Rhinolaemus tuberculatus (Grouvelle), 2016

Thomas, Michael C., 2016, A revision of the genus Rhinolaemus Steel (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae), Insecta Mundi 2016 (505), pp. 1-17 : 5-6

Rhinolaemus tuberculatus (Grouvelle)

Fig. 4 , 9-11 , 22-23

Laemophloeus tuberculatus Grouvelle 1877 : L

Types: Grouvelle (1877: L) stated that the type of this species was in the Fairmaire Collection. Fairmaire’s “clavicorn” beetles went to Grouvelle and from Grouvelle to the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle in Paris (MNHN) ( Horn and Kahle 1935). A search for the type specimen at the MNHN was unsuccessful (in litt., Azadeh Taghavian).

Diagnosis. The combination of the following character states distinguishes individuals of this species from other members of Rhinolaemus: Rostrum indistinct (comprising 0.52× length of head in male) to absent (0.50× in female) ( Fig. 9–10 ); antennal scape not distinctly sinuate, antennal insertion not visible in dorsal view ( Fig. 9–10 ); punctures on head not arranged in oblique rows; pronotum with acute anterior angles and lateral margins obtusely toothed; body bicolored testaceous and brown; elytral maculae complete ( Fig. 4 ). Length, 2.3mm – 3.1mm.

Distribution. Known from Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, and possibly Australia.

Material Examined. 82, as follows: FIJI: Taveuni: Caukadrove Prov. : Lavena ; Kadavu: Kadavu Prov.: 0.25 km SW Golodamu, Mounakaka Bird Sanctuary ; Vanua Levu: Bua Prov. : Kilaka ; Caukadrove Prov. : “Ndreketi” (This may be a variant spelling for the village of Dreketi or it may refer to the Ndreketi Riv.) ; Macuata Prov. : 0.5km S Rokosalase ; Viti Levu: Ba Prov.: Korotanitu N.H.P., Abaca Village ; Mt. Tomanivi (Victoria) ; Nandrau; Nadroga-Navosa Prov. : Sigtoka Sand Dunes N.P., 1.1 km SSW of Volivoli ; Naitisiri Prov. : Colo–i–Suva ; Navai Village , Eteni ; Savura Creek ; Tholoisuva; 3.3-3.5km N Veisari ; Namosi: Naraiyawa; Serua Prov. : 10 mi. inland from Galoa ; Tailevu Prov. : Nukurua ; TONGA: Tongatapu; island record only ; VANUATU: Aneityum: Red Crest , 3 mi. NE Anelgauhat. Specimens in BPBM, FSCA, NZAC ,

Discussion. The identity of this species is somewhat problematical. Grouvelle (1877, 1878) gave the type locality as “ Australie.” Unfortunately, the type cannot be found (see above). I have not encountered it in the fairly extensive number of Australian Laemophloeidae specimens that I have examined. The specimens to which I am applying Grouvelle’s name agree well with the descriptions ( Grouvelle 1877, 1878) and the illustration given by Grouvelle (1878, Fig. 6 , reproduced here as Fig. 11 ), which is apparently based on a female (the labrum is rounded anteriorly). However, Fairmaire (1881), in his paper on the beetles of Fiji, did not mention it, even though it is seemingly rather abundant in Fiji, based on material I have examined, nor did he dispute the locality given by Grouvelle. Finding the type specimen or specimens from Australia will help clarify the status of this species.

Figures

Figure 4. Rhinolaemus tuberculatus (Grouvelle), male, dorsal habitus.

Figures 9–11. Rhinolaemus tuberculatus. 9) Female. 10) Male. 11) Illustration of holotype (Grouvelle 1878).

Figures 20–23. Rhinolaemus spp., male genitalia. 20) R. maculatus. 21) R. maculatus, parameres and apex of median lobe. 22) R. tuberculatus, genitalia. 23) R. tuberculatus, parameres and apex of median lobe.

Figures 5–8. Rhinolaemus spp., head and pronotum. 5) R. maculatus, female holotype. 6) R. maculatus, male. 7) R. niueensis, female. 8) R. niueensis, male.