Thomas, Thomas, Donald B., 2015

Thomas, Donald B., 2015, Chaseleodes Thomas: A New Subgenus of Eleodes Eschscholtz (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) from the Central Plateau of Mexico, The Coleopterists Bulletin (mo 14) 69, pp. 122-126 : 122-123

Chaseleodes Thomas , new subgenus

Type-species: Eleodes curtus Champion

Description. Species of Eleodes having the elytron wedge-shaped in cross-section with dorsum flattened and sides strongly deflected, epipleura not visible from above. Epipleuron broad basally with epipleural margin intercepting dorsal fold of elytron behind humeral angle (at or before humeral angle in Promus LeConte, Heteropromus Blaisdell, and Melaneleodes ). Margins of pronotum in dorsal view sinuate, widest just anterior to middle. Mentum flat, without elevated projecting medial lobe. Last 3 antennomeres abruptly wider than preceding segments (i.e., segments not gradually enlarging). Profemur unarmed in both genders. Plantar groove of basal protarsomere devoid of setae or bristles. Dorsal plate of second valvifer of female genitalia elongate, rectangular in outline, with a groove on outer lateral side basally; apex densely setose, posterior margin slanting, inner apical angle prominent, lobate; outer apical angle obsolescent; appendage (cercopod) large, conspicuous ( Fig. 1 ).

Etymology. A combination of “Chas”, the standard abbreviation for Charles, and the genus name “ Eleodes ” to honor the contributions of Charles A. Triplehorn, who has devoted much of his professional life “chasing” beetles in this difficult genus.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CHASELEODES

1. Elytral surface coarsely punctate; dorsal elytral fold rounded ( Fig. 3 ) ....... E. connatus Solier

1′. Elytral surface rugose, vaguely punctate; dorsal elytral fold subcarinate ( Fig. 2 ) .......... ..................................... E. curtus Champion

Figures

Fig. 1. Eleodes curtus, right second valvifer, dorsal view.

Figs. 2–3. Eleodes (Chaseleodes) species, lateral views showing elytral fold. 2) E. curtus; 3) E. connatus.