Pterinoxylus Serville, 1838

Hennemann, Frank H., Conle, Oskar V., Valero, Pablo & Nishida, Kenji, 2022, Studies on Neotropical Phasmatodea XXV: Revision of Pterinoxylus Serville, 1838, with the descriptions of two new species from Costa Rica. (Phasmatodea: Oriophasmata: Cladomorphinae: Pterinoxylini), Zootaxa 5208 (1), pp. 1-72 : 5-9

publication ID

https://doi.org/ 10.11646/zootaxa.5208.1.1

publication LSID

lsid:zoobank.org:pub:FDBFF270-AF6B-45ED-9995-BB8D77DD372D

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7330621

persistent identifier

https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03DA87B1-EC11-2A14-9C90-AD4FC3493CD9

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scientific name

Pterinoxylus Serville, 1838
status

 

Pterinoxylus Serville, 1838 View in CoL

Type –species: Pterinoxylus difformipes Serville, 1838: 227 View in CoL (= Haplopus eucnemis Burmeister, 1838: 577 View in CoL ), by original monotypy.

Pterinoxylus Serville, 1838: 226 View in CoL .

Westwood, 1859: 89, pl. 36: 1.

Kirby, 1889: 502.

Kirby, 1904: 362.

Rehn, 1904: 61.

Redtenbacher, 1908: 427.

Shelford, 1909: 365.

Rehn, 1957: 185, pl. 21.

Zompro, 1997: 180, fig. 2a–b.

Bragg, 2001: 642.

Langlois, Lelong, Rastel, Polidori, & Dorel, 2000: 50, figs. 20a–g & photos 19–22.

Lelong, Langlois, Rastel, & Dorel, 2003: 75, figs. 26a–g & photos 35–38.

Zompro, 2004: 320.

Lelong & Langlois, 2005: 268, figs. 25–30 & 43–46.

Otte & Brock, 2005: 294.

Conle, Hennemann & Gutiérrez, 2011: 64.

Hennemann, Conle & Perez-Gelabert, 2016: 8, 28, figs 37–44, 46.

Haplopus, Burmeister, 1838: 577 View in CoL (in part).

Haan, 1842: 127 (in part). [Erroneous synonymy of Pterinoxylus View in CoL ].

Redtenbacher, 1908: 429 (in part).

Description: ♀♀ / ♂♂. Medium sized to large (body lengths: ♀♀ incl. subgenital plate 116.0–196.0 mm, ♂♂ 82.0– 118.0 mm), elongate and moderately slender, stick-like Cladomorphinae with very prominent sexual dimorphism. ♂♂ with scale-like tegmina and alae exceeding abdominal tergum IV. ♀♀ much larger and much stockier, brachypterous but alae projecting over posterior margin of median segment. Alae with a tympanal area (= stridulatory organ) in the basal portion of the costal region, that is positioned between the radial and medial veins ( Figs. 20A–B View FIGURE 20 ); radial vein notably thickened, domed and with rough dorsal texture. Body of ♂♂ cylindrical, of ♀♀ subcylindrical. Entire body surface ± prominently rugulose and wrinkled, thorax partly granulose, tuberculose or spinose. Head longer than wide, dorsoventrally flattened and ± parallel-sided. Vertex with ± prominent tubercles or spines and occasionally convex. No ocelli. A slender and transverse gula present. Antennae moderately robust and not reaching (♀♀) or slightly projecting over posterior margin of mesothorax; consisting of 27–33 segments. Scapus dorsoventrally flattened and ± roundly deflexed laterally, pedicellus subcylindrical. Following antennomeres with a longitudinal median keel or bulge ventrally. Pronotum rectangular and distinctly longer than wide. Probasisternum with two rough sensory areas near lateral excavations of procoxae ( Figs. 1B–C View FIGURE1 ); profurcasternum with a raised, oval central sensory area ( Figs. 1B, 1D View FIGURE1 ). Mesothorax elongate, at least 3x longer than pronotum (comparatively longer in relation in ♂♂), parallelsided. Metanotum quadrate to slightly transverse. Meso- and metasternum as well as pleurae simple; granulose, rugulose and/or tuberculose. Tegmina ovate and scale-like with a rounded central hump; slightly projecting over posterior margin of metanotum. Anal region of alae dark grey to black with ± distinct transparent spots, markings or radially arranged stripes; in ♀♀ of a conspicuous convex contour when opened. Abdomen longer than head and thorax combined. Median segment about 2x longer than metanotum. Segments II–VI parallel-sided and either more than 2x longer than wide (♂♂) or just indistinctly longer than wide (♀♀). Tergum VII parallel-sided to ± laterally deflexed and sometimes with a lateral lobe (♀♀ in particular). VIII–X slightly narrower (♀♀) or a little broader than previous segments (♂♂). Praeopercular organ of ♀♀ indistinct and usually formed by a median tubercle close to posterior margin of sternum VII. Anal segment quadrate to slightly transverse, the posterior margin rounded with a small median indentation (♂♂) or broadly emarginated (♀♀). Epiproct small and with a longitudinal median carina, mostly concealed by anal segment in ♂♂. Vomer of ♂♂ well developed, sclerotized and broadly triangular with a single, fairly short, upcurved terminal hook ( Figs. 21A–F View FIGURE 21 ). Cerci very small, compressed laterally, ± carinate dorsally and ventrally and slightly incurved. Gonapophyses VIII of ♀♀ not considerably elongated or extending beyond anal segment but notably longer than gonaphophyses IX ( Fig. 1A View FIGURE1 ). No gonoplacs. Gonangulum present. Subgenital plate of ♀♀ elongate, irregularly naviculate or spatulate and distinctly projecting over apex of anal segment; longitudinally keeled basally but broadened and flattened towards a rounded to angular apex. Poculum (= subgenital plate) of ♂♂ gently convex, cup-like and with a median carina; posterior margin notched medially. Legs short and robust (♀♀ in particular) with more or less prominently expanded or lobed carinae. Tibiae notably shorter than corresponding femora. Protibiae with broad foliaceous lobes and lamellate expansions (♀♀ in particular). Meso- and metafemora and corresponding tibiae with a ± distinct sub-apical dorsal lobe or tooth. Profemora shorter than mesothorax, metafemora at best reaching half way along abdominal tergum IV. Profemora compressed and curved basally and distinctly triangular in cross-section with the anterodorsal carina conspicuously raised and ± lamellate; medioventral carina indistinct and slightly displaced towards anteroventral carina. Meso- and metafemora and all tibiae trapezoidal in cross-section, the two anterior carinae strongly approaching each other. Medioventral carina of meso- and metafemora indistinct and unarmed or at best with a few minute spinules. Meso- and metatibiae shorter than corresponding femora. Tibiae without an area apicalis. Medioventral carina of meso- and metatibiae conspicuously displaced towards the anteroventral carina in the median portion. Tarsi short and stout, probasitarsus with a distinct rounded dorsal lobe, that is formed by the melted dorsal carinae. Meso- and metabasitarsi simple, furcate dorsally with the two dorsal carinae strongly approaching each other but well separated, and no longer than following two tarsomeres combined.

Eggs ( Figs. 22A–H View FIGURE 22 ): Large to very large (overall length> 6.0 mm), alveolar, at least 3x longer than wide and cylindrical to oval in cross-section. Entire capsule surface minutely punctured and strongly sculptured, with prominent raised ridges and wrinkles. Polar-area with a more or less prominent, hollow peripheral extension. Operculum circular and with a peripheral extension on outer margin similar to that of the polar-area. Micropylar plate elongate, oval and pointed anteriorly; covering about one-quarter of capsule length. Micropylar cup distinct. Internal micropylar plate open with a wide, triangular posteromedian gap. No median line.

Comments: The genus Pterinoxylus was originally established by Serville (1838: 227) for his Pterinoxylus difformipes , described from a ♀ from “Amérique méridionale” (= South America). As this was the only species included in the genus when it was described, P. difformipes Serville is the type-species of Pterinoxylus by original monotypy. Shortly before in the same year, Burmeister (1838: 577) described Haplopus eucnemis based on a ♀ from the State of Pará, Brazil. Westwood (1859: 89) was correct in recognizing that these two taxa were conspecific and synonymised P. eucnemis with P. difformipes . This author also provided a beautiful figure of Burmeisters's holotype as well as a redescription in his famous 1859 catalogue ( Westwood, 1859, plate 36: 1). However, as Burmeister's publication predates that of Serville, P. difformipes must be regarded a synonym of P. eucnemis . Haan (1842: 127) erroneously treated Pterinoxylus as a synonym of Haplopus Burmeister, 1838 .

A third species, Pterinoxylus crassus , was described by Kirby (1889: 502) based on a ♀ from Dominica, one of the Lesser Antillean islands. Redtenbacher (1908: 428) described a fourth species, Pterinoxylus spinulosus , based on a ♂ and nymph from Panama and provided a description of the ♂ of Burmeister's P. eucnemis . A fifth but generically misplaced species, Haplopus perarmatus Redtenbacher, 1908 from Nicaragua was transferred to Pterinoxylus by Zompro (2005: 275).

Rehn (1957) briefly discussed the genus and supplied a description and illustration of the so far unknown ♀♀ of P. spinulosus Redtenbacher. The egg of P. spinulosus was described by Zompro (1997: 180) from material collected in Costa Rica and erroneously identified as P. difformipes Serville, 1838 . Langlois et al. (2000), Lelong et al. (2003) and Lelong & Langlois (2005) provided descriptions and illustrations of both sexes and the eggs of P. crassus Kirby, 1889 along with notes on the habitats and biology in Dominica and Martinique. Robinson (1970) presented information on camouflage and active defensive behaviour of P. spinulosus .

Distribution ( Figs. 31–33 View FIGURE 31 View FIGURE 32 View FIGURE 33 ): Central America, northern South America and Lesser Antilles ( Dominica, Martinique & Saint Lucia).

Species included:

1. Pterinoxylus cocoense n. sp.

Distribution: Costa Rica ( Isla del Coco).

2. Pterinoxylus crassus Kirby, 1889: 502 .

Distribution: Lesser Antilles ( Dominica, Martinique & Saint Lucia).

3. Pterinoxylus eucnemis Burmeister, 1838: 577 .

= Pterinoxylus difformipes Serville, 1838: 227 View in CoL .

Distribution: NE– Brazil, French Guiana & Suriname.

4. Pterinoxylus perarmatus Redtenbacher, 1908: 431 .

Distribution: Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama.

5. Pterinoxylus speciosus n. sp.

Distribution: Costa Rica.

6. Pterinoxylus spinulosus Redtenbacher, 1908: 428 , pl. 20: 3.

Distribution: Belize, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia & NW– Ecuador.

Keys to the species of Pterinoxylus :

♀♀

1. Basal portion of subgenital plate convex and bulgy............................................................2

– Basal portion of subgenital plate flattened.................................................................. 4

2. Mesothorax slender and ± uniform in width; without spines.................................................... 3

– Mesothorax notably swollen medially and heavily spinose ( Fig. 16E View FIGURE 16 ); Costa Rica...................... speciosus n. sp.

3. Vertex with a pair of prominent, blunt, carinate horns ( Figs. 12I–J View FIGURE 12 ); subgenital plate extending beyondcapex of abdomen by more than combined length of two terminal terga ( Figs. 12C–D View FIGURE 12 ); Central America.......................... perarmatus View in CoL

– Vertex multi–spinose ( Fig. 6G View FIGURE 6 ); subgenital plate extending beyond apex of abdomen by less than combined length of two terminal terga ( Figs. 6A–B View FIGURE 6 ); Lesser Antilles............................................................. .. crassus View in CoL

4. Large insects (body length incl. subgenital plate> 13 cm); alae projecting considerably over posterior margin of median segment; carinae of protibiae strongly deflexed and lamellate......................................................5

– Smaller insects (body length incl. subgenital plate <14 cm); alae hardly reaching to posterior margin of median segment ( Figs. 2A–C View FIGURE 2 ); carinae of protibiae just weakly expanded ( Fig. 2A View FIGURE 2 ); Cocos Island............................. cocoense n. sp.

5. Subgenital plate with lateral margins strongly deflexed and arcuate over entire length of plate ( Fig. 9A View FIGURE 9 ); posteroventral carina of protibiae very strongly deflexed and unevenly undulate ( Fig. 9G View FIGURE 9 ); mesotibiae with a distinct sub–basal dorsal lobe; NE–South America....................................................................................... eucnemis View in CoL

– Subgenital plate with lateral margins narrowing and declining towards apex of plate ( Fig. 9A View FIGURE 9 ); posteroventral carina of protibiae more even in outline and widening towards apex of tibia ( Fig. 19K View FIGURE 19 ); sub–basal dorsalclobe of mesotibiae small to obsolete ( Fig. 19L View FIGURE 19 ); Central America & Colombia........................................................... spinulosus View in CoL

♂♂

1. Large insects (body length> 9 cm); vertex armed; legs dentate, lobulate and/or lamellate............................. 2

– Small insects (body length <9 cm); vertex unarmed; all legs slender, simple and destitute of teeth, lobes or lamellae ( Figs. 3A–C View FIGURE 3 ); Costa Rica (Cocos Island)............................................................. cocoense n. sp.

2. Vertex tuberculose, spinulose or multi–spinose...............................................................3

– Vertex armed with a pair of large, laterally compressed and tuberculose lobes ( Fig. 12H View FIGURE 12 ); Central America...... perarmatus View in CoL

3. Mesothorax> 4x longer than pronotum, rugulose, tuberculose or spinose; no green stripe along costal margin of alae; femora brown and unicolourous.................................................................................4

– Mesothorax <3.5x longer than pronotum, heavily armed with large, blunt spines ( Fig. 15G View FIGURE 15 ); costal region of alae with a green longitudinal stripe in basal half; basal ¾ of femora green; Costa Rica................................ speciosus n. sp.

4. Abdominal tergum VII parallel–sided; protibiae with carinae just gently lamellate.................................. 5

– Abdominal tergum VII with lateral margins deflexed and rounded in posterior half ( Figs. 9E–F View FIGURE 9 ); protibiae with carinae strongly deflexed, lamellate and notably expanded apically; NE–South America..................................... eucnemis View in CoL

5. Mesonotum distinctly spinulose to spinose ( Figs. 10I–J View FIGURE 10 ); meso– and metatibiae with a broad, dentate dorsal apical lobe ( Fig. 19M View FIGURE 19 ); Central America & Colombia................................................................ spinulosus View in CoL

– Mesonotum ± tuberculose ( Fig. 6H View FIGURE 6 ); no apical lobe on meso– and metatibiae; Lesser Antilles.................... crassus View in CoL

Eggs*

1. Capsule tube–like and ± round in cross–section............................................................. 2

– Capsule compressed laterally with dorsal surface strongly raised and tectiform longitudinally ( Figs. 22E–F View FIGURE 22 )..... perarmatus View in CoL

2. Capsule surface punctured and with ± distinctly raised ridges.................................................. 3

– Capsule surface densely rugulose/tuberculose; polar extension shorter than micropylar plate ( Fig. 3G View FIGURE 3 )....... cocoense n. sp.

3. Ridges of capsule shallow; polar and opercular extensions close................................................ 4

4. Ridges of capsule very prominently raised; polar and opercular extensions open and net–like ( Figs. 22A–B View FIGURE 22 )......... crassus View in CoL

4. Capsule with a posterior constriction before polar extension............................................. eucnemis View in CoL

– Capsule without a distinct posterior constriction.................................................... ... spinulosus View in CoL

* Eggs of P. speciosus n. sp. are not known

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Arthropoda

Class

Insecta

Order

Phasmida

Family

Phasmatidae

Loc

Pterinoxylus Serville, 1838

Hennemann, Frank H., Conle, Oskar V., Valero, Pablo & Nishida, Kenji 2022
2022
Loc

Pterinoxylus

Serville, J. G. 1838: 226
1838
Loc

Haplopus, Burmeister, 1838: 577

Burmeister, H. 1838: 577
1838
Loc

Pterinoxylus difformipes Serville, 1838: 227

Serville, J. G. 1838: 227
1838
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