Rhinolaemus maculatus Steel 1954: 144, 2016

Thomas, Michael C., 2016, A revision of the genus Rhinolaemus Steel (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae), Insecta Mundi 2016 (505), pp. 1-17 : 3-4

Rhinolaemus maculatus Steel 1954: 144

Fig. 1, 5, 6 , 20, 21

Type: Holotype, female, in BMNH, with label data: “ Type ” [red-margined circle]/ “ FIJI IS. Taveuni Waiyevo 27.x.1923. Dr. H.S. Evans. ”/ “337.10.23”/ “Pres. By Imp. Inst. Ent. B.M. 1933-451”/ “ Rhinolaemus maculatus Steel TYPE Gen. Et Sp.” Palps and right middle tarsus removed and mounted between cellophane below specimen; right hind leg glued to card.

Diagnosis. The combination of the following character states distinguishes individuals of this species from other members of Rhinolaemus : Head with distinct rostrum ( Fig. 5–6 ); antennal scape distinctly sinuate, antennal insertion visible in dorsal view ( Fig. 5–6 ); some punctures on head not arranged in oblique rows; dark coloration of body, middle third of elytra immaculate ( Fig. 1). Length of female holotype, 3.0mm. Males range in length from 2.8mm to 3.0mm.

Distribution. The type locality is a village on the northeast coast of Taveuni, an island located northeast of Viti Levu, the largest of the Fiji Islands. The specimens listed below from Viti Levu and the single female from “ Western Samoa ” (now simply Samoa) comprise a new island record and a new country record, respectively.

Material examined. Four specimens in addition to the holotype, as follows: FIJI: Viti Levu : Nukurua (2m) ; Nukurua Teilevu (1m) ; SAMOA: Upolo : Falefa (1f (partial specimen)). All in NZAC .

Discussion. As noted in the introduction, this species was represented by a single known female specimen for more than 60 years and its relationships were unknown. Discovery of additional specimens, including males, has somewhat clarified its position, but it remains a very rarely collected species, being represented by only five known specimens.

Figures

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.

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.