Epimetopus surinamensis, Perkins, 2012

Perkins, Philip D., 2012, 3531, Zootaxa 3531, pp. 1-95 : 62

Epimetopus surinamensis , new species

Figs. 96 (habitus), 98 (aedeagus), 126 (map)

Type Material. Holotype (male): Suriname: Sipaliwini District, Camp 3, Wehepai; 2010 CI-RAP Survey , sandy forest creek, elev. 237 m, 2° 21.776' N, 56° 41.861' W, 4–6 ix 2010, Short & Kadosoe (SR10-0904-01A) ( SEMC) . Paratypes: Same data as holotype (2 SEMC). 77

Differential Diagnosis. The dorsal habitus of E. surinamensis is very similar to that of E. clypeatus ( Figs. 95, 96); differing therefrom in the larger size (ca. 2.44 vs. 1.92 mm), and the unmodified male clypeus. The aedeagi of the two species differ markedly ( Figs. 97, 98). The aedeagus differs from that of other members of the Thermarum group in several respects: 1) the dorsal processes are relatively large, arch away from one another, and do not have ridges on the tips; 2) the median lobe distal part is notably widened, and strongly sclerotized on each side of the median slit; and 3) the parameres gradually decrease in width, to a narrow tip.

Description. Size: holotype (length/width, mm): body (length from anterior margin of pronotum to elytral apices) 2.44/1.32; head (width) 0.64; pronotum 0.88/0.96; elytra 1.60/1.32. Habitus as illustrated ( Fig. 96). Head piceous, maxillary palpi light brown; pronotum dark brown to piceous; elytra dark brown except yellowish at Vshaped fascia near midlength, and second fascia at posterior declivity; venter and coxae black, remainder of legs brown to reddish brown. Pronotum with hood carinae slightly arcuate, converging and confluent anteriorly, grooved throughout; secondary lateral lobe small. Elytron with four strong granulate carinae, third interrupted anteriorly for distance of ca. 3–4 punctures; punctures round or oval, large, each with small granule at anterior margin, non-carinate intervals without granules. Protibiae slightly emarginate on inner margin, outer margin arcuate. Metaventral depression moderately wide, ca. seven granules along base, shallow.

Etymology. Named in reference to the geographical distribution.

Distribution. Currently known only from the type locality in Suriname ( Fig. 126).