Agnosthaetus newtoni Clarke, 2011

Clarke, Dave J., 2011, A Revision of the New Zealand Endemic Rove Beetle Genus Agnosthaetus Bernhauer (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), The Coleopterists Bulletin (mo 10) 2011, pp. 1-118 : 62-64

(28) Agnosthaetus newtoni Clarke , new species

( Figs. 166 , 169–170 , 189 , Map 6 )

Type Material. Holotype. ♂, with three labels: “New Zealand DN| Woodside Glen [45°51′S 169°55′E]| 50 m, 19 Oct 1981 | J.C. Watt| Litter 81/106/ FMNH-INS 0000 038 398 / HOLOTYPE Agnosthaetus newtoni Clarke , ♂, design. D. Clarke 2011”, in NZAC. Paratypes. 86 specimens (41♂ 42♀ 3 unsexed). NEW ZEALAND: South Island: CO: Deep Stream, Dunedin City Council water reserve [see Barratt et al., 2009 for locality details], 700 m, 45°44′S, 169°54′E, tussock grassland ( Chionochloa , Gaultheria , Poa ), 6.i.2004, plot 3, tussock 2, berl., soil & tussock litter, B.I.P. Barratt, 2♀, FMNH-INS 48461–462 (in AGRL); 12.i.2002, plot 4, tussock 5, berl., soil & tussock litter, with tussock plant, B.I.P. Barratt, 2♀, FMNH-INS 48464–465 (in AGRL); 11.i.2002, plot 4, turf 2, turf, B.I.P. Barratt, 1♀, FMNH-INS 48463 (in AGRL); 12.i.2002, plot 4, turf 10, turf, B.I.P. Barratt, 1♂, 1♀, FMNH-INS 48443, 460 (in AGRL); 9.iii.2001, plot 1, turf 6, turf, B.I.P. Barratt, 1♂, FMNH-INS 66721 (in AGRL); 9.iii.2001, plot 2, turf 7, turf, B.I.P. Barratt, 1♀, FMNH-INS 66722 (in AGRL); 9.iii.2001, plot 7, turf 3, turf, B.I.P. Barratt, 1♀, FMNH-INS 66723 (in AGRL); Logan Burn, Round Hill, 980 m, site 12, 45°29.28′S, 169°57.6′E, 23.ii.2009, B.I.P. Barratt, 1♂, 1♀, FMNH-INS 66719–720 (in AGRL); Remarkables, Nevis Burn, 975 m, 45°9.6′S, 168°52.2′E [coord.= Nevis Burn], 27.x.1979, 79/129, plant debris, J.C. Watt, 1♂, FMNH-INS 38426 (in NZAC); Rock & Pillar Ra., 762 m (as 2500 ft), 45°27′47″S, 170°2′59″[coord.=middle of three points returned], 24.i.1965, moss on rocks & in tussock, J.I. Townsend, 1♀, FMNH-INS 38412 (in NZAC); DN: Birch I., 45°54.6′S, 169°29.4′E, 12.xii.1984, 84/101, sifted litter, J.S. Dugdale, 1♂, FMNH-INS 38425 (in NZAC); Carrickmore, Ramrock Rd., head of Poley Crk., 660 m, 45°31.729′S, 170°24.677′E, 29.iii.2009, tussock litter, J.T. Nunn, 1♂ (in JTNC); Clutha Valley, forest (E side), Beaumont (10 km S), 90 m, 45°54.78′S, 169°29.34′E [coord.assumed;taken from Rongahere Rd., nr Birch Island], 17.xi.1985, 85/58, litter, moss, & swards, J.S. Dugdale, 1♂, 1♀, 1 sex unknown, FMNH-INS 38400–402 (in NZAC); Dunedin, Town Belt, 45°52′S, 170°30′E, 8.vi.1997, in decayed wood, 1♀, FMNH-INS 19689 (in JTNC); 6.viii.1997, in decayed wood, 1♀, FMNH-INS 19732 (in JTNC); 5.vi.1997, in forest litter, 3♂, FMNH-INS 19690–692 (in JTNC); Outram, Woodside Glen, 45°50.897′S, 169°54.922′E, 11.x.1997, J.T. Nunn, 1♀, FMNH-INS 19521 (in JTNC); 26.v.2002, in forest floor litter, J.T. Nunn, 1♂, FMNH-INS 19499 (in JTNC); 12.viii.2000, in forest floor litter, J.T. Nunn, 2♀, FMNH-INS 19518–519 (in JTNC); 6.v.2000, in leaf litter near forest stream, J.T. Nunn, 1♂, FMNH-INS 19520 (in JTNC); 11.x.2003, in tree fern litter, J.T. Nunn, 1♀, FMNH-INS 19770 (in JTNC); Outram, Woodside Glen, 50 m, 45°50.897′S, 169°54.922′E, 19.x.1981, 81/106, litter, J.C. Watt, 1♂, FMNH-INS 38399 (in NZAC); Ross Crk., 23.x.1981, 81/113, litter & wood mould, J.C. Watt, 1♀, FMNH-INS 38403 (in NZAC); Taieri Mouth, 160 m, 46°3.26′S, 170°9.934′E, 21. i.1994, leaf litter, J.T. Nunn, 1♀, FMNH-INS 19675 (in JTNC); 24.i.1994, leaf litter, J.T. Nunn, 1♂, FMNH-INS 19679 (in JTNC); Taieri Mouth, Picnic Gully, 15 m, 46°3.075′S, 170°11.262′E, coastal broadleaf, 16.ix.2006, washed soil sample, J.T. Nunn, 1♀ (in JTNC); Waianakarua Scen. Res., 275 m, 45°16′57″S, 170°41′22″E, manuka scrub, 10.vii.2005, in ground moss from manuka scrub, J.T. Nunn, 1♀, FMNH-INS 19309 (in JTNC); Waipori Falls, 200 m, 45°54′S, 169°58′E, 31.vii.2005, in moss and humus on rock in beech forest, J.T. Nunn, 1♀, FMNH-INS 19524 (in JTNC); 19.viii.1998, in moss on Nothofagus trunk, J.T. Nunn, 1♂, 1♀, FMNH- INS 19500–501, 3♂, FMNH-INS 19522, 525–526 (in JTNC); 17.v.1998, in Nothofagus forest litter, J.T. Nunn, 1♀, FMNH-INS 19527 (in JTNC); 29.viii.1998, in Nothofagus litter, J.T. Nunn, 1♂, FMNH-INS 19523 (in JTNC); Waipori Falls, 305 m, 45°54′S, 169°58′E, 15.i.0165, 65/216, moss, G. Kuschel, 1♂ (in NZAC); Waipori Valley, Government Trk., Lower End, 60 m, 45°55.716′S, 170°3.954′E, regenerated broadleaf forest, 17.xii. 2006, washed soil sample, J.T. Nunn, 1♂ (in JTNC); Wangaloa Coal Mine, 46°17′S, 169°54′W [coord. taken from Rufaut et al., 2006], forest, iv-v.2003, forest litter sample, C. Rufaut & S. Clearwater, 1♀, FMNH-INS 19713 (in JTNC); Woodside Glen, crest of spur, 200 m, 20.x.1981, 81/108, sifted litter, J.C. Watt, 1♂, 2♀, FMNH-INS 38395–397 (in NZAC); FD: Lynwood Cemetery Park, 45°29′S, 167°48′E, 12.v.2000, RL 573, leaf litter/rotten logs/fungi, R. Leschen, 2♂, 3♀, 1 sex unknown, FMNH-INS 38417–418, 419–421, 422 (in NZAC); Te Anau (N), 65/43, 1♀, FMNH-INS 48411 (in NZAC); OL: Paradise N., Lake Wakatipu, 44°43.62′S, 168°21.42′E [coord. = Paradise], Nothofagus forest, 2.ii.1984, leaf litter, P.M. Hammond, 1♀, FMNH- INS 38413 (in BMNH); SL: Balclutha, Otanomomo S.R., 10 m, 46°17.669′S, 169°43.985′E, coastal podocarp forest, 10.iv.2005, forest floor litter, J.T. Nunn, 1♂, 1♀, FMNH-INS 38414, 415 (in JTNC); 1.i.2007, washed soil sample, J.T. Nunn, 2♂, 1♀ (in JTNC); Beaumont For., nr. Toms Ck., 55 m, 45°54.77′S, 169°29.019′E, iv.2002, forest floor litter, J.T. Nunn, 1♀, FMNH-INS 38411 (in JTNC); Beaumont S.F., 30 m, 45°55.602′S, 169°26.334′E, Nothofagus forest, 7.x.2007, forest floor litter, J.T. Nunn, 1♀ (in JTNC); Beaumont S.F., Beaumont (9 km S), 45°29.1′S, 169°28.14′E [coord. assumed; near Jimmys Crk. = forest access at approximately correct distance from Beaumont], 30.i.1984, P.M. Hammond, 1♀, FMNH-INS 38424 (in BMNH); Beaumont S.F., opposite Birch I., 45°54.654′S, 169°23.4′E, 18.iii.1986, 86/4, litter, J.S. Dugdale, 1♂, FMNH-INS 38423 (in NZAC); Blue Mtns., (N end), near MW relay station, ca. 940 m, 45°51.995′S, 169°24.78′E, 19.iii.2006, in tussock litter, J.T. Nunn, 1♀, FMNH-INS 48475 (in JTNC); Blue Mtns., Black Gully, 45°53′36″S, 169°21′0″E, 30.i.1944, leaf litter, P.M. Hammond, 1♂, FMNH- INS 38405 (in BMNH); Blue Mtns., Manuka Ridge, 700 m, 45°51.966′S, 169°25.632′E, 4.xi.2007, in tussock litter, J.T. Nunn, 1♀, FMNH-INS 19367 (in JTNC); Blue Mtns., Manuka Ridge, Rd. 100, 700 m, 45°47.306′S, 170°15.959′E, subalpine scrub and tussock, 13.x.2007, underside of embedded stones, J.T. Nunn, 1♂ (in JTNC); Blue Mtns., Microwave Station, 940 m, 45°51.995′S, 169°24.78′E, 9.viii.2003, in soil and grass, J.T. Nunn, 1♂, FMNH-INS 38410 (in JTNC); Blue Mtns., MW relay station, 940 m, 45°51.995′S, 169°24.78′E, 19.iii.2006, J.T. Nunn, 1♂, FMNH-INS 38404 (in FMNH); Blue Mtns., summit ridge, 820 m, 45°51.744′S, 169°25.414′E, 9.ii.2002, in tussock litter, J.T. Nunn, 1♂, FMNH-INS 38416 (in JTNC); Dolamore Park, Gore (8 km NW), 46°3.786′S, 168°49.818′E [coord.=Dolamore Park], 29.i.1984, flood debris, P.M. Hammond, 1♂, FMNH-INS 38202 (in BMNH); Hedgehope, Dunsdale Valley, 80 m, 46°6′50″S, 168°37′32″E [coord.=Dunsdale Stream], 12.ii.1968, 68/21, litter, J.I. Townsend, 1♂ (in NZAC); Invercargill, Sandy Point, 46°29′43″S, 168°18′22″E, totara forest, 25.i.1984, litter, P.M. Hammond, 1♂, FMNH-INS 38406 (in BMNH); Invercargill, Sandy Point, 46°29′43″S, 168°18′22″E, 25.i.1984, logs, P.M. Hammond, 1♂, 1♀, FMNH- INS 38407, 408 (in BMNH); Kaka Point Scen. Res., 15 m, 46°23′3″S, 169°46′24″E, forest, 9.vii.2000, in forest floor litter, J.T. Nunn, 1♀, FMNH-INS 19366 (in JTNC); McKenzie Family Reserve , Centre Bush, nr. Winton, 100 m, 46°1.175′S, 168°36.497′E, dry totara forest, 2.i.2009, washed soil sample, J.T. Nunn, 1♂ (in JTNC); Oreti Beach, 25.i.1984, pine bark chips, P.M. Hammond, 1♂, FMNH-INS 38409 (in BMNH); Otatara Scenic Reserve , 10 m, 46°27′33″S, 168°16′39″E, forest, 6.ix.2001, on forest leaf litter, J.T. Nunn, 2♂, FMNH-INS 19502–503, 1♂, FMNH- INS 19739, 3♀, FMNH-INS 19735, 737–738, 1 sex unknown, FMNH-INS 19736 (in JTNC).

Diagnosis. In addition to the characters mentioned in the description of the thayerae speciesgroup, A. newtoni may be distinguished from A. thayerae by the combination of labrum with medial ridge and lacking the medial oblique labral setae ( Fig. 20 , mo), and median lobe with distinctly truncate apex, with large apicolateral teeth ( Fig. 169 , cf. Fig. 167 ).

Description. Color: Variably reddish brown, occasionally with darker pigmented abdominal segments ( Fig. 8 ). Head: Frontal ridge absent. Dorsum sparsely punctate; with punctures distributed over entire surface except for small medial impunctate region. Punctures deep, well defined; diameter subequal to or slightly greater than diameter of eye facet; interpuncture distance mostly less than half puncture diameter. Dorsal microsculpture present on entire or most of surface; distinctly reticulate, fainter posteriorly. Dorsal tentorial sulcus (cf. Figs. 10–11 , dt) distinctly slit-like; width subequal to or less than puncture diameter. Sublongitudinal ridge (cf. Fig. 10 , sr) distinct; confused by punctures; crest at antennal tubercle with distinct microsculpture. Area above and behind antennoocular carina ( Figs. 10–11 , arrow) with single subsidiary carina formed by confluent punctures. Antenno-ocular carina joining eye at about middle. Temple ( Fig. 11 , tm) short, less than 50% EYL. Subocular surface more or less evenly microsculptured (cf. Fig. 65 ). Labrum with medial blunt carina; distinctly sexually dimorphic ( Fig. 166 ). Apical labral margin in males broadly convex, smooth mesially, dentate only laterally, with 4–12 teeth (n =11), all teeth normal, projecting more or less anteriorly. Apical labral margin in females broadly convex, not emarginate medially; with 18–21 teeth (n =8), all teeth subequal in length. Medial oblique labral setae (cf. Fig. 20 ) absent. Adoral labral surface in males with subapical, transverse ridge ( Fig. 166 , arrow). Mandible sexually dimorphic; males with 2 mesal teeth, 1 directed dorsally and 1 mesially ( Fig. 189 , arrow), without preapical spur (cf. Fig. 189 ); females with single, mesially projecting tooth, without spur. Labium angulate anterolaterally. Prothorax: Pronotum with distinctly reticulate microsculpture. Medial pronotal sulci anteriorly separate from, and terminating posterior to anterior punctures; basally separated from basal foveae, or continuous with basal foveae (cf. Fig. 23 , bf, ms). Distance between medial sulci subequal along entire length, or very slightly greater posteriorly. Pronotal basolateral carina distinct ( Fig. 73 , bp). Pronotal macrosetal punctures distinct (cf. Fig. 73 ). Medial pronotal seta subequidistant from medial and lateral sulci ( Fig. 73 , mu). Pronotal hypomeron ( Fig. 24 , hy) with distinct reticulate microsculpture. Prosternum with faintly reticulate microsculpture. Pterothorax ( Fig. 88 ): Elytron ( Fig. 23 , e) with distinct microsculpture; with 2 macrosetae, set in distinct punctures; laterally with two ridges ( Fig. 88 , ek, mr). Mesothoracic epimeral region ( Fig. 24 , mer) with distinct microsculpture. Metathoracic pleural region ( Fig. 24 , m) with distinct reticulate microsculpture. Metathoracic pleural ridge present ( Fig. 88 , mp), fully developed; metathoracic pleural groove ( Fig. 24 , gr) incomplete posteriorly, forming elongate oval punctiform impression. Abdomen: Abdominal vestiture long, dorsally with radiating fans of setae either side of midline, and laterally. Abdominal sternite IV of male with surface glabrous and very slightly impressed apicomedially; V with surface narrowly impressed apicomedially, flanked by dense coarser setae, the apex of the sternite distinctly thickened; VI with surface glabrous apicomedially, surrounded by coarser setae. Aedeagus ( Fig. 169 ): “ Type B” (see description on p. 8; but with apparent secondary sclerotization; Fig. 169 , ssc). Apical part of medin lobe subtruncate, with distinct apicolateral tooth-like lobes and minute medial tooth. Apicolateral setae small; apicomedial setae small at middle, and up to 5X longer along margin ( Fig. 170 ); shaft setae present (but difficult to see). Paramere exceeding apex of median lobe; in lateral view produced apically into lobe; with apical part perpendicular to median lobe; and with paramere fused to median lobe for most of length; with 4 small setae arranged in a line subapically.

Etymology. The specific name newtoni is a noun in the genitive case, honoring Al Newton in recognition of his contributions to rove beetle systematics and evolution, particularly in the staphylinine group of subfamilies (which includes Agnosthaetus ).

Distribution. ( Map 6 ). South Island: CO; DN; MK; SL.

Biology and Ecology. Habitat: forested habitats; tussock grassland. Specimens have been taken in a variety of litter, moss, soil, and flood debris. Phenology: Year-round. Elevation: 10– 975 m.

Figures

Map 6. Geographic distribution of all georeferenced specimens in the Agnosthaetus imitator (South Island species), Agnosthaetus vicinus, Agnosthaetus thayerae, and Agnosthaetus truncatus species-groups. Diamonds = A. vicinus; stars = A. sculptus; squares = A. truncatus; triangles = A. thayerae; white circles = A. newtoni; black circle = A. kaikoura.

Figs. 165–166. Male (upper) and female (lower) labra of species in the Agnosthaetus thayerae species-group, dorsal

Figs. 169–170. Agnosthaetus newtoni. 169) Aedeagus, dorsal (left) and right lateral (right) views; 170) Apex of median lobe, ventral view. Scale bars = 100 mm.

Figs. 189–194. Mandibles of Agnosthaetus spp., dorsal view (189–193, left; 194, right). 189) A. newtoni; 190) A. falx; 191) A. stenomastax; 192) A. heteromastax (Rakeahua Valley); 193) A. heteromastax (Big South Cape Island); 194) A. heteromastax (Twilight Bay). Scale bar = 100 mm.

Figs. 14–20. Agnosthaetus brounides. 14) Head capsule, dorsal view; 15) Head capsule, ventral view; 16) Mandibles, dorsal view; 17) Right antenna, dorsal view; 18) Right maxilla, ventral view; 19) Labium, ventral view; 20) Labrum, dorsal view. Notes: A. brounides lacks the mo setae; circular dotted region between the mo setae indicates position of the adoral glandular pit, which from above is frequently visible as a darker region. Scale bars = 100 mm.

Figs. 167–168. Agnosthaetus thayerae. 167) Aedeagus, dorsal (left) and right lateral (right) views; 168) Apex of median lobe, ventral view. Scale bars = 100 mm.

Figs. 1–8. Habitus photographs of Agnosthaetus spp. 1) A. brounides; 2) A. chiasma; 3) A. zonatus; 4) A. kaikoura;

Figs. 10–13. Head capsules of Agnosthaetus spp. 10) A. stilbus; 11) A. rodmani; 12) A. brouni; 13) A. chiasma. Scale bars = 100 mm.

Figs. 63–68. Heads of Agnosthaetus spp., ventral view. 63) A. brouni; 64) A. stilbus, oblique view; 65) A. chiasma;

Figs. 23–24. Agnosthaetus cariniceps, thorax. 23) Dorsal view; 24) Left lateral view. Scale bars = 100 mm.

Figs. 69–74. Pronota of Agnosthaetus spp. 69) A. chiasma; 70) A. rodmani; 71) A. heteromastax; 72) A. stenomastax;

Figs. 83–88. Pterothoraces of Agnosthaetus spp., right lateral view. 83) A. lanceolatus; 84) A. stilbus; 85) A. chiasma;