Laccophilus gentilis suavis Sharp, 1882

Megna, Yoandri S., Deler-Hernández, Albert & Challet, Gilbert L., 2011, Description Of A New Species Of Laccophilus Leach (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae), With Notes On Other Cuban Species, The Coleopterists Bulletin 65 (3), pp. 213-226 : 220

Laccophilus gentilis suavis Sharp, 1882 ( Figs. 3 , 9 , 15 )

Laccophilus suavis Sharp 1882b: 13 .

Laccophilus gentilis suavis Sharp 1882b . Zimmerman 1970: 229; Spangler 1981: 150; Nilsson 2001: 244; Peck 2005: 44; Pérez-Gelabert 2008: 78; Turnbow and Thomas, 2008: 36.

Laccophilus championi Sharp 1882b: 14 . Zimmerman 1970: 229.

Diagnosis. Laccophilus gentilis suavis is superficially very similar to L. ovatus zapotecus . However, L. gentilis suavis may be distinguished by the weak metacoxal file and aedeagus with an enlarged and rounded apex in lateral view ( Fig. 9A ) whereas L. ovatus zapotecus has the aedeagus with a subtriangular apex in lateral view (Fig. 273 in Zimmerman 1970).

Distribution. This species is known from Mexico through Central America to Panama and the West Indies ( Zimmerman 1970). In Cuba, L. gentilis suavis has been recorded from the central and eastern parts of the country ( Fig. 15 ). Laccophilus gentilis gentilis LeConte occurs along the Gulf Coast of the United States.

Ecology. Laccophilus gentilis suavis has been collected in the lowlands in permanent lagoons with abundant aquatic vegetation, muddy sediment, and turbid water. According to Zimmerman (1970), L. gentilis suavis occurs in coastal plains up to an elevation of 5,000 feet (ca. 1,524 m).

Comments. Laccophilus gentilis suavis has the metacoxal file weakly impressed, but this file may be lacking in some specimens from North America ( Zimmerman 1970; Spangler 1981).

Material Examined. CUBA. Granma. Cauto Cristo , 12-III-2005 , L. Chávez and E. Gallego leg. 1 ( CZCTR). Santiago de Cuba. Campo Rico II, 02-V-2005 , Y. S. Megna and Y. Alarie leg. 31 ( CZCTR); Chalons , 28-II-2005 , A. Trapero leg. 1 ( CZCTR), 22-V-2005 , Y. S. Megna leg. 7 ( CZCTR), 21-VI-2005 , Y. S. Megna leg. 3 ( CZCTR), 23-VI- 2005 , M. Castell leg. 1 ( CZCTR); Los Reinaldos , 17-III-2006 , Y. S. Megna leg. 3 ( CZCTR); Las Lagunitas , 17-III-2006 , Y. S. Megna leg. 1 ( CZCTR). Guantánamo. Guamá, 21-VI-2005 , L. Delfino leg. 4 ( CZCTR); Santa María , 6-II-2004 , Y. S. Megna leg. 2 ( CZCTR); El Yunque , 29-I-2010, A. Deler-Hernández and R . Correa leg. 35 ( CZCTR), 1-III-2010, R . Correa leg. 60 ( CZCTR); Nibujón, 03-II-2010, A. Deler- Hernández and R . Correa leg. 1 ( CZCTR); La Alegría , 10-II-2010, R . Correa leg. 2 ( CZCTR), 19- II-2010, R . Correa leg. 4 ( CZCTR), 13-II-2010, R . Correa leg. 2 ( CZCTR); Jobo Dulce , 20-II-2010, R . Correa leg. 1 ( CZCTR); 18-II-2010, R . Correa leg. 1 ( CZCTR); Cabacú , 16-II-2010, R . Correa leg. 7 ( CZCTR), 21-II-2010, R . Correa leg. 21 ( CZCTR); Guamá , 6-III-2010, R . Correa leg. 1 ( CZCTR).

Figures

Figs. 1–6. Subschematic body shape and color patterns of Laccophilus species from Cuba. 1) L. alariei;

Figs. 8–9. Male genitalia of Cuban species of Laccophilus. 8) L. bifasciatus, A) Medial lobe of aedeagus, right lateral view, B–C) Right and left parameres in lateral view, D) Oval plate; 9) L. gentilis suavis, A) Medial lobe of aedeagus, right lateral view, B–C) Right and left parameres in lateral view, D) Oval plate.

Figs. 13–16. Known distribution of Laccophilus spp. in Cuba. 13) L. alariei; 14) L. bifasciatus; 15) L. gentilis suavis; 16) L. ovatus zapotecus. Filled squares = records reported in literature, filled circles = material examined.