Nesiotus joebranhami Gimmel, 2013

Gimmel, Matthew L., 2013, Revision of the Malagasy genusNesiotusGuillebeau (Coleoptera: Phalacridae), The Coleopterists Bulletin 67 (2), pp. 123-132 : 123-132

Nesiotus joebranhami Gimmel , new species

Diagnosis. This species may be distinguished from other members of the genus by the moderately elongated antennomere XI in the male, the size of the eye in frontal view (separated by about 1.5 times width of one eye), the elytral interval microsetae in two rows, the parallel-sided penis with a narrowly rounded apex, the fused parameres of the tegmen triangular in shape, and the tegmen with three basal struts with the two lateral ones longest.

Holotype. Male , genitalia dissected and mounted in DMHF on card with specimen, with label data “ MADAGASCAR: Prov. \ Fianarantsoa, 7 km \ W Ranomafana, 900m \ 1–9 February 1990 \ W. E. Steiner // Flight intercept- \ yellow pan trap in \ Malaise trap in \ small clearing, \ montane rainforest // HOLOTYPE \ Nesiotus \ joebranhami Gimmel \ des. M.L. Gimmel [red label]”, deposited in USNM.

Description. Length 1.6–1.7 mm. Dorsal coloration ( Fig. 22 ) evenly rufotestaceous. Ventral coloration similar. Appendages testaceous. Head: Eyes separated by about 1.5 times width of a single eye in frontal view ( Fig. 30). Male antennomere XI about as long as IX–X combined, IX–X combined slightly longer than funicle ( Fig. 4 ). Female with antennomere XI about 1.5 times length of antennomere X. Thorax: Pronotum with anterior bead not narrowed medially; posterolateral angles sharp, slightly obtuse; posterior border margined in about medial one-third. Prosternal process with 1 pair of apical setae, setae located at posterolateral corners. Elytral interval microsetae in 2 irregular rows. Metaventral lines extending posteriorly about one-third distance from mesocoxa to metacoxa. Genitalia: Penis ( Fig. 8 ) with apex narrowly rounded; parallel-sided in apical half; internal sac sclerites as illustrated. Tegmen ( Fig. 15 ) with

32) N. ocularis ; 33) N. steineri . All images to same scale.

fused parameres triangular in shape, narrowly rounded at apex, with wide median cleft down entire length, with 3 pairs of subapical setae, setae in 2 longitudinal rows; basal piece slightly wider in apical half than proximal; with 3 basal struts, middle strut extremely short and narrow, lateral struts wider, extending to about level of basal ring.

Paratypes (n = 4). M A D A G A S C A R: Fianarantsoa Prov.: same data as holotype except 20–31 January 1990, Malaise trap in small clearing in montane rain forest (3, USNM) ; same data except 23–28 February 1990 (1, USNM) .

Etymology. The specific epithet is dedicated to Joe Branham (Edmond, Oklahoma), friend and early mentor of mine who was instrumental in showing me how to think properly.

Distribution. This species is known only from the type series collected in Ranomafana National Park, Fianaranstoa Province, Madagascar.

Figures

Figs. 20–27. Dorsal habitus and type labels of Nesiotus species. Dorsal habitus: 20) N. basalis; 21) N. fisheri; 22) N. joebranhami; 23) N. nocitus; 24) N. ocularis; 25) N. steineri; 26) N. olibroides, lectotype. All habitus images to same scale. Labels: 27) N. olibroides, lectotype.

Figs. 1–5. Characters of Nesiotus species. Meso- and metaventrite: 1) N. basalis. Antenna: 2) N. basalis; 3) N. nocitus;

Figs. 6–19. Aedeagal sclerites of Nesiotus species. Penis: 6) N. basalis; 7) N. fisheri; 8) N. joebranhami; 9) N. nocitus; 10) N. ocularis; 11) N. olibroides; 12) N. steineri. Tegmen:13) N. basalis; 14) N. fisheri; 15) N. joebranhami; 16) N. nocitus; 17) N. ocularis; 18) N. olibroides; 19) N. steineri. Scale bar = 0.1 mm.