Melchus jolyi Anderson, 2003

Anderson, Robert S., 2003, Neotropical Dryophthoridae: Redescription of the Genus Melchus Lacordaire with Description of Daisya Anderson, New Genus, and Seven New Species (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea), The Coleopterists Bulletin 57 (4), pp. 413-432 : 422-423

Melchus jolyi Anderson , new species

Figs. 9–10 , 15

Types. Holotype female labelled ‘‘ Venezuela. Aragua / Rancho Grande / 1,100 m 24.VII.1981,’’ ‘‘ C.J. Rosales /col.’’ ( MIZA) . Paratype (1 female). As holotype except 6.X.1948, F. Fernandez Y. ( CMNC) .

Derivation of Species Name. The species is named after Luis L. Joly of the Universidad Central of Maracay, Venezuela.

Identification. This species is most similar to M. gomezi in that both lack elytral micropilose tufts or nodules. Melchus jolyi can be separated from M. gomezi by the form of the apex of the rostrum in lateral view. In M. jolyi , the apex is much wider than the width at midlength ( Fig. 15 ) whereas in M. gomezi the rostrum is more or less subequal in width throughout ( Fig. 12 ). Also, M. jolyi has a more typical elongate oval form ( Fig. 9 ) not like the broader and more cordate form of M. gomezi ( Fig. 3 ). Unfortunately M. gomezi is known only from males; M. jolyi only from females.

Description. Male not known. Female, length, 8.5–9.3 mm; width 4.3–4.7 mm. Color black, integument lacking tufts of micropilosity or micropilose nodules.

Rostrum slightly longer than length of pronotum; elongate, more or less cylindrical in basal onethird, gradually becoming laterally compressed in apical one-half; more or less straight; laterally with dense, shallow irregular punctures near base, punctures finer and shallower towards apex; base of rostrum moderately expanded in dorsal view, dorsally with shallow punctures near base; in lateral view with apex distinctly broadly expanded, much wider than width at midlength. Peduncle narrow, rounded, not prominent ventrally. Scrobe with posterior margin separated from anterior margin of eyes by about three times width of base of scape. Antenna with scape short, more or less one-quarter to one-third length rostrum; club cylindrical, oval; apical pilose part one-third length entire club. Pronotum with lateral margins subparallel in basal two-thirds, convergent subapically to apex; disk and flanks uniformly densely, shallowly, punctate throughout, punctures surrounded by distinct micropilosity; disc flat basally but somewhat convex anteriorly, no subbasal impression. Pronotum with length subequal to width. Elytra with length one and one-half times length pronotum; form elongate-oval, lateral margins slightly gradually convergent from basal one-third to apex; greatest width just posterior to humeri; intervals impunctate, flat, lacking tufts of micropilosity or micropilose nodules; striae with indistinct, shallow, small punctures. Scutellum rhomboidal, length subequal to width, flat. Pygydium flat, deeply regularly punctate throughout; apex subtruncate; apically with dense short, robust setae. Ventrally with hind coxae separated by one and one-third times width of coxa. Lateral portions of meso-, metasternum and visible abdominal segments 1 to 5 densely, shallowly, punctate; last visible abdominal segment flat medially, apex slightly deflexed and prolonged. Legs each of moderate length, densely regularly punctate, especially on outer face of femur; femur clavate, hind femur reaching apex of visible abdominal segment 4; inner margins of each of middle and hind tibia straight, with long recurved somewhat coarse setae throughout length, setae of more or less uniform length. Tarsi each with article 3 very widely dilated, completely pilose ventrally; apical margin of article 3 very slightly emarginate. Female genitalia not dissected. Male not known.

Distribution. Venezuela (Aragua).

Natural History. There is no information available on the natural history of this species. The only specimens were collected in mid-elevation moist tropical forest at 1,100 m elevation.

Figures

Figs. 1–10. Melchus species. 1) Melchus leprosus, dorsal view; 2) same, lateral view; 3) M. gomezi, dorsal view; 4) same, lateral view; 5) M. onorei, dorsal view; 6) same, lateral view; 7) M. perplexus, dorsal view; 8) Same, lateral view; 9) M. jolyi, dorsal view; 10) Same, lateral view.

Figs. 11–23. Melchus species. 11) M. leprosus, head, lateral view; 12) M. gomezi, head, lateral view; 13) M. onorei, head, lateral view; 14) M. perplexus, head, lateral view; 15) M. jolyi, head, lateral view; 16) M. onorei, rostrum, dorsal view; 17) M. perplexus, rostrum, dorsal view; 18) M. leprosus, antenna, lateral view; 19) M. gomezi, scutellum, dorsal view; 20) M. gomezi, hind tarsus, dorsal view; 21) M. leprosus, tergite 8 and sternite 8, ventral view; 22) M. leprosus, aedeagus, dorsal view; 23) M. leprosus, aedeagus, lateral view. Scale line ¼ 1.0 mm, except tarsus and scutellum, 0.63 mm.