Operclipygus proximus, Caterino, Michael S. & Tishechkin, Alexey K., 2013

Caterino, Michael S. & Tishechkin, Alexey K., 2013, A systematic revision of Operclipygus Marseul (Coleoptera, Histeridae, Exosternini), ZooKeys 271, pp. 1-401 : 185

Operclipygus proximus sp. n. Figs 48J, O49FMap 18

Type locality.

SURINAME: Brokopondo: Brownsberg Nature Preserve [4°56.9'N, 55°10.9'W].

Type material.

Holotype male: "SURINAME: Brokopondo, Brownsberg Nature Preserve, Witi Creek Trail, 340m, 4°56'55"N, 55°10'53"W, 23-25 JUN 1999; Z.H. Falin, A. Gangadin, H. Hiwat, SUR1F99 115; ex: flight intercept trap"/ "SM0178062 KUNHM-ENT" (SEMC). Paratypes (2): FRENCH GUIANA: 1: Belvèdére de Saül, point de vue, 3°1'22"N, 53°12'34"W, 13.v.2011, polytrap, SEAG (MNHN). GUYANA: Region 8: 1: Iwokrama Field Stn., Iwokrama Forest, 1km W Kurupukari, 4°40'19"N, 58°41'4"W, 60m, 20-25.v.2001, FIT, R. Brooks & Z. Falin (SEMC).

Other material.

BRAZIL: Mato Grosso: 1: Cotriguaçu, Fazenda São Nicolau, Matinha, 9°50.3'S, 58°15.05'W, xii.2009, FIT, F.Z. Vaz-de-Mello (CEMT), 1: xii.2010, FIT, F.Z. Vaz-de-Mello (AKTC); 2: Cotriguaçu, Fazenda São Nicolau, Mata Norte, 9°49.15'S, 58°15.6'W, 8-14.xii.2010, FIT, F.Z. Vaz-de-Mello (MSCC, FMNH); 2: Pará: Tucuruí, 3°45'S, 49°40'W, 24. iii– 11.iv.1988, FIT (CHND).

Diagnostic description.

This species is very similar to Operclipygus distinctus , as well as Operclipygus gilli , differing in a few characters as follows: length: 2.15-2.50 mm, width: 1.81-2.15 mm; base of prothorax with distinct plicae; elytra with outer subhumeral stria complete, inner subhumeral stria absent; prosternal keel without microsculpture between carinal striae; mesoventrite with marginal stria complete; fragments of secondary lateral metaventral stria visible on sides of metaventrite; 1st abdominal ventrite with inner lateral stria complete, outer lateral stria well-impressed, present along inner edge of metacoxa and curving behind it as a distinct stria; pygidium not so strongly convex, with secondary punctures relatively small. Male genitalia very similar to those of Operclipygus gilli , above (see Figs 48A, H), (which are in turn indistinguishable from those of Operclipygus farctus in many respects), except basal expansion of S9 (Fig. 48J) markedly asymmetrical, not emarginate, apical midline sclerotization well developed, elevated above sides; tegmen (Fig. 48O) with sides subparallel in middle, abruptly narrowed to base and much more strongly narrowed to apices.

Remarks.

This species and Operclipygus gilli are very similar and closely related. Aside from the marked differences in aedeagus shape, the best way to separate the two is by the presence of distinct pronotal plicae (Fig. 49F), and the complete outer subhumeral stria in Operclipygus proximus . We restrict the type series to Guianan localities, due to some variability, and a largely disjunct distribution overall.

Etymology.

This species’ name refers to the close proximity of the two median pronotal gland openings on the anterior pronotal margin (not, it should be emphasized, unique to this species).