Urgleptes sandersoni Gilmour, 1963

Ravin, Ian S. & Lingafelter, Steven W., 2015, Review of the genus Urgleptes Dillon (1956) of Hispaniola (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Acanthocinini): descriptions of five new species and one new synonymy, ZooKeys 532, pp. 55-85 : 57-61

Taxon classification Animalia Coleoptera Cerambycidae

Urgleptes sandersoni Gilmour, 1963 Figs 2, 8a, h, 9, 16

Urgleptes haitiensis Gilmour, 1963: 82, syn. n.

Diagnosis.

The elytral maculae of this species are more variable than any other species in the genus. As discussed above, Urgleptes sandersoni is most likely to be confused with Urgleptes puertoricensis , but they can be distinguished most easily by the scape that is apically darkened with a subapical, flavous ring in Urgleptes sandersoni (mostly dark brown, without a subapical, pale ring in Urgleptes puertoricensis .) The presence of dark brown to black maculae at the base of the humeri, often extending through the epipleuron (only occurring posthumerally in Urgleptes puertoricensis ) may also be used to differentiate between the two. The primarily Lesser Antillean Urgleptes guadeloupensis (Fleutiaux & Sallé) is much paler and lacks a marmorated pubescent pattern on the elytra (see Remarks for further discussion of this species).

Redescription.

Measurements: body length: 3.3-6.3 mm; body width: 1.2-2.3 mm; elytral length: 2.3-4.6 mm; elytral width: 0.6-1.2 mm; pronotal length: 0.6-1.0 mm; pronotal width: 1.0-1.7 mm; body length/pronotal length: 5.3-6.1; elytral length/elytral width: 4.0; pronotal length/pronotal width: 0.6-0.7.

Head: covered in fine vestiture of golden or pale brown appressed hairs; denser along eye margins and antennal tubercles; relatively sparse on occiput and anterior margin of frons. Narrow median-frontal line mostly visible, extending from frons through vertex, and posteriorly to occiput. Frontal-genal line extending from anterior tentorial pits along anterior margin of genae to base of mandible; mostly obscured by dense, golden, appressed pubescence. Antenna: mostly pale brown; covered with short, appressed, fine pubescence, not obscuring surface. Antennomeres 1-8 with distinct, narrowly dark brown apices; scape also with second, diffusely dark annula at apical two-thirds; antennomeres 9-11 vaguely darkened apically. Antennae considerably longer than body; extending beyond elytral apices by 4-5 antennomeres; scape extending to posterior margin of pronotum. Eye: Lower eye lobe over twice height of upper eye lobe; extending over half distance between antennal tubercle and frontal margin; lobes connected by 3-4 rows of ommatidia at narrowest point, in most specimens. Upper eye lobes separated by 1.5 times greatest width of scape. Mouthparts: frontoclypeal margin sparsely pubescent; lacking pubescent fringe; clypeus without pubescence except for few long setae originating at base. Labrum sparsely pubescent, with 8-10 long, suberect, translucent setae.

Thorax: pronotum broadly rounded at sides to posteriorly directed, short, acute tubercles on posterior fourth; constricted along posterior fifth behind lateral tubercles; constriction demarcated with row of large, separate punctures across disc, continuing behind base of tubercles, down sides; pronotum otherwise impunctate except for uniform micropunctures visible only under high magnification. No distinct calli present on disc. Pronotum with uneven vestiture of golden pubescence concentrated at sides of disc, around lateral tubercles, and, often, in two anteromedial spots on disk; elsewhere, pubescence is sparse. Integument mostly light brown, becoming darker at middle of disc, often extending to anteromedial and posteromedial margins. Prosternum smooth, impunctate, covered with uniform, appressed, golden or translucent pubescence. Prosternal process narrow between procoxae (less than one-sixth width) and greatly expanded behind procoxae. Mesosternum smooth, impunctate, covered with uniform, appressed, golden or translucent pubescence. Mesosternal intercoxal process broader than prosternal process, separating mesocoxae by about one-fourth width of mesocoxa. Metasternum smooth, impunctate, covered with uniform, appressed, golden or translucent pubescence. Integument of ventral sclerites mostly light brown, becoming dark brown at sides. Scutellum dark brown with mixture of dark, translucent, and golden pubescence; broadly rounded posteriorly. Elytra: densely, coarsely punctate; coated with moderately dense, appressed pubescence; with mottled light and dark appearance; lacking tubercles and erect setae. Highly variable in distribution of maculae and pubescence, often with a correspondence between integumental color and setal color. Nearly all specimens with very dark brown to black periscutellar region (occasionally extending posteriorly along most of suture). This region often surrounded by lighter brown integument covered in gray or translucent pubescence. Nearly all specimens with an oblique narrow post-medial macula extending from near the sutural margin anterolaterally toward lateral margin (sometimes complete, sometimes extending only one-third to one-half across elytral disk). This black macula bordered by white or gray setae. Humeri slightly projecting anterolaterally, usually with black or very dark macula at base and often poorly-demarcated epipleural region. Elytral apex obliquely truncate; lacking spines. Legs: femora mostly light yellowish-brown with variably sized dark maculae on mesal and lateral face (most pronounced on mesofemora; least pronounced on metafemora); femora mostly uniformly pubescent with combination of fine, appressed, white, translucent, and dark brown setae. Tibiae light yellowish-brown at base, dark brown to piceous at apical half to two-thirds. Tibiae with setae suberect and more stout, particularly. Mesotibiae with dorsal concavity lined with stout, dark, bristle-like setae. Tarsi, with exception of base of first segment, mostly dark brown to piceous on most specimens.

Abdomen: ventrites covered with fine, appressed, golden and translucent pubescence; light brown, becoming darker on basal segments and sides. Fifth ventrite distinctly longer than fourth in both sexes; with weak middle notch fringed by longer setae.

Distribution.

This species was originally described from Puerto Rico. We record it from the Dominican Republic (new country record). This is the most widespread and common species on the island of Hispaniola, having been collected at nearly every sampled locality (Fig. 16). We also record this species for Jamaica (new country record) and Navassa Island which lies between Jamaica and Hispaniola. Specific locality data are included for those islands below.

Remarks.

Urgleptes sandersoni and Urgleptes haitiensis were each described in Gilmour (1963) on the basis of one specimen; therefore, he was unable to assess intraspecific variation when he defined both species. He stated for Urgleptes haitiensis that it differs from Urgleptes sandersoni "in being of a general much darker colour and its marmorated appearance", but shares the pale annulate antennal scape. We have studied hundreds of specimens from Hispaniola and Puerto Rico and found that this is a single, variable species. We demonstrate that the elytral markings vary tremendously (Fig. 9) and without a geographical basis. Figure 9a most closely matches the holotype of Urgleptes sandersoni (described from Puerto Rico). Figure 9f most closely matches the holotype of Urgleptes haitiensis (described from Haiti). The scape coloration, however, with the presence of the pale apical annulation in an overall darker apical half, is constant for the species as is the elytral punctation and general coloration of the femora, tibiae, and tarsi, described above. We therefore consider Urgleptes haitiensis Gilmour (1963: 82) a new synonym of Urgleptes sandersoni Gilmour (1963: 79). This species is most similar to Urgleptes guadeloupensis (Fleutiaux & Sallé), another highly variable species described from Guadeloupe. According to Gilmour (1963), that species is much paler without a marmorated appearance. Some authors (e.g., Peck 2005) have recorded Urgleptes guadeloupensis from the Greater Antilles (Cuba) but other authors (e.g, Micheli 2010) concluded it was not present in Puerto Rico. We agree with Micheli’s concept of Urgleptes sandersoni ; however, further study and discovery of additional characters may support synonymy of Urgleptes sandersoni under Urgleptes guadeloupensis .

Material examined.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Barahona Prov., 11 km S Barahona, 6-17 May 1985, E. Giesbert (FSCA, 7); Filipinas, 1700 ft, 3-6 May 1985, E. Giesbert (FSCA); same data but 5-6 May 1985 (FSCA); Rd to Polo, S slope, 860 m, 14 July 1996, M. C. Thomas (FSCA, 34); 4.5 km S Barahona, 13 July 1996, M. C. Thomas (FSCA); Paraiso Río Nazaito, 18°00'N, 71°06'W, blacklighting/log picking, 7 July 2004, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM, 2); same data but Charyn J. Micheli (USNM, 3); Filipinas, 625 m, 18°07.339'N, 71°07.152'W, blacklighting/night beating, 7 July 2004, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM, 5); same data but 6 July 2004, C. J. Micheli (USNM); same data but 7 July 2004 (USNM); El Cachote, 970 m, 18°03.295'N, 71°09.778'W, beating, 14 July 2006, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM, 6); Rd to Filipinas, 1700 ft, V–15– 1985, J. E. Wappes (WIBF); 11 km S Barahona, V–6– 1985, J. E. Wappes (WIBF, 4); same data but V– 15, 17-1985 (WIBF); Dajabón Prov., El Pomo Loma de Cabrera, 366 m, 19°26'09.3"N, 71°34'45.3"W, beating/dead wood, 28 June 2010, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM); Los Cerezos, 14 km NW of Río Limpio, 608 m, 19°18'42.9"N, 71°36'36.6"W, fresh cut wood, 29 June 2010, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM, 10); Elías Piña Prov., Sierra de Neiba, 1.5 km E of Military Post 204, SW of Aniceto Martinez, 1597 m, 18°41.644'N, 71°46.457'W, 12 July 2006, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM); Río Limpio, 867 m, 19°14'03.9"N, 71°31'00.9"W, MV lights, 30 June 2010, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM); Hato Prov., Parque Nacional Los Haїtises, 6 km SW Sabana de la Mar, 10-20 m, 19°03.494'N, 69°27.302'W, beating, 6 July 2005, C. J. Micheli (USNM, 2); same data but S. W. Lingafelter (USNM, 2); Independencia Prov., Rd 47 between Los Pinos and Ángel Félix, 760 m, 18°36.986'N, 71°46.556'W, 20 June 2005, N. E. Woodley (USNM, 2); La Altagracia Prov., Parque Nacional del Este, Guaraguao, 0-5 m, 18°19.568'N, 68°48.500'W, day collecting, 21 July 2004, C. J. Micheli (USNM); same data but beating, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM); same data but 3 July 2006 (USNM); same data but 8 July 2006 (USNM); same data but 28 June 2005, on Conocarpus erectus , N. E. Woodley (USNM); same data but day collecting (USNM); Parque Nacional del Este, Boca de Yuma, 20 m, 18°21.508'N, 68°36.956'W, day collecting, 19 July 2004, C. J. Micheli (USNM, 2); same data but 20 July 2004 (USNM); El Verón, Hoyo Azul, 25-40 m, 18°33.610'N, 68°26.881'W, day collecting, 22 July 2004, C. J. Micheli (USNM, 3); same data but S. W. Lingafelter (USNM, 5); El Verón, Hoyo Azul, 25-40 m, 18°33.805'N, 68°26.543'W, 4 July 2005, N. E. Woodley (USNM); same data but day collecting, 1 July 2005, C. J. Micheli (USNM, 8); same data but 4 July 2005 (USNM, 2); same data but 1 July 2005, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM, 7); same data but UV light and log picking, 7 July 2006 (USNM, 3); Parque Nacional del Este, Boca de Yuma, 20 m, 18°21.508'N, 68°36.956'W, blacklight, 18 July 2004, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM); same data but day collecting, 19 July 2004 (USNM); Punta Cana near Ecological Reserve, 0-5 m, 18°30.477'N, 68°22.499'W, day collecting, 3 July 2005, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM, 5); same data but blacklight (USNM); same data but 29 June 2005 (USNM); same data but beating, 14 June 2005 (USNM, 8); same data but 12-14 June 2005 (USNM); same data but lights, N. E. Woodley (USNM, 4); same data but 2-7 July 2005 (USNM, 2); same data but 12-13 June 2005 (USNM, 5); same data but day collecting, 3 July 2005, C. J. Micheli (USNM, 9); same data but at lights, 26-27 July 2005 (USNM); Punta Cana near Ecological Reserve, 0-5 m, 18°30.477'N, 68°22.499'W, beating, 2 July 2006, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM, 5); same data but 21 July 2006 (USNM, 5); same data but cut wood at night, 5 July 2006 (USNM, 11); same data but at light, 1 July 2006 (USNM); Parque Nacional del Este, valle de la Orqueta, 25 m, 18°22.945'N, 68°46.631'W, beating, 29 June 2005, C. J. Micheli (USNM); same data but N. E. Woodley (USNM); La Vega Prov., vicinity of Manabao, 15 July 1996, M. C. Thomas (FSCA, 6); 10 km E Constanza, 1295 m, beating in pine guava forest, 31 August 1988, M. A. Ivie, T. K. Philips, & K. A. Johnson (FSCA); 1 km NW Manabao, 6 July 1994, M. C. Thomas (FSCA, 4); same data but 4 July 1994 (FSCA, 2); same data but 5 July 1994 (FSCA); Pico Duarte Trail, Ciénaga to Los Tablones, 19°08.222'N, 70°27.736'W, beating, 29 June 2004, C. J. Micheli (USNM, 2); same data but 3000 ft, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM); same data but 3300 ft, 17 July 2004 (USNM); same data but recently fallen tree, 2 July 2010, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM, 2); Parque Nacional José Armando Bermúdez, 10 km along trail W of La Ciénaga near Los Tablones, 990-1100 m, 19°01.753'N, 70°54.654'W, day collecting, 22 June 2005, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM); Rancho Baiguate Hotel, 527 m, 19°07'36"N, 70°38'39"W, dead branches, 18 June 2010, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM, 5); 9 km NE Jarabacoa, 2000 ft, 8-12 May 1985, E. Giesbert (FSCA, 8); Boca de Yuma entrance, Parque Nacional del Este, 12 m, 18°201.904'N, 68°37.094'W, beating vegetation, 6 August 1999, M. A. Ivie (FSCA); same data but 2 m, at light, 5 August 1999, M. A. Ivie & K. A. Guerrero (FSCA); 6 km E Jima, 4100 ft, 18 May 1985, E. Giesbert (FSCA); 10 km NE Jarabacoa, V– 8, 12-1985, J. E. Wappes (WIBF, 5); 2 km E Tireo, 4100 ft, V–8– 1985, J. E. Wappes (WIBF); Monseñor Nouel Prov., 19°01'N, 70°31'W, beating, 4 July 2004, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM); Monte Cristi Prov., Reserva Cientifica Villa Elisa, 183 m, 19°44'46.1"N, 71°15'27.3"W, dead wood, 24 June 2010, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM, 4); Pedernales Prov., 19-20 km N Cabo Rojo, 375 m, 10 July 1996, M. C. Thomas (FSCA, 4); same data but 24 km N, 535 m, 11 July 1996 (FSCA); N of Pedernales border Rd, Río Banano, S of Arroyos, 18°09.291'N, 71°45.540'W, 21 July 1999, Ivie & Guerrero (FSCA); Parque Nacional Sierra de Baoruco, Las Abejas, 1240 m, 18°09.023'N, 71°37.387'W, 09 August 1999, M. A. Ivie (FSCA); Parque Nacional Jaragua, trail to Carlitos ca. 6 km S of hwy 44, 106 m, 17°48.93'N, 71°28.27'W, beating, 8 July 2004, C. J. Micheli (USNM, 7); same data but S. W. Lingafelter (USNM, 4); same data but 16 June 2006 (USNM, 4); Parque Nacional Sierra de Baoruco, Las Abejas, 1150 m, 18°09.011'N, 71°37.342'W, blacklight, night beating, 11 July 2004, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM, 14); same data but 18 June 2005 (USNM, 2); same data but 17 July 2006 (USNM, 10); same data but beating, 11 July 2004, Charyn J. Micheli (USNM, 9); 25 km N of Cabo Rojo, 679 m, 18°06.769'N, 71°37.245'W, day collecting, 10 July 2004, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM, 2); 1 km N of Banano, 290 m, 18°09.258'N, 71°45.384'W, day beating, 12 July 2004, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM); 25 km N of Cabo Rojo, 679 m, 18°06.769'N, 71°37.245'W, beating, 15 July 2006, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM); Parque Nacional Jaragua 3 km S of Los Tres Charcos, 100 m, 17°47.51'N, 71°27.78'W, beating, 16 July 2006, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM, 6); Peravia Prov., 5 km W of Rd to El Río, S of Pedregal, 52 m, 19°05.092'N, 70° 35.864 W’, 23 June 2005, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM, 3); Puerto Plata., Reserva Cientifica Isabel de Torres, 704 m, 19°45'55.6"N, 70°42'42.8"W, beating, 23 June 2010, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM, 9); S of Punta Rusia, 39 m, 19°49.32.5"N, 71°13'11.1"W, dead wood, S. W. Lingafelter (USNM, 2); S Pico Isabel de Torres, El Cupey Rd, 258 m, 19°45.214'N, 70°43.6464'W, 30 July 1999, Ivie & Guerrero (FSCA); 14 km W Puerto Plata, 10-11 May 1985, E. Giesbert (FSCA, 2); 14 km W of Puerto Plata, V–11– 1985, J. E. Wappes (WIBF); Le Cumbre Rsh. Sta., V– 8, 9-1985, J. E. Wappes (WIBF); Imbert, at night, 29 July 1983, R. E. Woodruff (FSCA); San Pedro Prov., Near Juan Dolio, V– 13, 18-1985, J. E. Wappes (WIBF, 17); San Pedro de Macorís Prov., 12 km W San Pedro de Macorís, 5-19 May 1985, E. Giesbert (FSCA, 10). HAITI: Dept. Ouest., Morne Guimby, 22 km SE Fonds-Verrettes, 6500 ft, 19 July 1956, B. & B. Valentine (WIBF, 8). Dept. Sud- Est., Massif de la Selle, Morne d’Enfer, 1850 m, 15 May 1984, M. C. Thomas (FSCA, 4); Parc National La Viste, 1 km S Roche Plat, 22 May 1984, M. C. Thomas (FSCA, 4): Furcy (Holotype of haitiensis ).