Hemicrepidius montanus Lane, 1965

Etzler, Frank E., 2020, A Revision of the Genus Hemicrepidius Germar, 1839 (Coleoptera: Elateridae) of the New World, with Comments on Global Classification, The Coleopterists Bulletin (mo 18) 74, pp. 1-126 : 63-64

Hemicrepidius montanus Lane, 1965

( Figs. 27a–e , 29a )

Hemicrepidius montanus Lane 1965: 188 ; Lane 1971: 26; Bousquet 1991: 183; Bousquet et al. 2013: 184.

Diagnosis. Hemicrepidius montanus can be distinguished from all other Hemicrepidius by the combination of strongly serrate antennae with antennomere 3 triangular, the straight prosternal process, and the sinuate posterior margin of the hypomeron, so the pronotal hind angle is visible in ventral view.

Hemicrepidius montanus could be confused with H. carbonatus , H. morio , and H. obscurus , but the strongly serrate antennae and triangular antennomere 3 similar in shape to antennomere 4, unique for North American species, readily separate H. montanus from the others.

Redescription. Length 11.5–19.0 mm, width 3.0–5.5 mm; color usually nearly uniformly dark brown to black dorsally, elytra not contrasting with pronotum, pronotal hind angles often paler, reddish brown, ventral side in many paler, dark brown, particularly posterior edge of hypomeron, legs, basal segments of antennae, and edges of elytra and abdominal ventrites; integument shining. Setae short, depressed, brown-black. Head: Punctures subumbilicate, nearly contiguous; frons weakly concave anteromedially in dorsal view; frontal carina complete, roughly V-shaped when viewed from front, frontoclypeal region absent medially, at most weakly projecting in lateral view; eyes moderate, rounded and slightly bulging, ocular index 68–70 (n = 2); antenna strongly serrate, antennomere 2 spherical, antennomere 3 triangular and just over 2× length of 2, antennomere 3 subequal in length to 4 and with punctation closer to that on 4, antennomeres 3–8 as wide as long, 9–10 slightly longer than wide, 11 longer than wide, antennomeres 3–11 with medial line bearing less setae than edges, antennomere 11 with tip constricted, antenna failing to reach pronotal posterior edge by 2 antennomeres in females and extending past it by 2 antennomeres in males. Prothorax: Pronotum as wide as long, widest at hind angles; sides weakly arcuate, gradually narrowing anteriorly; hind angles slightly divergent, lateral carina sinuate anterior of hind angle, dorsal carina present, directed anteromedially; punctures on disc slightly larger than punctures on head, simple, separated by half to one puncture diameter, punctures closer and larger laterally, nearly contiguous, subumbilicate; posterior edge with sublateral notches. Hypomeron with subumbilicate punctures, nearly contiguous anteriorly and becoming less dense posteriorly towards impunctate area on posterior one-fifth to one-fourth, some with impunctate area very small; posterior margin sinuate with hind angle weakly projecting and truncate at tip in lateral ( Fig. 27c ) and ventral view. Prosternum with punctation smaller than punctation on hypomeron, simple, separated by half to one puncture diameter laterally, further apart medially, almost impunctate in some; anterior lobe nearly straight to weakly deflexed, broadly rounded, short, partially covering ventral mouthparts; prosternal process straight and impunctate between procoxae, straight and dorso-ventrally thickened past procoxae. Pterothorax: Mesoventral cavity with lateral edges expanded ventrally in almost 90- degree angle, visible anteriad mesocoxae; posterior edge of cavity truncate. Metaventrite with punctures simple, smaller than punctures on hypomeron, dense and nearly touching laterally, becoming sparser medially. Scutellar shield elongate, about twice as long as wide, narrowly rounded posteriorly, sides sinuate, dorsal surface weakly concave to flat, some with slight medial raised ridge, anterior margin nearly straight, setation sparse. Elytral striae moderately impressed basally; interstriae slightly convex, punctation small and even, smooth basally, appearing a bit wrinkled apically; basal carina crenulate. Legs with tarsomere lobes on tarsomeres 2 and 3 wide, visible dorsally, lobes on tarsomeres 2 and 3 subequal or with 3 slightly larger, lobe on tarsomere 4 small, lobe on tarsomere 1 minute, a bit smaller than lobe on 4, visible only ventrally. Abdominal ventrites: Punctures simple, slightly smaller than punctures on metaventrite, nearly touching laterally, further apart medially; fifth ventrite broadly rounded; sides of each ventrite with microserrations. Male genitalia ( Figs. 27d, e ): Parameres with lateral edge subparallel on basal two-thirds, sinuate basal to pre-apical expansion, pre-apical expansion acutely pointed; apex broadly pointed, weakly membranous, setose ventral patch near pre-apical expansion, with 4–5 apical dorsal setae. Median lobe relatively narrow, gradually narrowing apically, basal struts forming near 90- degree angle directed latero-basally. Basal piece with membranous area covering majority and transverse medially in ventral view, and one-fourth total length.

Distribution. Specimens were examined from the following states and provinces: CANADA: BC; UNITED STATES: AZ, CA, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY ( Fig. 29a ).

Notes. Historically, H. montanus has been confused with both H. carbonatus and H. obscurus (as H. dilaticollis ). The antennae are quite distinctive and readily separate H. montanus from these two species. Despite having described the species, it appears that Lane confused this species with H. morio later in his life based on specimens examined in OSAC. While both H. montanus and H. morio have the pronotal punctures on the disc well separated and a straight prosternal process, the antenna in H. montanus readily separates the two. Additionally, DNA data separate these two species ( Figs. 1–3 ).

Larvae have not been associated with this species.

Types Examined. Of Hemicrepidius montanus : Holotype: Moscow, Ida, June-23-1932, Alt 2560 ft / Paul Rice / California Academy of Sciences Type No : 11174; male; in CASC.

LeConte Collection (4, MCZC). Sierra C./ carbonatus #2; W.T./ carbonatus #3; W. T./

carbonatus #4; Cal./ N. sp. [if?] [females] [7?] [rel?]/ carbonatus #5.

Horn Collection (6, MCZC). In H. carbonatus tray: Cal, #3; Cal., #8. In H. morio tray: Nev., #2; Nev., #4; Or., #6. In unidentified Hemicrepidius tray: Nev.

Specimens Examined (88). CANADA: British Columbia: Midday Val., Merritt , VI-24-1924, VI- 20-1925, R. Hopping (2, CASC) ; Midday Val., Merritt , VI-25-[19]24, M. L. Cutler / 17132 Lot 1922/ Pinus ponderosa (1, CASC) ; Midday Val., Merritt , 6-VII-1924 / K. F. Anden (2, CASC) ; Midday Val., Merritt , VI-17-1925, Wm. Mathers / 17161 Lot 26/ Pinus ponderosa (2, CASC) ; Waterloo Mine , Aug. 1934, Hughes (1, CASC) . UNITED STATES: 19361d, Hopk. / Flight (1, OSAC, WFIC0000353516 ) . Arizona: Cochise Co., Rustler Park , 31.9052°N, 109.2780°W, 01-08-Aug- 2012, 8467ft, Hart, Etzler, M. & L. Ivie, LF (1, MTEC, DNA— MTEC023675 ) ; [Coconino Co.], Flagstaff , VI-26-1939, R. P. Allen (1, CASC) ; [Gila Co.], Tonto Crk, 1640, 15m. E. Payson , 26-VII- 1976 / stream banks (1, BMNH [ Fig. 27a ]) . California: [no data] (1, MCZC) ; Calaveras Co., 4.8km S. West Point , 3-5-VII-1981, Stanley C. Williams (1, CASC) ; Big Trees , VIII/ F. E. Blaisdell Collector (1, CASC) ; Mokel Hill / F. E. Blaisdell collector (4, CASC) ; Mokel Hill , VI-6-[18]96, V-10/ F. E. Blaisdell collector (2, CASC) ; Murphys, Alta. 2500ft, V-16-[19]36/ F. E. Blaisdell collector (1, CASC) ; Fresno Co., L. McKenzie Mill, VI-3-[19] 09, R. Hopping (1, CASC) ; [Inyo Co.], Bishop / [19] 05-16- June / [yellow circle]/ A. Fenyes Collection (1, CASC) ; Lake Co, Mt. St. Helena , V-22/23-1954, D. Guiliani and W. A. Russell collectors (2, CASC) ; Madera Co., Miami R. S., VI-24-[19]38/ L. R. Gillogly collector (1, CASC) ; Bass Lake , V-16- 1934 / R. P. Allen collector (1, CASC) ; Sugar Pine, Dr. A. Fenyes / [1191] (1, CASC) ; [Modoc Co.], Willow Rch , 8-13-[19]28/ 17966i, Hopk. (2, OSAC, WFIC0000352879 , WFIC0000353515 ) ; Napa Co., N. side Howell Mt., 2mi NNE. Angwin , 1300ft, H. B. Leech, 6-VI-1981 (1, CASC) ; Nevada Co., Russell Vly , VII-1-1968 / F. D. Parker collector (1, CASC [ Figs. 27d, e ]) ; Placer Co., E. R. Leach Coll. (1, CASC) ; Donner , L-VII-16/ E. S. Ross collection (1, CASC) ; Plumas Co., Spring Garden , VII-20-1919 / R. Hopping collection (1, CASC) ; 4 mi. W Quincy , VII-2-[19]49/ H. A. Hunt Collector (1, CASC) ; Santa Barbara Co., Los Padres Nat. For. , VII-29-1958 (1, CASC) ; 3 mi SE Zaca Pk , 3700’, VII-6-1965 / M. R. Gardner collector (1, CASC) ; Shasta Co., Echo Lake / July (1, CASC) , Echo Lake , J. E. Cottle (2, FSCA) ; 1 mi N.E. Montgomery Creek , 13-VII-[19]83, R. M. and M. A. Brown collectors (1, CASC) ; Castella, J. E. Cottle / July (1, FSCA) ; Siskiyou Co., Pondosa , 7-4-[19]57/ D. Guiliani collector (1, CASC) ; Dunsmuir / [19]04-4- July / [blue circle]/ A. Fenyes Collection (1, CASC) ; Yreka / Hopk. / H. E. Burke collector (1, OSAC, WFIC0000352878 ) ; McCloud / [19]04-28- June / [blue circle]/ A. Fenyes collection (2, CASC) ; McCloud / 04-29- June / A. Fenyes collection (1, CASC) ; Trinity Co., Carryville [sic], Alt. 2400- 2500ft., VI-3-1934 / G. E. Rehart collector (1, CASC) ; Carryville , VI-27-[19]31 (1, CASC) ; Carryville , VII-6-[19]50/ W. A. Russell collector (1, CASC) ; Carrville , VI-22-1913 (1, CASC) ; Tulare Co., Pine Crest , VI-28-[19]42/ collection of Robert E. Beer (1, SEMC) ; N. of Johnsondale , 2-VII-[19] 77/ collected on Abies slash/ B. K. Dozier coll. (1, FSCA) ; Tuolumne Co., VII-[19]34, E. R. Leach (1, CASC) ; Twain Harte , VI-14-1982, VII-11-1982, VII-20-1982 / M. R. Lundgren collector (3, CASC) . Montana: Carter Co., 5 mi W. Alzada at uv light, 18-July-1990, D. L. Gustafson colr (1, MTEC [ Fig. 27c ]) ; Lincoln Co., Rexford , 48.8982°N, 115.1588°W, 20-Jun-16-Aug- 2012, 2619ft, Hart, E. Ivie, LF, aP, ETOH lures (1, MTEC) ; Mineral Co., Hwy 135, 7.5mi NE St. Regis , 47.3423°N, 114.9707°W, 19JUN-15AUG2012, elev. 2636ft, C. Hart and E. Ivie, LF (1, MTEC [ Fig. 27b ]) ; Missoula Co., Missoula, MT West Lumber , 46.8944°N, 114.0239°W, 23-May-22-June-2006, USDA, Exotic Ips Lindfnl (1, MTEC; DNA— MTEC023676 ) . Nevada: [no data] (1, CASC; 1, INHS830325 ; 4, MCZC) ; [4502] (1, INHS830315 ) ; Ormsby Co., July, Baker (1, MCZC) . New Mexico: [no data] (2, MCZC) ; [San Miguel Co.], Las Vegas (6, INHS830308 , INHS830310 , INHS830312– INHS830314 , INHS830324 ) ; Near Hot Springs, Las Vegas , 7000ft, Aug-[18]82, F. H. Snow (1, SEMC) ; Porvenir, Dr. A. Fenyes / [1409] (1, CASC) . Oregon: Harney Co., Burns , 3 Aug 1998, leg. D. Delaney & A. Sohns (1, OSAC0000541456 ) . Utah: [Garfield Co.], W of BCNP 41, E. Fork, July- 5-[19]56, Pete Brussard (1, BYUC) . Washington: Chelan Co., Cashmere, Yaxon Cyn. VI-14-1985, G. Henderson collector (1, WSUC) ; Pierce Co., Fort Lewis , 27-VI-1944, Paul H. Arnaud, Jr. (1, CASC) ; [Spokane Co.], Spokane (2, MCZC) . Wyoming: [no data] (1, MCZC) .

Figures

Fig. 27. Hemicrepidius montanus. Dorsal habitus: a) Male, b) Female. c) Pronotum, lateral view. Male genitalia:

Fig. 29. Distribution maps of examined Hemicrepidius specimens (blue/gray dots). a) H. montanus, b) H. morio.

Figs. 1–2. 1) Bayesian tree of CO1 and 28S; values shown are posterior probabilities; Elaterinae clade not to scale, shortened to fit in figure; scale bar represents 4% genetic variance. 2) Maximum likelihood tree of CO1 and 28S; values shown are ultra-fast bootstrap; Melanotus clade not to scale, shortened to fit in figure; scale bar represents 5% genetic variance. Both figures: Branches with support values below 80 were collapsed. Red clade represents Hemicrepidius species. Blue arrows indicate Central American species removed from Hemicrepidius and placed into Athous.

Fig. 3. Maximum likelihood tree of CO1 barcode region. Values shown are ultra-fast bootstrap values. Branches with values below 80% are collapsed. Only selected basal branches and Hemicrepidius values are given. Blue clades represent Athous species. Green clades represent species in the Limonius group of genera (Etzler 2019). Purple clades represent genera in Dendrometrini (Cate 2007). Red clade represents Hemicrepidius species. Black clades are remaining groups. Blue arrows indicate Central American species removed from Hemicrepidius and placed into Athous. Scale bar represents 7% genetic variance. Taxa and groups given in Tables 1 and 2.