Brachygluta (Brachygluta) corniventris ( Motschulsky, 1856 )

Chandler, Donald S., Sabella, Giorgio & Bückle, Christoph, 2015, A revision of the Nearctic species of Brachygluta Thomson, 1859 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae), Zootaxa 3928 (1), pp. 1-91 : 35-40

11. Brachygluta (Brachygluta) corniventris ( Motschulsky, 1856)

( Figs 13–14 , 38 A)

Bryaxis corniventris Motschulsky 1856: 7 . Type locality: Mobile, Alabama. Type depository ZMUM, male lectotype: // [small green square]/ Bryaxis corniventris m. Am. bor. [dark green paper]//. Bowman 1934: 143.

Brachygluta corniventris: Chandler 1997: 55 ; 1999: 167 (lectotype designation).

Bryaxis illinoiensis Brendel, 1865b: 257 . Type locality: Illinois (Chicago?). Type depository ANSP, male holotype: / N. Ill/ [male symbol]/ Brend/ Horn Coll H1922/ Lectotype desg. Moxey 1962 / TYPE #8301 Bryaxis illinoiensis B. Carl Farr Moxey 29.VI.1962 //. Brendel 1866a: 34; 1866b: 194 (female characters). LeConte 1880: 182 (key). Blatchley 1910: 319. Moxey 1962: 98.

Bryaxis (Bryaxis) illinoiensis: Brendel & Wickham 1890: 268 (key), 281 (redescription), plate VIII, fig. 55.

Brachygluta illinoiensis: Raffray 1904: 225 ; 1908: 231; 1911: 94. Leng 1920: 130. Bowman 1934: 83 (Group I, key), 84. Moxey 1962: 101. Chandler 1994: 50; 1997: 55. Downie & Arnett 1996: 581. Poole & Gentili 1996: 380. Synonymized by Chandler 1999: 167.

Material examined, 697 specimens. CANADA: Only country on label: “ Canada ” ( FMNH, 2; most likely from Ontario). USA: Only continent on label: “North America ” ( MNHN, 9F as B. illinoiensis ); “ America bor.” ( MNHN, 3F as B. illinoiensis ). Alabama: Blount Co.: Blount Springs, VI-30-1984, T. King, at light ( FMNH, 1). Jefferson Co.: Vestavia, Hoover, V-23-1983, T. King, UV trap ( DSCC, 1). Lauderdale Co.: Florence, IV-12-1955, W. Snow, light ( FMNH, 1); II-28-1955, W. Snow, light ( FMNH, 1). Mobile Co.: Mobile ( ZMUM, Lectotype and two Paralectotypes). Shelby Co.: Vandiver, V-28-1974, T. King, at light ( FMNH, 1). Walker Co.: Jasper, Devils Ladder, IV-30-1978, T. King, at light ( FMNH, 1). Arkansas: Marion Co.: 14 mi SE Yellville, Buffalo R.N. Park, VI-1- 1984, W.D. Shepard, blacklight trap ( UCBC, 1). Pulaski Co.: Little Rock, VI-2-2001, B. Baldwin, UV light trap ( EIUC, 1). Washington Co.: Fayetteville, X-22-1941, M.W. Sanderson, light trap ( LSAM, 1); VII-15-1940, M.W. Sanderson ( INHS, 1); VIII-1-1940, M.W. Sanderson ( INHS, 1). District of Columbia: “D.C.” ( CMNH, 14; FMNH, 1; MHNG, 2); “D.C.”, Bailey ( AMNH, 1); “D.C.”, Ulke ( MCZC, 4; USNM, 2; MCZC, H.C. Fall Collection, 3; MCZC, 9); “D.C.”, Brend. ( MCZC, 1, Horn Collection). Wash.(ington), IV-30-1891 ( LSAM, 1). Illinois: Champaign Co.: 2.7 mi N Penfield, Middle Fork Vermilion River, VII-29-1987, E.A. Lisowski, UV light (UV light, LSAM, 2; blacklight, INHS, 4). Urbana, VIII-1946, Hasbrouck & Rapp ( INHS, 1). Coles Co.: VII-27- 1970, A. Decker, UV trap, flood plain ( DSCC, 2; EIUC, 1). Charleston, VI-13/14 -2013, M.A. Goodrich, UV light ( EIUC, 1); VI-14-1964, G.T. Riegel, ex. light trap ( EIUC, 1); VII-20-1964, G.T. Riegel, ex. light trap ( EIUC, 1). Lakeview Park, M.A. Goodrich, UV light trap ( EIUC, 2). Cook Co.: Evanston ( FMNH, 1). Evanston Beach, V-18- 1956, R.C. Graves, under board ( FMNH, 3). Hardin Co.: Rosiclaire, VIII-22-1944, M.W.S. & H. T. L. ( INHS, 2). Iroquois Co.: 4 mi N Watseka, pond edge, V-31-1986, E. Lisowski, blacklight (( INHS, 1). Jackson Co.: Fountain Bluff, V-15-1932, Ross & Mohr ( FMNH, 1); III-18-1943, H.H. Ross & M. Sanderson, debris on hillside ( FMNH, 1). Giant City State Parker, III-6-1945, Ross & Sanderson ( INHS, 1). Grand Tower, sand bank Mississippi River, IV-28-1985, D. Hildebrandt ( MEMC, 2). Grand Tower, III-18-1943, H.W. Ross & M. Sanderson, stump, mouse nest ( FMNH, 1). Jersey Co.: Grafton, along Illinois River shore, X-1-1943 Ross & Sanderson ( INHS, 4). Jo Davies Co.: 6 mi S Stockton, VII-29 / VII-3-1972, Reaves & Hollander, at light ( FMNH, 1). Kankahee Co.: E of Bourbonnais, VII-2-1955, H.S. Dybas ( FMNH, 1). Lake Co.: Fort Sheridan, VI-28-1911, Liljeblad ( ANSP, 1). Livingston Co.: Cornell, 2 mi W, VIII-12-1970 ( FMNH, 2), VIII-13-1970 ( FMNH, 3), J. Wagner, at light. 2 mi W Cornell, "Serendipity Farm", VII-2 /3-1976 ( DSCC, 1); VI-12-1981 ( FMNH, 45), VII-23-1980 ( FMNH, 7), VII-9- 1983 ( FMNH, 15), VII-10-1967 ( FMNH, 7), VI-27-1971 ( FMNH, 8), J. Wagner, at light. 2 mi W Cornell, nr. Pond at Vermilion River, VI-12-1981, J. Wagner, blacklight trap ( FMNH, 46). Cornell, 2 mi W at Wagner Farm, VII-27- 1987, J. Wagner, black light trap ( FMNH, 18). Cornell, 2.5 mi W, VII-4-1982 ( FMNH, 7), VIII-5-1984 ( FMNH, 6), J.A. Wagner, black light trap. 5 mi W Cornell, Wagner Farm, VII-26-1964, J. Wagner, light trap ( FMNH, 5). Macoupin Co.: 2 mi NW Hetick, BSA Camp Bunn, VII-8/13 -2001, J. Wagner, blacklight trap ( FMNH, 17). Mason Co.: Havana, VIII-18-1907 ( USNM, 3). Havana, III-16-1987, Mills & Ross ( INHS, 1); X-1-1943, Ross & Sanderson, on soil at base of sedges etc., rivers edge ( INHS, 1); XI-9-1943, Ross & Sanderson, round cover in forest ( INHS, 3). Havana, Illinois River, X-1-1943, ( INHS, 1); X-4-1943 ( INHS, 1), Ross & Sanderson, on soil at base of sedges etc., rivers edge. Havana, Spoon River, V-2-1912, drift ( INHS, 2). Sand Ridge St.(ate) For.(est), VIII-6-1988, P. Skelley, blacklight trap ( FSCA, 1). W side of Decatur, VIII-10-1987, P. Skelley, at light ( FSCA, 1). McLean Co.: Morraine View State Park, V-27-1977, R.W. Lundgren, light ( RWLC, 1). 3.8 mi E Hudson, on river, VI-10-1985, Gardne & Ulasah, blacklight (( INHS, 1). Pike Co.: Beebe Creek, 3.4 mi WNW Barry, VII-17-1985, J. Gardner & J. Hofmann, UV light ( LSAM, 8). Florence, Illinois River pond edge, VIII-26-1943, Ross & Sanderson ( INHS, 5). Pope Co.: Dixon Springs, III-17-1947, Ross & Sanderson ( INHS, 1). Dixon Springs, VIII-22-1944, M.W.S. & H. T. L., edge of stream ( INHS, 1). Golconda, VIII-22-1944, M.W.S. & H. T. L. ( INHS, 17). Putnam Co.: Putnam, IX-26-1933, Frison & Mohr ( FMNH, 1). Randolph Co.: Ruma, I-24-1947, Burks et al., debris in woods ( INHS, 1). St. Clair Co.: Kahokia, V-24-1922 ( MCZC, 12); IV-12-1902, G.W. Bock ( DSCC, 1); IV-15-1914, G.W. Bock ( DSCC, 1); V-20-1896 ( FMNH, 1). Cahokia, X-31-1899, G.W. Bock ( CASC, 1); V-24-1894, G.W. Bock ( CASC, 1). Union Co.: IV-4-1938, W.F. Turner ( USNM, 1). Hutchens Creek, 3 mi E Wolf Lake, VIII-24-1977, E. Lisowski, blacklight ( INHS, 1). Vermilion Co.: Middle Fork of Vermilion River @ unnamed ford, 1.9 mi NNE Collison, VII-8-1987, E.A. Lisowski, UV light trap ( LSAM, 28); Middle Fork of Vermilion River, 2.6 mi E Oakwood on Rt. 150, VI-11-1973, J.D. Unzicker, UV light ( LSAM, 9). 3.8 mi N Catlin at 150 bridge, VI-28-1987, E. Lisowski, blacklight ( INHS, 11). Wabash Co.: Basil Woods N. Park, VI-13/14 -1996, M.A. Goodrich, UV light trap ( EIUC, 1); VI-22/23 -1995, M.A. Goodrich, UV light trap ( DSCC, 1). White Co.: Grayville, VI-13-1948, Frison & Sanderson ( INHS, 2). Whiteside Co.: Prophetstown, VII-24-1947, Burks & Sanderson ( INHS, 2). Only state on label: “Ill.” ( MCZC, 2; AMNH, 2; FMNH, 1); “N. Ill.”, V-17-1889 ( MCZC, 1). “So. Ill.”, H. Soltau ( LSAM, 3). “Illinois” ( MNHN, 1M, 1F “cotypes” of B. illinoiensis Brendel ). Indiana: Clark Co.: V-6-1909, W.S. Blatchley ( PERC, 12). Crawford Co.: Grantsburg, V-15-1965, D. Eckert, blacklight trap ( FMNH, 1). Floyd Co.: New Albany, VII-29-1966 ( FSCA, 1); VI-6-1966, C.E. White ( FSCA, 1). Lake Co.: V-5-1907, W.S. Blatchley ( PERC, 1). Marion Co.: Indianapolis, V-22-1965, C.E. White ( FSCA, 1); VII-20-1968, C.E. White ( FSCA, 1). Camp Belzer, BSA, Indianapolis, VII-26-1966, C.E. White ( FMNH, 1). Marshall Co.; Tippecanoe, X-17-1971 ( FMNH, 1), VIII-11-1974 ( FMNH, 1), V-20-1976 ( FMNH, 5), VII-23-1976 ( FMNH, 2), N.M. Downie. Monroe Co.: Bloomington, IV-28/30 -1985, F.N. Young, blacklight trap ( FSCA, 1); VIII-9/10 -1984, F.N. Young, blacklight trap ( FSCA, 1); VII-18-1991, F.N. Young, blacklight trap ( FSCA, 1); IX-10-1987, F.N. Young, blacklight trap ( FSCA, 1). Orange Co.: West Baden, VII-7-1962, T.S. Acker ( CASC, 1). Perry Co.: Cannelton, V-16-1908 ( FMNH, 1); V-16-1908, decaying wood on sandy soil ( PERC, 20). Porter Co. : Dunes State Park, V-9-1939, H.S. Dybas ( FMNH, 2). Pine, V-5-1907, A.B. Wolcott ( FMNH, 2). Tremont, V-9-1939, H.S. Dybas ( FMNH, 1). Posey Co.: Hovey Lake, IV-23-1965 ( FMNH, 1), VIII-14-1965, C.E. White, blacklight trap ( AMNH, 4); IV-29-1965, C.E. White, blacklight trap ( FMNH, 1); V-5-1965, C.E. White, blacklight trap ( CNCI, 6); IV-29-1965, C.E. White, blacklight trap ( AMNH, 2); VII-16-1965, C.E. White, blacklight trap ( FSCA, 1); VII-21-1965 ( FMNH, 1). Putnam Co.: III-20-1910, W.S. Blatchley ( PERC, 2); X-10-1914, W.S. Blatchley ( PERC, 1). Spencer Co.: Pigeon Creek, VI-13-1983, A.V. Provonsha ( PERC, 1). Tippecanoe Co.: Lafayette, VII-9-1983 ( FMNH, 1), VII-25-1983 ( FMNH, 2), VI-19-1984 ( PERC, 1), VII-11-1984 ( PERC, 1), VII-15-1985 ( PERC, 1), VII-30-1985 ( PERC, 1), N.M. Downie, UV light. Vanderburg Co.: Evansville, VI-19-1943, H.S. Dybas ( FMNH, 1). Iowa: Only state on label: “Ioa.” ( CMNH, 3; FMNH, 1; MCZC, 1; MCZC, LeConte Collection, 1; USNM, 3). Kansas: Douglas Co.: V-31- 1936, L. Lipovsky ( FNNH, 5). Lawrence, V-31-1936, M.S. Sanderson, mud flats along river ( FMNH, 13). Lawrence, VII-8-1933, M.W. Sanderson ( INHS, 1). Lawrence, along Kaw River, VI-7-1936, L.J. Lipovsky ( INHS, 4). Riley Co.: VII-18-1968, R.L. Bertwell, white light trap ( UAIC, 1). Only state on label: “Ks.” ( AMNH, 1). Kentucky: Crittenden Co.: 13 mi NW Marion at Tolu, Ohio River, VIII-3-1977, L. & N. Herman, #1420 ( AMNH, 3). Edmonson Co.: Mammoth Cave Hollow, Mammoth Cave National Park, XI-25-1960, D. Reichle, leaf mold ( FMNH, 4). Mammoth Cave National Park, Cabin Woods, XI-22-1969, W. Suter, berlese log ( FMNH, 5). Hart Co.: 4.8 mi N Horse Cave, Green River, V-23-1987, E.A. Lisowski, UV light ( LSAM, 2); V-23-1987, E. Lisowski, blacklight ( INHS, 3). Horse Cave, VI-11-1934, H.E. McClure, flying 6:30 PM ( FMNH, 1). Only state on label: “Ky” ( FMNH, 2). Louisiana: Only state on label: “La.” ( MCZC, 1F). Maryland: Garrett Co.: Deer Park, VII-4, Hubbard & Schwarz ( USNM, 1). Montgomery Co.: Plummers Island, VIII-24-1912, H.S. Barber ( LSAM, 1); V-11- 1905, Hubbard & Schwarz ( USNM, 12). Michigan: Berrien Co.: Harbert Dunes, VIII, A.W. Andrews ( FMNH, 1). Mississippi: Oktibbeha Co.: Craig Springs, X-30-1981, W.H. Cross, interception trap—plain ( MUIC, 1); Starksville, V-7-1958, D.C. Cross ( MEMC, 1). Missouri: Marion Co.: West Quincy, VIII-16-1912 ( FMNH, 1). St. Louis Co.: Berkeley, VI-1965 ( FMNH, 1), I-1965 ( FMNH, 1). St. Louis, V-28-1892, F. Knab ( USNM, 4); IX-3 -, H. Soltau ( USNM, 3); V, Bock ( CASC, 2); IX-3-1891 ( USNM, 15); no date ( FMNH, 2). Taney Co.: Hollister, VI-14- 1938, Mrs. Vitae Kite ( INHS, 4). Only state on label: “Mo.,” Brend. ( MCZC, Horn Collection, 1). Nebraska: Douglas Co.: Omaha, VII-24-1999, C.A. Springer, UV light ( EIUC, 1). New Jersey: Cape May Co.: Anglesea, V- 5, Wenzel ( ANSP, 1). Ohio: Hamilton Co.: Cincinnati, V-26-1906 ( CNCI, 4; CASC, 4); VI-1-1906 ( MCZC, 13); V-26-1922 ( MCZC, 4); VIII-6-1906 ( CASC, 2); V-24-1916 ( PERC, 1). Huron Co.: Ridge Road sand quarry, North Fairfield, VII-3-1974, H.J. Lee & T.C. Sheets ( DSCC, 1). Only state on label: “Ohio” ( MCZC, 1); Brend. ( MCZC, Horn Collection, 1). Oklahoma: Latimer Co.: 5 mi W Red Oak, VIII-1985, K.H. Stephan ( LSAM, 1). Latimer Co., VIII-1988, K. Stephan ( DSCC, 1); VII-1985, K. Stephan, in blacklight trap ( DSCC, 1); VIII-1990, K. Stephan ( TAMU, 1); V-1986, K. Stephan, in blacklight trap ( TAMU, 1). South Carolina: Aiken Co.: 1.3 mi N Jct. I-20 & US-1, XII-13/31 -1988, P. Skelley, pig dung and malt pitfall in sandhill scrub ( FSCA, 1). Tennessee: Hamilton Co.: Falling Water Cave, IX-13-1949, Jones & Valentine ( FMNH, 1). Lake Co.: Reelfoot Lake, VI-25-1966, F.J. Moore, UV light ( DSCC, 2). Trousdale Co.: Harksville, II-3-1909, S.E. Crumb, hibernating in leaves ( USNM, 1). Only state on label: “Ten.” ( AMNH, 1; ANSP, 4; CMNH, 5; FMNH, 1; MCZC, H.C. Fall Collection, 2; MCZC, LeConte Coll., 7; USNM, 6); Brend. ( MCZC, Horn Collection, 2). Tennessee ( MHNG, 1). Virginia: Spotsylvania Co.: Fredricksburg, V-17-1890, W.D. Richardson ( USNM, 1). Wisconsin: Grant Co.: Boscobel, VII-3-1953, R. Shenefelt, light ( DSCC, 3); VII-1-1952 ( FMNH, 4).

Description. BODY: Length 1.96–2.16 mm. Darkest specimens with elytra orange-brown and rest of body dark brown, head and pronotum variable in color, with lightest specimens having the head and pronotum light brown, head usually darker than pronotum; setae on head and pronotum short, curved and suberect, decumbent over rest of body. Head: surface smooth, shining, median vertexal fovea subequal in size to lateral vertexal foveae. Pronotum: surface smooth, shining, punctures indistinct; setose area of median antebasal foveae about two-thirds width that of lateral antebasal foveae. Elytra: surface lightly microreticulate, punctures indistinct; discal stria extending to about four-fifths of elytral length. Abdomen: surface of tergal disc smooth, shining, punctures small but distinct, separated by about one puncture diameter on tergite 1, denser on following tergites.

MALE: Antennae unmodified, antennomeres III–V longer than wide, V slightly swollen, VI–VII as long as wide, VIII smallest, wider than long, IX–X slightly wider than long, X nearly twice as wide as IX. ( Fig. 13 D) Tergites 1–II strongly modified; tergite 1 with apex developed as two widely separated, prominent and acute points, setae and punctures densest on points and along apex of emargination between points ( Figs 13 A, 14A). Tergite 2 with deep, glabrous, rounded-triangular impression in apical half, with two small adjacent circular setose areas at posterior margin of impression, two adjacent elongate oval setose pits on anterior wall of impression, prominent elongate tubercle arises from anterior portion of tergite between protruding subtriangular lateral plates at base of tergite, tubercle extending dorsally to between projections of tergite 1, with circular setose area at apex; swollen oval granular area present forming lateral portions of tergite 2 ( Figs 13 C, 14B); basal striae of tergite 1 distinct, striae extending nearly to half length of paratergites, with dense brush of setae between striae that is half as long as striae. Tergites 3–5 convex. In lateral view projections of tergite 1 acute, protruding posteriorly well-above tergite 2 ( Figs 13 B, 14C). Abdominal ventrites slightly flattened to broadly convex at middle. Trochanters lacking ventral modifications, smoothly convex. Metatibiae narrow basally, slightly widening through length to apex, with dense comb of setae on mesal margin in apical fifth where slightly curved medially ( Fig. 13 E). Aedeagus 0.35 mm long; with dorsal plate broadly and indistinctly trapezoidal; parameres with three aciculate setae on angulation defining posterior margin of preapical constriction, hyaline setae at center of constricted area, elongate and aciculate; internal sac with large curved spine, with transverse complex bearing multiple short spines ( Figs 13 F, 14D).

FEMALE: Antennomeres similar in proportions to those of male but shorter, V slender, IX more distinctly transverse. Tergite 1 convex with basal striae short, at most one-quarter paratergite length, with scattered setae between striae, lacking modifications; tergite 2 often lightly flattened in medial third; abdominal ventrites broadly convex. Metatibia similar to that of male.

Collecting data. Under driftwood on mud banks of the Ohio River ( Blatchley 1910); under boards; at UV light ( Chandler 1997). Many specimens with collecting data were taken at ultraviolet light or by UV light traps. Most specimens with habitat data were taken on mud flats or from around the bases of riparian plants, but a few were found under debris in forests. Adults are active throughout the year in the Southern and Midwestern states.

Distribution ( Fig. 38 A). This species has been taken most commonly in the Midwestern states, but is widespread through the eastern United States. It has been collected only occasionally in Atlantic coastal areas.

Comments. Males are easily recognized by the widely-separated prominent tubercles at the apex of tergite 1, combined with the stalked tubercle bearing a setose apex that arises from the base of tergite 2. The females often have the median portion of tergite 2 slightly flattened and the disc distinctly punctate, which can be used to separate most female specimens from other species. The only other common species from the Ohio and Mississippi drainages taken at lights is B. belfragei , whose body is more flattened, more sparsely and indistinctly punctate, and the basal half of tergite 2 of the female has a weakly impressed area. The complex multidentate tooth of the internal sac is similar to that of B. infinita , which is otherwise quite different in lacking obvious male characters of the tergites, and has ventrite 3 modified as the only Nearctic species to have modifications in this area.

Chandler (1994) noted that the description of B. illinoiensis was based on a single specimen, the holotype, and that the lectotype designation for this specimen by Moxey (1962) was incorrect. Brendel (1866a: 34) and Brendel & Wickham (1890: 281) erroneously stated that the male mesotrochanters of B. illinoiensis have a spine, but the trochanters are smooth ventrally.

Figures

FIGURE 13. Brachygluta corniventris (Motschulsky) (lectotype). A: Abdomen, dorsal view. B: Abdomen, lateral view. C: Abdomen, dorsocaudal view. D: Right antenna. E: Left metatibia, posterior view. F: Aedeagus.

FIGURE 14. Brachygluta corniventris (Motschulsky) (Tennessee). A: Abdomen, dorsal view. B: Abdomen, caudal view. C: Abdomen, lateral view. D: Aedeagus.

FIGURE 38. Distribution map of Brachygluta corniventris species-group and Brachygluta infinita species-group. A: Brachygluta corniventris (Motschulsky), also mentioned generically from Canada (very likely from southern Ontario). B: Brachygluta infinita (Casey). (Red dot: material examined, green dot: only state on label).