Dysmerus mexicanus Thomas 2009, new species

Dysmerus mexicanus Thomas, new species

Fig. 14, 25, 38, Map 1

Diagnosis. Individuals can be distinguished from other members of the genus by a combination of the following character states: distinct dorsal pubescence, head above antennal insertions and gena both strongly produced (Fig. 14), male scape with vertical spine basally (Fig. 25).

Description. Holotype, male, in CNCI, with the following label data: “ MEX Ejipantla, 5mi. S. San Andres Tuxtla, V.C.,V.5.1969 D.E. Bright”.

Body elongate, parallel-sided, convex; length, 1.74 mm.

Head 1.70X wider than long; punctures shallowly impressed, longitudinally elliptical, smaller than an eye facet, separated by 1-2 or more puncture diameters, sparse medially, denser laterally and basally; each subtending a long, pale seta; surface between punctures smooth and shiny; clypeus prolonged, comprising 0.44 of total length of head measured along midline from front of eyes to front of head capsule, shallowly emarginate anteriorly; sides not reflexed but sinuate and carinate, gena broadly expanded anteriorly, pointed anterolaterally; angle above antennal insertion obtuse, strongly elevated and produced (Fig. 14); antennal scape large, length equal to length of head; from dorsal view strongly curved medially, inner surface concave, apex truncate with dorsal tubercle about 0.30 behind the apex, and with a vertical spine basally(Fig. 25); pedicel small, quadrate; antennomeres III-VIII quadrate, about equal in length; antennomeres IX-X broader and longer; XI longer than X; eye small, abruptly convex, about 0.38 length of head.

Map 1. Distribution of Dysmerus species.

Pronotum slightly wider than long (1.04:1.00); surface sculpture and pubescence as head; roughly rectangular in shape, broadest at apex, thence narrowing slightly to base; width across anterior angles 1.15X width across posterior angles; sides steeply descending from sublateral line to margin; anterior angles right, produced; posterior angles right, not produced.

Elytra 1.86X longer than combined width; parallel-sided for basal half, then gradually converging; lateral margin of third cell slightly more prominent than others but scarcely carinate; sides laterally perpendicular to margin.

Male genitalia as in Fig. 38.

Female. A single female with the same data as the holotype in the CNCI is identified as this species but is excluded from the type series. It has similar dorsal pubescence and an angulate gena, although not as pronounced as in the male. It differs in its simple scape, less broadened pronotum anteriorly, and less protuberant eyes.

Type material. Paratypes, 2, as follows: “ MEXICO: Quintana Roo 19km N Carrillo Puerto, 30-VI-1990 M.C. Thomas blacklight trap” (FSCA).

Variation. The two male paratypes are 1.32 mm and 1.54 mm in length. In neither is the male head armature as well developed as in the holotype but both exhibit indications of the vertical spine at the base of the scape.

Map 2. Distribution of Dysmerus species.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the country of origin of this species.

Distribution. Mexico.