Decuria Miller and Wheeler

Miller, Kelly B. & Wheeler, Quentin D., 2004, Two New Genera of Agathidiini from the Nearctic and Neotropical Regions (Coleoptera: Leiodidae), The Coleopterists Bulletin 58 (4), pp. 466-487 : 483-484

Decuria Miller and Wheeler , new genus

‘‘Undescribed Genus 6,’’ Peck et al., 1998.

Type Species. Decuria newtoni Miller and Wheeler , new species, by present designation.

Diagnosis. This genus can be easily distinguished from other genera of Agathidiini by the combination of the antenna with 10 antennomeres ( Fig. 23 ), the antenna with a distinct interrupted 5-segmented club (antennomere VII smaller than antennomere VI) ( Fig. 23 ), the postocular temporum absent ( Fig. 32 ), the supraocular carina absent ( Fig. 32 ), the anterior clypeal margin extending distinctly anterad of the anterolateral margin of the frons ( Fig. 32 ), the elytra only moderately punctate and punctures not forming prominent longitudinal series, the first abdominal sternum with a prominent medial, longitudinal carina and the tarsi # 4–4–4/$ 4–4–4.

Discussion. Several other leiodid genera possess 10-segmented antennae, but no other known Agathidiini exhibit this feature. The genus contains only a single, previously undescribed species. Peck et al. (1998) suggested that there may be two species, but there appears to be only one. The species is similar to some species currently assigned to Anisotoma (i.e., the A. horni -errans -group), (this last similarity pointed out by Peck et al.) (1998). These taxa are all similar in having only moderately punctate dorsal surfaces, no postocular temporum or supraocular carinae and similar genitalia. Since the main distinguishing features of this taxon are the antennae with 10 antennomeres, the tarsi 4–4– 4 in both sexes and the longitudinal carina on the 1 st abdominal sternum, it seems possible that the taxon may be nested within a different genus as the agathidiine genera are currently classified. However, it is by no means clear to which genus it might belong, and it seems best to recognize this species in its own genus until such time as the tribe can be reorganized based on a comprehensive cladistic analysis.

Etymology. This genus is named Decuria (gender feminine), Latin for ‘‘a body of ten men,’’ in reference to the ten antennomeres present in the single species in this genus.

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Figures

Figs. 21–23. Decuria newtoni. 21–22) Median and lateral lobes of aedeagus; 21) ventral; 22) lateral; 23) right antenna, dorsal.

Figs. 24–32. Gelae and Decuria species, heads, dorsal. 24) G. fish; 25) G. belae; 26) G. parile; 27) G. parvulum; 28) G. baen; 29) G. donut; 30) G. rol; 31) G. cognatum; 32) D. newtoni. Bars ¼ 0.25 mm.