inward and caudally near juxtasutural costa; anterior margin projecting forward, dividing trichome opposite of discomedian costa; in caudal view, somewhat triangularly rounded dorsally, with posterior angulation of submarginal costa appearing somewhat bilobed laterally. Dorsal surface of caudal bulb alutaceous, weakly glossy, apparently impunctate, with scattered minute setae; surface between bulb and caudal margin of elytra concave with several foveate punctures. Ventral thorax. Surface alutaceous, dull, punctures bearing a short seta. Metaventrite flattened; median longitudinal groove on posterior two-thirds of ventrite, as wide as mesotarsi, weakly narrowing anteriorly; disc on either side of groove with minutely punctured area bounded laterally by longitudinal row of impressed coarse punctures, appearing like a groove; punctures on remainder off disc fine medially, becoming larger anterolaterally. Abdomen. Abdominal ventrites 2 – 4 with narrow, transverse, anterior groove fluted, posterior margin with row of shallow small punctures; ventrites laterally with indistinct, shallow, triangular depression with coarse punctures, depression more distinct on posterior ventrites; rest of surface with scattered, fine punctures bearing a short seta. Abdominal ventrite 5 (last) as long as preceding three ventrites medially; surface evenly coarsely punctate, punctures separated by one puncture diameter or more; medially with small medial fovea; laterally with transversely elongate triangular fovea; anterior margin with wide, punctate groove extending to lateral margin. Apical half of pygidium apical half with central carina basally split, Y-shaped; top of Y prominent, tuberculate; depressed surface in lateral view angularly concave at base (Fig. 29); each side of median carinae with alutaceous, triangular depression. Legs. All femora dull, with moderately deep, distinct punctures; all punctures bearing a very short seta. Profemoral punctures enlarged and prominent, mesofemoral and metafemoral punctures moderate in size and less distinct. Mesofemur robust medially; posterior margin weakly sinuate, weakly convex with swelling at middle and apical third. Metafemur narrow, moderately widened medially. Protibia with two distinct lateral teeth at apex; inner apical third tooth minute; medial margin straight in apical third. Mesotibia with apex truncate; female lacking large, medially projecting spine on inner apical angle; inner margin straight in apical quarter. Metatibia weakly widened to truncate apex; female lacking large, medially projecting tooth on inner apical angle; inner margin straight in apical third. Mesotarsomere 1 as long as mesotarsomeres 2 – 4; ventral setae fine, glossy surface visible. Metatarsomere 1 as long as metatarsomeres 2 – 5 combined. Male. Unknown. Variation. Paratype female body length 3.81 mm, width 1.31 mm. The row of punctures on each side of the median longitudinal groove of metaventrite not impressed, not notably groove-like. This character is known to vary in other species. Other characters do not differ notably.	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C2542C3E705C8AE3C630D63B70.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype female deposited in CMNC: “ MEX: SLP; 1600 m / 20 Km W. Xilitla / 12. VI – 6. VIII- 83 / S & J. Peck, FIT / cloud forest // [bordered label] H & A Howden / COLLECTION / Ottawa, Canada // [large bordered label] [hand written] Rhyparus / n. sp. / [printed] DET / H. F. HOWDEN 96 [with year handwritten] // [red paper] HOLOTYPE ♀ / Rhyparus / loughlini / des. 2024 / Skelley & Smith ”. Paratypes. Only one additional female specimen was examined: “ MEXICO: Hidalgo / 2.5 – 3.5 mi. N. Tlan- / chinol, 50 – 5200 ft / vii. 11.1973 // Newton / Collector // Berl. leaf litt. / cloud forest ” (FSCA).	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C2542C3E705C8AE3C630D63B70.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named for Thomas Loughlin, a student from the University of Waterloo, who did an internship at the Canadian Museum of Nature.	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C2542C3E705C8AE3C630D63B70.taxon	discussion	Comments. Other undescribed Rhyparus in the group to which R. loughlini belongs, also have a central coarsely punctured foveate depression in the middle of the last abdominal ventrite. This depression varies in development between species, from being prominent to lacking. In addition, it is sexually dimorphic in some, were males have the punctures and the depression finely divided, appearing as two small depressions. This dimorphism is expected in R. loughlini. The small size, somewhat glossy, opalescent surface, sharply angled submarginal costa, and other diagnostic characters make R. loughlini unique among Western Hemisphere Rhyparus. This species is one of several new species that do not appear to be attracted to lights, thus rarely collected. More focused collecting in leaf litter is needed to learn about this under-sampled fauna.	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C254293E735C8AE04831433CB8.taxon	description	Figures 18 – 28, 41	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C254293E735C8AE04831433CB8.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A member of Rhyparus, distinguished from all other Western Hemisphere species by the following combination of characters: small size; pronotal intercostal surfaces not densely punctate; juxtasutural elytral costa interrupted by caudal bulb; pygidial juncture with abdominal ventrite 5 not perpendicular to body (45 ° angle in male, Fig. 28; much less in female, Fig. 27; compare with typically perpendicular juncture in Fig. 29); male and female pygidia convex or flattened (not concave), with medial carina broad; and distribution in Guatemala (Izabal) and Honduras (Cortés) (Fig. 41).	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C254293E735C8AE04831433CB8.taxon	description	Description. Holotype female (Fig. 18 – 20). Body length 3.63 mm, width 1.19 mm. Elongate, parallel-sided, flattened, dark brownish black; dorsal costae weakly alutaceous, somewhat glossy; costal intervals strongly alutaceous, dull; partly clothed with indistinct, fine, very short setae on head and all longitudinal costae on pronotum and elytra. Head. Surface dull, alutaceous, transversely subhexagonal (Fig. 21). Clypeus trapezoidal, anteriorly truncate in anterior view, concave between teeth in dorsal view; anterior margin narrowly upturned with sharp obtuse tooth on each side of medial third, lateral thirds concave to rounded obtuse tooth anterior of clypeo-genal junction. Gena moderately lobed laterally, distinctly excavate anterior of eyes. Clypeal disc convex with two indistinct longitudinal costae weakly evident in anterior view and dorsal profile; peridiscal impression strong basally, anteriorly a coarsely punctured, weak groove. Frons with four small, distinct frontodiscal costae, lateral costae longer than medial costae. Head with evenly scattered punctures; coarser punctures at base of head, smaller punctures on clypeal disc; punctures with a short, pale yellow seta. Pronotum. Surface alutaceous, dull; costae weakly alutaceous, glossy, widest in middle; with paramedian, discolateral, and submarginal costae distinct, all with anterior portions convex. Paramedian costae incomplete, prominent at anterior margin, obsolete at constriction near anterior third, distinct straight but diverging towards posterior margin. Discolateral costa nearly straight, distinctly interrupted by fovea on anterior third, present at anterior margin. Submarginal costa complete, sinuate; posterior lobe reduced, flattened. Median interval at constriction of paramedian costae with few small punctures. Other costal intervals impunctate except for four large pores at anterior margin and at basal third on each side of paramedian costae. Interval between discolateral and submarginal costae with posterior half convex medially, subcostate, ends at the posterior angle of the pronotum. Lateral margin deeply notched, with prominent anterior and intermediate lobes; anterior lobe slightly smaller than intermediate lobe, both angulate laterally; posterior lobe lacking. Posterior marginal groove broad, deep, and crenated by pronotal costae. Scutellum. Scutellar shield minute, narrow, apex acute. Elytra. Surface of intervals alutaceous, dull; costae weakly alutaceous, glossy, widest in middle; flattened intervals with coarse, distinctly separated punctures (Fig. 18, 22). Juxtasutural costa interrupted caudally by bulb, not attaining apex; weakly convex. Discomedian costa straight from base to apex; weakly more prominent anteriorly, medially convex as discolateral costa; gradually swelling at apex to small postdiscal bulb; trichome of costa small, hidden in groove. Discolateral costa prominent, straight medially, weakly curving at caudal ends. Posthumeral costa distinct, complete to apex, narrower than discolateral costa. Submarginal costa narrow entire length; turning upward weakly and abruptly inward to caudal bulb, forming a small, tubercular angulation. Costal interval 1 (between juxtasutural and discomedian costae) flattened, with 18 coarse punctures in outer row. Costal interval 2 (between discomedian and discolateral costae) with two rows of coarse, rounded, distinctly separated punctures. Costal interval 3 (between discolateral and posthumeral costae) with three rows of coarse, rounded, distinctly separated punctures; punctures in median row smaller than outer rows. Costal interval 4 (between posthumeral and submarginal costae) with punctures somewhat transverse, not connected to adjacent row medially; rugose-washboard surface medially, decreasing basally. Caudal trichomes at end of costae small, hidden; trichome of caudal bulb narrowed, transversely elongate. Caudal bulbs moderately large, transverse; in dorsal view, weakly prominent laterally, curving inward and caudally to interrupt juxtasutural costa; anterior margin projecting, broadly rounded, dividing trichome opposite of discomedian costa; in caudal view, somewhat broadly rounded dorsally and laterally. Dorsal surface of caudal bulb weakly alutaceous, weakly glossy, apparently impunctate, with scattered minute setae; surface between bulb and caudal margin of elytra dull, concave with several foveate punctures. Ventral thorax. Surface alutaceous, dull, punctures bearing a short seta. Metaventrite flattened; median longitudinal groove on posterior two-thirds of ventrite, width slightly less than mesotarsi, equally widened at ends; disc on either side of groove with minutely punctate area bounded laterally by short series of coarse punctures; punctures on remainder of disc fine, evenly scattered. Abdomen. Abdominal ventrites 2 – 4 with narrow, transverse, anterior groove fluted; posterior margin with row of small, shallow punctures; ventrites laterally with indistinct, shallow, triangular depression with coarse punctures, depression more distinct on posterior ventrites; rest of surface with scattered, fine punctures bearing a short seta. Abdominal ventrite 5 (last) as long as preceding two ventrites medially; surface evenly coarsely punctate, punctures separated by one puncture diameter; medially with cluster of punctures forming small fovea each side of midline; laterally with transversely elongate, triangular fovea; anterior margin with narrow, punctate groove extending to lateral margin. Pygidium greatly depressed against abdominal ventrite 5 (Fig. 26 – 27), surface parallel with surface of ventrites; median carina broadly flattened, widening to a weakly bilobed projection that encroaches upon the two medial fossae on ventrite 5. Legs. All femora weakly glossy, with moderately deep, distinct punctures; all punctures bearing a very short seta. Profemoral punctures enlarged and prominent, mesofemoral and metafemoral punctures moderate in size and less distinct. Mesofemur robust medially; posterior margin weakly sinuate, with weakly convex swelling at middle and apical third. Metafemur narrow, moderately widened medially. Protibia with bidentate apex; inner tooth minute; medial margin weakly concave in apical third. Mesotibia and metatibia with apex truncate; lacking inner apical spine and concave inner margin. Mesotarsomere 1 as long as mesotarsomeres 2 – 4; ventral setae fine, glossy surface visible. Metatarsomere 1 as long as metatarsomeres 2 – 5 combined. Allotype male. Body length 3.80 mm, width 1.20 mm. Similar to female in most characters. Pronotum with paramedian costae weakly curving inward while diverging to posterior margin. Mesotibia with apex truncate; large, medially projecting spine on inner apical angle; inner margin concave in apical quarter. Metatibia weakly widened to truncate apex; large, medially projecting spine on inner apical angle; inner margin weaky concave in apical third. Apical half of pygidium with central carina basally split, Y-shaped; top of Y prominent, not tuberculate; median carina broad, flattened (Fig. 19, 23), surface convex, lacking concavity in lateral view (compare Fig. 22, 28 with Fig. 29); each side of median carinae with alutaceous, triangular depression. Genitalia (Fig. 24 – 25) with phallobase arched, tubular; parameres short, less than one-quarter length of phallobase; parameres straight in lateral view, gradually narrowing to rounded apex in caudal view. Variation. Length 3.50 – 4.06 mm, width 1.13 – 1.31 mm. Elytra with discolateral costal anterior and posterior ends weakly curved inward, appearing straight in some, curving more distinctly in others, slightly sinuate medially in a few specimens. Paramedian pronotal costae are posteriorly straight or weakly curving, and the degree of divergence posteriorly is somewhat sexually dimorphic. However, some specimens vary enough that gender cannot be confidently determined based on this character.	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C254293E735C8AE04831433CB8.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype female and allotype male deposited in FSCA: “ GUATEMALA: Dept. Izabal, / E of Morales, 7 - VI- 2002, R. E. Woodruff, dung traps // [red paper] HOLOTYPE ♀ / Rhyparus / platypygus / des. 2024 / Skelley & Smith ”. Allotype with similar label except blue, stating “ ALLOTYPE ♂ ”. Paratypes (13): same data as holotype (allotype + 2 FSCA, 1 CMNC); GUATEMALA: Department Izabal; E. of Morales, Sierra del Merendon, Finca Firmeza, 1 km W of Honduras, 1250 m elev., 27 - 28 - V- 2003, at light, cloud forest R Woodruff, J. Monzon (3 FSCA); SE of Morales, Finca Firmesa 2, 15 ° 21 ’ 51 ’’ N, 88 ° 41 ’ 28 ’’ W, 3880 ft., 21 – 22 - VI- 2001, W. B. Warner, J. Monzón-Sierra, & R. Cunningham, ultraviolet, mercury vapor, & mercury halogen light (2 WBWC); near Cerro Negro Norte, 1 km W Honduras, 1150 m, 6 – 7 - VI- 2002, mercury vapor light, J. & C. Monzon, S. Davis, R. E. Woodruff (2 FSCA). HONDURAS: Department Cortés; P. N. Cusuco, 18.7 km N Cofradía, 5.4 km W Buenos Aires, Cerro Jilinco, 1960 m, 26 - VIII- 1994, R. Anderson, pine / cloud forest litter, Berlese (1 CMNC); Department Ocotepeque; R. B. Güisayote, 21 - V- 1995, R. Turnbow, mercury vapor & blacklight (1 RHTC).	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C254293E735C8AE04831433CB8.taxon	etymology	Etymology. Named “ platypygus ” for the highly modified pygidium of the females, which is also flattened in males when compared to other species. Derived from the Greek “ platys ” meaning broad or flat, combined with “ pyge ” meaning rump or buttocks.	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C254293E735C8AE04831433CB8.taxon	discussion	Comments. The modified and depressed female pygidium of R. platypygus is presently unique for the Western Hemisphere members of Rhyparus. However, this form of pygidium occurs in a group of species related to Rhyparus stebnickae Minkina, Anichtchenko, Vasiljeva and Skelley found widely in Indonesia and oceanic countries to its east (e. g., Minkina et al. 2022, 2023, 2024; Minkina and Jákl 2024). All of these Eastern Hemisphere species differ from R. platypygus in several characters, most notably by being at least two times larger in body size and having densely punctate surfaces between the pronotal costae.	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C2542A3E6F5C8AE790372C3E53.taxon	description	Figures 30 – 39, 41	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C2542A3E6F5C8AE790372C3E53.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. Although the Western Hemisphere members of Rhyparus need revisionary work, R. pteronellus is the only known Western Hemisphere species that has a greatly reduced or completely lacking medial part of the discomedian costa on the elytra. This costa is variably developed in other species but usually distinct (except in some specimens of R. hexadentatus, where it is weakly evident). Other characters of note are the robust body, weak discolateral impressions on the metaventrite, reduced flight wings, reduced eyes, and distinct male genitalia with elongate parameres. The only other Western Hemisphere rhyparines known with reduced eyes and wings are in the genus Nanotermitodius Howden (Skelley et al. 2022 b; Howden 2023) in Oaxaca, Mexico. Rhyparus pteronellus is only known from the type locality in Chiapas, Mexico.	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C2542A3E6F5C8AE790372C3E53.taxon	description	Description. Holotype male (Fig. 30 – 32). Body length 3.6 mm, width 1.3 mm. Dorsum dark red-brown to black with head, pronotal lobes, and legs tinged with brown; elongate, almost parallel-sided. Head. Head one-third wider than long, surface smooth with coarse punctures bearing a short seta (Fig. 33); clypeus anteriorly with inflexed, very slightly concave margin, lower edge medially sharply, obtusely angulate, with short setal fringe, upper edge of inflexed margin slightly quadridentate, inner obtuse tooth on each side at lateral third, outer tooth on each side adjacent to gena; clypeal disc defined anteriorly by U-shaped groove (peridiscal impression), and posteriorly by arcuate suture, enclosed area broadly conical with central transverse tubercles obsolete. Vertex with four short longitudinal costae, two frontodiscal costae slightly closer and with deep groove between. Gena anteriorly lobed, posteriorly depressed above eye, eye reduced (Fig. 37, compare with Fig. 40), not visible dorsally. Pronotum. Pronotal width = length, with six irregularly longitudinal costae bearing rows of fine setae; paramedian costa complete, sinuate, slightly convergent in anterior half, surface between with few coarse punctures anteriorly and two small foveae posteriorly on glossy surface; discolateral costa interrupted in anterior third by deep irregular pits, costa anterior to pits similarly and slightly wider than posterior part; submarginal costa on each side distinctly outwardly sinuate near middle with adjacent deep, mesad depression; all costae extending to posterior pronotal margin; lateral margin of pronotum with two lobes, equally developed, subtriangular; posterior third obsolete; posterior angle reduced and hidden under posterior part of submarginal costa; lateral posterior margins lacking disjunct marginal bead. Scutellum. Scutellar shield minute, narrow, apex acute. Elytra. Elytron with four sharply elevated costae bearing rows of fine setae (Fig. 33); discomedian costa lacking along midline, separated from juxtasutural costa by double row of large, deep punctures, posterior part of costa gradually widening to trichome; discolateral costa more elevated, strongly sinuate, highest on posterior part where it abruptly turns inward to trichome, separated from discomedian costa by double row of large punctures basally and apically with single very large puncture row at middle; posthumeral costa sharply elevated at basal quarter, then almost disappearing at basal fifth, where starts again gradually decreasing in size to caudal trichome, costa separated from discolateral costa by double row of transverse punctures; submarginal costa fine, straight, swelling posteriorly as separate lobe next to and part of caudal bulb, costa separated from posthumeral costa by double row of coalescing coarse punctures. Flight wings. Metathoracic wings greatly reduced to narrow band, mostly consisting of remnant costal veins (Fig. 34), flightless, elytra fused. Ventral thorax. Prosternal apophysis anteriorly broadly lanceolate; posterior prosternal apophysis hastate. Mesoventrite short, surface finely densely punctate, median surface flattened. Metaventrite not shortened, length between mesocoxae and metacoxae equal to length of metacoxa; anterior metasternal projection separating mesocoxae; elongate median impression occupying over half of length; two small anterolateral juxtacoxal impressions, with discal depressions weak and obscured in coarse punctation. Abdomen. Abdomen with five ventrites; first four ventrites narrow, slightly wider laterally; basal ventrite medially with oval concavity, all four basal ventrites with small depression on each side near lateral edge, and deep, coarsely punctate grooves at base; apical ventrite approximately as long as adjacent three ventrites combined, basal third a deep transverse foveate depression each side of median ridge; apical two-thirds of ventrite convex, surface coarsely punctate, punctures bearing a recumbent seta. Pygidium flattened, apical three-fourths outlined by distinct ridge, basal portion above ridge finely setose with distinct median longitudinal sulcus; posterior to sulcus a three-part flattened area outlined by fine carinae (two large lateral regions and a median basal triangle, Fig. 36), surface near posterior margin finely punctate, rest of surface glossy; apex of pygidium rounded. Legs. Ventral surfaces of all femora irregularly punctate-setose; profemur robust; mesofemur elongate with curved anterior margin; metafemur narrowed most of length; all femora with a well-defined margin for reception of tibia. Protibia with broad apex bidentate, one tooth anteromedial and one anterolateral. Mesotibia and metatibia similarly developed, gradually widening to truncate apex; inner apical margin weakly sinuate, with distinct, inwardly projecting tooth at apex; apical margin with short, complete fringe of spinules. Mesotarsus and metatarsus about half as long as respective tibia; tarsomere 1 half as long as tarsus. Genitalia (Fig. 37 – 38). Male genitalia slender, tubular, gradually curved; phallobase two times longer than parameres; parameres elongate, rounded apically. Allotype female. Length 3.3 mm, width 1.3 mm. Similar to male, showing dimorphism in mesotibia and metatibia lacking apical tooth. Variation. Length 3.3 – 3.9 mm, width 1.3 – 1.6 mm. The punctures in the middle of the elytral disc where the discomedian costa is interrupted vary in number and arrangement. No other notable variation was observed.	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C2542A3E6F5C8AE790372C3E53.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined. Holotype male and allotype female in CMNC: “ MEXICO: Chiapas, Volcan / Tacana, lower slopes, ca. 4 km. / N. Union Juarez, 2000 m, 19. IX. / 1992, R. S. Anderson, 92 - 110 / cloud forest litter ”. Holotype with additional red label ” / HOLOTYPE ♂ / Rhyparus / pteronellus / des. 2024 / Skelley & Smith ”. Allotype with blue label stating “ ALLOTYPE ♀ ”. Paratypes (9): Same data as holotype (2 CMNC); same data as holotype except “ … 20. IX. / 1992, R. S. Anderson, 92 - 111 / cloud forest litter ” (1 CMNC, 4 FSCA, 2 IEXA).	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C2542A3E6F5C8AE790372C3E53.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species epithet was derived by intentionally combining the Greek word for wing “ pteron ” with a Latin suffix “ - ellus ”, denoting small, diminutive wings.	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
943B87C2542A3E6F5C8AE790372C3E53.taxon	discussion	Comments. Mora-Aguilar and Delgado (2019) reviewed the species of Rhyparus occurring in Mexico and Guatemala. Following the key in Cartwright and Woodruff (1969), R. pteronellus will fall to the species with two puncture rows in all intervals, which would lead us to R. opacus Cartwright and Woodruff and R. spangleri Cartwright and Woodruff, a group that also now includes R. chimalapensis Mora-Aguilar and Delgado. However, the loss of the discomedian costa along the midline and the distinct impressions of the metaventrite readily separate R. pteronellus from these and all other regional Rhyparus. With the lateral pronotal lobes of unequal size, the anterior lobe much more prominent than the intermediate lobe, and in having the discomedial costa reduced medially, R. pteronellus is similar to R. hexadentatus and to the group of species including R. blantoni, R. suspiciosus, and R. spilmani that occur in more southern Central America and the West Indies. While species in this group have variable numbers of puncture rows in the intervals between the elytral costae and a reduced discomedian elytral costa, R. pteronellus is readily distinguished by the second costal interval having one row of enormous punctures medially and the discomedian costa completely absent medially. Presently, worldwide, very few flightless rhyparines are known, the only ones being two species of Nanotermitodius Howden (Skelley et al. 2022 b) also from Mexico. As different surveying methods are employed in more local or isolated habitats worldwide, additional flightless rhyparines will undoubtedly be discovered.	en	Smith, Paul E. Skelley Andrew B. T. (2024): Five unusual new species of Rhyparus Westwood, 1845 from Mexico and Central America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Rhyparini). Insecta Mundi 2024 (91): 1-19, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14662346
