Paroster ursulae, Hendrich, Lars & Fery, Hans, 2008

Hendrich, Lars & Fery, Hans, 2008, Paroster baylyi sp. n., P. ursulae sp. n. (Col. Dytiscidae, Hydroporinae) and the water beetle diversity of pan-gnammas on isolated granite outcrops in the Mallee of south-western Australia, Zootaxa 1704, pp. 27-41 : 35-36

Paroster ursulae sp. n.

Type locality: 80 km WSW Coolgardie, Western Australia, ca. 31.17S 120.52E {10}.

Type material: Holotype: Male: “ AUSTRALIA / WA Great Eastern Hwy, 80 km WSW Coolgardie “Scenic Lookout”, sandstone hill, Mallee, 12.I.2000, in gnammas, Lars Hendrich leg. (loc.16/162)” [white, printed]; “ HOLOTYPE Paroster ursulae sp. n. Hendrich & Fery des. 2007” [red, printed] {10} ( WAM). Paratypes: 196 exs. with the same locality data as the holotype and a red printed paratype label ( BNMH, CDB, CHF, CLH, NMW, SAMA, WAM, ZSM).

Differential diagnosis: Habitus as in Figs 1, 4, 5 ; more stout and compact; distinctly larger than P. baylyi sp. n. Measurements: holotype: TL: 3.9 mm, TL-H: 3.6 mm, MW: 2.0 mm, TL/MW: 1.95, TL-H/MW: 1.80; paratypes: males (n = 20): TL: 3.7–4.2 mm (3.95 ± 0.36 mm), TL-H: 3.35–3.85 mm (3.64 ± 0.13 mm), MW: 1.95–2.2 mm (2.08 ± 0.08 mm), TL/MW: 1.81–2.03 (1.90 ± 0.05), TL-H/MW: 1.70–1.97 (1.75 ± 0.04); females (n = 20): TL: 3.4–3.9 mm (3.72 ± 0.13 mm), TL-H: 3.15–3.6 mm (3.43 ± 0.14 mm), MW: 1.75–2.1 mm (1.98 ± 0.09 mm), TL/MW: 1.80–2.17 (1.88 ± 0.08), TL-H/MW: 1.67–1.97 (1.74 ± 0.07).

Species appearing much darker than P. baylyi sp. n., because yellowish areas on surface much less extended and brownish areas distinctly darker. Also underside somewhat darker; antennomeres almost entirely dark brownish beginning with fifth or sixth.

Pronotum in dorsal view, behind anterior angles not diverging posteriorly, but sides more or less straight and parallel or slightly rounded and converging; thus, point of maximum width not at base, but often distinctly before base, and discontinuity in outline between pronotum and elytra rather prominent.

Reticulation and punctation on upper surface similar to that of P. baylyi sp. n., but generally more distinct. Setae longer and at least on sides and anterior margin of pronotum more distinct.

Variability: As in P. baylyi sp. n. mainly concerning extent of dark areas; on elytra in several specimens reaching until base, yellowish markings on pronotum often reduced on rather narrow stripes on sides and a band parallel to anterior margin before centre of disc; even this band often darkened medially. As in P. baylyi sp. n. often elytra with dark areas weakly lightened centrally.

Male: Most characters as in P. baylyi sp. n., but median lobe larger, in ventral view rather narrow and more or less evenly tapering to truncate apex ( Fig. 10 ); left paramere as in Fig. 13 .

Female: On average smaller than males (see Measurements). Reticulation of upper surface strongly impressed, in particular on elytra; thus, latter appearing very matt. Gonocoxae as in Fig. 16 ; gonocoxosternum large, less elongate ( Fig. 19 ).

Etymology: Dedicated to the senior author's mother Ursula Hendrich.

Distribution: Only known from the type locality near Boorabbin, south-western Australia ( Fig. 22 ). Probably more widespread in an area around Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie.

Habitat: All beetles were collected in exposed, very small (1–1.5 m ²), shallow (up to 15 cm depth) and ephemeral puddles and pools on granite outcrops, by using various small nets and a kitchen strainer. Bottom consisting of sand of bare rock and stones ( Figs 23–24 ). Most beetles were stationary in the middles of pools under flat stones, with a few hiding among rotten debris.

Figures

FIGURE 22. Distribution of P. michaelseni (dots) P. baylyi sp. n. (diamonds) and P. ursulae sp. n. (star). The map was made by using MS ENCARTA 2000.

FIGURES 2 – 7. Habitus of 2) Paroster baylyi sp. n. (male); 3) P. baylyi sp. n. (female); 4) P. u r s u l a e sp. n. (male); 5) P. ursulae sp. n. (female); 6) P. michaelseni (holotype, male); 7) P. michaelseni (female).

FIGURES 8 – 19. Median lobe of aedeagus in ventral and lateral view: 8) Paroster michaelseni (holotype), 9) P. baylyi sp. n., 10) P. u r s u l a e sp. n.; Left paramere: 11) P. michaelseni (holotype), 12) P. baylyi sp. n., 13) P. u r s u l a e sp. n.; Gonocoxae: 14) P. michaelseni, 15) P. baylyi sp. n., 16) P. u r s u l a e sp. n.; Gonocoxosternum: 17) P. michaelseni, 18) P. baylyi sp. n., 19) P. u r s u l a e sp. n.

FIGURES 23 – 28. Habitats of Paroster baylyi sp. n. and P. ursulae sp. n., various pan-gnammas: 23) Type locality of P. ursulae sp. n., granite outcrop 80 km WSW Coolgardie {10}; 24) Stephan Gottwald searching for P. ursulae sp. n. {10}; 25) Type localities of P. baylyi sp. n., “ Bilya Rock ”, 25 km ENE Morawa {1}; 26, 27) “ Camel Soak ”, 31 km E Perenjori {2}; 28) “ Rockpools ”, 10 km E Wubin {3}.