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Revista Brasileira de Entomologia
Print version ISSN 0085-5626
Rev. Bras. entomol. vol.46 no.3 São Paulo 2002
doi: 10.1590/S0085-56262002000300007
Review of the genus Chalcolepidius Eschscholtz, 1829 (Coleoptera, Elateridae, Agrypninae)
Sônia Aparecida Casari
Museu de Zoologia, Universidade de São Paulo. Av. Nazaré 481, 04263-000 São Paulo-SP, Brasil. E-mail: casari@usp.br
ABSTRACT
The genus Chalcolepidius is revised. Type specimens of 65 nominal species, except C. costatus Pjatakowa, 1941, C. fleutiauxi Pjatakowa, 1941 and C. viriditarsus Schwarz, 1906, are examined. Eighty five species are studied, of which 34 are synonymyzed and 12 new species described; three species, C. alicii Pjatakowa, 1941, C. haroldi Candèze, 1878 and C. unicus Fleutiaux, 1910, formely included in this genus, are not congeneric and are removed; C. validus Candèze, 1857 is revalidated. The genus is now formed by 63 species. Redescriptions, illustrations and a key for the examined species, and a cladistic analysis for groups of species are also included. New synonyms established: C. apacheanus Casey, 1891 = C. simulans Casey, 1907 syn. nov. = C. acuminatus Casey, 1907 syn. nov. = C. nobilis Casey, 1907 syn. nov.; C. approximatus Erichson, 1841 = C. aztecus Casey, 1907 syn. nov. = C. niger Pjatakowa, 1941 syn. nov.; C. attenuatus Erichson, 1841 = C. cuneatus Champion, 1894 syn. nov. = C. tenuis Champion, 1894 syn. nov.; C. aurulentus Candèze, 1874 = C. candezei Dohrn, 1881 syn. nov. = C. grossheimi Pjatakowa, 1941 syn. nov.; C. bomplandii Guérin, 1844 = C. humboldti Candèze, 1881 syn. nov.; C. chalcantheus Candèze, 1857 = C. violaceous Pjatakowa, 1941 syn. nov.; C. cyaneus Candèze, 1881 = C. scitus Candèze, 1889 syn. nov. = C. abbreviatovittatus Pjatakowa, 1941 syn. nov.; C. desmarestii Chevrolat, 1835 = C. brevicollis Casey, 1907 syn. nov.; C. gossipiatus Guérin, 1844 = C. erichsonii Guérin-Méneville, 1844 syn. nov. = C. lemoinii Candèze, 1857 syn. nov.; C. inops Candèze, 1886 = C. murinus Champion, 1894 syn. nov.; C. jansoni Candèze, 1874 = C. mucronatus Candèze, 1889 syn. nov.; C. lacordairii Candèze, 1857 = C. exquisitus Candèze, 1886 syn. nov. = C. monachus Candèze, 1893 syn. nov.; C. lenzi Candèze, 1886 = C. behrensi Candèze, 1886 syn. nov.; C. oxydatus Candèze, 1857 = C. jekeli Candèze, 1874 syn. nov.; C. porcatus (Linnaeus, 1767) = C. peruanus Candèze, 1886 syn. nov. = C. flavostriatus Pjatakowa, 1941 syn. nov. = C. herbstii multistriatus Golbach, 1977 syn. nov.; C. rugatus Candèze, 1857 = C. amictus Casey, 1907 syn. nov.; C. smaragdinus LeConte, 1854 = C. ostentus Casey, 1907 syn. nov. = C. rectus Casey, 1907 syn. nov.; C. sulcatus (Fabricius, 1777) = C. herbstii Erichson, 1841 syn. nov; C. virens (Fabricius, 1787) = C. perrisi Candèze, 1857 syn. nov.; C. virginalis Candèze, 1857 = C. championi Casey, 1907 syn. nov.; C. viridipilis (Say, 1825) = C. debilis Casey, 1907 syn. nov.; C. webbi LeConte, 1854 = C. sonoricus Casey, 1907 syn. nov.; C. zonatus Eschscholtz, 1829 = C. longicollis Candèze, 1857 syn. nov. New species described: C. albisetosus sp. nov. (Ecuador), C. albiventris sp. nov. (Mexico: Veracruz), C. copulatuvittatus sp. nov. (Venezuela), C. extenuatuvittatus sp. nov. (Venezuela), C. fasciatus sp. nov. (Mexico: Durango), C. ferratuvittatus sp. nov. (Ecuador), C. proximus sp. nov. (Mexico: Sinaloa), C. serricornis sp. nov. (Mexico: Veracruz), C. spinipennis sp. nov. (Mexico: Veracruz), C. supremus sp. nov. (Venezuela), C. truncuvittatus sp. nov. (Mexico: Tamaulipas) and C. virgatipennis sp. nov. (Mexico: Durango). Redescribed species: C. angustatus Candèze, 1857, C. apacheanus Casey, 1891, C. approximatus Erichson, 1841, C. attenuatus Erichson, 1841, C. aurulentus Candèze, 1874, C. bomplandii Guérin-Méneville, 1844, C. boucardi Candèze, 1874, C. chalcantheus Candèze, 1857, C. corpulentus Candèze, 1874, C. cyaneus Candèze, 1881, C. desmarestii Chevrolat, 1835, C. dugesi Candèze, 1886, C. erythroloma Candèze, 1857, C. eschscholtzi Chevrolat, 1833, C. exulatus Candèze, 1874, C. fabricii Erichson, 1841, C. forreri Candèze, 1886, C. fryi Candèze, 1874, C. gossipiatus Guérin-Méneville, 1844, C. inops Candèze, 1886, C. jansoni Candèze, 1874, C. lacordairii Candèze, 1857, C. lafargi Chevrolat, 1835, C. lenzi Candèze, 1886, C. limbatus (Fabricius, 1777), C. mexicanus Castelnau, 1836, C. mniszechi Candèze, 1881, C. mocquerysii Candèze, 1857, C. morio Candèze, 1857, C. obscurus Castelnau, 1836, C. oxydatus Candèze, 1857, C. porcatus (Linnaeus, 1767), C. pruinosus Erichson, 1841, C. rodriguezi Candèze, 1886, C. rostainei Candèze, 1889, C. rubripennis LeConte, 1861, C. rugatus Candèze, 1857, C. silbermanni Chevrolat, 1835, C. smaragdinus LeConte, 1854, C. sulcatus (Fabricius, 1777), C. tartarus Fall, 1898, C. validus Candèze, 1857, reval., C. villei Candèze, 1878, C. virens (Fabricius, 1787), C. virginalis Candèze, 1857, C. viridipilis (Say, 1825), C. webbi LeConte, 1854, C. zonatus Eschscholtz, 1829.
Keywords: Agrypninae; Chalcolepidius; Elateridae; Hemirhipini; revision.
INTRODUCTION
The genus Chalcolepidius Eschscholtz, 1829 is recognized by the wide, arched, and almost parallel sided body, clothed with scale-like setae, usually metallic and very colorful, many times forming lateral bands on prothorax and elytra. The borders of mesosternal cavity are thick and horizontal basally, and the suture behind the mesosternal cavity is absent or obsolete. Previous workers have characterized the species especially by the pubescence coloration and the shapes of the scutellum and antennae. The majority of the species present scutellum folded (previously called triangular) and in several of them, a wide range of coloration variation is observed, showing a clear gradation when a large series is analyzed. This variation and the small number of specimens available to study, led the previous workers to describe specimens from different position of one range of coloration pubescence as different species.
The only revision of the genus was made a long ago in the nineteenth century, and the last identification key as well in 1886. Since that time, about forty species were described and, the lack of a recent taxonomic revision and an updated key, become the species identification a very hard task.
The goal of the present work is to revise the genus Chalcolepidius pointing out new morphological characters to recognize the species, to enumerate the intraspecific variations and present an identification key to species.
When this study was initiated, Chalcolepidius consisted of 88 species (about 160 nominal species), from which 105 nominal including 65 types, corresponding to 85 valid species were studied. Three valid species, C. costatus Pjatakowa, 1941, C. fleutiauxi Pjatakowa, 1941 and C. viriditarsus Schwarz, 1906, were not examined because the type material was not located and none specimen fitting in the original descrition was found.
Based on the morphology of these species, a new interpretation of the scutellum shape is presented. The coloration and some characters related to the male and female genitalia are also used to define the species.
In the present revision, the genus Chalcolepidius is constituted by 63 species. Three species, C. alicii Pjatakowa, 1941, C. haroldi Candèze, 1878 and C. unicus Fleutiaux, 1910, were removed from the genus and will be transferred to Alaus Eschscholtz, 1829. C. lafargi Chevrolat, 1835 and C. validus Candèze, 1857 are revalidated, 34 species are considered synonyms and twelve new species are described.
An identification key and redescriptions, illustrations and maps with the geographical distribution for all species studied are presented. In addition, a cladistic analysis for group of species is included.
HISTORICAL REVIEW
ESCHSCHOLTZ (1829) erected Chalcolepidius shortly characterized by "scutellum obcordatum; metathorax carinatus", and included Elater porcatus Fabricius, E. striatus Fabricius, E. sulcatus Fabricius and E. virens Fabricius, and three new species, C. limbatus, C. smaragdulus and C. zonatus. He presented a diagnosis for each species, some of them later synonymized.
GERMAR (1840) re-characterized Chalcolepidius and presented a key for 11 Elateridae genera. He was the first to draw attention on the absence of a distinct suture between the meso- and metasternum, behind the mesosternal cavity. Since this time, this character has been used as diagnostic feature of the genus.
ERICHSON (1841) treated of 18 Chalcolepidius species, and redefined C. porcatus (including Elater virens Fabricius and E. striatus Linnaeus as synonyms), C. limbatus (with Elater striatus Fabricius as synonym), C. zonatus Eschscholtz, C. lafargi Chevrolat, C. sulcatus (Fabricius), C. desmarestii Chevrolat, C. silbermanni Chevrolat, C. obscurus Castelnau, C. aequinoctialis Castenau and C. mexicanus Castelnau. He also described C. herbstii (including Elater sulcatus Herbst as synonym), C. approximatus, C. fabricii, C. sericeus, C. pruinosus, C. procerus, C. prasianus and C. attenuatus. Three species described by ERICHSON (l.c.) were considered as synonyms by CANDÈZE (1857): C. sericeus = C. silbermanni Chevrolat, 1835, C. procerus = C. dermarestii Chevrolat, 1835 and C. prasianus = C. viridipilis (Say, 1825).
LACORDAIRE (1857) redescribed the genus, enumerated the sexual differences and, by first time, observed the fringe of long cilia on tibiae of males. This character is not generic but it is present in a large group of species. He also divided the species into two groups based on antennal shape: flabellate in male and pectinate in female, with only one species of North America, C. viridipilis Say, or serrate in both sexes, including the remainder species. The last group, with serrate antennae, was subdivided according to the scutellum shape: horizontal on basal half and declivous or vertical on anterior half (including C. attenuatus Erichson and C. desmarestii Chevrolat from Mexico, and C. erichsonii Guérin-Méneville and C. gossipiatus Guérin-Méneville, from "Nouvelle Grenade") or scutellum horizontal, including species from hot areas of South America (C. herbstii Erichson, C. limbatus Eschscholtz, C. porcatus (Linnaeus) and C. zonatus Eschscholtz), Colombia (C. bomplandii Guérin-Méneville and C. fabricii Erichson), Mexico, (C. approximatus Erichson, C. eschscholtzi Chevrolat, C. lafargi Chevrolat, C. pruinosus Erichson and C. silbermanni Chevrolat), United States (C. smaragdinus LeConte and C. webbi LeConte), and Antilles (C. obscurus Castelnau and C. sulcatus Fabricius). Besides the ERICHSON'S (1841) synonyms, LACORDAIRE (l.c.) also considered as synonyms: C. limbatus Eschscholtz (= C. porcatus Olivier = C. striatus Fabricius), C. silbermanni Chevrolat (=C. sericeus Erichson), and C. zonatus Eschscholtz (= var. smaragdulus = C. costatus Dejean).
CANDÈZE (1857) redescribed the genus observing the arched body and "triangular scutellum" at the majority of species. He included a key for 31 species, separated in 4 sections based on, besides the scutellum and antennal shapes used by LACORDAIRE (l.c.), the length of 3rd antennal segment. C. smaragdinus, which antennae were considered almost flabellate, and C. webbi were not included in the key nor in any section. Besides the synonyms presented by LACORDAIRE (l.c.), he also considered as synonyms: C. desmarestii Chevrolat = C. procerus Erichson, C. eschscholtzi Chevrolat = C. lafargei Chevrolat = C. mexicanus Dejean, C. gossipiatus Guérin-Meneville = C. erichsoni Guérin-Meneville, C. limbatus Eschscholtz = C. brullei Dejean = C. porcatus Dejean, C. obscurus Castelnau = C. defloratus Dejean, C. porcatus (Linnaeus) = C. porcatus Fabricius = C. striatus Eschscholtz, C. sulcatus (Fabricius) = C. sulcatus Eschscholtz, C. viridipilis (Say) = C. olivaceous Dejean = C. prasianus Erichson = C. viridipilis LeConte. CANDÈZE (1874) separated the 41 Chalcolepidius species, including 7 new species, into two sections. He put the species of the previous 2nd and 3rd sections in the same, considering that the length of 3rd antennal segment did not justify the division. CANDÈZE (1886), described seven new species and presented the geographical distribution and an identification key for 58 species, separated into three sections, according to the scutellar and antennal shapes. CANDÈZE (1890) described C. pistorius (Honduras), later synonymized under C. rugatus Candèze 1857 by CHAMPION (1894). CANDÈZE (1891) catalogued 64 species separated into three sections, including new synonymizations: C. approximatus Erichson = C. longipennis Sturm, C. porcatus (Linnaeus) = C. guineensis (Linnaeus) = C. pulverulentus Herbst, and C. eschscholtzi Chevrolat was considered as a variation of C. lafargi Chevrolat. The Candèze's works represents the principal contribution to the knowledge of Chalcolepidius.
GEMMINGER & HAROLD (1869) catalogued 32 species of Chalcolepidius and presented several variations, some of them in litt.
JANSON (1882) described Chalcolepidius buckley (Chuiguinda, Ecuador) and compared it with Chalcolepis luczoti Candèze, 1857. Later this species was synonymized under Chalcolepidius haroldi Candèze, 1878, that is herein excluded from the genus.
FLEUTIAUX & SALLÉ (1889) synonymized C. defloratus Dejean and C. lherminieri Dupont under C. obscurus Castelnau. FLEUTIAUX (1911) treating of C. sulcatus Fabricius, C. obscurus Castelnau and C. porcatus Linnaeus, included C. validus Candèze as synonym of the first, and Elater guineensis Linnaeus, E. maximus Sulzer, E. pulverulentus Herbst and E. striatus Linnaeus as synonyms of C. porcatus.
CHAMPION (1894) treating on 32 species (three new species) from Mexico and Central America, illustrated 27 of them with colored pictures. He also presented bibliographic catalogs, list of synonyms, discussion of diagnostic characters and geographical distribution for each species.
CASEY (1891) described C. apacheanus. CASEY (1907) studied the Chalcolepidius species with lateral margins of upper surface densely clothed with white or whitish setae, very numerous in Arizona and northern of Mexico. He presented an identification key, including 13 new species (C. abdominalis, C. acuminatus, C. amictus, C. arizonicus, C. aztecus, C. debilis, C. idoneus, C. nobilis, C. ostentus, C. rectus, C. simulans, C. sodalis, C. snowi) and new names for three of the CHAMPION'S (1894) illustrations: C. sonoricus for C. webbi (fig. 11.23), C. championi for C. virginalis variation (fig. 12.3) and C. brevicollis for C. desmaresti (fig.12.8). He considered C. substriatus Schwarz, 1906, as a variation of C. webbi LeConte, 1854, and C. parallelus Schwarz, 1906 a synonym of C. tartarus Fall, 1898. CASEY (1911) synonymized C. idoneus, C. abdominalis and C. arizonicus, described in 1907, under C. snowi Casey, 1907 and C. sodalis under C. aztecus Casey, 1907. The remainder species described by CASEY (1907) are herein synonymized.
SCHWARZ (1906) redescribed the genus and presented a catalogue for 67 species divided into three groups, according to the scutellar and antennal shapes. He also presented colored illustrations for C. rubripennis and C. substriatus, the latter synonymized under C. webbi by Casey, 1907.
SCHENKLING (1925) and BLACKWELDER (1944) catalogued respectively, 77 and 65 species to Chalcolepidius.
PJATAKOWA (1941) described eight species, but none type was located. It was possible to find specimens that fitted very well with the original descriptions of six of these species. C. alicii is herein removed from genus, and the following species are considered as synonyms: C. niger = C. approximatus Erichson, C. grossheimei = C. aurulentus Candèze, C. violaceous = C. chalcantheus Candèze, C. abbreviatovittatus = C. cyaneus Candèze, C. flavostriatus = C. porcatus. Any specimen corresponding to original description of C. costatus and C. fleutiauxi was studied.
GOLBACH (1977), treating on the species from Central and South America of the third section of CANDÈZE (1857), studied 13 species, including an identification key, and described C. herbsti multistriatus, herein considered synonym of C. porcatus.
CASARI-CHEN (1985, 1994) presented a phylogenetic analysis for Hemirhipini genera and considered Lacais Fleutiaux, 1942 as sister-group of Chalcolepidius Eschscholtz, 1829.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Materials
To the present work about 9,000 specimens were examined, belonging to the following institutions (curators parenthesized). The letters codes follow ARNETT et al. (1993) except for IAHC, ICNC, PCCV, SRGI. The codes DEIC, HMUG, HNHM and MCSN are used only in the type material informations and none specimen of these institutions were studied.
AMNH - American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA (L. Herman); BMHN - The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom (J.E. Beard, C.M. Hayek); CMNH - Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA (R.L. Davidson); DEIC - Institut fur Pflanzenschutz-forschung, Eberswalde Finow, Gemany; DZUP - Departamento de Zoologia Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil (G. Rosado Neto); EGRC - Edward G. Riley, Private Collection, Texas, USA; FSCA - Florida State Collection of Arthropods, Gainesville, Florida, USA (M.C. Thomas); HMUG - Glasgow University, Glasgow, United Kingdom; HNHM - Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest, Hungary; IAHC - Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt, Vila de Leyva, Colombia (F. Fernández); IBSP - Instituto Biológico, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil (S. Ide); ICNC - Instituto de Ciencias Naturales de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Santafé de Bogotá, Colombia (C. Martínez); IMLA - Instituto Miguel Lillo, Tucuman, Argentina (A. L. Terán, R. Golbach); INPA - Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil (C. R. V. Fonseca); ISNB - Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique, Brussels, Belgium (J. Cools, P.Grootaert); IZAV - Instituto de Zoologia Agricola, Maracay, Aragua, Venezuela (L.J. Joly); JEWC - James E. Wappes Private Collection, Bulverde, Texas, USA; MCNZ - Museu de Ciências Naturais, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (M.H.M. Galileo); MCSN - Museo Civico de Storia Naturale "Giacomo Doria", Genova, Italy; MCZC - Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA (P.D.Perkins); MNHN - Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (C. Girard); MNMS - Museo Nacional de Ciências Naturales, Madrid, Spain (C. Martín); MZSP - Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; NHMW - Naturhistorisches Museum, Wien, Austria (P. Cate); OSUC - Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA (A.Sharkov); PCCV - Peter Cate Private Collection of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; SEMC - University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA (R.Brooks); SRGI - Sergio Riese Private Collection, Genova, Italy; TAMU - Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA (E.G. Riley); UFPE - Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil (R. C. Moura); UNAM - Universidad Nacional Autonoma, Mexico, Mexico (S. S. Fragoso); UFMT - Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil (R. D. Miyazaki); USNM - National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., USA (D.G. Furth, Nathalia J. Vandenberg, G. House); ZMHB - Museum für Naturkunde der Humboldt Universitat, Berlin, Germany (M. Uhlig); ZMUC - Zoologisk Museum, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark (O. Martin).
Type Specimens
During the preparation of this work, I have been in contact with Miss C. M. von Hayek (BMNH), who has studied the Chalcolepidius species about twenty years ago, and asked her for help, especially in regard to the type depositories. She kindly sent the drafts of her works that included important informations about several species of Chalcolepidius (including types depositories), and also some discussion on morphology and literature. Some of these precious informations are included herein as "Hayek, personal communication". The data of the not examined types were also taken from her drafts.
The type material of 65 species were examined, as follows (Institutions parenthesized): Chalcolepidius abdominalis Casey, 1907 (USNM), C. acuminatus Casey, 1907 (USNM), C. amictus Casey, 1907 (USNM), C. angustatus Candèze, 1857 (BMNH), C. apacheanus Casey, 1891 (USNM), C. approximatus Erichson, 1841 (ZMHB), C. arizonicus Casey, 1907 (USNM), C. attenuatus Erichson, 1841 (ZMHB), C. aurulentus Candèze, 1874 (BMNH), C. aztecus Casey, 1907 (USNM), C. behrensi Candèze, 1886 (ISNB), C. boucardi Candèze, 1874 (MNHN), C. brevicollis Casey, 1907(BMNH), C. chalcantheus Candèze, 1857 (BMNH), C. championi Casey, 1907 (BMNH), C. corpulentus Candèze, 1874 (BMNH), C. cuneatus Champion, 1894 (BMNH), C. cyaneus Candèze, 1881 (ISNB), C. debilis Casey, 1907 (USNM), C. desmarestii Chevrolat, 1835 (MNHN), C.dugesi Candèze, 1886 (ISNB), C. erichsonii Guérin, 1844 (MNHN), C. eschscholtzi Chevrolat, 1833 (MNHN), C. exulatus Candèze, 1874 (BMNH), C. fabricii Erichson, 1841 (ZMHB), C. forreri Candèze, 1886 (ISNB), C. fryi Candèze, 1874 (BMNH), C. gossipiatus Guérin, 1844 (MNHN), C. herbstii Erichson, 1841 (ZMHB), C. herbstii multistriatus Golbach, 1977, C. humboldti Candèze, 1881 (ISNB), C. idoneus Casey, 1907 (USNM), C. inops Candèze, 1886 (ISNB), C. jekeli Candèze, 1874 (MNHN), C. juani Candèze, 1889 (ISNB), C. lafargi Chevolat, 1835 (MNHN), C. lemoinii Candèze, 1857 (BMNH), C. lenzi Candèze, 1886 (ISNB), C. longicollis Candèze, 1857 (BMNH), C. mniszechi Candèze, 1881 (ISNB), C. monachus Candèze, 1893 (ISNB), C. morio Candèze, 1857 (BMNH), C. mucronatus Candèze, 1889 (ISNB), C. murinus Champion, 1894 (BMNH), C. nobilis Casey, 1907 (USNM), C. ostentus Casey, 1907 (USNM), C. oxydatus Candèze, 1857 (BMNH), C. perrisii Candèze, 1857 (MNHN), C. peruanus Candèze, 1886 (ISNB), C. pistorius Candèze, 1890 (ISNB), C. porcatus var. dimidiatus Candèze, 1874 (MNHN), C. prasianus Erichson, 1841 (ZMHB), C. procerus Erichson, 1841 (ZMHB), C. pruinosus Erichson, 1841 (ZMHB), C. rectus Casey, 1907 (USNM), C. rodriguezi Candèze, 1886 (ISNB), C. sericeus Erichson,1841 (ZMHB), C. scitus Candèze, 1889 (ISNB), C. silbermanni Chevrolat, 1835 (MNHN), C. simulans Casey, 1907 (USNM), C. snowi Casey, 1907 (USNM), C. sodalis Casey, 1907 (USNM), C. tartarus Fall, 1898 (MCNZ), C. tenuis Champion, 1894 (BMNH), C. virginalis Candèze, 1857 (MNHN).
The photos of the type specimens of C. porcatus (Linnaeus, 1767) (ZMUC) and C. sulcatus (Fabricius, 1777) (ZMUC) were also examined.
The data on the type material, examined or provided by other workers, are included next the catalogue of each species. To species that these data were not obtained, only the "Type locality" is included.
Identification key
The identification key for Chalcolepidius includes only 59 species; C. costatus Pjatakowa, 1941, C. fleutiauxi Pjatakowa, 1941, C. morio Candèze, 1857 and C. viriditarsus Schwarz, 1906 are not included because none specimens were obtained, except for the syntype of C. morio that was not in good conditions, especially its pubescence.
Dissecting techniques, illustrations and descriptions
The specimens were dissected following traditional techniques (BECKER 1956; CALDER 1996; CASARI-CHEN 1993). The aedeagus, female genitalia and genital segments of male and female were temporarily mounted on a slide with glycerin and drawn with the aid of a camera lucida attached to Wild M-10 stereomicroscope or a Zeiss Oxioskop microscope, depending on the size of the structure. The pictures were taken with a Nikon Camera with a Micro Objective 62 or 220 mm, under natural light.
The descriptions and redescriptions are presented in alphabetical order and the terminology follows CALDER (1996).
Cladistic analysis
The cladistic analysis includes only 59 species. The three species not examined, C. costatus Pjatakowa, C. fleutiauxi Pjatakowa and C. viriditarsus Schwarz, and C. mniszechi Candèze, were not considered in the analysis. The latter was not included because only a female syntype with destroyed abdomen was examined.
Fifty three characters are included in the analysis and a new interpretation of some of them are presented. The genera Alaus Eschscholtz, 1829, Chalcolepis Candèze, 1857 and Lacais Fleutiaux, 1942 are used as outgroups for characters polarizations.
The polarizations were made by the outgroup comparison method (WATROUS & WHEELER 1981; MADDISON et al. 1984; NIXON & CARPENTER 1993), with Lacais Fleutiaux, 1942, Chalcolepis Candèze, 1857 and Alaus Eschscholtz, 1829, considered as outgroups. The analysis were performed with the computer program Hennig 86, v. 1.5 (Farris 1988) employing the mh*, bb* algorithms, in its interface for Windows with Tree Gardner 2.2 (Ramos 1997). Clados, v. 1.2 (Nixon 1992) computer program was used for verifying the characters distribution. The branches nomenclature follows Amorim (1992, 1993).
BIOLOGY AND HABITS
Little is known on the habits of the adults of Chalcolepidius; they may be collected on foliage, flowers, trunks and ground. HAYEK (personal communication) has kept a female of C. bomplandii Guérin-Méneville, taken in Belize (Toledo District, Salamanco Camp) (16º 17'N 89º 01W, 31.iii.1982), alive in captivity, in BMNH for over nine months feeding on soft fruit such as apples and grapes. The author has kept a female of C. limbatus Eschscholtz, 1829, taken in Trinidad (July 1998), during six months feeding on syrup of honey and water.
FLEUTIAUX (1911) collected C. obscurus on orange tree, in wound of silk tree, Sapium aucuparium, known as "glutier des oiseleurs", and verified that this species is very common on flowers of flamboyant and on the tree trunks.
KIRK (1922) presented biological notes on Elateridae and Melasidae, assembled from his field observations, rearing, collections and notes, and from specimen labels in the collection of the Bureau of Plant Industry. He found that C. viridipilis (Rockville, Pennsylvania) was "collected at sour sap on oak tree in the evening" and C. smaragdinus (Tucson, Arizona) was reared from larva taken from "woodborer gallery in dead wood". According to him, the adults hibernate beneath bark, in crevices and in abandoned cells, and are sometimes attracted to light.
Some labels of the specimens examined in this work also included informations about the biology. Regarding to one female of C. aurulentus, from Moyabamba, Peru, it was found, "felled "Ajoquiru" tree called garlic tree; fresh timber of this tree has a strong odor which causes a headache to people that work this tree"; one female of C. mocquerysi from Andalucia, Colombia, "in cacao"; one female of C. rugatus from La Ceiba, Honduras, "found under bark of fallen panty decayed"; one female of C. smaragdinus, near Douglas, Arizona, "on Salix gooddingii" and a female and three males from Madera Canyon, Arizona, respectively, "on Prosopis chilensis" and "at sap ooze on mesquite"; one female of C. virens from Peru, Huanaco, Pozuzo, "on Ficus glabrata"; one female of C. viridipilis from Brazos Co., "on tanglefoot screen"; and two males of C. webbi from Yuma Co., "on Salix gooddingii Ball (willow)".
The larvae of Chalcolepidius are predaceous and usually confined to deciduous trees, feeding on woodboring larvae or termites. The author collected larvae of C. zonatus under the bark of decayed trunk in São Paulo state. The larvae were reared feeding on workers of termites and larvae of Tenebrionidae. Larvae of only five species were described: C. approximatus, C. corpulentus, C. erythroloma, C. viridipilis and C. zonatus.
DUGÉS (1885) described, in detail, the larva of C. zonatus from Tupátaro, collected "dans le tronc pourri d'un Cazahuate". In fact, this larva belongs to C. approximatus.
SCHIODTE (1870) described, also in detail, the larva of C. erythroloma collected in Oahu "sub cortice arborum emortuarum". He also presented the illustrations of dorsal habitus, head ventral, hind leg, segments VIII-X (lateral view) and spiracle. XAMBEAU (1912) redescribed C. erythroloma.
BÖVING & CRAIGHEAD (1931) presented the illustrations of hypostoma, nasal, mandible, head (lateral), segment IX (dorsal) and segments IX-X (lateral) of the larva of C. viridipilis.
BRUCH (1942) presented the descriptions and illustrations of larva, pupa and adult identified as Chalcolepidius limbatus, based on larvae collected in trunk of "palo borracho", Chorisia insignis Kth., and reared in laboratory. In this same trunk, it was also found larvae and pupae of Dryoctenes scrupulosus (Germar) (Cerambycidae) and Passalus (Passalidae), and the predator behavior was observed. Based on the picture of adult presented in that paper, it was concluded that it belongs to C. corpulentus.
COSTA (1971) and COSTA et al. (1988) redescribed the larva and pupa of C. zonatus.
The larvae of Chalcolepidius are characterized especially by: large size; body flattened dorsoventrally, yellow with head black and thoracic tergites and legs brown; head prognathous and strongly pigmented, with two longitudinal dorsal carinae, parallel lateral margins, bearing row of setae; mandibles without teeth; segment IX with bifid apex and many dorsal tubercles of varied sizes; segment X tubular and ventral bearing anal hooks.
Chalcolepidius Eschscholtz, 1829
Chalcolepidius Eschscholtz, 1829: 52; Castelnau, 1840: 237; Germar, 1840: 276; Erichson, 1841: 77; Lacordaire, 1857: 154; Candèze, 1857: 258, 259; 1874: 160; 1886: 65; 1891: 37 (Cat.); Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1502 (Cat.); LeConte, 1883: 181; Champion, 1894: 272, 273; Schwarz, 1906a: 43, 44; Casey, 1907: 29; Fleutiaux, 1907: 172; Heyne-Taschenberg, 1908: 153; Blatchley 1910: 717; Schenkling, 1925: 54 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 106 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.); Casari-Chen, 1985: 394.
Type species: Chalcolepidius zonatus Eschscholtz, 1829 by subsequent designation (HYSLOP 1921: 634).
Redescription. Large size (16-45 mm); usually robust and arched body. Integument clothed with very colorful metallic scale-like setae, frequently with lateral stripes on pronotum and/or elytra; first three segments of antennae of the same coloration of the general dorsal pubescence. Antennae usually serrate in both sexes, with 3rd segment triangular-elongate, shorter than 4th. Pronotum longer than wide, usually wider at hind angles, narrowed apicad; lateral margins forming narrow an edge; hind angles usually slightly divergent, raised laterally forming edge continuous with that of lateral margins; moderately convex, convexity decreasing basad; posterior margin prominent and notched at middle; median basal tubercle usually flat and triangular-elongate. Notosternal sutures sinuate. Prosternum strongly convex, usually grooved laterally near sutures and flattened longitudinal medially. Borders of mesosternal cavity wide and horizontal at basal half or 2/3 and declivous in variable degree on anterior half or 1/3. Suture behind the mesosternal cavity absent or obsolete. Last visible sternite with apex rounded in male and truncate with fringe of modified (spatulate) setae in female. First three interstices usually joined and forming a flattened small tubercle at base.
Remarks. The Chalcolepidius species form a monophyletic group supported by four autapomorphies: 1) posterior margin of pronotum prominent and notched at middle, 2) notosternal sutures sinuous, 3) borders of mesosternal cavity wide and horizontal on basal 2/3 or ¾ and declivous distally in variable degree, and 4) meso-metasternal suture, behind mesosternal cavity, absent or obsolete.
CHECKLIST OF CHALCOLEPIDIUS SPECIES
| 1. C. albisetosus sp.nov. | |
| 2. C. albiventris sp. nov. | |
| 3. C. angustatus Candèze, 1857 | |
| C. circumductus Candèze, 1857 | |
| 4. C. apacheanus Casey, 1891 | |
| C. simulans Casey, 1907 syn. nov. | |
| C. acuminatus Casey, 1907 syn. nov. | |
| C. nobilis Casey, 1907 syn. nov. | |
| 5. C. approximatus Erichson, 1841 | |
| C. zonatus Dugès non Eschscholtz, 1829 | |
| C. longipennis Sturm, 1843 | |
| C. zonatus var. b Candèze, 1874 | |
| C. aztecus Casey, 1907 syn. nov. | |
| C. sodalis Casey, 1907 | |
| C. niger Pjatakowa, 1941 syn. nov. | |
| 6. C. attenuatus Erichson, 1841 | |
| C. cuneatus Champion, 1894 syn. nov. | |
| C. tenuis Champion, 1894 syn. nov. | |
| 7. C. aurulentus Candèze, 1874 | |
| C. porcatus var. dimidiatus Candèze, 1874 | |
| C. candezei Dohrn, 1881 syn. nov. | |
| C. grossheimi Pjatakowa, 1941 syn. nov. | |
| 8. C. bomplandii Guérin-Méneville, 1844 | |
| C. juani Candèze, 1889 | |
| C. humboldti Candèze, 1881 syn. nov. | |
| 9. C. boucardi Candèze, 1874 | |
| 10. C. chalcantheus Candèze, 1857 | |
| C. violaceous Pjatakowa, 1941 syn. nov. | |
| 11. C. copulatuvittatus sp. nov. | |
| 12. C. corpulentus Candèze, 1874 | |
| 13. C. costatus Pjatakowa, 1941 | |
| 14. C. cyaneus Candèze, 1881 | |
| C. scitus Candèze, 1889 syn. nov. | |
| C. abbreviatovittatus Pjatakowa, 1941 syn. nov. | |
| 15. C. desmarestii Chevrolat, 1835 | |
| C. desmaretsii; Lacordaire, 1857 (error) | |
| C. procerus Erichson, 1841 | |
| C. brevicollis Casey, 1907 syn. nov. | |
| 16. C. dugesi Candèze, 1886 | |
| 17. C. erythroloma Candèze, 1857 | |
| C. albertsi Candèze, 1878 | |
| 18. C. eschscholtzi Chevrolat, 1833 | |
| 19. C. extenuatuvittatus sp. nov. | |
| 20. C. exulatus Candèze, 1874 | |
| 21. C. fabricii Erichson, 1841 | |
| C. marginatus Sturm,1843 | |
| C. fabricii var. a Candèze 1857 | |
| 22. C. fasciatus sp. nov. | |
| 23. C. ferratuvittatus sp. nov. | |
| 24. C. fleutiauxi Pjatakowa, 1941 | |
| 25. C. forreri Candèze, 1886 | |
| 26. C. fryi Candèze, 1874 | |
| 27. C. gossipiatus Guérin-Méneville, 1844 | |
| C. gossypiatus; Schenkling, 1925 (error) | |
| C. erichsonii Guérin-Méneville, 1844 syn. nov. | |
| C. lemoinii Candèze, 1857 syn. nov. | |
| 28. C. inops Candèze, 1886 | |
| C. murinus Champion, 1894 syn. nov. | |
| 29. C. jansoni Candèze, 1874 | |
| C. mucronatus Candèze, 1889 syn. nov. | |
| 30. C. lacordairii Candèze, 1857 | |
| C. lacordairii var. a Candèze 1857 | |
| C. lacordairei; Candèze, 1874 | |
| C. exquisitus Candèze, 1886 syn. nov. | |
| C. monachus Candèze, 1893 syn. nov. | |
| 31. C. lafargi Chevrolat, 1835 | |
| 32. C. lenzi Candèze, 1886 | |
| C. behrensi Candèze, 1886 syn. nov. | |
| 33. C. limbatus (Fabricius, 1777) | |
| Elater striatus; Fabricius, 1801 | |
| Elater porcatus; Olivier, 1790 | |
| Elater porcatus; Herbst, 1801 | |
| 34. C. mexicanus Castelnau, 1836 | |
| 35. C. mniszechi Candèze, 1881 | |
| 36. C. mocquerysii Candèze, 1857 | |
| 37. C. morio Candèze, 1857 | |
| 38. C. obscurus Castelnau, 1836 | |
| 39. C. oxydatus Candèze, 1857 | |
| C. jekeli Candèze, 1874 syn. nov. | |
| 40. C. porcatus (Linnaeus, 1767) | |
| C. porcatus; Eschscholtz, 1829 | |
| Elater striatus Linnaeus, 1767 | |
| C. striatus; Eschscholtz, 1829 | |
| Elater maximus Sulzer, 1776 | |
| C. pulverulentus Herbst, 1786 | |
| C. guineensis Gmelin, 1788 | |
| C. peruanus Candèze, 1886 syn. nov. | |
| C. flavostriatus Pjatakowa, 1941 syn. nov. | |
| C. herbstii multistriatus Golbach, 1977 syn. nov. | |
| 41. C. proximus sp. nov. | |
| 42. C. pruinosus Erichson, 1841 | |
| 43. C. rodriguezi Candèze, 1886 | |
| 44. C. rostainei Candèze, 1889 | |
| 45. C. rubripennis LeConte, 1861 | |
| 46. C. rugatus Candèze, 1857 | |
| C. pistorius Candèze, 1890 | |
| C. amictus Casey, 1907 syn. nov. | |
| 47. C. serricornis sp. nov. | |
| 48. C. silbermanni Chevrolat, 1835 | |
| C. aequinoctialis Castelnau, 1836 | |
| C. sericeus Erichson, 1841 | |
| 49. C. smaragdinus LeConte, 1854 | |
| C. ostentus Casey, 1907 syn. nov. | |
| C. rectus Casey, 1907 syn. nov. | |
| 50. C. spinipennis sp. nov. | |
| 51. C. sulcatus (Fabricius, 1777) | |
| C. herbstii Erichson, 1841 syn. nov. | |
| 52. C. supremus sp. nov. | |
| 53. C. tartarus Fall, 1898. | |
| C. parallelus Schwarz, 1906 | |
| 54. C. truncuvittatus sp. nov. | |
| 55. C. validus Candèze, 1857 reval. | |
| 56. C. villei Candèze, 1878 | |
| 57. C. virens (Fabricius, 1787) | |
| C. perrisii Candèze, 1857 syn. nov. | |
| 58. C. virgatipennis sp. nov. | |
| 59. C. virginalis Candèze, 1857 | |
| C. championi Casey, 1907 syn. nov. | |
| 60. C. viridipilis (Say, 1825) | |
| C. prasianus Erichson, 1841 | |
| C. debilis Casey, 1907 syn. nov. | |
| 61. C. viriditarsus Schwarz, 1906 | |
| 62. C. webbi LeConte, 1854 | |
| C. substriatus Schwarz, 1906 | |
| C. snowi Casey, 1907 | |
| C. idoneus Casey, 1907 | |
| C. arizonicus Casey, 1907 | |
| C. abdominalis Casey, 1907 | |
| C. sonoricus Casey, 1907 syn. nov. | |
| 63. C. zonatus Eschscholtz, 1829 | |
| C. smaragdulus Eschscholtz, 1829 | |
| Elater porcatus Drury, 1837 non Linnaeus, 1767 | |
| Elater sulcatus Herbst, 1801 non Fabricius, 1777 | |
| C. longicollis Candèze, 1857 syn. nov. | |
Key for Chalcolepidius species (except C. costatus Pjatakowa, 1941, C. fleutiauxi Pjatakowa, 1941, C. morio Candèze, 1857 and C. viriditarsus Schwarz, 1906)
| 1. Scutellum strongly folded (Figs. 227-229, 232, 233, 235, 239, 240, 244, 246, 249, 254, 257, 260, 262, 263, 266, 268-271), horizontal half subtrapezoidal and carinate anteriorly; parameres of aedeagus cleft laterodistally (Figs. 378-380, 382-385, 387-389, 391, 392, 394, 397, 398-400, 402, 404, 405, 407, 409, 410, 412, 413, 415-422) ....................................................................................................... 2 Scutellum declivous in variable degree (Figs. 225, 226, 230, 231, 234, 236-238, 241-243, 245, 247, 248, 250-253, 255, 256, 258, 259, 261, 264, 265, 267); parameres of aedeagus spearhead-like or cleft laterodistally (Figs. 37, 381, 386, 390, 393, 395, 396, 401, 403, 406, 408, 411, 414) .............................................................. 38 |
| 2 (1) . Dorsal pubescence unicolor ................................................................. 3 3 (2) . With interstices equal in width and height .............................................. 4 4 (3). Large size (28-48 mm); wide body (Figs. 44-46); pronotum rugose, wider at hind angles, narrowed apicad; antennae (Fig. 126) serrate in both sexes, 3rd segment long; anterior and median tibiae of male bearing fringe of long cilia; general metallic pubescence blue, green, violet or brown; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 475) (slightly narrowed near apex, apex upwards and prominent ventrally ................. C. lacordairii |
| 5 (4). Male antennae strongly serrate; pronotum subtrapezoidal .......................... 6 6 (5). Pronotum bright and smooth longitudinal medially; pubescence (Fig. 40) short, metallic brown; anterior and median tibiae of male bearing fringe of long cilia; lateral cleft of parameres (Figs. 473, 597) strongly narrowed dorsally giving rounded shape to dorsal margin, apex upwards more prominent ventrally; ovipositor short and narrow ............................................................................................ C. inops |
| 7 (5). Antennae of male (Fig. 105) pectinate; metallic pubescence (Fig. 12) gray, grayish-blue or greenish-blue, sometimes different color dorsally and ventrally; pronotum (Fig. 172) 1.4 times longer than wide, strongly convex with median basal tubercle indistinct; tibiae of male bearing row of spines; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig 464) parallel almost up to apex; apex prominent laterally and upwards .............. .................................................................................................. C. boucardi 8 (3). Interstices not forming ridges ............................................................... 9 9 (8). Moderate size (22-44 mm); interstices slightly unequal in width and height; metallic pubescence (Figs. 87-89) green, blue, brown or violet; pronotum coarsely punctuate; anterior and median tibiae of male bearing fringe of long cilia; apex of lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 489) prominent dorsally ........................... C. virens 10 (8). Arched body; general pubescence (Fig. 79) dull yellowish- or grayish-white; pronotum (Fig. 213) subtrapezoidal, wider at hind angles, narrowed apicad .............. .................................................................................................. C. sulcatus 11 (10). Metallic pubescence (Fig. 65) grayish-blue, greenish-blue or olive; pronotum (Fig. 204) subrectangular .............................................................. C. pruinosus 12(11). Pronotum (Fig. 210) wider basad, hind angles very wide; metallic pubescence (Fig. 75) olive-brown, brownish or grayish with silky and bright appearance; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 484) narrowed to subapical region, with apex widened and upwards; sclerotized rings of colleterial glands (Figs. 658) opened frontally ............. .............................................................................................. C. silbermanni |
| 13 (2). Pronotum unicolor, elytra bicolor ......................................................... 14 14(13). Elytral striae, and sometimes lower interstices, clothed with pubescence different from general coloration, but not forming lateral stripes; interstices unequal in width and, when clothed with different pubescence, also in height ...................... 15 15 (14). Metallic pubescence (Figs. 61-63) green, yellowish-green, brown or violet-brown; dull pubescence ochraceus, yellow, yellowish-white or white on striae, and sometimes lower interstices; epipleura clothed with pubescence like ventral; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 481) wide with apex prominent laterally .... C. porcatus 16 (14). Lateral stripes of elytra ferruginous; interstices variable; general pubescence green or ochraceus ................................................................................... 17 17 (16). General metallic pubescence (Fig. 30), including epipleura, olive-green, green or grayish-green; lateral stripes of elytra two or three interstices wide; striae sometimes clothed with ferruginous pubescence; interstices unequal in width; anterior and median tibiae of male bearing fringe of long cilia; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 471) slightly narrowed near apex with lateroapical sharpened angles ......... C. fabricii 18 (13). Pronotum with lateral stripes; elytra without lateral stripes .................... 19 19 (18). Lateral stripes of pronotum ¼ of the pronotum width, with internal margin straight; interstices unequal in width and height .............................................. 20 20 (19). General metallic pubescence (Fig. 5) olive or olive-brown; opaque white pubescence on lateral stripes of pronotum, striae, lower interstices (except distal 2/3 of 5th) and epipleura; anterior and median tibiae of male bearing fringe of long cilia; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 461) narrowed near apex, apex straight, prominent laterally and slightly upwards .................................................... C. approximatus 21(19). Large size (27-47 mm), wide; general metallic pubescence (Fig. 83) brown or reddish-brown; lateral stripes of pronotum (Fig. 217) triangular-elongate, not reaching anterior margin; white or yellowish-white pubescence on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra (except higher interstices); epipleura variable; apex of lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 487) strongly upwards with rounded angles ...................... C. validus 22 (18). Moderately wide body, almost parallel; metallic pubescence bluish with lateral stripes on pronotum and elytra clothed with white pubescence; lateral stripes of pronotum band-like with width variable .......................................................... 23 23 (22). Pronotum longer than wide (1.15 times), narrowed on distal third, and slightly narrowed at hind angles base, strongly convex; lateral stripes of pronotum variable; 3rd antennal segment long and triangular; interstices flat; striae marked only by row of coarse punctures; lateral stripes of elytra variable; lateral cleft of parameres narrowed at apex ................................................................................................... 24 24 (23). General metallic pubescence (Fig. 4) violet-blue, brownish-violet or brown; lateral stripes on pronotum (Fig. 167) narrow (approximately ¼ of pronotum width) and with internal margin semi-elliptical; lateral stripes of elytra two interstices wide; white pubescence on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra and epipleura; 3rd antennal segment (Fig. 100) triangular elongate; anterior third of mesosternal cavity (Fig. 275) almost vertical forming L-shaped profile; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 460) narrowed at apex .................................................................................... C. apacheanus 25 (22). General pubescence (Figs. 69-72) white dorsally and ferruginous ventrally; lateral stripes of pronotum (Fig. 208) and elytra ferruginous, reduced or absent; when present, lateral stripes of pronotum band-like narrowed at extremities not reaching hind angles, and lateral stripes of elytra three or four interstices wide; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 483) wide with apex prominent ventrally ........................ C. rugatus 26 (25). Median size (22-42 mm); lateral stripes of pronotum band-like; lateral stripes of elytra three or four interstices wide; interstices unequal ............................... 27 27 (26). General metallic pubescence (Figs. 49, 50) olive-green, olive-gray, olive-brown, bluish or violet; lateral stripes of pronotum (Fig. 192) with internal margin semi-elliptical; lateral stripes of elytra complete, three interstices wide; white, yellowish-white or ochraceus pubescence on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra, striae and epipleura; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 477) slightly narrowed apicad, apex prominent laterally and upwards ................................................. C. limbatus 28 (26). General metallic pubescence (Figs. 10, 11) olive, grayish-blue, grayish-green, green, bluish-green, dark-brown or violet; lateral stripes of pronotum (Fig. 171) approximately ¼ of pronotum width basally, sometimes emarginated internally near hind angles base, and slightly narrowed apicad; lateral stripes of elytra three or four interstices wide; yellow, yellowish-white or ochraceus pubescence on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra and striae; coloration of epipleura like ventral pubescence; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 463) slightly narrowed near apex, angles prominent and sharpened ................................................................................. C. bomplandii 29 (28). Pronotum (Fig. 166) very long, sub-rectangular, slightly narrowed on anterior half, coarsely punctuate and strongly convex; lateral stripes of pronotum narrow, sub-elliptical, not reaching base; lateral stripes of elytra three interstices wide; white pubescence (Fig. 3) on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra; interstices unequal in width; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 459) with apex flattened forming two laterodistal teeth, the dorsal upwards ............................................ C. angustatus 30 (29). General pubescence metallic or dull; stripes of pronotum band-like narrowed at extremities or elliptical; epipleura coloration like ventral pubescence ................ 31 31 (30). Arched body; pronotum slightly convex and rugose; epipleura coloration like ventral pubescence; lateral stripes of pronotum narrow, reddish-brown or white .... 32 32 (31). General metallic pubescence (Fig. 27) green or yellowish-green; lateral stripes of pronotum (Fig. 180) narrowed at extremities, not reaching basal margin; lateral stripes of elytra three interstices wide; reddish-brown pubescence on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 470) slightly narrowed near apex; apex straight, prominent ventrally and upwards .............................. C. eschscholtzi 33 (31). General pubescence (Figs. 31, 32) metallic olive-brown; lateral stripes of pronotum (Fig. 184) band-like, ¼ of pronotum width at base, narrowed apicad, not reaching anterior margin; lateral stripes of elytra one interstice wide; white pubescence on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra and epipleura; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 472) slightly widened near middle; subapical region flatened and contricted laterally; distal margin rounded and upwards ............ C. fasciatus sp.nov. 34 (33). General pubescence green; lateral stripes of pronotum ferruginous, sometimes white ...................................................................................................... 35 35 (34). General metallic pubescence (Figs. 85, 86) green, olive-green, yellowish-green or grayish-green; lateral stripes of pronotum (Figs. 218, 219) wide, approximately ¼ of pronotum width, not reaching hind angles (2/3 of pronotum length); lateral stripes of elytra four interstices wide; pubescence ferruginous or orange on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra; epipleura coloration like ventral pubescence; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 488) slightly narrowed near apex; apex rounded, prominent ventrally and upwards ............................................... C. villei 36 (30). General dorsal metallic pubescence green, olive-green, brownish-olive, bluish-gray or violet-brown; lateral stripes of pronotum band-like, ¼ of pronotum width at base and slightly narrowed apicad; lateral stripes of elytra present or absent .......................................................................................................... 37 37 (36). Lateral stripes of elytra two interstices wide; white pubescence (Fig. 96) on lateral stripes of pronotum (Fig. 224) and elytra, striae and sometimes lower interstices and epipleura; ventral pubescence like general dorsal; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 494) narrowed at subapical region with apex prominent laterally and upwards ........................................................................................ C. zonatus 38 (1). Scutellum declivous in variable degree; subapical region of parameres of aedeagus cleft .......................................................................................... 39 39 (38). Scutellum (Figs. 236, 237) pentagonal and slightly declivous; subapical region of parameres of aedeagus cleft; pronotum (Fig. 174) more strongly convex longitudinal medially forming ridge, and with fore angles wide and rounded; fore tibiae of male abruptly dilated at apex; general pubescence (Figs. 22, 23) ferruginous or orange; sometimes higher interstices and/or not a rounded patch near middle of each elytra clothed with black pubescence; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 468) strongly narrowed on distal third with apex rounded and upwards ................................ C. desmarestii 40 (39). Integument (Fig. 68) bicolor, black with wined-red elytra; general metallic pubescence green or blue, except elytra violet; antennae (Fig. 143) serrate in both sexes; pronotum (Fig. 207) strongly convex, narrowed anteriad and hind angles base; lateral margins of pronotum sinuous; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 482) narrowed apicad, apex rounded and upwards ................................................ C. rubripennis 41 (40). General pubescence (Fig. 76) metallic green, yellowish- or bluish-green; antennae of male (Fig. 148) flabellate; pronotum sub-rectangular narrowed on anterior fourth; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 485) constricted near apex, apex upwards, strongly prominent laterally forming sharpened angles ...................... C. smaragdinus 42 (38). Scutellum strongly declivous, folded at middle with basal half elliptical, horizontal and prominent medioposteriorly and anterior half almost vertical ............ 43 43 (42). Horizontal elliptical area of scutellum with anterior margin forming weak ridge; dorsal pubescence (Figs. 51, 52) unicolor in male and bicolor in female; dorsal general metallic pubescence olive-brown; ventral general pubescence white or yellowish-white; when present, lateral stripes of pronotum (Fig. 195) band-like, narrower than ¼ of pronotum width, with internal margin semi-elliptical; lateral stripes of elytra two interstices wide; dorsal white or yellowish-white pubescence, when present, on basal region of pronotum and anterior margin of elytra of male, and lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra and striae in female; median basal tubercle of pronotum elongate and flattened ................................................................. C. mexicanus 44 (43). Horizontal elliptical area of scutellum without concavities; integument reddish-brown (Fig. 66) clothed dorsally and ventrally with golden pubescence; median basal tubercle of pronotum (Fig. 205) elongate .................................. C. rodriguezi 45 (44). Pubescence (Fig. 48) grayish-green, grayish or bluish-green; pronotum (Fig. 193) narrowed anteriorly and hind angles base; lateral margins of pronotum rounded with hind angles divergent; lateral carina of hind angles well marked; interstices flat; tibiae of male spiny .............................................................................. C. lenzi 46 (45). General metallic pubescence (Figs. 73, 74) yellowish-green dorsally and ventrally; lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra present or absent; when present, lateral stripes of pronotum (Fig. 209) band-like and narrow, clothed with iridescent reddish pubescence; interstices unequal ............................. C. serricornis sp. nov. 47 (42). Scutellum strongly declivous, horizontal basal area elliptical .................... 48 48 (47). Integument (Fig. 24) dark-brown with reddish-brown elytra; general pubescence brownish dorsally and white ventrally; antennae of male (Fig. 112) pectinate; posterior margin of scutellum notched at middle ....................... C. dugesi 49 (48). Antennae of male (Fig. 115) serrate; general pubescence (Fig. 28) green; lateral stripes of pronotum (Fig. 181) reduced to small triangular area on hind angles, clothed with white pubescence; sclerotized rings of colleterial glands (Fig. 637) U-shaped; bursa copulatrix with wide longitudinal band with carina and spines (Fig. 590) ................................................................ C. extenuatuvittatus sp. nov. 50 (47). Scutellum pentagonal and moderately declivous on anterior half; horizontal basal area wider and declivous ..................................................................... 51 51 (50). General pubescence unicolor or bicolor, pronotum without lateral stripes ... 52 52 (51). Unicolor; general metallic pubescence (Figs. 57-60) green, blue, or violet; 3rd antennal segment (Fig. 136) short and triangular; hind angles of pronotum (Figs. 201) divergent; interstices convex and unequal in width .............................. C. oxydatus 53 (51). General metallic pubescence (Figs. 77, 78) green; lateral stripes of pronotum (Fig. 212) band-like, not reaching basal margin and emarginated internally near basal extremity; lateral stripes of elytra three interstices wide; ferruginous setae on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra .......................................... C. spinipennis sp. nov. 54 (50). Small size (16-29 mm) and narrow; general pubescence (Fig. 6) olive or brownish dorsally and ventrally or grayish ventrally; antennae (Fig. 102) strongly serrate in male; striae marked by row of coarse punctures; interstices equal and moderately convex ..................................................................... C. attenuatus 55 (54). Unicolor; general metallic pubescence (Fig. 80) olive; pronotum (Fig. 214) slightly narrowed apicad with hind angles slightly divergent; median basal tubercle flat and elongate .................................................................. C. supremus sp. nov. 56 (55). General pubescence (Figs. 33, 34) metallic green; lateral stripes of pronotum (Fig. 185) narrow, elliptical, not reaching margins; ferruginous pubescence on lateral stripes of pronotum, interstice IX and distal half of striae VII ................................. .............................................................................. C. ferratuvittatus sp. nov. 57 (56). Lateral stripes of pronotum fused basally; other characters different from below .................................................................................................. 58 58 (57). Integument reddish-brown; general metallic pubescence (Fig. 17) brownish-olive; lateral stripes of pronotum (Fig. 175) band-like, approximately ¼ of pronotum width, sinuous at internal margin and fused at base; white pubescence on lateral stripes of pronotum, striae, lower interstices (partially) and epipleura; 3rd antennal segment (Fig. 107) short and triangular ......... C. copulatuvittatus sp.nov. |
Chalcolepidius albisetosus sp. nov.
(Figs. 1, 97, 164, 225, 272, 313, 353, 377, 676)
Type material. Holotype male: "M; Equateur Chimbo[razo] M. de Mathan 1er Semestre 1892; Chalcolepidius gossipiatus group Pto CMF von Hayek det. 1980 [under side of label:] note similarity of markings to erythroloma; Muséum Paris"(MNHN).
Holotype. Length: 35 mm. Integument black clothed dorsally and ventrally, including legs, with grayish-white pubescence with very few metallic brownish setae dispersed among them; pronotum with two lateral brown elliptical stripes near lateral margins, not reaching extremities; brown setae clothing interstice VIII and distal half of VII; antennae clothed with very short black setae with reddish iridescence, except three first segments white (Fig. 1).
Frons narrow with distal third trapezoidal; small-punctuate with slightly coarser sparse punctuation; slightly concave medioanteriorly; nasal plate high, heterogeneous- and coarsely punctuate. Antennae (Fig. 97) strongly serrate, surpassing posterior margin of procoxae; 3rd segment wider, triangular, shorter than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 164) longer than wide, almost parallel, slightly narrowed apicad, from hind angles apex; anterior margin prominent and slightly emarginated at middle; lateral margins forming narrowed raised edge, on basal 2/3; hind angles slightly divergent, wide with truncate apex, raised laterally forming an edge slightly wider than that of lateral margins; strongly convex; small-punctuate with slightly coarse punctuation sparsely and irregularly dispersed; median basal tubercle elongate, flat; posterior margin prominent and slightly notched at middle. Hypomera concave, small and densely punctuate; prosternal channel absent. Notosternal sutures slightly sinuous. Prosternum convex from sutures, flat between procoxae; small and densely punctuate, with some slightly coarser punctures near sutures. Prosternal lobe transverse, marginated laterally with angles slightly rounded; punctuation slightly coarser than that of prosternum. Scutellum (Fig. 225) strongly declivous on anterior half; horizontal area elliptical with two rounded concavities. Mesosternal cavity U-shaped with borders (Fig. 272) thick, horizontal and prominent on basal 2/3 and moderately declivous on distal 1/3, forming semi- elliptical profile. First visible sternite not prominent laterally; last visible sternite with two lateromedian rounded depressions. Tibiae of male bearing irregular row of spines internally. Striae grooved, marked by coarse punctures; interstices convex, densely small-punctuate and unequal; interstices II and III raised and fused at base, forming flattened tubercle; apices conjointly rounded with sutural spine.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Tergite VIII wider than long, slightly narrowed apicad; anterior margin rounded; basal margin moderately notched; densely setous. Sternite VIII (Fig. 313) transverse, anterior margin strongly prominent at middle; translucent with three melanized areas. Sternite IX sub-elliptical, melanized on distal half except distal band. Tergite IX (Fig. 353) transverse, slightly narrowed apicad with anterior margin moderately notched at middle; densely punctuate; moderately long setae on laterodistal margins. Aedeagus (Fig. 377): three times longer than wide; apex of parameres spearhead-like; median lobe wide, 0.54 times aedeagus length, slightly constricted near middle, gradually narrowed apicad.
Female unknown.
Remarks. Chalcolepidius albisetosus sp. nov. is characterized by integument clothed with white setae; lateral stripes on pronotum (elliptical) and elytra brown; scutellum strongly declivous on anterior half and apex of parameres spearhead-like. It is similar to C. erythroloma Candèze in color but they differ especially by scutellum and aedeagus shapes. It resembles C. ferratuvittatus sp. nov. in shape (see remarks after the latter).
It belongs to albisetosus+ group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from Ecuador (Chimborazo).
Etymology. The epithet is derived from the latin words albus + setosus, related to dorsal and ventral pubescence.
Chalcolepidius albiventris sp. nov.
(Figs. 2, 98, 165, 226, 273, 675)
Type material. Holotype female: "Mexico Soteapan (Veracruz) 300 m. X.1985 T. Porion"(MZSP retained SRGI).
Holotype. Length: 39 mm. Integument black clothed dorsally with metallic short scale-like setae green and ventrally, with longer and dull yellowish-white setae; lateral stripes of pronotum band-like, narrower than ¼ of pronotum width, reaching anterior and posterior margins, clothed with yellowish-white setae; yellowish-white setae at base and lateral stripes of elytra (two interstices wide), epipleura (partially), procoxae and trochanters; tibiae and tarsi with green setae; tibiae with small irregular areas with yellowish-white setae; antennae clothed with blue with iridescent red setae, except three first segments green (Fig. 2).
Frons trapezoidal on distal 1/3, concave on anterior triangular area; small-punctuate with coarse sparse punctuation. Nasal plate high and coarsely punctuate. Antennae (Fig. 98) serrate; 3rd segment very short with spiniform appendix. Pronotum (Fig. 165) longer than wide, slightly narrowed apicad from hind angles base, strongly narrowed frontally; anterior margin slightly prominent and sinuous at middle; anterior angles prominent; lateral margins raised laterally in small bright area forming narrow edge; inner edge widely grooved; moderately convex; small-punctuate; moderately coarse punctuation on anterior third, sparser at middle; hind angles slightly divergent, raised laterally forming an edge slightly wider than that of lateral margins; posterior margin strongly prominent and slightly notched at middle; median basal tubercle flat and elongate. Hypomera concave, small-punctuate, not forming anterior channel. Notosternal sutures slightly sinuous. Prosternum moderately convex from sutures; densely small-punctuate. Prosternal lobe with rounded angles, anterior margin slightly notched at middle; punctuation coarser and sparser than prosternum. Scutellum (Fig. 226) strongly declivous, anterior half vertical; horizontal area sub-elliptical, grooved at middle with two lateral rounded concavities, and anterior margin prominent forming two lobes. Mesosternal cavity sub-elliptical with borders (Fig. 273) thick, horizontal on anterior 2/3, and moderately declivous on distal 1/3 forming semi-elliptical profile. First visible sternite not prominent laterally. Tibiae spiny internally. Striae grooved formed by row of coarse punctures; interstices unequal and small-punctuate; 2nd and 3rd interstices fused forming flattened basal tubercle; apices conjointly rounded; lateral margins not marginated.
Male unknown.
Remarks. Chalcolepidius albiventris is characterized especially by general dorsal pubescence green with white lateral stripes on pronotum and elytra, ventral pubescence white and scutellum strongly declivous. The holotype is partially glabrous dorsally with antennae partially broken.
C. albiventris belongs to serricornis+ group; it is the sister-group of C. exulatus (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from Mexico (Veracruz) (Fig. 675).
Etymology. The epithet is derived from one of the latin words for white color, albidus, related to ventral pubescence.
Chalcolepidius angustatus Candèze, 1857
(Figs.. 3, 99, 166, 227, 274, 378, 423, 459, 686)
Chalcolepidius angustatus Candèze, 1857: 290, fig. 4; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1502 (Cat.); Candèze, 1874: 169; 1886: 74; 1891: 39 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 282; Schwarz, 1906a: 46; Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.). Syntype male: "Syntype; Type; Mexico Oaxaca; B. C. A. Col. III (1). Chalcolepidius angustatus circumductus; Chalcolepidius angustatus M. Type Cdze ex coll. Lacordaire [glued underside:] C. angustatus Nob." (BMNH) (examined).
Chalcolepidius circumductus Candèze, 1857: 289; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1502 (Cat.); Candèze, 1874: 169; 1886: 74; 1891: 38 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 282 (Syn.); Schwarz, 1906a: 42. Holotype female: "Mexico; Chalcolepidius circumductus Cdz F Type ex coll. Deyrolle [Janson] circumdatus [Candèze, stuck to underside of Janson's label]; B.C.A. Coll. III (1) Chalcolepidius angustatus C. circumductus C. angustatus [Champion] (BMNH) (not examined).
CANDÈZE (1857) described C. circumductus, based on a female, in the next page of C. angustatus, based on two males.
CHAMPION (1894), as first reviser, considered C. circumductus as a junior synonym of C. angustatus. He observed that the setae were "olive-green with luteous bands" in the former and grayish with lateral bands almost white in the latter. Besides, the alternate elytral interstices are broader and more raised in C. circumductus, but according to him, "too much importance must not be placed on this character". Probably these differences are related to the sex, since the females are larger.
SCHWARZ (1906) listed both species but expressed some doubts about the validity of these species including after C. angustatus "= C. circumductus Cand."
SCHENKLING (1925) had not considered the "action of the first reviser"(ICN Art. 24a) of CHAMPION (l. c.) and considering the page number of original descriptions, catalogued C. angustatus as junior synonym of C. circumductus.
BLACKWELDER (1944) followed CHAMPION (1894).
Here, the position of CHAMPION (l. c.) is followed and C. circumductus is kept as junior synonym of C. angustatus.
Length: 33-35 mm. Integument black, clothed dorsally and ventrally with metallic green pubescence; lateral stripes of pronotum narrowed at extremities, not reaching posterior margin of pronotum; lateral stripes of elytra three interstices wide; yellowish-white pubescence on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra. Ventral pubescence, including legs, olive-green (Fig. 3).
Frons not carinate, moderately concave medioanteriorly; fore angles raised and prominent; punctuation slightly coarse and sparse and heterogeneously scattered among small, weak and dense punctuation. Antennae (Fig. 99) of male serrate, third segment triangular-elongate slightly shorter than fourth, prominent laterally. Pronotum (Fig. 166) longer than wide, sub-rectangular, slightly narrowed on anterior half; strongly convex frontally; convexity starting at lateral external border of white lateral stripes, decreasing basad; hind angles wide, backward, raised laterally; lateral margins forming edge on basal 2/3, continuous with that of lateral edge of pronotum; punctuation small and dense, intermingled with moderately coarse and sparse on median area, density decreasing basad; median basal tubercle flat, triangular; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle. Hypomera concave near lateral margins; laterointernal margins raised forming wall of anterior channel. Notosternal sutures strongly sinuous. Prosternum weakly micropunctuate, strongly convex, flattened longitudinal medially, concave near sutures. Prosternal lobe weakly micropunctuate, wide, emarginated laterally with fore angles slightly rounded. Prosternal spine flattened laterally. Scutellum (Fig. 227) strongly folded with horizontal basal area subtrapezoidal, carinate anteriorly and notched anterior- and posteriorly. Borders of mesosternal cavity (Fig. 274) wide, horizontal on basal ¾, and slightly declivous on distal ¼ forming an inclined profile. Meso- metasternal suture very weak. First visible sternite prominent laterally fits in lateral groove of elytra. Distal half of first pair of tibiae and last tarsal segment of all legs of male bearing fringe of short cilia (absent on 2nd pair). Striae formed by row of moderately coarse punctuation; interstices weakly micropunctuate and slightly convex; unequal in width; apices conjointly rounded; flat tubercle at base of 2nd interstice.
Aedeagus (Fig. 378): 3.8 times longer than wide; median lobe (Fig. 423) wide, half of aedeagus length, narrowed near middle, bearing 9, 9 teeth, inserted dorsally; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 459) with apex flattened, slightly widened forming two small laterodistal teeth, upwards dorsally.
Female not examined.
Material examined. MEXICO. Ex coll. Oberthür, ex coll. Perroud, 1 M (MNHN).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius angustatus is characterized especially by integument clothed with green pubescence with white lateral stripes on pronotum (narrowed at extremities and not reaching the base) and elytra (three interstices wide), anterior tibiae of male bearing fringe of short cilia, aedeagus with parameres cleft subapically, apex of lateral cleft with two laterodistal teeth and median lobe of aedeagus with teeth inserted dorsally.
The syntype male of C. angustatus, examined, is very abraded with dorsal pubescence almost all lost, except the yellowish-white narrow lateral stripes on pronotum and elytra.
It belongs to fryi* group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from Mexico (Oaxaca) (Fig. 686).
Chalcolepidius apacheanus Casey, 1891
(Figs. 4,100,167,228,275,314,379,424,460,495,532,580,623,693)

Chalcolepidius apacheanus Casey, 1891: 16; Champion, 1894: 278 (= C. webbi LeConte); Champion, 1896: 552; Casey, 1907: 32; Fall & Cokerell, 1907: 177; Leng, 1920: 167 (Cat.); Schenkling, 1925: 54 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.). Syntype female: "Ariz.; Casey bequest 1925; Type USNM 48453; apacheanus; Syntype Chalcolepidius apacheanus Csy 1891 C.M.F. von Hayek 1979"(USNM) (examined).
Chalcolepidius simulans Casey, 1907: 32; Leng, 1920: 167 (Cat.). Syntype female: "Bill Wms. Fork Ariz. Aug. F. H. Snow; Casey bequest 1925; Type USNM 48448; simulans Csy; Lectotype Chalcolepidius simulans Casey CMF von Hayek 1979"(USNM) (examined). Syn. nov.
Chalcolepidius acuminatus Casey, 1907: 32; Leng, 1920:167 (Cat.). Syntype female: "Ariz.; Casey bequest 1925; apacheanus 2 paratype USNM 48453; believed to be syntype of Chalcolepidius acuminatus Casey 1907 C. M. F. von Hayek 1979"(USNM) (examined). Syn. nov.
Chalcolepidius nobilis Casey, 1907: 32; Leng, 1920:167 (Cat.). Syntype female: "Cochise Co. Ariz.; nobilis Csy; Casey bequest 1925; Type USNM 48455"(USNM) (examined). Syn. nov.
CASEY (1891) described C. apacheanus and, in 1907, presented a key including 13 new species, among them C. simulans, C. acuminatus and C. nobilis.
CHAMPION (1894) considered C. apacheanus synonym of C. webbi LeConte. According to him, C. apacheanus was described based on abraded specimens of C. webbi LeConte, 1854. In 1896, after examining large series of material he changed his mind and considered C. apacheanus as valid species. He also stated that Casey identified incorrectly the sex of the specimens he described; he supposed to be a male but it was actually a female.
BUCHANAN (1935) analyzed the material of Casey collection (see remarks after C. webbi) and together with the material recognized as C. apacheanus and C. acuminatus, he added, into the box, two handwritten labels, as following: "Casey evidently re-arranged the specimens of apacheanus, acuminatus, resulting in doubt as to the actual type of the latter species. It is probable that Casey's 1891 desc. of apacheanus was based on the 2 specimens here labeled type + paratype (plus at least one other M, which was not found), that in 1907 he separated apacheanus # 2 as the species acuminatus. Later on, this spec*imen was re-united with the type of apacheanus, but the name label "acuminatus" was attached to another specimen (the present Neotype of acuminatus)"; "The true original specimen of acuminatus is probably apacheanus 2".
HAYEK (personal communication) also analyzed this material and stated about C. acuminatus: "The specimen in the Casey collection with a locality label and Casey's determination label does not agree well with the description, and in my opinion cannot be part of the syntype series. Buchanan was obviously of the same opinion as he attached a "Neotype USNM 48454" label indicating that he was unable to identify the true holotype [sic] with certainty (see Buchanan 1935: 6-8). The description of acuminatus agrees well with a female labeled as "apacheanus 2; paratype USNM 48453". Some of these labels have more than one pinhole indicating that at various times the labels have been removed and replaced. I suspect that on one of these occasions, the labels have been transferred by mistake from one specimen to another and I propose that this specimen be accepted as a syntype of acuminatus Casey. Buchanan's label near the specimens supports the above theory".
SCHENKLING (1925) considered C. webbi synonym of C. apacheanus.
Here, C. apacheanus and C. webbi are considered different species and C. simulans, C. acuminatus and C. nobilis as junior synonyms of the former.
Length: 32-42 mm. Wide, parallel body. Integument dark-brown and bright, clothed dorsally by short, thin, metallic scale-like setae blue, violet-blue, brownish-violet or brownish; ventral pubescence longer and denser, metallic, brownish, sometimes violet; lateral stripes of pronotum narrow, about ¼ pronotum width with internal margins semi-elliptical, not reaching lateral margins; lateral stripes of elytra two interstices wide; white pubescence on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra, basal region of elytra and epipleura; some specimens with white lateral patches on sternites (variable size) (Fig. 4).
Frons not carinate moderately declivous. Antennae (Fig. 100) serrate in both sexes, 3rd segment triangular-elongate, shorter than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 167) longer than wide, sub-rectangular, strongly narrowed on anterior fourth and slightly narrowed at hind angles base, making lateral margins slightly sinuous; micropunctate with coarse sparse punctuation denser lateroanteriorly; strongly convex at middle; convexity decreasing anteriad and basad; anterior margin prominent at middle, slightly sinuous; lateral margins raised forming narrow edge almost reaching apex and continuous with that of hind angles; hind angles triangular, backwards, raised laterally; median basal tubercle very flat, subtriangular; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle. Hypomera concave near sutures, raised in narrow band parallel sutures; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of anterior channel. Notosternal sutures strongly sinuous. Prosternum micropunctate, moderately convex, flattened longitudinal medially; slightly concave near sutures. Prosternal lobe micropunctate, wide, emarginated laterally with fore angles slightly rounded. Prosternal spine flattened laterally. Scutellum (Fig. 228) strongly folded with horizontal basal area subtrapezoidal, notched anteriorly and posteriorly, grooved longitudinal medially. Borders of mesosternal cavity (Fig. 275) wide, horizontal on basal 2/3, and almost vertical on distal 1/3, forming L-shaped profile. Mesepisternum with two transverse elliptical grooves. Meso-metasternal suture very weak. First visible sternite prominent laterally, fits in lateral groove of elytra. Anterior and median tibiae and last tarsal segment of all legs of male bearing fringe of long cilia. Striae weakly marked by row of coarser punctures; interstices flat and micropunctate; 2nd interstice projected anteriorly forming flat tubercle.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Sternite VIII (Fig. 318) transverse, abruptly narrowed on distal third; translucent in large median area and in paired narrow lateral bands. Tergite IX densely punctuate with anterior margin rounded. Aedeagus (Fig. 379): 4.1 times longer than wide; median lobe (Fig. 424) half of aedeagus length, slightly narrowed near middle and bearing 9, 9 teeth; apex of lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 460) flat and narrowed at apex, prominent dorsally.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 495) transverse, slightly prominent medioanteriorly, translucent in small subtriangular median basal area, and lateral paired bands. Sternite VIII (Fig. 532) wide- and deeply notched medioanteriorly, 0.63 spiculum gastrale length; stout and darker setae disposed in row, more concentrate near base. Female genitalia (Fig. 580): sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands elliptical (Fig. 623) with 38 teeth; bursa copulatrix with longitudinal median elongate area with carinae and spines and few lateral spines.
Material examined. Besides the type material, four females of Casey's collection (USNM): "Sierra Durango; Casey bequest 1925; Casey determ. apacheanus-3"; "Sierra Durango; Casey bequest 1925; Casey determ. apacheanus-4"; "Ariz.; Casey bequest, 1925; Neotype USNM 48454; acuminatus Csy; It seems probable that Casey's det. label attached in error does not agree well with descr. of acuminatus Casey C. M. F. von Hayek det. 1979.XI [stuck on underside:] Neotype designation unpublished XI.1979" "Promotorio Durango; Casey bequest 1925; Casey det. 2 acuminatus". UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. California: San Bernardino Co., Needles, 1 F (AMNH). New Mexico: 1 F (SEMC), 1 F (USNM); Catron Co., Mogollon Mts, 1 F (FSCA); Rte 12 2m N 180, 1 F (JEWC); Grant Co., 2 F (MZSP); Cherry Creek Camp, 13 mi N Silver City, 6900 ft., 1 F (AMNH); Santa Rita [del Cobre], 1 F (CMNH); Silver City, 1 F (AMNH). Utah: Silver Reef, 1 F (USNM); Washington Co., St George, 1 F (AMNH), 1 F (USNM). Arizona: 2 F (AMNH), 4 F (CMNH), 2 F (1 dissected) (MZSP), 1 M (USNM), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN), [identified as] Chalcolepidius substriatus Schwarz n.sp., 1 F (MNHN); Cochise Co., 2 F (FSCA), Chiricahua Mts, 3 F (FSCA), 2 F (MCZC), 1 F (USNM), 5000 ft, 1 F (FSCA), 1 M (MCZC), 1 F (USNM); Chiricahua Nat. Monument, 1 M (TAMU); Douglas, San Bernardino Ranch 1 F (MCZC); Garden Canyon, Huachuca Mts., 1 F (AMNH), Huachuca Mts. 4 M (OSUC); Ft. Huachuca, 1 F (MCZC); Portal, 1 F (FSCA), 1 F (USNM), on road to Rustler Park, 1 F (FSCA), Southwestern Research Station, nr Portal, 1 F (FSCA); 5 mi W Portal, 5400 ft., 2 F (AMNH); 5 mi N Portal, 1 F (FSCA); Sunnyside, 1 M (MZSP); Gila Co. 1 F (USNM), Globe, 1 F (USNM); Payson, 3 F (USNM); 17 mi Payson, 1 F (FSCA); Sierra Ancha, 1 F (AMNH), 1 F (USNM); Maripa Co., Phoenix, 1 F (CMNH), 3 M , 1 F (USNM); Navajo Co., Heber, 6500 ft., 1 M, 1 F (AMNH); Pima Co., Santa Catalina Mts, 1 F (USNM), Tucson, 1 F (MZSP), Pinal Co., Pinal Mts, 2 F (AMNH), 1 F (USNM); Yavapai Co., Peach Sp'g [Springs], 1 M (USNM); Cottonwood, 1 M (AMNH); Prescott, 1 M, 2 F (AMNH), 4 F (CMNH), 1 M, 1 F (MCZC), 1 M, 2 F (NHMW); Yuma Co., Bill Williams Fork, 2 M, 2 F (MCZC), 1 M (SEMC), 2 F (USNM). Texas. Brewster Co., Big Bend Nat. Pk. 1 F (OSUC); Big Bend Ranch St. Pk. Ojito Adentro, 1 F (TAMU); Presidio Co., Presidio, 5 F (TAMU), 1 F (USNM). MEXICO. 1 F (AMNH), 2 F (MNHN), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 3 F (MNHN). Sonora: 9 mi NNE Imuris, 1 F (SEMC). Chihuahua: Delicias, 4150 ft., 2 F (AMNH); Juarez, 1 F (USNM). Durango: 6 mi NE El Salto, 8500 ft, 8 F (AMNH); Palos Colorados, 8000 ft., 4 F (AMNH). Veracruz: Nogales, 1 F (USNM). Without locality: 1 M (dissected) (MZSP).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius apacheanus is characterized especially by integument clothed with blue or violet blue setae with white lateral stripes on pronotum and elytra, scutellum folded with median carina, interstices flat and aedeagus with parameres cleft laterally.
It presents a wide range of variation in size and the females are larger and more robust than males. CASEY (1907) considered these variations as specific characters, and characterized C. simulans, C. acuminatus and C. nobilis especially by different proportions of some body parts. In fact, C. simulans presents a few larger white setae scattered on hypomera, but this feature it is not sufficient to be considered as different species.
C. apacheanus belongs to corpulentus+ group; it is the sister-group of C. webbi (Fig. 671). It is similar to C. webbi (see remarks after the latter) its sister-group and forms, together with C. tartarus the tartarus+ group, composed by blue species.
Distribution. It is recorded from United States of America (California, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Texas) and Mexico (Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, Veracruz) (Fig. 693). CASEY (1907) recorded the type locality of C. apacheanus and C. acuminatus Casey as "Fort Apache"(33º 46'N 109º 59'W, extreme south of Navajo Co), but none specimen from this locality has been found.
Chalcolepidius approximatus Erichson, 1841
(Figs. 5, 101, 168, 315, 354, 380, 425, 461, 397, 533, 624, 690)
Chalcolepidius approximatus Erichson, 1841: 82; Candèze, 1857: 275; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1502 (Cat.); Candèze, 1874: 164; 1886: 71; 1891: 39 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 274, 278, t.11, fig. 22.; Schenkling, 1925: 54 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 107 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.). Syntypes: 1 male, 3 females. All specimens: "16218; Hist.-Coll. (Coleoptera), nr 16218, Chalcolepidius approximatus Erichs., Mexico, Deppe, Zool. Mus. Berlin"; [one male bears in addition:] "approximatus Er.* Cand.* Mexico Deppe" (ZMHB) (examined).
Chalcolepidius longipennis Sturm, 1843: 67; Candèze, 1891: 39 (Syn.).
Chalcolepidius zonatus, var. b, Candèze, 1874: 164; Champion, 1894: 278 (Syn.). Syntype female: "Puebla; Mexico." (BMNH) (not examined).
Chalcolepidius zonatus; Dugés (non Eschtz.) 1885 (II): 32, t. 1, f. 35 [Misidentification of larva according to Champion, 1894: 273].
Chalcolepidius aztecus Casey 1907: 33; Schenkling, 1925: 55 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.). Syntype female: "Guer.; Casey bequest 1925; Type USNM 48457; aztecus Csy; Lectotype Chalcolepidius aztecus Casey C. M. F. von Hayek 1979 (not published); Chalcolepidius approximatus Erichs. C. M. F. von Hayek det.1979" (USNM) (examined). Syn. nov.
Chalcolepidius sodalis Casey, 1907: 33; Casey 1911: 253 (= C. aztecus); Schenkling, 1925: 58 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.). Syntype female: "Guer.; Casey bequest 1925; Type USNM 48458; sodalis Csy; Casey determ. aztecus_2; Lectotype Chalcolepidius sodalis Casey C. M. F. von Hayek 1979 (not published); Chalcolepidius approximatus Erichs. C. M. F. von Hayek det. 1979" (USNM) (examined).
Chalcolepidius niger Pjatakowa, 1941: 43. Type locality: "Mexico, Durango". Syn. nov.
ERICHSON (1841) commented about the similarities between C. approximatus and C. zonatus, differing especially by hind angles of pronotum less strongly drawn out and the lateral white stripes on the elytra divided by carina in the former. This carina corresponds to the higher last lateral interstice and this species does not present lateral white stripes on elytra; the lower interstices are clothed with white pubescence in both species.
CANDÈZE supposed that C. approximatus was conspecific with C. zonatus. In 1857 and 1886, he included the former in the Section II, I, A, formed by species with epipleura clothed with pubescence of the same colour as underside, but the syntypes examined have epipleura clothed with white pubescence. In 1886, he included a note: "Je soupçonne cette espèce, que je n'ai point vue, de n'être qu'une varieté du zonatus". This statement seems to indicate some doubts about the authenticity of the specimens he saw before and kept the supposition to be a variety of C. zonatus. In 1891, he catalogued both species and considered C. longipennis Sturm as conspecific with C. approximatus.
CHAMPION (1894) commented that C. approximatus is very closely to the South American C. zonatus Eschscholtz, but presents some small differences related to the head convexity, shape and hind angles of the prothorax and the convexity of elytral interstices.
CASEY (1907) presented a key with the new species, C. aztecus and C. sodalis, both females from Guerrero, sharing the item 14 of the key. In 1911, he synonymized C. sodalis under C. aztecus. After examining the material of these two species studied by Casey, it was concluded that they are conspecific with C. approximatus.
PJATAKOWA (1941) described C. niger from Mexico (Durango), characterized especially by yellowish-white pubescence on lateral bands of pronotum, lateral interstices and base of epipleura. Based on the original description and on studied material from the type locality, C. niger is herein considered conspecific with C. approximatus.
Length: 23-40 mm. Integument black, clothed dorsally and ventrally, including legs, with scale-like setae brownish-olive; lateral stripes of pronotum band-like, narrower than ¼ of pronotum width, not reaching lateral margins; dull white pubescence on lateral stripes of pronotum, basal region of elytra, lower interstices except distal 2/3 of 5th and epipleura; antennae clothed with dark-brown pubescence except three first segments brownish-olive; sternites 2-5 with lateral rounded patches with white pubescence (Fig. 5).
Frons not carinate, moderately concave medioanteriorly; punctuation coarse and sparse (denser at middle), intermingled with dense and small; nasal plate high and densely punctuate. Antennae serrate in both sexes (Fig. 101), 3rd segment triangular-elongate, shorter than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 168) longer than wide, sub-rectangular slightly narrowed anteriad, from hind angles apices; strongly convex on median anterior region; convexity decreasing basad; anterior margin prominent and sinuous at middle; hind angles backward, raised laterally forming edge continues with that of lateral margins, not reaching apex; punctuation moderately coarse and sparse, denser lateroanteriorly (distal third) intermingled with small and dense; median basal tubercle flat, triangular-elongate, continuous with very weak longitudinal medially ridge, not reaching anterior margin; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle. Hypomera concave near sutures; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of anterior channel. Notosternal sutures strongly sinuous. Prosternum micropunctate with coarse and sparse punctuation near sutures, strongly convex, flattened longitudinal medially, concave near sutures. Prosternal lobe with punctuation slightly coarser than prosternum, wide, emarginated laterally with fore angles slightly rounded. Prosternal spine flattened laterally with rounded apex. Scutellum strongly folded with horizontal basal area subtrapezoidal, notched anterior- and posteriorly. Borders of mesosternal cavity wide, horizontal on basal 2/3, and vertical on distal 1/3, forming L-shaped profile. Mesepisternum with two transverse elliptical grooves. Meso-metasternal suture indistinct. First visible sternite prominent laterally fits in lateral groove of elytra. Anterior and median tibiae and last tarsal segment of all legs of male bearing fringe of long cilia. Interstices convex and micropunctate, unequal in width and height; striae marked by row of coarse punctures, paired; flat basal tubercle at 2nd interstice; apices slightly rounded.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Tergite VIII transverse, gradually narrowed apicad, strongly notched at base. Sternite VIII (Fig. 315) abruptly narrowed on distal third, translucent in subtrapezoidal median area. Tergite IX (Fig. 354) densely punctuate with tiny setae laterodistally; anterior margin rounded. Aedeagus (Fig. 380): 3.6 times longer than wide; median lobe (Fig. 425) half of aedeagus length, moderately narrowed near middle, strongly narrowed at apex, bearing 6, 7 (syntype M); 4, 7; 5, 7; 9, 9; 10, 9; 10, 10 lateral teeth; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 461) narrowed near apex, with apex straight, prominent laterally and slightly upwards.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 497) wider than long, notched at base; median basal translucent area not reaching middle. Sternite VIII (Fig. 533) 0.58 times spiculum gastrale length, widely notched anteriorly. Female genitalia: sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 624) elliptical with 33 teeth; bursa copulatrix with longitudinal median elongate band with carinae and spines and two rounded lateral spiny areas.
Material examined. MEXICO. 1 F (IBSP), 2 F (MCZC), 4 F (MNHN), 2 F (USNM); [identified as] Chalc. pruinosus Eschs., ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 M (MNHN). Durango: Durango, 5 F (MNHN); from Durango to the Pacific, 1 F (MNHN). Colima: 7 mi W Colima, 1 F (USNM); Tecolopa, 1 F (AMNH). Tamaulipas: Matamoros Puebla, 1 F (UNAM). Veracruz: Cuerou [= El Cuervo], 1 F (MCZC); Jalapa, 1 F (IBSP); Tierra Blanca, 1 F (FSCA); Juntos, 1 M (ZMUC). Mexico: 1 F (IBSP); Ixtapan del Oro, 1850 m, 8 F (PCCV), 1 F (MZSP, retained PCCV); Tenancingo, 1 M (dissected)(MZSP); 1450 m Zacazonapan env. 1 F (SRGI). Michoacán: Arteaga, 1 F (AMNH); Cuautla, 1 F (AMNH); El Sabino, Uruap, 2 F (SEMC); Morelia, 1 F (USNM). Guerrero: Cacahuãmilpa, 1080 m, 1 F (ZMUC); Teloloapan, 1 M (dissected) (MZSP, retained USNM), 1 M, 2 F (USNM). Morelos: Ahuatepec, 1750 m, 1 F (MZSP retained SRGI); Cuernavaca, 1 F (AMNH); El Limon, 1 F (dissected) (MZSP, retained UNAM), 1 F (MZSP, retained USNM), 1 M, 2 F (USNM), 1 F (NHMW); 20 Km E Cuernavaca, 1 F (FSCA); Jalastoc, 1 M (IBSP), 1 F (USNM); Progreso, 1 F (USNM); Yautipec, 1300 m, 1 F (ZMUC). Puebla: Atlixco, 1 F (SEMC); Puebla, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 M, 2 F (MNHN); env. de Tehuacan, 1 M (MNHN). Oaxaca: 10 mi S. Tomellin, 1 F (USNM). Chiapas: 1 F (USNM). Guanajuato: Guanajuato, 1 F (USNM), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 3 F (MNHN).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius approximatus is characterized especially by integument clothed with brownish-olive setae with white setae on lateral stripes of pronotum, epipleura and lower interstices (except 5th, only on anterior 1/3), not forming lateral stripes of elytra, scutellum folded with carina and parameres of aedeagus cleft laterally.
Comparing the type material of C. aztecus and C. sodalis it was observed that the latter is smaller (=26 mm; 33 mm in the former), and presents fore angles of frons more prominent and hypomera with small whitish patches; 5th interstice white totally in the former (olive on median third in the latter). These differences are herein considered as intraspecific variations of C. approximatus. This species presents lateral white patches on sternites variable in size and in number; in some specimens they are small or formed by few setae and are present only in one or two sternites, and sometimes are even absent.
The holotype of C. niger was not located. The synonym was based on original description and the type locality of this species.
It is very similar to C. zonatus, differing, besides the geographical distribution, especially by (C. zonatus parenthesized): 1) pubescence coloration usually brownish-olive dorsally and ventrally (green or olive); 2) lateral stripes of elytra absent (present); 3) 3rd antennal segment and pronotum proportionally longer (shorter); 4) sternite VIII of male with larger darker distal area, setae in small number and apex wider in the former; 5) lateral cleft of parameres more strongly narrowed near the apex in the former; 6) spiculum of sternite VIII of female longer in the former; 7) sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands with 33 teeth (46), and 8) rounded spiny area of bursa copulatrix shorter in the former.
It belongs to approximatus+ group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from Mexico (Durango, Colima, Taumalipas, Veracruz, Mexico, Michoacán, Guerrero, Morelos, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Guanajuato) (Fig. 690).
Chalcolepidius attenuatus Erichson, 1841
(Figs.6,102,169,230,231,276,316,355,381,496,534,581,582,625,673)
Chalcolepidius attenuatus Erichson, 1841: 86; Candèze, 1857: 267; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1502 (Cat.); Candèze, 1874: 162; 1886: 70; 1891: 37 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 275, 286, t.12, f. 18; Schenkling, 1925: 55 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.). Holotype male: "16207; attenuatus Er.* Cand.* Mexico, Schleid [last word illegible]; Holotype Chalcolepidius attenuatus Erichs. C M F von Hayek det. 1980" (ZMHB) (examined).
Chalcolepidius cuneatus Champion, 1894: 275, 286, t.12, f. 12; Schenkling, 1925: 55 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 202 (Cat.). Holotype male: "Type; Acapulco, Guerrero Höge; B. C. A. Col. III (1) Chalcolepidius cuneatus Ch. M type; sp. figured" (BMNH) (examined). Syn. nov.
Chalcolepidius tenuis Champion, 1894: 276, 287, t.12, f. 20; Schenkling, 1925: 57 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 283 (Cat.). Holotype female: "F; Type; Oaxaca, Mexico Höge; B. C. A. Col. III (1) Chalcolepidius tenuis Ch. F type; sp. figured; sp. n. F voisin de viridipilis Say" (BMNH) (examined). Syn. nov.
CHAMPION (1894) described C. cuneatus from Acapulco and C. tenuis from Oaxaca, and figured a male of C. attenuatus from Oaxaca. He commented that C. cuneatus is "allied to C. attenuatus, differing by elytral interstices almost flat and coarser punctures of the striae in the former". These characters were used in the key to separate the two species. Related to C. tenuis he discussed the similarities of this species with C. viridipilis and C. dugesi, but did not compare it with C. attenuatus.
Comparing C. cuneatus and C. tenuis with C. attenuatus, it was not found appreciable differences and the two first were considered as synonyms of the latter.
Length: 16-29 mm. Narrow, parallel body. Integument black, bright, clothed dorsally and ventrally with short metallic scale-like setae brownish-olive, grayish-olive, brownish, olive or brownish-violet; sometimes grayish ventrally; antennae clothed with black setae except three first segments; in few specimens, brown (Fig. 6).
Frons not carinate, moderately declivous. Antennae (Fig. 102) long, serrate in female, strongly serrate in male; 3rd segment transverse with spiniform appendix. Pronotum (Fig. 169) longer than wide, sub-rectangular, narrowed anteriorly and at hind angles base, making lateral margins rounded; strongly convex from lateral margins; small-punctuate, punctuation coarser lateroanteriorly; fore angles prominent; anterior margin almost straight; lateral margins with narrow smooth edge reaching apex; hind angles divergent, sharpened, strongly carinate; carina partially fused with lateral edge; median basal tubercle flat, transverse, with transverse carina near base; posterior margin moderately prominent and slightly notched at middle. Hypomera slightly convex, more raised than prosternum near sutures, small (like punctuation of pronotum) and densely punctuate; prosternal channel absent. Notosternal sutures slightly sinuous. Prosternum slightly convex from sutures; micropunctate, punctuation coarser near sutures. Prosternal lobe emarginated laterally; punctuation moderately coarse (coarser than prosternum) with fore angles rounded. Scutellum (Figs. 230, 231) moderately declivous on anterior half; posterior half horizontal and elliptical with two rounded concavities and distal margin slightly prominent at middle. Borders of mesosternal cavity (Fig. 276) wide, horizontal on basal half, and slightly declivous on distal half, forming inclined profile. Meso-metasternal suture absent. First visible sternite normal, last visible sternite of male with rounded apex, bearing two lateral weak rounded impressions. Tibiae of male bearing row of long spines internally. Striae marked by row of coarse punctures; interstices equal and moderately convex; 2nd forming flat tubercle at base; apices conjointly rounded.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Sternite VIII (Fig. 316) subtriangular, melanized in marginal band, bilobed and clearer at base. Tergite IX (Fig. 355) transverse, densely punctuate with anterior margin slightly emarginated; fore angles rounded with moderately long setae. Aedeagus (Fig. 381): three times longer than wide; median lobe narrowed on basal third and distal half; 0.61 times aedeagus length; apex of parameres spearhead-like.
Female genital segments and genitalia Tergite VIII (Fig. 496) transverse with anterior margin rounded; translucent in small triangular basal area. Sternite VIII (Fig. 534) almost a half of spiculum length; anterior margin narrow- and deeply notched at middle. Genitalia (Figs. 581, 582): sclerotized pieces of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 625) C-shaped with 23 small teeth; ventral half of bursa copulatrix covered internally with carinae and spines.
Material examined. MEXICO. Sinaloa: 5 mi N Mazatlan, 1 M (FSCA). Nayarit: Tepic, El Cora, 1 F (NHMW), 1 F (ZMHB). Jalisco: Chamela, Estación Biologia, 4 M (AMNH), 1 F (FSCA), 14 M, 1 F (UNAM); 3 M (1 dissected) (MZSP, 2 retained UNAM); Chamela vic UNAM, 6 M, 1 F (JEWC), 4 M (MZSP); 3 Km N Tomatlan, 1 M (FSCA), 1 M (MZSP); 80 Km S El Tuito, 1 F (MZSP). Colima: 2.8 mi SW Colima, 4 M (FSCA); 11.3 mi S Colima, 1 M (FSCA). Tamaulipas: Altamirano, 1 M (AMNH). Michoacán: 10-20 mi S Capiro, 1 M (FSCA). Guerrero: Hwy 200, 41 Km NE Ixtapa, 1 F (JEWC); 43.7 Km NW Ixtapa, 1 F (FSCA); 51 Km NW Ixtapa, 1 F (FSCA). Morelos: 14 Km Huautla-Jojutla, 1 F (dissected) (MZSP, retained UNAM).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius attenuatus is characterized especially by narrow and almost parallel body, pronotum with lateral margins rounded with hind angles divergent and strongly carinate, median basal tubercle of pronotum transverse and flat, prosternal channel absent, notosternal sutures slightly sinuous, scutellum moderately declivous and apex of parameres spearhead-like.
The holotype of C. attenuatus differs from that of C. tenuis, especially by pubescence coloration, greenish-brown dorsally and grayish ventrally in the former and greenish-brown in both sides in the latter, and also by the size and sex. Comparing the holotype of C. cuneatus with the material identified as C. attenuatus, the only difference found was the antennal pubescence, brown in the former and usually black in the latter. Besides, the median lobe of aedeagus is narrower and slightly constricted near apex in the former. These observed differences are considered as intraspecific variations and C. cuneatus and C. tenuis are herein considered as synonyms.
This species presents a narrow range of coloration variation; the majority of specimens present dorsal pubescence like that of ventral, but in some, the pubescence is olive or brownish dorsal- and grayish ventrally. It was found two specimens with greenish pubescence dorsally and ventrally, and two with violet setae intermingled with brownish.
C. attenuatus looks like C. viridipilis in shape and size, but they differ especially by presence in the former (latter parenthesized): 1) antennae of male strongly serrate (flabellate); 2) scutellum moderately declivous (folded); 3) tibia of male bearing spines (short cilia); 4) lateral margins of pronotum more rounded, hind angles more divergent and interstices more raised; 5) parameres of aedeagus with spearhead-like apex (parameres cleft); 6) sclerotized pieces of openings of colleterial glands opened, C-shaped (closed, oval-shaped); 7) bursa copulatrix totally clothed dorsally with microspines and carinae (small spiny area); 8) sternite IX of female narrower and more deeply notched at middle.
C. attenuatus is very similar to C. lenzi, differing especially by: pronotum narrower anteriad and more strongly convex at middle in the latter, making the lateral margins rounded; anterior half of scutellum moderately declivous in the former and almost perpendicular in the latter; interstices convex in the former and flattened in the latter. Besides, the median lobe of aedeagus is narrowed near base and apicad in the former and almost straight, widened near base in the latter; melanized band of sternite VIII of male entire in the former (with brighter bilobed basal area) and interrupted basally in the latter.
C. attenuatus belongs to attenuatus* group, together with C. dugesi and C. lenzi (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from Mexico (Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, Morelos and Oaxaca) (Fig. 673).
Chalcolepidius aurulentus Candèze, 1874
(Figs. 7,8,9,103,170,232,277,317,382,426,462,535,626,682)
Chalcolepidius aurulentus Candèze, 1874: 163; 1886: 73; 1891: 38 (Cat.); Schwarz, 1906b: 46; Schenkling, 1925: 55 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1916: 16; 1926: 107 (Cat.). Syntype male: "Syntype; Type M; Upper California; Janson coll. 1903-130; aurulentus Cdz type [handwritten glued to underside of:] Chalcolepidius aurulentus Cdze, M type; = porcatus, var. locality certainly incorrect GCC"(BMNH) (examined).
Chalcolepidius porcatus var. dimidiatus Candèze 1874: 163. Syntype female: "Para [Pará]; 125; Collection Chevrolat; Chalcolepidius porcatus Cand. var. dimidiatus Ch; Type de la var. cité par Cand. Revis. p. 163 porcatus; Collection Fleutiaux"(MNHN) (examined).
Chalcolepidius candezei Dohrn, 1881: 446; Candèze, 1886: 68, 72; 1891: 38 (Cat.); Hyslop, 1916: 18; Schenkling, 1925: 55 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 107 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.). Type locality: "Brazil: Ega [=Tefe]". Syn. nov.
Chalcolepidius grossheimi Pjatakowa, 1941: 101. Type locality: "Brazil: Matto Grosso, Corumba". Syn. nov.
CANDÈZE (1874) described C. aurulentus, characterized especially by general metallic pubescence green, with striae and epipleura clothed with dull white setae. According to him this species shares the general characters with C. porcatus var. c', but in the former, the green pubescence present a reddish-golden reflex, and the epipleura are clothed with white setae. After examining a couple, he observed the presence of long cilia on tibiae and last tarsal segments of anterior and median legs of male. He did not refer to long cilia on last tarsal segments of posterior legs, probably because they were fallen. The type locality assigned was "Californie méridionale", later recognized as incorrect by CHAMPION (1894).
DOHRN (1881) described C. candezei characterized especially by geminate striae clothed, like epipleura, with white pubescence. He did not include the type locality of this species. Later, CANDÈZE (1886) recorded it from Ega [Tefé].
According to HAYEK (personal communication), the BMNH possesses a female of C. candezei from the "type locality", from the Dohrn collection, that she believes to be one of the additional specimens recorded by Dohrn after the original description.
FLEUTIAUX (1916) studying the Elateridae collected on the Stanford University Expedition of 1911 to Brazil, found "two very distinct varieties and one intermediate" of C. candezei, characterized as following. The typical form "has the strial vittae thickly beset with whitish colored scales, and prothorax and ventral surfaces with bronze purple scales"; the "var. a. elytra as in forma typica, vestiture of pronotum and ventron green"; the "var. b. vestiture of elytral striae ferrugineous yellow, pronotum and ventral vestiture green". This material, from Rondônia: Abunã (Rio Madeira), Madeira-Mamoré and Porto Velho (Rio Madeira), housed in USNM, fits perfectly in the range variation of C. aurulentus, and C. candezei is herein considered as synonym of the former. FLEUTIAUX (1926) considered C. porcatus Linnaeus as a variation of C. candezei.
PJATAKOWA (1941) described C. grossheimi from Brazil (Mato Grosso: Corumbá), characterized especially by general metallic pubescence green and epipleura, striae and lower interstices clothed with dull ochraceus-yellow setae, scutellum strongly folded with horizontal basal area triangular and interstices unequal. The type-material of this species was not located, but it was examined one specimen from Madeira-Mamoré (Rondônia) (USNM) and two from Corumbá (Mato Grosso) (MNHN) that answer very well with the description of C. grossheimi Pjatakowa. This fact let me to believe that C. grossheimi is conspecific with C. aurulentus. The specimen from Rondônia had already been examined by Hayek, who adds a label with a note: "porcatus (L) CMF von Hayek det. 1979. agrees w descr. Grossheinei Pj.", but she did not considered the coloration of epipleura pubescence.
Length: 36-49 mm. Wide, arched body. Integument black clothed dorsally and ventrally (including legs) with thin, metallic scale-like setae, grayish-blue, olive-green, yellowish-green, green, brown, reddish-brown, violet-brown, violet-green or ferruginous; white, yellowish-white, ochre or ferruginous setae on elytral epipleura, anterior margin of elytra, striae and sometimes lower interstices (not forming lateral stripes); antennae blue, except three first segments, greenish or brownish (Fig. 7-9).
Frons not carinate, moderately declivous. Antennae (Fig. 103) serrate in both sexes, 3rd segment triangular-elongate, slightly shorter than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 170) longer than wide (wider in female), wider at hind angles, narrowed anteriorly and hind angles base; anterior margin sinuous; hind angles wide, slightly divergent with apex truncate, raised laterally forming narrow edge continuous with that of lateral margins on basal ¾; moderately convex; convexity stronger frontally, decreasing basad; micropunctate with punctuation coarse and sparse more concentrate on median anterior region, giving to this region rugose appearance; median basal tubercle flat, triangular, continuous with weak median ridge; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle. Hypomera concave near lateral margins; micropunctate; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of anterior channel. Mesepimeron with two transverse elliptical grooves. Notosternal sutures strongly sinuous. Prosternum strongly convex, slightly concave near sutures and flattened longitudinal medially. Prosternal lobe small-punctuate, wide, emarginated laterally with rounded angles. Borders of mesosternal cavity (Fig. 277) wide and horizontal on basal ¾ and almost vertical on distal ¼, forming L-shaped profile. Prosternal spine flattened laterally. Scutellum (Fig. 232) strongly folded with horizontal basal area subtrapezoidal, notched anteriorly and posteriorly, and grooved longitudinal medially. Anterior and median tibiae and last tarsal segment of all legs of male bearing fringe of long cilia. First visible sternite prominent laterally, fits in lateral groove of elytra. Interstices convex and micropunctate, unequal in width and/or height; very flattened tubercle at base of 2nd interstice; scutellar area slightly grooved; apices truncate with sutural spine of varied size.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Sternite VIII (Fig. 317) transverse, strongly narrowed on distal third, translucent in trapezoidal media area and short paired lateral bands. Tergite IX transverse, densely punctuate; anterior margin straight with rounded lateral angles; tiny setae lateroanteriorly. Aedeagus (Fig. 382): 3.5 times longer than wide; median lobe (Fig. 426) wide, half of aedeagus length; slightly narrowed near middle, bearing 6, 7; 8, 8; 8, 9; 9, 13; 11, 11; 11, 13 small lateral teeth (M syntype with 13, 14 teeth); subapical region of lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 462) narrowed; apex strongly widened, more prominent ventrally.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII as long as wide, notched basally; median basal translucent area U-shaped surpassing middle. Sternite VIII (Fig. 535) 0.58-0.63 times spiculum gastrale length; anterior margin slight- and widely notched. Genitalia: sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 626) with 24, 33, 34, 37 teeth; bursa copulatrix with longitudinal median elongate band with carinae and spines and two rounded lateral spiny areas.
Material examined. "NEW GRANADA". 1 F (ZMHB). COLOMBIA. Ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). Boyacá: Muzo, 2 F (MZSP). Valle del Cauca: Cali, 1 F (FSCA). Huila: Gigante, 1 F (SRGI). Putumayo: 5 F (MNHN), 1 M (SRGI), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 8 F (MNHN), SE, 5 F (MNHN); Caucayá, 1 F (AMNH); Florida, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Nariño, Territorio Kofán 700 m (captura manual), 2 F (IAHC). Caquetá: Rio Orteguaza, Rastojo, 1 F (AMNH); Yari, 1 F (PCCV). Amazonas: PNN Amaca-yacú, Bosque Várzea, Via Palmeras jameo bordo 1 F (IAHC); PNN Amaca-yacú Várzea B. Secundario Bocas R. Amacayacu 1 F (IAHC); Lower Rio Putumayo, 2 F (AMNH); Río Tacana, 1 F (AMNH). VENEZUELA. Falcon: Cauca Valley, 1 F (MNHN). Amazonas: Cerro de la Neblina, base camp 140 m, 1 F (AMNH), 5 F (USNM); Mt Duida, 2 F (AMNH). GUYANA. 2 F (MNHN). SURINAME. 1 F (MNHN). FRENCH GUIANA. Cayenne: Cayenne, 1 F (MNHN), 3 F (USNM). BRAZIL. 1 F (AMNH). Amazonas: 7 F (MNHN), 2 F (MZSP), 1 F (PCCV); Bassin de l'Amazone, 3 F (MNHN); Benjamin Constant, 5 F (DZUP), 1 M (dissected) (MZSP), 1 F (ZMUC), Rio Javari, 4 F (IBSP), 3 F (MCZC), 10 M, 855 F (3 F dissected)(MZSP), 2 F (DZUP); Bocca do Teffé, 1 F (MNHN); Borba, 1 F (IBSP), Lago Acara, 1 F (DZUP), Rio Madeira, 3 F (MCZC), 1 M (dissected) (MZSP); Ega [Tefé], 1 F (NHMW); Codajaz, 1 F (MNHN); Fonteboa, 8 F (AMNH), 1 F (MNHN); Itacoatiara, 4 F (MZSP); Manaus, 34 F (AMNH), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 M, 5 F (MNHN), Campus do INPA, 1 F (DZUP); Manicoré, 1 F (MNHN), Rio Madeira, 2 F (AMNH); Massanary (locality not found), 1 F (MNHN); Maués, 1 F (DZUP), 1 F (USNM); Providência, 1 F (MCZC); Rio Caiary-Uaupes, 1 M, 4 F (AMNH); Rio Negro, 1 F (AMNH); Rio Juruá, 3 F (MZSP); Rio Purus, 2 F (MNHN); Rio Tiquié (Alto Rio Negro), 1 F (IBSP); São Paulo de Olivença, 12 F (AMNH), 1 F (CMNH), 1 F (IBSP), 12 F (MZSP), 2 F (SRGI), 2 F (USNM), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN), Rio Solimões, 47 F (MZSP); Tabatinga, 1 F (MZSP); Tapuruquara, rio Negro, 2 F (MZSP); Taraquá, 1 F (MZSP); Tefé, 12 F (AMNH), 6 F (MCZC), 9 F (1 dissected)(MZSP), 1 F (USNM), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 M, 14 F (MNHN); Villanova, 1 F (MNHN). Acre: Alto Purus, 2 F (MZSP); Tarauacá, Rio Tarauacá, 1 F (MZSP). Rondônia: 1 F (MZSP); Abunã, Rio Madeira, ex-coll. WMMann, 1954, 5 F (USNM); Ariquemes, 1 F (DZUP); 60 Km S Ariquemes, 1 F (FSCA); 62 Km SW Ariquemes, nr Fzda Rancho Grande, 6 F (FSCA); 62 Km S Ariquemes, Linea C20, 7 Km E B-65, Fazenda Rancho Grande, 4 F (EGRC); Forte Príncipe da Beira, 6 F (MZSP); Madeira-Mamoré, ex-coll. WMMann, 1954, 2 F (USNM); Ouro Preto d'Oeste (locality not found), 1 M, 16 F (DZUP); Pimenta Bueno, 1 F (MNMS), 2 F (DZUP); Porto Velho, 1 F (MZSP), Rio Madeira, 1 F (USNM); Posto Indígena 7 de Setembro (locality no found), 2 F (MCZC); Rio Madeira, ex-coll. WMMann, 1954, 6 F (USNM); Rio Urupá, 2 F (MCZC); Vilhena, 6 F (DZUP). Pará: 1 F (MNHN); Itaituba, 2 F, (MNHN), Rio Tapajós, 10 F (MZSP), 1 F (DZUP); Óbidos, 1 F (AMNH), 1 F (IBSP), 2 F (MNHN), 11 F (MZSP), 1 F (PCCV), 1 F (SRGI); Oriximiná, 1 F (MZSP); Rio Tapajós, 1 F (MNMS); Santarém, 1 F (MZSP), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 F (MNHN); Santarém & Óbidos, 1 F (PCCV); Santaremzinho, Mun. de Itaituba, Rio Tapajós, 18 F (MZSP). Piauí: Pebas, 5 F (MNHN), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 3 F (MNHN). Ceará: Carquejo, 3 F (MZSP). Maranhão: Igarapé Gurupi-Una, Aldeia Araçu, MA, 50 Km E de Canindé, 1 F (MZSP). Mato Grosso: Corumbá, 2 F (MNHN); R. Humboldt, Est. Codemat, 1 F (dissected) (MZSP), 1 F (UNAM), Margem Igarapé, 1 F (UNAM); Rio Verde, 1 F (TAMU); Rosário d'Oeste, 1 F (MZSP). Paraná: Rolândia, 1 F (MZSP). ECUADOR. Napo: 3 F (FSCA); Anzu, 4 F (IMLA); 6 Km E Atahualpa, 480 m, 1 F (FSCA); 24 Km E Atahualpa, 480 m, 1 F (FSCA); Coca, 1 M, 4 F (PCCV), 12 F (SRGI); Esmeralda, 1 F (IMLA); Galeras Rd., 1000 m, 1 F (FSCA); Lago Agrio (2 Km N) (locality not found), 2 F (USNM); Limoncocha, 2 F (FSCA), 2 F (USNM); Pacayaçu, 1 F (ZMHB); Road between El Puvo & Puerto Napo, 1 F (USNM); San Pablo, Rio Aquarico, 1 F (IMLA); Sucumbios, 215 m 1 F (TAMU). Napo-Pastaza: Rio Jatun, 17 F (AMNH). Pastaza: ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Abitagua, 1 F (AMNH); Puyo, 1 F (AMNH), 1 F (FSCA); Santa Clara, 1 F (MZSP, retained USNM), 1 F (USNM); Tarqui, 1 F (USNM); Zatzayacu, 7 F (AMNH), ex-coll. Lane, 2 F (USNM). Pichincha: El Partidero, 2 F (AMNH); Montalvo, 1 F (IMLA); Quito, 3 F (AMNH), 2 F (ZMUC). Chimborazo and Pichincha: 2 F (MNHN). Morona-Santiago: Macas, 1 F (ZMHB), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 M, 7 F (MNHN), 1050 m, 1 F (USNM); near Macas, el Oriente, 1 F (USNM). Guayas: Guayaquil, 1 F (USNM). Loja: Loja, 2 F (MNHN), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 14 F (MNHN). Zamora: 3 F (AMNH); Llanos, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Zumbi, Santiago Zamora [illegible], 700 m, 1 M, 1 F (AMNH); Santiago Zamora [Chinchipe Est.], 1000 m, 3 F (AMNH). Localities not found: Baron, 9 F (MNHN); ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 M, 4 F (MNHN); Zena, 1 F (IMLA). PERU. 1 F (AMNH), 1 F (MCZC), 5 F (NHMW), 1 F (USNM), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 4 F (MNHN), ex-coll. Sallé, 2 F (MNHN). Loreto: Achinamiza, 1 M, 52 F (AMNH); Balsapuerto, 1 F (MNHN); Boquerón de Abad, 500 m, 2 F (IMLA); Estirón, Rio Ampiacu, 2 F (MZSP); Explornapo Camp on rio Sucusari, 2 Km upstream from Rio Napo (160 Km NE Iquitos), 1 F (USNM); Explorama Lodge, 80 Km NE Iquitos on Amazon river, 1 F (FSCA), 2 F (PCCV), 2 F (SRGI), 4 F (USNM); Explorama Lodge, 50 mi NE Iquitos on Amazon river, 1 F (FSCA); Iquitos, 8 F (AMNH), 1 F (MNHN), 1 F (ZMUC); ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 F (MNHN), Rio Cachiyacu, 4 F (MNHN), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Middle Rio Ucayali, 11 F (AMNH); Rio Ucayali, 6 F (AMNH); Mishuyacu, 1 M, 1 F (USNM); Mishuyacu près Iquitos, 1 M (MNHN); Palcazu, 1 F (MNHN); Pucallpa, 600 ft., 2 F (AMNH), Rio Ampiacu, 1 F (MZSP); Rio Tapiche, 2 F (AMNH), Rio Ucayali, 3 F (IMLA), 1 M, 14 F (MZSP); Km 3 Tournavista Rd., 34 Km W Puccalpa, 300 m, 1 M, 2 F (AMNH); Middle Rio Maranon, 3 F (AMNH); Upper Rio Maranon, 5 F (AMNH); Rio Maranon, 3 F (AMNH); Rio Santiago, 3 F (AMNH). Amazonas: striatus L. Fab., ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Juanjui, 1600 ft, 1 F (AMNH); reg. Juanjui, 1 M, 1 F (MNHN); Pebas, 7 F (MNHN). Junín: San Ramón (de Pangoa), 40 Km SE Satipo, 750 m, 1 F (AMNH); Satipo, 1 M, 28 F (AMNH), 2 F (FSCA), 2 F (SRGI); Soudoreni Ridges (locality not found), 900 m, Soudoreni/Huantadriri Vall., ca 100 Km NO Satipo, 1 F (PCCV); ca 100 Km SO Satipo, rio Anapate Valley ca 700 m, 1 F (PCCV); Rio Toro, La Merced Chanchamayo, 4 F (ZMHB). Cajamarca: Camelon, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Yahuarmayo, 2 F (USNM). San Martín: Mishqui-yacu, 20 Km NE Moyabamba, 1200 m, 1 F (AMNH); Moyobamba, Hera (Jera), 860 m, 3 F (AMNH); felled "Ajo-quiru" tree called garlic tree. Fresh timber of this tree has a strong odor, which causes a headache to people that work this tree. 1 F (AMNH); Moyobamba region, 1 F (AMNH); Rikuri-cocha, 830 m, 1 F (AMNH). Localities not found: Atazon R. (72.74 W 4 S), 1 F (FSCA); Env. [T]Janja, 1 M, 6 F (MNHN); Chambireyacú près Yurimaguas (Huallaga), 1 F (MNHN); Tocache, 1 F (MNHN). Ancash: Cumbre, 5 F (MNHN), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Huambo [Huamba], ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). Huánuco: Monte Alegre, Rio Pachitea, 1 F (MNMS), 5 F (ZMHB); Monzon, Rio Huallaga, 700-900 m, 1 F (MZSP); Panguana, Rio Pachitea, 260 m, 3 F (PCCV); Pozuzo, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 5 F (MNHN); Rio Huallaga, 4 F (AMNH), 14 F (FSCA), 4 F (PCCV), 9 F (SRGI), 1 F (SRGI), 680 m, 1 M (AMNH), 8 F (ZMHB); Upper Rio Huallaga, 1 F (AMNH); Tingo Maria, 2200 ft., 1 M, 5 F (AMNH), 2 F (FSCA), 1 F (IMLA), 1 F (MZSP, retained SRGI), 2 F (OSUC), 2 F (SRGI), 1 F (TAMU), 1 F (UNAM), 3 F (USNM), Leoncio Prado Prov., 600 m, Chincha vito, 1 F (FSCA), Cueva de Las Pavas, 700 m, 3 F (FSCA), Prov. Tambello Chica, 800 m, 1 F (FSCA); 8 km S Tingo Maria, 1 F (FSCA); Puente Chinche vito (locality not found), S of Tingo Maria, 1 F (OSUC). Cuzco: Chanchamayo, 1 F (MNHN), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 F (MNHN); Cuzco, 1 F (ZMHB); Cosñipata, 2 F (AMNH). Madre de Dios: coll. Fleutiaux, 2 F (MNHN); Iberia, 500 m, 4 F (AMNH); Parque Manu, Pakitza, 340 m, 1 F (DZUP); Rio Tambopata Res. 30 Km (air) SW Porto Maldonado, 290 m, 1 F (FSCA) Tambopata river, 2 F (MCZC); Vilcanota [Montain], 1 F (MNHN). Puno: Callanga [Callangachi], 1 F (MNHN); BOLIVIA. 1 F (MCZC), 1 F (USNM), 8 F (ZMUC), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 F (MNHN). Pando & El Beni: Cavinas, Rio Beni, 3 F (USNM). El Beni: Cachuela Esperanza, 1 F (USNM); Ivon 3 F (USNM); Puerto Velarde, 1 F (SRGI); Rio Itenez at mouth of Rio Baures, 1 F (AMNH); Rio Itenez about 4 Km above Costa Marques (Brazil), 2 F (AMNH); Rurrenabaque, Rio Beni, 7 F (USNM); Uyapi, 1 M (MZSP, retained SRGI); Yungas Isla, Paz, 1000 m, aurulentus O. Schwarz det. 1903, ex- coll. Hauser, 3 F (ZMHB). Cochabamba: 8 F (MNHN); 2600 m, 14 F (IMLA); Chaparé, 1 F (FSCA), 1 F (dissected) (MZSP), 400 m, 1 F (PCCV), 3 F (DZUP), El Palmar, 1600m, 1 F (FSCA), Villa Tunari, 500 m, 1 F (IMLA), 7 F (MZSP); reg. Chaparé, 7 F (FSCA); Cochabamba, 2 F (MZSP), 1 Km E Villa Tunari, 1 F (FSCA). La Paz: Chuani, 1 M (USNM); Coroico, 1 F (MCZC), 6 F (NHMW), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Ixiamas, 13 F (USNM); Rio Madidi, 221 m, 12 F (IMLA); Tumupasa, 7 F (USNM), Region La Paz, 1 F (USNM). Santa Cruz: 3 F (USNM), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 F (MNHN); Buena Vista, 1 M, 7 F (FSCA), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 9 F (MNHN), [aurulentus Cand., Fleutiaux det.], 1 F (MNHN); El Cidral, 1 F (IMLA); Ichila, 1 M (dissected) (FSCA); Pcia. Gutierrez Nueva Maka, 1 F (MZSP); Rio Seco, 1 F (IMLA); S. Mateo, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); de Pucara a Marta, de la Cordillière à la Foret, 1 F (MNHN); Sara [Gutierrez], 3 F (ZMHB), Dept. Sta Cruz de La Sierra, 500 m, 2 F (ZMHB). Localities not found: As(g)uota, 1 F (USNM); Copico, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Carinavi, 1500 m, 9 F (SRGI). PARAGUAY. Central: Asunción, 1 F (IMLA). ARGENTINA. Salta: 2 F (MCZC), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 10 F (MNHN); San Carlos, 10 F (FSCA).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius aurulentus is characterized especially by pronotum unicolor, striae and sometimes lower interstices different from general pubescence coloration, epipleura coloration different from underside, lateral cleft of parameres narrowed to subapical region and strongly broadened at apex, more prominent ventrally, and median lobe slightly narrowed near middle. It presents a wide range of pubescence variation, and some specimens exhibit small lateral white stripes on pronotum. Four females from Bolivia (Dept. Beni; two from Rio Machupo 15 Km SW Horquilla and two from Rio Itenez 4 Km above Costa Marques (AMNH)), are clothed with metallic yellowish-green pubescence with lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra (except the higher interstices) clothed with ochraceus dull setae; the lateral stripes of pronotum reach the basal half in two of them and only the median third in other two. It was observed one female, from Venezuela (Mt. Duida (AMNH)), clothed with bluish-gray pubescence, with lateral stripes of pronotum (on basal 2/3), clothed with yellowish-white setae. Another female from Venezuela (Mt. Duida) presents general metallic pubescence grayish-blue, and elytra, epipleura and lateral stripes of pronotum (on basal 2/3) clothed with yellowish-white setae.
The coloration of elytra pubescence exhibits a wide range of variation especially related with the density of the whitish setae. Examination of the available material has shown that it increases gradually, beginning only on the striae and epipleura, like the specimen described as C. aurulentus, becoming slightly denser and denser until clothing almost whole elytra, except the higher interstices, like C. candezei and C. grossheimi. A tentative to separate a large series of unidentified material was stopped in the intermediary specimens that fitted in more than one of these species, herein recognized as C. aurulentus. Parallel to the density of whitish pubescence, it shows a gradual increasing on interstices size, beginning unequal only in width, in specimens with few whitish setae on elytra. The inequality increases until the higher point, in specimens with elytra almost totally clothed with whitish setae, with interstices unequal in width and height.
The epipleura has always different coloration from ventral general metallic setae, dull white, yellowish-white, ochre or ferruginous. In four specimens from Peru (MNHN) only a half part of epipleura is clothed with white pubescence.
Comparing the genitalia of one specimen with pubescence coloration like C. aurulentus with another like C. candezei or C. grossheimei it was found any differences except for the number of teeth of median lobe of aedeagus and of the sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands. The number of teeth of these structures is widely variable into this species.
C. aurulentus is very similar to C. porcatus, differing especially by epipleura clothed with white setae and apex of lateral cleft of parameres more strongly prominent laterally in the former.
It belongs to forreri* group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is very common in South America, recorded from Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Ecuador, Brazil (Acre, Amapá, Pará, Piauí, Ceará, Rondônia, Mato Grosso, Paraná), Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay (Fig. 682). Until 1916, it had not been recorded from other locality than "California" (type-locality), when Fleutiaux recorded it from Brazil. One specimen from South California (ZMUC) and two from Costa Rica (USNM) were examined, but not included in the material examined because these records require confirmation.
Chalcolepidius bomplandii Guérin-Méneville, 1844
(Figs.10,11,104,171,229,278,318,356,383,427,463,498,536,627,687)
Chalcolepidius bomplandii Guérin-Méneville, 1844: 17; Candèze, 1857: 262, 278, t. 6, f. 3; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1502 (Cat.); Candèze, 1886: 67, 71; 1891: 39 (Cat.). Type locality: "Colombia" [the syntypes should be in MNHN, but they were not located].
Chalcolepidius bomplandi [sic]; Champion, 1894: 276, 278; Schenkling, 1925: 55 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282.
Chalcolepidius juani Candèze, 1889: 13; 1891: 39 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 276 (Syn.); Schwarz, 1906a: 45. Holotype female: "n. sp. juani Cdz Guatemala; Type F; Coll. E. Candèze; bonplandi var. second Champion."(ISNB)(examined).
Chalcolepidius humboldti Candèze, 1881: 22; 1886: 67, 71; 1891: 39 (Cat.); Schenkling, 1925: 56 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 107 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 283 (Cat.). Syntype female: "Type; n.sp. humboldti Cdz; Bogota, C. Hu. Coll. R. I. Sc. N. B. Colombie Bogota ex coll. Candèze; Chalcolepidius humboldti Guér. Cand. det. E. Candèze" (ISNB) (examined). Syn. nov.
C. bomplandii was firstly characterized by dorsal pubescence yellowish-brown with yellow lateral stripes on pronotum and elytra and ventral, greenish-brown. It was originally recorded from "des régions chaudes et temperées".
CANDÈZE (1857) recorded it from "Nouvelle Grenade" and enumerated four varieties: Var.a. Prothorace antrorsum rotundatim ampliato; Var.b. Supra squamulis viridibus vel olivaceis, vittis striisque luteis; Var.c. Prothoracis elytrorumque vittis cinnabarinis; Var. d. Corpore supra, vel solum prothorace, concolore squamuloso. He also stated about the similarities of these variations with other species: the variation 'c' has same shape of C. eschscholtzi var. 'a', but in the latter, the stripes of pronotum are narrowed frontally and finish on posterior border, while in C. bomplandii they are widened posteriorly; C. fabricii has striae less grooved and setae of striae denser; the variation 'd' is similar to C. porcatus but always longer; the rounded shape of lateral margins of pronotum and the elytral epipleura, of the same color as metasternum, is similar to C. limbatus that is narrower than the others. In 1874, he stated that perhaps C. bomplandii occurs also in Mexico. These comparisons let me suppose that Candèze mixed other similar species.
CANDÈZE (1881) described C. humboldti, from Bogotá. According to him, it presents the general shape of C. bomplandii with sparser pubescence and striae strongly punctuated. In his key of 1886, Candèze characterized C. humboldti as "presque glabre" and C. bomplandii and C. mocquerysi with body "revêtu d'écailles". I examined a syntype female of C. humboldti and concluded that it is conspecific with C. bomplandii. I examined also a female from Bogotá (ISNB) labeled by Candèze as "Bogota; Type; n. sp. 1892; aeruginosus, Bogota; Candèze Collection" (nomen nudum) that also belongs to C. bomplandii.
CANDÈZE (1889) described C. juani from Guatemala; CHAMPION (1894), synonymized it under C. bomplandii and commented that C. juani was based on abraded specimens of C. bomplandii, with marginal stripes of pronotum and elytra paler than usual; he examined also one specimen clothed dorsally with metallic violet setae. According to him, this species is common at the Atlantic slope of Guatemala and to Chontales. I examined the holotype of C. juani and agree with Champion.
CHAMPION (1894) treating on C. limbatus stated that: "the figure and the description of E. porcatus Drury, from the Bay of Honduras, would apply equally well to C. bomplandii Guér., from which the present species [C. limbatus] chiefly differs in having the epipleura clothed with elongate luteous scales and the marginal carina of the elytra more deflexed anteriorly". This supposition was not mentioned in p. 276 where he stated about C. bonplandi [sic].
SCHENKLING (1925) and BLACKWELDER (1944) considered C. juani as a variation of C. bonplandi [sic].
Length: 29-46 mm. Wide, arched body. Integument dark-brown clothed dorsally and ventrally, including elytral epipleura, with thin metallic scale-like setae, olive, grayish-blue, grayish-green, green, bluish-green, dark-brown or violet-brown; lateral stripes of pronotum band-like, approximately ¼ of pronotum width, or narrower, sometimes emarginated internally near hind angles or shorter, not reaching hind angles; lateral stripes of elytra three or four interstices wide; dull yellow, yellowish-white or ochraceus pubescence (sometimes almost ferruginous) on lateral stripes of pronotum, base of elytra, striae and lateral margins of elytra; antennae bluish except three first segments like general pubescence (Figs. 10, 11).
Frons not carinate, moderately declivous. Antennae (Fig. 104) serrate in both sexes, 3rd segment triangular-elongate, as long as or slightly shorter than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 171) longer than wide, wider at hind angles and narrowed apicad, from hind angles base; slightly convex, rugose; micropunctate with very coarse irregular punctuation on longitudinal median region, forming wrinkles; anterior margin sinuous at middle; lateral margins raised forming narrow smooth edge almost reaching apex; hind angles wide, slightly divergent with truncate apex; raised laterally forming edge continuous with that of lateral margins; median basal tubercle flat, triangular-elongate, grooved longitudinal medially, continuous with weak longitudinal median ridge, almost reaching apex; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched posteriorly. Hypomera concave near lateral margins; micropunctate with coarse umbilicate punctuation moderately dense; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of anterior channel. Notosternal sutures strongly sinuous. Prosternum micropunctate; punctuation denser and coarser near sutures, strongly convex, flattened longitudinal medially; concave near sutures. Prosternal lobe with punctuation slightly coarser and sparser than median region of prosternum; wide; emarginated laterally with fore angles slightly rounded. Scutellum (Fig. 229) strongly folded with horizontal basal area subtrapezoidal, notched anterior- and posteriorly, slightly grooved longitudinal medially. Borders of mesosternal cavity (Fig. 278) wide, horizontal on basal ¾, and vertical on distal ¼, forming L-shaped profile. Meso-metasternal suture weak. First visible sternite prominent laterally fitting in lateral groove of elytra. Anterior and median tibiae and last tarsal segment of all legs of male bearing fringe of long cilia. Elytra: striae grooved; interstices convex and equal; 2nd forming basal flat tubercle; apices conjointly slightly rounded.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Sternite VIII (Fig. 318) transverse, strongly narrowed on apical third; densely setous; translucent in one median and two basal small elongate areas and two lateroanteriorly short bands. Tergite IX (Fig. 356) densely punctuate; anterior margin rounded; tiny setae lateroanteriorly. Aedeagus (Fig. 383): 3.7 times longer than wide; median lobe (Fig. 427) half of aedeagus length, moderately narrowed near middle and apicad, basal region forming small lobe continuous with basal strut; bearing 7, 7; 9, 9 teeth; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 463) slightly narrowed subapically; apex prominent laterally and upwards.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 498) transverse; triangular membranous basal area longer than half of tergite length. Sternite VIII (Fig. 536) 0.60 times spiculum gastrale length; anterior margin wide- and moderately notched. Genitalia: sclerotized rings of openings colleterial glands (Fig. 627) bearing 27 teeth; bursa copulatrix with longitudinal median elongate band with carinae and spines and two lateral rounded spiny areas.
Material examined. MEXICO. Ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 4 F (MNHN). Veracruz: Catemaco, 1 F (FSCA); Cosamaloapan, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Orizaba, 4 F (MNHN); Veracruz, 7 F (MNHN). Oaxaca: Palomares, Finca San Carlos, 1 F (IBSP); Tolosa, 4 F (AMNH). Yucatan: 1 F (MCZC), 1 F (MNMS). Chiapas: Chorradero, 1 F (MZSP), 1 F (USNM); San Quintin, 1 M (dissected) (MZSP), 1 F (USNM). BELIZE. Ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN), ex-coll. Oberthür, 1 F (MNHN). Toledo: 2 F (MCZC); Punta Gorda, 38 F (AMNH), 1 F (FSCA), 2 F (USNM), Columbia R. dist., 5 F (USNM); Columbia, 5 Km N San Antonio, 1 F (USNM). Localities not found: Benque Viejo, Father Stanton, 2 F (MCZC); M-tee Dist., 3 F (MCZC); Nim Li Punit Ruins, 1 F (MZSP). GUATEMALA. Ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 3 F (MNHN). Alta Verapaz: Coban, 1 F (USNM); Cacao, Trece Aguas, 2 F (USNM); Panzos, 3 F (NHMW), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 14 F (MNHN); San Juan, 1 F (AMNH), 2 F (NHMW), B.C.A. Col. III (1), Chalcolepidius bomplandi Guérin, 1 F (MNHN). Baja Verapaz: San Cristobal, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 11 F (MNHN). Izabal: ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Cayuga, 1 F (USNM); Livingston, 1 F (USNM); San Juan, 1 F (USNM). Petén: Sayaaxche, 2 F (1 dissected) (MZSP). Zacapa: La Union, 850 m, 1 F (SRGI); 6 Km S La Union, 4800', 2 F (MZSP). State: Senalin (locality not found), 1 F (PCCV). Pedras Negras (same name in several states), 2 F (USNM). HONDURAS. Ex-coll. Nonfried, ex-coll. Candèze, 2 F identified as C. juani (ISNB). Atlántida: Atlantida Gardin Botanica Lancetilla, 1 F (JEWC); La Ceiba, 1 F (FSCA), 13 F (USNM). Yoro: Subirana1 F (MCZC). EL SALVADOR: San Salvador: San Salvador, 1 M (NHMW). NICARAGUA. 1 F (MNHN), ex-coll. Oberthür, 3 F (MNHN). Chontales: 1 F (AMNH), 1 F (NHMW), 1 F (AMNH), 1 F (MCZC), 1 F (MNHN). Río San Juan: San Carlos, 1 F (USNM). Zelaya: Great Corn Island, 1 F (AMNH). COSTA RICA. 1 M, 2 F (MZSP), 1 F (NHMW), 1 F (PCCV), 1 M, 13 F (USNM), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 F (MNHN). Guanacaste: Bebedero, ex-coll. Oberthür, 2 F (MNHN), Liberia, 1 F (USNM); Tilaran, 1 F (FSCA); 2.6 mi NW Tilaran, 1400', 1 F (MZSP); Waldeck Farm, near Matina, 4 F (NHMW). Puntarenas: Wilson's Finka, San Vito, 1 F (FSCA). Alajuela: San Carlos, 1 F (MNHN), 3 F (MCZC), 1 F (USNM), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). Heredia: Finca La Selva, 1.5 mi Puerto Viejo, 1 F (MZSP retained FSCA); Río Frio, Standard Fruit Co., 330 ft, 1 F (FSCA). San José: San José, ex-coll. Oberthür, 1 F (MNHN); Tucurrique, 1 F (MNHN). Limón: Ebene (Hamburg Farm, Reventazon), 1 F (MCZC), 1 M (MZSP, retained USNM), 1 F (USNM); 35 Km Guapiles, 1 F (FSCA); 28 Km E Siquirres, 3 F (FSCA); Hamburg Farm, 1 F (MCZC), near Siquirres, 2 F (NHMW), 1 F (PCCV); vic. La suerte, nr Cariari, 1 F (FSCA); Parismina 2 F (USNM); Ramal Parismina, Santa Clara, 6 F (USNM). Cartago: Irazu, 1 F (USNM); Reventazon Valley, 1 F (FSCA); Turrialba, 1 F (USNM), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Turrialba-CATIE area, 1 F (MZSP). PANAMA. Chiriquí: 6 Km N Fortuna Cntl. Dvd Rd., 1 F (JEWC). Bocas del Toro: 1 F (MZSP retained USNM); Rio Changena, 2 F (MCZC), 1 F (MZSP). COLOMBIA. 2 F (AMNH). Magdalena: Aracataca, 1 M (AMNH), 2 F (MCZC), 1 F (MZSP retained MCZC), 1 M (USNM); Onaca, 2500 ft, 1 M (dissected) (SRGI); Río Frio, 2 F (MCZC); Sta Ana, 1 F (ICNC); Sierra N. de Santa Marta, 2 F (MCZC). Caldas: Manizales, ex-coll. Oberthür, 1 M (MNHN). Cundimarca: Bogotá, 2 F (USNM). Valle: W-Cordillera, Lake Calima nr Bugo Rio Bravo Valley, 1 F (PCCV). Cauca Grande, Cueba, 500 m (locality not found), 1 F (AMNH). Cauca: 1 F (MZSP, retained MCZC). GUYANA. 1 F (MNHN).
Remarks. According to HAYEK (personal communication), GUÉRIN-MÉNEVILLE (1844) may have intended to name this species in honor of A. J. A. G. Bompland who traveled and collected in South America at the end of the eighteenth and in the early nineteenth centuries. The original spelling is C. bomplandii; CHAMPION (1894), SCHENKLING (1925) and BLACKWELDER (1944) spelled "bonplandi" erroneously.
I examined the holotype of C. juani and two other females from Honduras (ex-coll. Candèze) and observed the yellow (one paler) lateral stripes on pronotum and elytra. The holotype is glabrous in the majority of areas that should be clothed with thin, metallic setae and only on small ventral areas the bluish-green setae were seen; the other two females are clothed dorsally and ventrally with grayish-green setae. In the remainder of the examined specimens the lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra are similar to Candèze's series, and the metallic pubescence is grayish-green, grayish blue or olive. One female from Honduras (La Ceiba) and one from Belize (Punta Gorda) present lateral stripes of pronotum emarginated innerly near hind angles.
The syntype of C. humboldti has almost glabrous elytra. Comparing this syntype with the specimen labeled as C. aeruginosus, it was observed that the pubescence coloration is olive in the former and green in the latter; the lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra are ochre, darker in the latter; the pronotum is more convex and the scutellum narrower at apex in the former.
Comparing the syntype of C. humboldti with the material examined of C. bomplandii it was observed that the metallic pubescence is olive in the former and grayish or green-grayish in the latter; 3rd antennal segment slightly shorter than 4th in the former, and slightly shorter or equal to 4th in the latter. These small differences are here considered as intraspecific variations.
C. bomplandii is characterized especially by wide body clothed with greenish, grayish or brownish setae with whitish lateral stripes on pronotum and elytra. It exhibits a wide range of variation in pubescence coloration and size and shape of lateral stripes of pronotum (Figs. 10, 11). The aedeagus of one male from Mexico (Chiapas, San Quintino) with lateral bands of pronotum well developed (like Fig. 10) and one from Colombia (Magdalena, Onaca) with lateral bands of pronotum very small were compared, and the only difference found was the number of lateral teeth of median lobe, 9 each side in the former and 7 in the latter, considered inside of the range of intraspecific variation.
It is similar to C. mocquerysii, differing especially by more robust body, pronotum more flattened and rugose and lateral whitish stripes on pronotum sometimes emarginated innerly near hind angles in the former, and lateral whitish stripes on pronotum widened at base in latter giving to internal margin an elliptical shape; interstices equal in width in the former and unequal in the latter. In C. bomplandii the lateral stripes of elytra have the same width almost until the apex, and outline of the apex reaches the elytral suture; in C. mocquerysii, the lateral stripes are narrowed apicad, not reaching elytral sutures. Comparing the aedeagus of these two species, C. bomplandii presents the median lobe more strongly narrowed at middle and distal margin of lateral cleft of parameres slightly rounded, with angles slightly prominent (apex straight with distal angles sharpened and very prominent in C. mocquerysii). The number of teeth in each side of median lobe is similar in both species, 7, 7; 9, 9 in the former and 7, 8 in the latter. The sternite VIII of male of C. mocquerysii presents two fused small elliptical translucent areas on each side of larger median translucent area (one each side in C. bomplandii). The female genitalia is very similar in both species, only the number of teeth of sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands are different: 27 in C. bomplandii and 44 in C. mocquerysii.
C. bomplandii belongs to bomplandii* group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It presents a wide geographical distribution with records from Mexico (Veracruz, Oaxaca, Yucatan, Chiapas), Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Guyana (Fig. 687).
Chalcolepidius boucardi Candèze, 1874
(Figs.12,105,172,233,279,319,357,384,428,464,499,537,583,628,679)
Chalcolepidius boucardi Candèze, 1874: 169; 1886: 74; 1891: 39 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 283, t. 12, f. 12; Schenkling, 1925: 55 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.). Holotype male: "Cuern[avaca] [label torn]; Chalcolepidius boucardi Lap.; Museum Paris ex coll. R. Oberthür; Holotype M Chalcolepidius boucardi Candèze 1874 CMF von Hayek det. 1979" (MNHN) (examined).
The original description is based upon a male from Cuernavaca. Up to now, the female was unknown.
Length: 24-30 mm. Narrow, parallel body. Integument black clothed dorsally and ventrally with metallic scale-like setae thin, short, metallic gray, grayish-olive, grayish-blue or greenish-blue; sometimes grayish or bluish-gray ventrally; antennae blue or blue-violet, except three first segments grayish (Fig. 12).
Frons not carinate, moderately declivous. Antennae serrate in female, strongly serrate in male (Fig. 105); 3rd segment transverse, with spiniform appendix. Pronotum (Fig. 172) very longer than wide (1.4 times width), sub-rectangular, slightly narrowed apicad; lateral margins almost straight from hind angles base, raised forming narrow smooth edge, almost reaching apex; strongly convex; convexity decreasing basad; micropunctate with coarse punctuation, more concentrate lateroanteriorly; anterior margin slightly sinuous; hind angles divergent, raised laterally forming edge continuous with that of lateral margins; median basal tubercle very flattened and triangular or indistinct; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle. Hypomera concave near lateral margins; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of anterior channel. Notosternal sutures slightly sinuous. Prosternum micropunctate; punctuation coarser near sutures, strongly convex, grooved near sutures, flattened longitudinal medially. Prosternal lobe with sparse punctuation, coarser than median region of prosternum; emarginated laterally, with lateral angles rounded. Scutellum (Fig. 233) strongly folded with horizontal basal area subtrapezoidal. Borders of mesosternal cavity (Fig. 279) wide and horizontal on basal ¾ and slightly declivous on distal ¼ forming an inclined profile. First visible sternite prominent laterally fitting in lateral groove of elytra; last visible sternite with truncate apex in both sexes. Tibiae of male bearing irregular row of spines internally. Striae marked by row of coarse punctures; interstices convex, small punctuate and equal; 2nd forming flat basal tubercle; apices conjointly rounded.
Male genital segments and genitalia. Sternite VIII (Fig. 319) subtriangular, translucent in triangular median area and two laterobasal bands. Tergite IX (Fig. 357) densely punctuate with anterior margin slightly emarginated bearing tiny lateroanteriorly setae. Aedeagus (Fig. 384): 4.5 times longer than wide; median lobe (Fig. 428) half of aedeagus length, slightly narrowed near middle and constricted at apex, bearing dorsally 13, 13; 14, 14 very small teeth; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 464) parallel almost until to apex; apex prominent laterally and upwards.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 499) transverse with translucent basal area triangular, longer than half of tergite length at median line. Sternite VIII (Fig. 537) very wide, 0.65 times spiculum gastrale length; anterior margin wide- and deeply notched at middle. Genitalia (Fig. 583): sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 628) with internal contour triangular, grater-like half part, bearing 36 teeth, some bi- or tricuspid; bursa copulatrix with small ventral area with carinae and spines.
Material examined. MEXICO. 1 M, 2 F (ZMHB). Jalisco: Estación Biologica UNAM, 1 F (FSCA); vic. Estación de Biologia Chamela, 1 M (JEWC); Estación de Biologia Chamela, Arroyo Seco, 1 M (MZSP retained UNAM). Colima: 1 M (USNM); Colima, 1 F (dissected) (USNM). Veracruz: Presidio, 1 F (IBSP). Without locality: Museum Paris ex coll. R. Oberthür, 1 F (MNHN); Bilimek, Tlapocoyar, 1 F (NHMW). Guerrero: Presa El Caracol, 1 M (dissected) (UNAM); Teloloapan, 1 M (dissected) (USNM).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius boucardi is characterized especially by narrow body, antennae strongly serrate in male, pronotum longer than wide, scutellum strongly folded and parameres of aedeagus cleft laterally. The pubescence is usually gray, grayish-olive, grayish-blue or greenish-blue dorsally and ventrally. I examined one male and one female from Mexico (Jalisco, Est. Biol. UNAM) with metallic pubescence grayish-blue dorsally, and grayish centrally and at a narrow stripe at base of pronotum and elytra.
It is similar to C. viridipilis, differing especially by presence of (C. viridipilis parenthesized): 1) antennae of male strongly serrate (flabellate); 2) pronotum 1.4 times longer than wide (1.2 times); 3) tibiae of male bearing spines on internal edge (short cilia); 4) last visible sternite of male with truncate apex (rounded apex); 5) sternite VIII of male longer in C. boucardi; 6) lateral cleft of parameres more strongly curved upwardly in the latter; 7) median lobe of aedeagus shorter, with 13-14 very small teeth (8-9 larger); 8) spiculum gastrale of sternite VIII of female shorter and sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands with smaller number of teeth in C. boucardi. Both species present the base of mesosternal cavity moderately declivous, and bursa copulatrix with small ventral area with carinae and spines.
C. boucardi belongs to chalcantheus* group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from Mexico (Jalisco, Colima, Veracruz, Guerrero, Morelos) (Fig. 679).
Chalcolepidius chalcantheus Candèze, 1857
(Figs.13-16, 106, 173, 280, 320, 358, 385, 429, 465, 500, 538, 584, 585, 629, 679)
Chalcolepidius chalcantheus Candèze, 1857: 264, 288; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1502 (Cat.); Candèze, 1874: 169; 1886: 68; 1891: 38 (Cat.); Schwarz, 1906a: 46; Schenkling, 1925: 55 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 107 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.); Golbach, 1977: 155, 159. Syntype female: "Syntype; Columbia; Gundet 1848; Janson coll. 1903-130.; chalcantheus [glued underside:] Chalcolepidius chalcantheus Cdz. F Type ex coll. Deyrolle" (BMNH) (examined).
Chalcolepidius violaceous Pjatakowa, 1941: 104; Golbach, 1977: 155, 159. Type locality: [Brazil]: "Corumba, Mato Grosso". Syn. nov.
CANDÈZE (1857) presented a key to Chalcolepidius species where C. chalcantheus is separated from C. obscurus by the pubescence coloration and elytral interstices: green, unequal in the former, black, and equal in the latter. In fact, the species positions are reverted, and the interstices are equal in the former and unequal in the latter. In 1886, CANDÈZE corrected the key and included C. chalcantheus in a group with "intervalles égaux".
According to the original description, C. violaceous Pjatakowa, 1941, from Corumbá, is similar to C. chalcantheus, except for the violet pubescence clothing the integument. I examined specimens with pubescence green, olive, brown-olive, brown-violet and violet, and concluded that these species are conspecific.
Length: 26-32 mm. Narrow, parallel body. Integument black, clothed dorsally and ventrally, including legs, with short metallic scale-like setae green, blue, green-olive, olive, brown-olive, brown-violet or violet; antennae clothed with blue or bluish-black, except three first segments like general coloration (Figs. 13-16).
Frons not carinate, slightly concave medioanteriorly; nasal plate high and punctuate. Antennae (Fig. 106) long, surpassing hind margins of procoxae in male; serrate in female, strongly serrate in male; 3rd segment triangular, shorter than 4th, very prominent laterally. Pronotum (Fig. 173) longer than wide, sub-rectangular with hind angles prominent; slightly narrowed apicad from hind angles base; moderately convex; micropunctate with sparse coarse punctuation on anterior ¾ (sparser longitudinal medially); anterior margin slightly prominent and sinuous at middle; lateral margins forming bright and small-punctuate narrow edge on proximal 2/3; hind angles wide or slightly divergent, raised laterally forming edge continuous with that of lateral margin; median basal tubercle flat and triangular; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle. Hypomera concave near lateral margins; micropunctate; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of well developed anterior channel. Notosternal sutures strongly sinuous; line parallel sutures on hypomera. Prosternum micropunctate, strongly convex, flattened longitudinal medially, convex near sutures. Prosternal lobe rounded, emarginated laterally; punctuation coarser than prosternum. Prosternal spine flattened laterally, prominent at middle; subapical region straight; apex rounded. Scutellum strongly folded with horizontal basal area subtrapezoidal, anterior margin grooved at middle forming two rounded prominences (not carinate), slightly notched posteriorly. Borders of mesosternal cavity (Fig. 280) horizontal on basal 2/3 and slightly declivous on distal 1/3, forming an inclined profile. Meso-metasternal suture weak. Metasternum slightly narrowed behind mesosternal cavity. Last visible sternite of male with apex rounded bearing fringe of short setae. Anterior tibiae of male bearing fringe of short cilia. First visible sternite prominent laterally, fits in lateral groove of elytra. Striae marked by row of coarse punctures; interstices equal, convex and micropunctate; very flattened tubercle at base of 2nd interstice; apices conjointly rounded, in some specimens bearing tiny sutural spine.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Tergite VIII wider than long, strongly notched at base, rounded anteriorly. Sternite VIII (Fig. 320) subtriangular, translucent in median triangular area and two laterobasal narrow bands. Tergite IX (Fig. 358) densely punctuate, anterior margin straight with rounded angles; tiny setae lateroanteriorly. Aedeagus (Fig. 385): 4.3 times longer than wide; parameres wider ventrally; median lobe (Fig. 429) wide, slightly narrowed at middle, strongly constricted at apex and at base of basal struts, bearing 5, 6; 7, 9; 8, 8; 8, 9; 10,10; 10, 12; 11, 11 lateral teeth; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 465) widened and concave subapically (spoon-like).
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 500) very wide; median basal translucent area triangular and surpassing the middle. Sternite VIII (Fig. 538) very wide, anterior margin wide- and deeply notched, 0.80 times the spiculum length. Genitalia (Figs. 584, 585): ovipositor short and wide; sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 629) bearing 63 teeth (grater-like partially); bursa copulatrix with one moderate long and narrow spiny area.
Material examined. GUATEMALA. Retalhuleu: San Sebastian, 1 M (USNM). PANAMA. 1 M (USNM). Canal Zone: Barro Colorado, 1 F (MCZC); Coco Solo Hosp. 1 M (TAMU). Colón: Fort Davis, 1 M (FSCA); Ft. Espanar vic. Marg. (locality not found), 1 M (JEWC); Sta Rita Ridge, 900, 1 M (FSCA). Darién: Rio Tacarcuna, 2 M (MCZC). VENEZUELA. Ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 M (MNHN). Carabobo: Valencia, 1 M (MNHN). Yaracuy: RioYama, 1 M (IZAV). COLOMBIA. 1 M (MNHN). Boyacá: Minas de Muzo, 1 F (MNHN). BRAZIL. Amazonas: Benjamin Constant, 1 M (MNRJ); Rio Juruá, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, not chalcantheus, CMF von Hayek det. 1980, 1 F (MNHN); Rio Negro, 1 M (AMNH); São Paulo [de Olivença], 1 F (MNHN). Rondônia: 62 Km SW Ariquemes, nr. Fazenda Rancho Grande, 1 M (FSCA). Pará: Aldeia Coraci, 11 Km W Canindé, Rio Gurupí, 1 M (dissected) (MZSP); Santarém, 1 F (IBSP), 1 F (MZSP), 1 F (USNM); Tiriós, Alto Parú d'Oeste, 1 M (MZSP). Maranhão: Barra do Corda, 3 M (DZUP). Mato Grosso: Bodoquena, 1 M (MZSP); Cuiabá, 1 F (MNHN), 1 M (UFMT); Corumbá, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 M (MNHN), chalcantheus Cand. ?; coll. Fleutiaux; type locality of violet Pjatak. 1941, CMF von Hayek det. 1980 = chalcantheus, 1 M (MNHN); Rio Brilhante, 2 M (DZUP); Rondonópolis, 1 F (dissected) (MZSP). Mato Grosso do Sul: Salobra (Zona da N.O.B.), 1 F (MNMS), 3 M (MZSP). Goiás: ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Colinas do Sul, Serra da Mesa 2 M (1 M dissected, MZSP); Mineiros, 1 F (MNHN); Niquelândia, Acamp. Bagagem, 1 M (dissected) (MZSP). Minas Gerais: Buritis, Ribeirão Confins, 2 M (MZSP). Espirito Santo: Linhares, 1 M (IMLA), Parque Sooretama, 1 M (IMLA). Paraná: Foz do Iguaçu, 4 M (MZSP, retained DZUP), 45 M (DZUP). ECUADOR. Los Ríos: Rio Palenque, 1 M (FSCA). PERU. Loreto: nr jct Rio Maranon & Ucayali 1 M (FSCA). ARGENTINA. Misiones: Iguazu, 1 M (MZSP).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius chalcantheus is characterized especially by narrow and parallel body; 3rd antennal segment shorter than 4th, very prominent laterally; anterior tibiae of male bearing fringe of short cilia; last visible sternite of male with apex rounded bearing fringe of short setae; parameres wider ventrally near apex; median lobe wide with 10-12 small teeth each side; lateral cleft of parameres widened and concave subapically (spoon-like); ovipositor, tergite and sternite VIII of female very wide; sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands bearing 63 teeth; bursa copulatrix with one elongate spiny area.
The females of C. chalcantheus are very rare in the collections. The pronotum of females, including that of syntype, is wider and more convex than male. In a few males, the hind angles of pronotum are slightly divergent. The aedeagus was observed in three specimens.
C. chalcantheus belongs to chalcantheus* group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is widely distributed with records in Guatemala, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil (Amazonas, Rondônia, Pará, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Goiás, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Paraná), Ecuador, Peru and Argentina (Fig. 679).
It was observed that the pubescence is blue in the majority of examined specimens from Guatemala, olive or olive-green in those from the Panama, green from Venezuela and olive-brown from Argentina. The material from Brazil presents darker coloration: brown, brown-olive, brown-violet or violet.
Chalcolepidius copulatuvittatus sp. nov.
(Figs. 17, 107, 175, 234, 281, 321, 359, 386)
Type material. Holotype male: "Venezuela (Mocquerys); Museum Paris ex-coll. R. Oberthür; Chalcolepidius gossipiatus group CMF von Hayek det. 1980"(dissected) (MNHN).
Holotype. Length: 25 mm. Integument reddish-brown clothed dorsally and ventrally, including legs, with metallic scale-like setae brownish-olive; frons with very narrow, irregular band on proximal and distal margins with white setae; lateral stripes of pronotum joined at base, U-shaped; white pubescence on lateral stripes of pronotum, striae and epipleura; lower interstices partially clothed with white setae (Fig. 17).
Frons narrow, distal third trapezoidal; densely small-punctuate, slightly concave medioanteriorly; nasal plate high and coarsely punctuate. Antennae (Fig. 107) strongly serrate, surpassing posterior margin of procoxae in almost one segment; 3rd segment short, widened apicad, very shorter than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 175) longer than wide, slightly narrowed apicad from hind angles base; anterior margin almost straight; anterior angles very prominent; lateral margins forming narrow edge, almost reaching apex, grooved internally edge; hind angles divergent, raised laterally, forming wide edge, continuous with that of lateral margin; strongly convex from groove, densely micropunctate with moderately coarse punctuation laterally on distal third; posterior margin prominent and slightly notched at middle; median basal tubercle elongate, flat, almost indistinguishable, grooved at middle. Hypomera concave, densely small-punctuate; laterointernal margin marginated anteriorly, not forming channel. Notosternal sutures slightly sinuous. Prosternum moderately convex from sutures, densely small-punctuate; prosternal lobe marginated laterally with angles strongly rounded; punctuation coarser than prosternum and disposed in irregular rows giving appearance of short transverse grooves. Scutellum (Fig. 234) narrower and moderately declivous on anterior half; basal half rounded. Mesosternal cavity U-shaped with borders (Fig. 281) moderately thick and horizontal on basal half and slightly declivous on distal half, forming an inclined profile. Meso-metasternal suture well marked, grooved laterally. First visible sternite not prominent laterally. Tibiae of male bearing irregular row of long spines. Striae marked by row of coarse punctures; interstices flat and densely small punctuate; unequal; apices conjointly slightly rounded; hypomera with lateral carina on anterior half.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Tergite VIII slightly wider than long; basal margin slightly notched; lateral and anterior margins rounded; setous near lateral and anterior margins. Sternite VIII (Fig. 321) transverse, subpentagonal; anterior margin very prominent at middle; three melanized areas: two lateral bands and a small distal spot. Sternite IX elongate, melanized in narrow band on distal half. Tergite IX (Fig. 359) transverse, slightly narrowed apicad; anterior margin slightly notched; densely punctuate; moderately long setae laterodistally. Aedeagus (Fig. 386): apex of parameres spearhead-like; median lobe narrow with lateral margins slightly sinuous, narrowed apicad.
Female unknown.
Remarks. Chalcolepidius copulatuvittatus is characterized especially by integument reddish-brown clothed with pubescence brownish-olive with lateral white stripes of pronotum U-shaped; striae and epipleura clothed with white pubescence; antennae of male strongly serrate; scutellum moderately declivous on anterior half; tibiae of male bearing row of spines; apex of parameres spearhead-like.
C. copulatuvittatus is the sister-group of C. truncuvittatus (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from Venezuela.
Etymology. The epithet is derived from one of the latin words for joining, copulatio, related to lateral bands of pronotum.
Chalcolepidius corpulentus Candèze, 1874
(Figs. 18, 108, 176, 322, 387, 430, 466, 501, 539, 586, 630, 692)
Chalcolepidius corpulentus Candèze, 1874: 164,165; 1886: 71; 1891: 39 (Cat.); Schwarz, 1906b: 45; Schenkling, 1925: 55 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 107 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282. Holotype female: "21742; Type; Bahia; Fry coll. 1905.100; corpulentus Cdz. Type F; drawer 126" (BMNH)(examined).
Length: 23-43 mm. Integument black, clothed dorsally and ventrally, including legs, with thin metallic scale-like setae, olive, wine-red, violet or green; lateral stripes of pronotum wide, 1/3 of pronotum width; lateral stripes of elytra 4 interstices wide; dull yellowish-white pubescence on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra, lower interstices (in some specimens only striae) and epipleura; antennae with dark-blue short pubescence, except three first segments (Fig. 18).
Frons slightly concave medioanteriorly; nasal plate high, declivous and punctuate. Antennae (Fig. 108) serrate in both sexes, 3rd triangular-elongate, shorter than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 176) slightly longer than wide (almost as long as wide in holotype and some other females), wider at hind angles, narrower at apex (stronger in holotype and some other females) from hind angles base; strongly convex anteriorly; convexity decreasing basad; anterior margin slightly sinuous; lateral margins sinuous forming edge on basal 2/3; hind angles slightly divergent with truncate apex, raised laterally, continuous with that of lateral edge; micropunctate with moderately coarse punctures lateroanteriorly (on anterior half); discal area with very weak ridges; median basal tubercle flattened, triangular, continuous with very weak longitudinal median ridge, not reaching anterior margin; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle. Hypomera concave near lateral margins, micropunctate; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of well developed channel. Notosternal sutures strongly sinuous. Prosternum micropunctate with coarse sparse punctuation dispersed near notosternal sutures; strongly convex, flattened longitudinal medially, slightly concave near sutures. Prosternal lobe wide, emarginated laterally with fore angles slightly rounded; punctuation small, slightly coarser than prosternum. Prosternal spine flattened laterally with apex rounded. Scutellum strongly folded with horizontal basal area subtrapezoidal, grooved anterior- and posteriorly. Borders of mesosternal cavity wide and horizontal on basal ¾ and vertical on distal ¼, forming L-shaped profile; apex of horizontal area prominent. Meso-metasternal suture absent. First visible sternite prominent laterally, fits in lateral groove of elytra. Anterior and median tibiae and last tarsal segment of all legs of male bearing fringe of long cilia. Interstices convex and micropunctate, unequal, alternate; very flat tubercle at base of 3rd interstice; apex slightly truncate.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Tergite VIII as long as wide with anterior margin rounded; posterior margin strongly notched, almost reaching the middle. Sternite VIII (Fig. 322) wider than long, strongly narrowed on distal third; small median elongate translucent area. Tergite IX densely punctuate; anterior margin straight with rounded angles; tiny lateroanteriorly setae. Aedeagus (Fig. 387): median lobe (Fig. 430) moderately narrowed near middle and constricted at apex, bearing 7, 8 lateral teeth; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 466) narrowed at subapical region with apex prominent laterally and upward.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 501) transverse, almost rectangular; translucent subtriangular basal area surpassing the middle. Sternite VIII (Fig. 539) with anterior margin slightly- widely notched, 0.55 times of spiculum gastrale length. Genitalia (Fig. 586, 587): sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 630) bearing 19 teeth; bursa copulatrix with an elongate longitudinal median band with carinae and spines and two lateral rounded spiny areas.
Material examined. VENEZUELA. Guárico: Hato Masaguaral (44 Km S Calabozo) 4 F (USNM). BRAZIL. Ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). Pará: Independência, 1 F (USNM); Óbidos, 3 F (MZSP). Amazonas: Benjamin Constant, 1 F (MZSP), Rio Javari, 1 F (MZSP). Ceará: 1 F (MZSP), 1 M, 1 F (USNM); Carquejo, 14 M, 58 F (MZSP); Fortaleza, 1 M, 1 F (MZSP), Maranguape Mts. 1 M, 1 F (USNM). Rio Grande do Norte: Natal, 1 F (MZSP). Pernambuco: Bonito, 1 M (USNM); Garanhuns, 1 F (AMNH). Alagoas: Pedra, 4 F (AMNH). Mato Grosso: Barra do Tapirapé, 7 F (MZSP); Buriti, Chapada dos Guimarães, 600 m, 1 F (DZUP); Cáceres, 3 F (DZUP); Chapada [dos Guimarães], near Cuiabá, 5 F (USNM); Jacaré, 1 F (DZUP); Rio Verde, 400 m, 1 F (DZUP); Rosário do Oeste, 10 F (MZSP), 5 F (DZUP); Rio Xingu, 1 F (DZUP). Mato Grosso do Sul: Corumbá, Serra do Urucum, 1 F (MZSP); Salobra, 1 F (MZSP), SINOP Km 500 Estrada Cuiabá-Santarém, 1 F (MZSP). Goiás: 1 F (USNM); Goiânia, 1 F (DZUP); I. Bananal, S. Isabel, 1 F (DZUP); Jataí, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1M (MNHN). Bahia: 1 F (PCCV), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 15 F (MNHN); Joazeiro, 1 M (DZUP); Santo Antonio da Barra, coll. Gounelle, 3 F (MNHN); de Villa Victoria [Vitória da Conquista] a Cachimbo [Campinarana], 1 F (MNHN). Minas Gerais: Araxá, 1 M (DZUP); Campos de Diamantina, Faz. do Riacho Fundo, 3 F (MNHN); Catas Altas, Serra do Caraça, 1 F (MNHN), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Ibiá, 1 F (DZUP); Pedra Azul, 800 m, 1 M, 1 F (DZUP); Sertão de Diamantina, Faz. das Melancias (locality not found), 1 F (MNHN). São Paulo: Vale do rio Pardo, ex-coll. Gounelle, 1 F (MNHN). Paraná: Paranaguá, 1 F (NHMW). Rio Grande do Sul: Porto Alegre, 1 M (MNHN). PERU. Piura: Negritos, 1 F (USNM). BOLIVIA. Tarija: Yacuiba, 2 F (USNM). PARAGUAY. 2 F (MNHN). Boquerón: Chaco, 1 F (IBSP). ARGENTINA. 6 F (NHMW), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1M, 1 F (MNHN). Córdoba: Córdoba, 1 M (DZUP). Jujiuy: Ledesma, 1 F (USNM). Salta: Collera, 1 M, 2 F (USNM); General Ballivían, 1 M (USNM); Meran [Teran], 1 F (USNM); Senillosa, 1 F (USNM). Santiago del Estero: ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 3 F (MNHN); Barrancas, 4 M, 3 F (MNHN); Bords du Rio Salado, env. d'Icaño, Mistol Paso, 9 F (MNHN), La Palisia del Bracho, 25 Km. d'Icaño, 4 F (MNHN), Chaco de Santiago del Estero, 1 M, 1 F (NHMW), Rio Salado, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 M, 4 F (MNHN), Rio Dulce, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). Tucumán: Horco Molle (locality not found), 1 M, 1 F (DZUP); Gran Chaco, Río Tapenago, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 F (MNHN); Gran Chaco, Río Tapenago, 6 F (MNHN).
Remarks. The female holotype of Chalcolepidius corpulentus is very large (42 mm length; 15 mm width) justifying the specific name, but the size of examined specimens is variable (23-43 mm length). In the original description the length appears as equal 12 mm, what is clearly a misprint.
C. corpulentus is characterized especially by wide whitish lateral stripes on pronotum, usually 1/3 of pronotum length; whitish pubescence also on lateral stripes of elytra and epipleura. The metallic coloration of the pubescence is usually formed by two colorations intermingled, usually green with wine-red. Sometimes the upperside has different coloration from underside, but specimens olive present the same coloration in both sides.
C. corpulentus is very similar to C. zonatus, differing especially by body more parallel in the former, different coloration of metallic pubescence and different number of teeth of the sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands (19 in the former and 46 in the latter).
It belongs to corpulentus+ group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from South America: Venezuela, Brazil (Pará, Amazonas, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Pernambuco, Alagoas, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Goiás, Bahia, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul), Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina (Fig. 692).
Chalcolepidius costatus Pjatakowa, 1941
Chalcolepidius costatus Pjatakowa, 1941: 100. Type locality: "Patria ignota".
Original description: "Niger, capite, prothorace, scutello, corpore subtus, pedibus ½ epipleurisque rufo-brunneo aut ferrugineo-violaceo squamulosis; elytris, prothorace lateribus fulvo vittatis; vittis antice abbreviatis, postice dilatatis. Fronte late fortiter impressa. Prothorace longitudine latitudine aequali, subtilissime, densissime, antrorsum sparsim fortiter punctato, medio longitrorsum subtiliter carinulato. Angulis posticis incrassatis, divaricatis, apice subtruncatis, declivibus. Elytris ante medium dilatatis, apice emarginatis, punctatosulcatis, interstitiis imparibus costiformibus.
Long. 42 mm. Lat. 15 mm. Patria ignota".
Chalcolepidius cyaneus Candèze, 1881
(Figs. 19-21, 109, 177, 323, 388, 431, 467, 540, 631, 682)
Chalcolepidius cyaneus Candèze, 1881: 21; 1886: 68, 73; 1891: 39 (Cat.); Schenkling, 1925: 55 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 107 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.). Syntype female: "Coll. R. I. Sc. N. B.; Type; ex coll. Candèze; Chalcolepidius cyaneus Cand. det. E. Candèze; n. sp. cyaneus Cdz Brasil" (ISNB) (examined).
Chalcolepidius scitus Candèze, 1889: 12; 1891: 38 (Cat.); Schenkling, 1925: 57 (Cat.), Blackwelder, 1944: 283 (Cat.). Holotype female: " Coll. R. I. Sc. N. B. Venezuela, ex coll. Candèze n. sp. scitus Cdz Venez. St; Chalcolepidius scitus Cand., dét E Candèze" (ISNB) (examined). Syn. nov.
Chalcolepidius abbreviatovittatus Pjatakowa, 1941: 99. Syn. nov.
CANDÈZE (1881) described C. cyaneus, from Brazil, characterized especially by integument clothed with metallic pubescence blue, with dull white setae on striae and lateral stripes of elytra, and 3rd antennal segment shorter than 4th. He commented about the similarities of this species with C. porcatus, and also compared it with C. bomplandii, C. mocquerysii and C. fabricii.
CANDÈZE (1889) described C. scitus, from Venezuela, characterized especially by integument clothed with metallic pubescence green with dull white setae on striae and lateral stripes of elytra, and 3rd antennal segment equal 4th. He also compared it with C. porcatus, very similar to the former. After examining available material it is concluded that C. scitus is a synonym of C. cyaneus
PJATAKOWA (1941) described C. abbreviatovitatus, from Trinidad (Caparo), characterized especially by integument clothed with metallic pubescence bluish-green with lateral stripes of pronotum (shortened anteriorly) striae and sides of epipleura clothed with dull yellowish setae, 3rd antennal segment equal 4th and interstices unequal in width. It was examined a series of specimens that fits very well with the description of this species and concluded that this species is conspecific with C. cyaneus.
Length: 22-41 mm. Wide, arched body. Integument black clothed dorsally and ventrally, including legs and epipleura, with short, thin, metallic scale-like setae violet-blue, greenish-blue, grayish-green or green; lateral stripes of elytra three interstices wide; dull white, yellowish-white or ochraceus setae on striae and lateral stripes of elytra. Some specimens with small lateral patches on pronotum and sides of epipleura with white setae (Fig. 19-21).
Frons not carinate, strong- or moderately concave medioanteriorly. Nasal plate high, slightly declivous. Antennae (Fig. 109) serrate in both sexes, 3rd segment elongate, triangular, as long as or slightly shorter than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 177) longer than wide, wider at hind angles, slightly narrowed apicad from hind angles base, narrower frontally; moderately convex longitudinal medially; convexity decreasing basad; micropunctate with coarse and sparse punctuation on anterior half or only lateroanteriorly; in some specimens forming small ridges; anterior margin sinuous (in some specimens forming two prominences near middle); lateral margins raised forming narrow edge on distal ¾; slightly concave innerly edge; hind angles wide, slightly divergent with truncate apex; raised laterally forming slightly wider edge continuous with that of lateral margins; median basal tubercle flattened, triangular, continuous with longitudinal median weak ridges; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle. Hypomera concave near lateral margins; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of anterior channel. Notosternal sutures strongly sinuous. Prosternum micropunctate; coarse punctuation near sutures; strongly convex, flattened longitudinal medially, concave near sutures. Prosternal lobe wide; punctuation slightly coarser and sparser than median region of prosternum; emarginated laterally with fore angles rounded. Prosternal spine flattened laterally. Scutellum strongly folded with horizontal basal area subtrapezoidal, notched anterior- and posteriorly, grooved longitudinal medially. Borders of mesosternal cavity wide and horizontal on basal 2/3 and vertical on distal 1/3, forming L-shaped profile. Meso-metasternal suture weak. First visible sternite prominent laterally, fitting in lateral groove of elytra. Anterior and median tibiae and last tarsal segments of all legs of male bearing fringe of long cilia. Interstices convex, unequal in width; 2nd interstice forming a rounded tubercle near base; apices conjointly rounded.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Sternite VIII (Fig. 323) strongly narrowed on distal third, setous, translucent in subtriangular median area. Tergite IX transverse, densely punctuate; anterior margin rounded bearing tiny setae lateroanteriorly. Aedeagus (Fig. 388): median lobe (Fig. 431) 0.52 times aedeagus length, slightly narrowed apicad, more strongly narrowed near middle bearing 4, 5; 7, 7; 8, 8, small lateral teeth; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 467) strongly constricted subapically with distal angle very prominent stronger dorsally.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 502) transverse with anterior margin rounded; densely setous; translucent median area wide, more than a half of tergite length. Sternite VIII (Fig. 540) 0.59 spiculum gastrale length; anterior margin moderate- and widely notched. Genitalia: sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 631) sub-elliptical bearing 26 teeth; bursa copulatrix with wide longitudinal median elongate band with carinae and spines and two lateral large rounded spiny areas.
Material examined. WEST INDIES. Jamaica. Ex. coll. Oberthür, 1 F (MNHN). Virgin Islands. St. Thomas, Bivoni, 2 F (USNM). Trinidad. 2 F (AMNH), 1 F (MNHN), 3 F (USNM); Arima Valley, St. Andrew Trace, 1 M (AMNH); Biche, 1 F (USNM); Brasso, 1 F (USNM); Icacos, 1 M (USNM); Melajo Forest Sangre Grande, 1 F (AMNH); St. Benedict Mt. Tunapuna, 1 F (SRGI); 3.3 mi SSW Talparo, 4 F (FSCA), 1 F (MZSP, retained FSCA); Tabaquite, 1 F (USNM). VENEZUELA. 2 F (MNHN), 1 F (NHMW); ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). Barinas: Caparo, 1 F (SRGI); [box labeled as limbatus var. Lheirminieri], ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). Bolívar: Agua Fria (Cr. Sta Elena), 1 F (IMLA); El Peru (nr. El Callao), 1 M (MCZC). Lara: Río Claro, 1 F (FSCA). Merida: Merida, 1 M (dissected), 5 F (MNHN), 5 F (1 dissected) (USNM), ex-coll. Hauser, 1 F (ZMHB), cyaneus Cand., Fleutiaux det., 1 M (dissected) (MNHN). Zulia: Los Angeles del Tucuco, 1 M (dissected) (MZSP, retained USNM); Maracaibo, 1 F (USNM), 1 M, 3 F (ZMUC). GUYANA. 1 F (AMNH). East Berbice: Blairmont Plantation, 1 F (USNM), 1 F (dissected)(MZSP, retained USNM); Bloomfield Coren Tyne Berbica, 1 F (AMNH). SURINAME. Saramacca: Paramaribo, 4 F (ZMHB), 1 F (MZSP, retained USNM). Marowijine: Langaman Kondre, 2 F (1 dissected) (MZSP). COLOMBIA. 1 M (AMNH). Antioquia: Río Leon, Chigorodo Ant., 1 F (MZSP, retained USNM). Cauca: Popayan, 1 F (MNHN). Chocó: Río San Juan, 2 F (FSCA); El Cesar, Chimichagua, 1 F (ICNC). Huila: 1 F (ICNC); Gigante, 1 F (USNM). Santander: Pico das Armas, 1100 m, 1 F (AMNH); Nst Pebrolea, 2 F (USNM).
Remarks. Comparing the syntype of Chalcolepidius cyaneus (40 mm) with the holotype of C. scitus (20 mm), both females, it was observed that, besides the differences related to the pubescence coloration and size, the former is more robust with pronotum more rugose.
C. cyaneus is totally clothed with green or blue setae with striae and lateral bands of elytra clothed with white dull pubescence. Some specimens present reduced lateral stripes on pronotum and sides of epipleura with white setae. It is similar to C. porcatus but it is easily separate by presence of interstices unequal in width and dull white setae on striae and lateral stripes of elytra. Besides, in C. cyaneus the apex of lateral cleft of parameres is strongly constricted subapically with distal angles more prominent dorsally while in C. porcatus is less constricted, with both angles similar.
When present, the white lateral stripes of pronotum vary from a short median line near lateral margins to a wider stripe 2/3 of pronotum length including the hind angles.
The length of 3rd and 4th antennal segments is equal or slightly unequal, independent of the coloration of pubescence. When they are unequal, the 3rd segment is slightly shorter than 4th, that is herein considered as intraspecific variation.
I examined several specimens of this species, but none male clothed totally with metallic blue pubescence was found to permit the aedeagus analysis. I dissected one male clothed totally with green pubescence (like C. scitus) and one greenish-blue dorsally and green ventrally, both with striae and lateral stripes of elytra white. The only difference between them is the additions of one tooth each side of median lobe of aedeagus and the small translucent laterobasal areas of sternite VIII of male, larger and double at the blue specimen.
I dissected also one male (from Guyana) and one female (from Suriname) clothed with olive-green setae, and white lateral stripes on pronotum, including the hind angles and narrowed anteriad. Comparing these specimens with others dissected, only a few differences related to the reduction of the number of teeth of male median lobe and female genitalia were observed: the median lobe of aedeagus is narrower and bears 4, 5 lateral teeth and the sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands bear 24 teeth. These numbers are into the range variation of this species.
C. cyaneus belongs to forreri* group.
Distribution. It is recorded from West Indies (Jamaica, Virgin Islands), Venezuela, Trinidad, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname and Brazil (Fig. 682).
The majority of specimens from Trinidad are clothed with metallic blue or greenish-blue setae with lateral stripes of elytra and epipleura (totally or partially) clothed with dull whitish or ochraceus setae. The specimens from Suriname and Guyana are clothed with metallic olive-green setae with white lateral stripes on pronotum, including the hind angles, and on sides of epipleura, striae and lateral bands of elytra (sometimes very narrow). I examined one female from ZMHB labeled "Mex. Merida", not included in the material examined because it is the only record of this species from Mexico; probably there is confusion with the Merida from Venezuela.
Chalcolepidius desmarestii Chevrolat, 1835
(Figs. 22, 23, 110, 174, 236, 237, 282, 324, 360, 389, 430, 468, 503, 541, 588, 634, 677)
Chalcolepidius desmarestii Chevrolat, 1835: 195; Candèze, 1857: 269; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1502 (Cat.); Candèze, 1874: 162; 1886: 69; 1891: 37 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 275, 284, t. 11, f. 8-9; Heyne-Taschenberg, 1908: 153, t. 25, f. 17; Schenkling, 1925: 55 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 107 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.). Syntype [abdomen destroyed]: "Type; Orizaba sous les ecources; Collection Chevrolat; desmaresti Chevr. Type Chevr. Typique Mon. Cand. Collection Fleutiaux; Syntype Another F same loc. & collector in BMNH CMF von Hayek 12.3.79" (MNHN) (examined).
Chalcolepidius desmaretsii; Lacordaire, 1857: 155 (error).
Chalcolepidius procerus Erichson, 1841: 84; Candèze, 1857: 269 (Syn.). Syntypes: 1 male, 4 females. One female: "16208; procerus Erichs*; Desmaresti Chevr. Cand.* procerus Er.*, Mexico Coul. Stark; Syntype Chalcolepidius procerus Erichson CMF von Hayek, 1980; Chalcolepidius desmarestii CMF von Hayek det. 1980"; male and 3 females: "Mexico Coul. Stark nr 16208; Syntype Chalcolepidius procerus Erich. CMF von Hayek 1980; Chalcolepidius desmarestii Chevr. CMF von Hayek det. 1980" (ZMHB) (examined).
Chalcolepidius brevicollis Casey, 1907: 35. Holotype female: "Holotype; Purula, sp figured; Purula, Vera Paz, Champion; F; B. C. A. Col. III (1) Chalcolepidius desmaresti Chevr. F; desmaresti var.; brevicollis Casey, 1907 CMF von Hayek det 1979" (BMNH) (examined). Syn. nov.
CHEVROLAT (1835), stated about the type locality of C. desmarestii "trouvé par nos voyageurs en terre froide, à Orixaba, pendant le mois de septembre, sous une écource".
CHAMPION (1894) observed the variations of elytral coloration (from black to bright ferrugineous) and the pubescence of the upper surface, and illustrated a typical male (Tab. XII, fig. 9) and a variety female (Tab. XII, fig. 8). CASEY (1907) named this female variety as C. brevicollis. Herein, after examining the available material it was concluded that C. brevicollis is a synonym of C. desmarestii.
Hayek studying the Chalcolepidius collections, labeled in 1979, five specimens (4F, 1M) from Costa Rica and one female from Colombia, as C. castaneus sp. n., herein recognized as C. desmarestii.
Length: 36-43 mm. Wide, parallel body. Integument black (in some specimens elytra totally or partially ferruginous or orange) clothed with dull scale-like setae brownish (coffee with milk) ochraceus, orange or slightly ferruginous; in some specimens variable number of interstices (usually the higher) clothed with black velvety setae; some of them with rounded black patch at middle of each elytron; antennae clothed with dark-blue setae except three first segments (Figs. 22, 23).
Frons not carinate, slightly declivous. Antennae (Fig. 110) serrate in both sexes, longer in male, 3rd segment triangular-elongate, shorter than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 174) longer than wide, parallel, almost rectangular, raised longitudinal medially; lateral margins straight, narrowed on anterior third; anterior margin prominent forming two teeth; fore angles prominent, wide and rounded; hind angles wide, backward, raised laterally, forming a narrower edge continuous with that of lateral margins reaching the apex; median basal tubercle triangular elongate, very weak; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle; punctuation small with sparse umbilicate punctuation lateroanteriorly; longitudinal median region almost smooth. Hypomera concave near lateral margins; small-punctuate with umbilicate and sparse punctuation; anterior channel absent. Notosternal sutures moderately sinuous. Prosternum micropunctate with coarser and sparse punctuation; strongly convex, grooved near sutures. Prosternal lobe wide with small and sparse punctuation; emarginated laterally; angles rounded. Scutellum (Figs. 236, 237) pentagonal and slightly declivous on anterior 1/3; horizontal area subtriangular with posterior margin slightly sinuous. Borders of mesosternal cavity (Fig. 282) wide, horizontal and prominent on basal 2/3 and moderately declivous on distal 1/3 forming semielliptical profile. First visible sternite prominent laterally, fits in lateral groove of elytra. Anterior tibiae of male bearing short spines and abruptly dilated near apex; in female, slightly dilated near apex with very short spines. Striae grooved; interstices convex, unequal, alternate; 2nd forming basal tubercle; apex with sutural spine.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Sternite VIII (Fig. 324) wide, subtriangular; translucent median area narrower and opened at base. Tergite IX (Fig. 630) slightly wider than long, densely punctuate; anterior margin strongly and widely notched at middle; fore angles prominent, rounded, densely clothed with short setae. Aedeagus (Fig. 389): median lobe (Fig. 432) narrow, almost straight, 0.54 times the aedeagus length, bearing 14, 14; 14, 16 small lateral teeth; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 468) strongly narrowed on distal third with apex rounded and upwardly directed.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 503) transverse with anterior margin slightly prominent at middle; translucent in small basal area and lateral well developed bands. Sternite VIII (Fig. 541) 0.63 times spiculum gastrale length; anterior margin moderate- and widely notched at middle. Genitalia (Fig. 588): sclerotized pieces of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 634) elliptical, large with small orifice and very wide wall densely clothed with small teeth; grater-like; bursa copulatrix elongate with longitudinal narrow and long band with carinae and spines, and some lateral spines.
Material examined. MEXICO. 2 F (MCZC), 4 F (MNHN), 1 F (MZSP), 1 M, 3 F (NHMW); 1 M, 2 F (USNM); coll. Sallé, 2 F (MNHN). Veracruz: 1 F (MCZC), 3 M, 1 F (MNHN), 1 F (USNM); Coatepec, 1400 m, 1 F (SRGI); Jalapa, 1 M, 7 F (AMNH), 1 F (IBSP), 3 F (USNM); Las Minas, 1 M (JEWC); Los Tuxtlas, 2 M (JEWC); Orizaba, coll. Sallé, 1 F (MNHN); 14-16 K W Sntecompn.[Sontecomapan], 1 F (JEWC); Mirada, 2 F (NHMW). Hidalgo: 3 Km N Tlanchinol, 1470 m, 49 M (UNAM), 1 M (MZSP, retained UNAM); 3.5 Km N Tlanchinol, Bosque Mesofilo de Monta[ña], 1470 m, 4 M (UNAM), 2 M (MZSP, retained UNAM); Tlocnuil (locality not found), 1 M (dissected) (MZSP). Puebla: Huauchinango, ex-coll. Oberthür, 3 F (MNHN); Necaxa, 1 M (MNHN). Chiapas: Ochuc [Oxchuc], 1 F (USNM). GUATEMALA. Baja Verapaz: vic. Biotopo del Quetzal, ± 5200, 1 F (FSCA); 6 Km E Purulha, 1 F (dissected) (MZSP); 3 Km E Purulha, 4700', 1 M (FSCA). HONDURAS. 1 F (USNM). Cortés: San Pedro Sula, 1 F (MNHN). COSTA RICA. Cartago: Irazú, 1 F (USNM). Limón: Santa Clara, Hamburg Farm, 1 F (USNM). Puntarenas: Monteverde de Puntarenas, 1 F (FSCA), 1 M, 2 F (USNM). PANAMA. Chiriquí: 6 Km S Fortuna, 1 M (JEWC); 6 Km N Fortuna Cntl, Dvd Rd, 1 F (MZSP); 7 Km S Fortuna Dam, 1 F (JEWC). COLOMBIA. Putumayo: Mocoa, 1 F (USNM).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius desmarestii is characterized especially by general pubescence brownish, orange or ferruginous, pronotum almost rectangular with longitudinal median ridge, scutellum slightly declivous, anterior tibiae of male dilated near apex and parameres of aedeagus cleft.
The integument of C. desmarestii is usually black, but in some specimens the elytra are totally or partially ferruginous, in others, like the holotype of C. brevicollis, it is orange, marginated by dark-brown on distal 2/3. Besides, C. brevicollis presents longitudinal median area of pronotum brighter, scutellum narrower, interstices less raised and basal tubercle of 3rd interstice more flattened. The general pubescence coloration varies from brownish (coffee with milk) like to C. desmarestii type, to ferruginous, like C. procerus type, or orange dorsally and ventrally, like C. brevicollis type; sometimes the ventral pubescence is clearer than dorsal. The elytra pubescence is usually unicolor, but sometimes the higher interstices are clothed with black or dark-brown. Comparing the types, the black setae cloth totally the interstices 4, 6, 8 and partially the second in C. desmarestii and C. procerus and it is very sparse on interstices 6, 8 and at distal 1/3 of sutural and second of C. brevicollis.
Besides the differences observed in the types, two specimens from Panama (1 male and 1 female) present ventral pubescence (except hypomera, elytral epipleura and lateral margins of sternites) including legs, thinner and metallic blue; the interstices of the males are more strongly convex, and the sutural spine of elytra is variable in size. Three specimens from Costa Rica, identified by Hayek, 1979 as "C. castaneus sp. nov." have a rounded spot with black setae at median region of each elytron. This species was not described (Hayek, personal communication) and this material belongs to C. desmarestii.
C. desmarestii belongs to desmarestii+ group (Fig. 671), and it is the first species to be separated inside the group formed by second main dichotomy.
Distribution. It is recorded from Mexico (Veracruz, Hidalgo, Puebla, Chiapas), Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia (Fig. 677).
Chalcolepidius dugesi Candèze, 1886
(Figs.24,111,112,178,238,283,325,361,390,504,542,589,632,673)
Chalcolepidius dugesi Candèze, 1886: 70; Champion, 1894: 275, 287, t. 12, f. 19; Schenkling, 1925: 55 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.). Syntypes: 3 males, 1 female: "Coll. R. I. Sc. N. B. Mexico Guanjuato [sic] E. Dugés ex-coll. Candèze; Chalcolepidius dugesi Cd. det. E. Candèze; cf. Bull. Mus. Hist. Nat. Belg. 1886 p. lXX. One female bears Candèze's label: "n.sp. Dugesi Cand. Guanajuato" (ISNB) (examined).
Length: 20-24 mm. Narrow, parallel body. Integument dark-brown, except elytra, reddish-brown. Dorsal pubescence dull, short and brownish (slightly olive) scale-like setae, denser on pronotum; ventral pubescence, including legs and epipleura, dull, denser, longer and white; tarsi very long with white pubescence intermingled with brownish; white pubescence at basal margins of pronotum and elytra, including scutellum (Fig. 24). Antennae clothed with dark-brown setae, except 3 first segments, brownish.
Frons not carinate, slightly concave medioanteriorly; fore angles more raised and prominent giving a U-shaped appearance to anterior margin; nasal plate high. Antennae serrate in female (Fig. 111), pectinate in male (Fig. 112); 3rd segment transverse with spiniform appendix. Pronotum (Fig. 178) longer than wide (wider in female), subrectangular, strongly narrowed anteriorly and at hind angles base; lateral margins rounded forming small raised smooth edge; strongly convex from lateral edge; punctuation small and dense, slightly sparser near discal area; anterior margin slightly sinuous; hind angles divergent with sharpened apex, raised laterally forming edge not fused with that of lateral margin; median basal tubercle transverse, flat, with transverse carina; posterior margin prominent and slightly notched at middle. Hypomera concave near lateral margins; prosternal channel absent. Notosternal sutures almost straight. Prosternum slightly convex, from sutures. Prosternal lobe truncate. Prosternal spine compressed laterally at two distal thirds. Scutellum (Fig. 238) strongly declivous, horizontal area elliptical. Borders of mesosternal cavity (Fig. 283) wide and horizontal on basal 2/3 and slightly declivous on distal 1/3, forming inclined profile. First visible sternite not prominent laterally. Tibiae of male bearing row of long spines internally, longer on anterior legs. Striae slightly grooved; interstices slightly unequal in width, moderately convex and small-punctuate; 1st interstice raised behind scutellum; lateral margins of elytra with weak grooved formed by 9th stria; apices conjointly rounded.
Male genital segments and genitalia. Sternite VIII (Fig. 325) subtriangular, translucent in median basal area and marginal band. Tergite IX (Fig. 361) transverse, narrowed apicad; densely punctuate; anterior margin moderately notched; dense lateroanteriorly moderately long setae. Aedeagus (Fig. 390): apex of parameres spearhead-like; median lobe longer than a half of aedeagus length, wider near base, slightly narrower on basal ¾, distal 1/3 strongly narrowed apicad.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 504) wider than long, subtrapezoidal with anterior margin slightly notched at middle; densely setous; median basal translucent area narrower on distal half, surpassing the middle. Stenite VIII (Fig. 542) 0.61 times spiculum gastrale length, with anterior margin narrow- and deeply notched at middle. Genitalia (Fig. 589): sclerotized pieces of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 632) C-shaped, bearing 32 teeth; bursa copulatrix with short elongate irregular spiny area; two distal spermathecae.
Material examined. MEXICO. Durango: from Durango to the Pacific, 2 F (MNHN). Nayarit: Tepic, 1 F (dissected) (ZMHB). Guanajuato: Guanajuato, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 M, 2 F (MNHN); Tupataro, 1 F (ZMHB), ex-coll. Sallé, coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN).
Remarks. According to Candèze (1886), two couples form the type series, however three syntypes male and one female were examined.
Chalcolepidius dugesi is characterized especially by narrow and parallel body, integument dark-brown except elytra reddish-brown, dorsal pubescence brownish and ventral whitish, antennae serrate in female and pectinate in male, tarsi very long, scutellum strongly declivous and apex of parameres spearhead-like. It is similar to C. attenuatus differing especially by (the latter parenthesized): body longer, narrower and more parallel and integument bicolor in the former (unicolor); ventral pubescence white (same color as dorsal); antennae of male pectinate (strongly serrate); pronotum more rectangular in the former; striae marked by row of coarse punctures and interstices more raised in the latter; basal melanized area of sternite VIII of male interrupted (continuous); median lobe of aedeagus narrower, constricted near apex (wide, gradually narrowed apicad).
C. dugesi, together with C. attenuatus and C. lenzi, form the attenuatus* group.
Distribution. It is recorded from Mexico (Durango, Nayarit, Guanajuato) (Fig. 673).
Chalcolepidius erythroloma Candèze, 1857
(Figs. 25,26,113,179,239,284,326,391,433,469,505,543,633,684)
Chalcolepidius erythroloma Candèze, 1857: 263, 282, t. 6, f. 1; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1502 (Cat.); Schiodte, 1870: 497, t. 5, f. 1-4 et t. 6 f.1 (Biology); Candèze, 1874: 168; 1886: 67; 1891: 39 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 272; Fleutiaux, 1907: 172; Schenkling, 1925: 55 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282. Syntype female: "Chile; Chalcolepidius erythroloma (Dj.) Cdze F Type ex coll. Dejean" (BMNH) (not examined).
Chalcolepidius albertisi Candèze, 1878: 9; Blackburn & Sharp, 1885: 240 (Syn.); Candèze, 1891: 39 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 272; Sharp, 1908: 368; Fleutiaux, 1926: 107. Holotype. Honolulu, 2000 ft. (d'Albertis) (MCSN) (not examined).
CANDÈZE (1857) described C. erythroloma from Chile, with general pubescence white with lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra reddish-brown (red-brick). He also enumerated one variation: "squamulis olivaceis obductus, prothoracis elytromque vittis purpureis".
CANDÈZE (1878) described C. albertisi, from Honolulu (2000 feet) and stated about the similarities with C. erythroloma, especially related with pubescence coloration. He also compared the typical arched body shape of these species with that of the American species. According to CAMPION (1894), C. erythroloma was introduced in Sandwich Islands and latter described under a separate name, C. albertisi.
BLACKBURN & SHARP (1885) synonymized C. albertisi under C. erythroloma.
FLEUTIAUX (1907) treating of C. erythroloma, questioned if this species really belonged to Chilean fauna. He examined the type (from Chile) and several other specimens from Ecuador, and suggested the latter locality as the "homeland" of this species. He also questioned the large distance between these two countries, and the presence of this species in Chile, which fauna offers special characters. Another surprise for him was that no record was found in the intermediary countries, Peru and Bolivia. Herein, material from Peru was studied.
Length: 25-43 mm. Wide, arched body, almost parallel. Integument black, clothed dorsally and ventrally with dense and dull like-scales setae, yellowish-white or grayish-white (slightly darker ventrally); lateral stripes of pronotum narrow sub-elliptical not reaching margins; lateral stripes of elytra 2 or 3 interstices wide (starting on 8th); reddish-brown (brick-brown) or orange pubescence on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra (Fig. 25, 26). Antennae clothed with thin metallic dark-blue pubescence except three first segments, yellowish-or grayish-white.
Frons not carinate, strongly or moderately declivous. Antennae (Fig. 113) serrate in both sexes; 3rd triangular-elongate, shorter than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 179) longer than wide, wider at hind angles, narrowed apicad from hind angles apices; subtrapezoidal; moderately convex; micropunctate with coarse irregular punctuation forming weak ridges; anterior margin sinuous at middle; lateral margins raised laterally forming narrow smooth edge on distal 2/3; hind angles short, wide, slightly divergent with truncate apex; raised laterally forming an edge continuous with that of lateral margins; median basal tubercle flattened, triangular, continuous with weak longitudinal median ridge, almost reaching anterior margin; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched posteriorly. Hypomera concave near lateral margins; micropunctate; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of anterior channel. Notosternal sutures strongly sinuous. Prosternum micropunctate; punctuation coarse near sutures; strongly convex, flattened longitudinal medially, concave near sutures. Prosternal lobe wide with punctuation sparse and slightly coarser than median region of prosternum; emarginated laterally with fore angles slightly rounded. Prosternal spine flattened laterally. Scutellum (Fig. 239) strongly folded with horizontal basal area subtrapezoidal. Borders of mesosternal cavity (Fig. 284) wide and horizontal on basal ¾ and vertical on distal ¼, forming L-shaped profile. Meso-metasternal suture absent. First visible sternite prominent laterally, fits in lateral groove of elytra. Anterior and median tibiae and last tarsal segment of all legs of male bearing fringe of long cilia. Striae grooved; interstices unequal, convex and micropunctate; interstices 2-5 joined at base forming a very flat tubercle; elytral apex truncate with small sutural spine.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Sternite VIII (Fig. 326) transverse, strongly narrowed apicad; subtrapezoidal, emarginated basally; translucent in a trapezoidal median area, two small basal elongate spots and two short lateral bands. Tergite IX transverse, densely punctuate, slightly narrowed distad; proximal margin emarginated; anterior margin straight with rounded angles; tiny laterodistal setae. Aedeagus (Fig. 391): median lobe (Fig. 433) 0.51 times the aedeagus length, wide at base, moderately narrowed near middle, bearing 7 teeth each side; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 469) slightly narrowed near apex; apex slightly notched and concave longitudinally.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 505) slightly wider than long; basal margin notched; median translucent basal area longer than a half of its length. Sternite VIII (Fig. 543) 0.59 times spiculum gastrale length; anterior margin wide- and deeply notched. Female genitalia: sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 633) bearing 39 teeth; bursa copulatrix with longitudinal median elongate band with carinae and spines and two lateral rounded spiny areas.
Material examined. HAWAIAN ISLANDS. 2M, 1 F (USNM). Oahu: 1 F (FSCA), 1 F (ZMUC); Aiea Loop, Trail, 1 F (FSCA); Honolulu, 1 F (MNHN), 1 M (dissected) (MZSP), 1 M (USNM); Fedontaines (locality not found), 1 F (MNHN); Koolau Range, 1 M, 1 F (FSCA); 1 M (USNM); 2 Km NE Makiki, Makiki Forest Trail, 1 F (MZSP, retained USNM); Manoa, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Nuuanu Val., 1 M (FSCA); Pupukea, 1 F (USNM); Tantalus, 1 F (USNM); Waikane, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). ECUADOR. 2 F (AMNH), 1 F (FSCA), 1 F (MNHN), 1 F (USNM), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2M, 1 F (MNHN). Bolívar: Chimbó, 17 F (MNHN). Guayas: Arenillas, 8 F (MNHN); Balzas, 2 F (USNM); Bucay, 300m, 5 F (USNM); Bucay (Cape Noire) 300 m, 2 F (MNHN); Guayaquil, 1 F (FSCA), 7 F (USNM), 2F (ZMHB, ex-coll. G. Hauser, 1 F (ZMHB); 9 Km N Guayaquil, 1 F (USNM), Ingenio San Carlos, 1 M (PCCV); La Chima, 3 F (MNHN); San Carlos, 2 F (ZMHB). Loja: Loja, 2 F (MNHN); Malacatus, 1500 m, 1 F (AMNH). Los Ríos: Balzapamba, 650 m, 1 F (dissected) (MZSP), 10 F (USNM), 4 F (ZMHB), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 F (MNHN); Catayama (locality not found), 1 F (USNM); Pichilingue, 1 F (IMLA); Playa de Montalvo, 7 F (AMNH); Quevedo, 1 F (ZMHB); Río Palenque, 1 F (FSCA); Río Palenque Station, 2 F (FSCA); vic. Quebrada (locality not found), 1 F (MZSP, retained USNM), 6 F (USNM). Manabi: Cojimíes, 1 M, 1 F (AMNH). Morona-Santiago: Macas, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 4 F (MNHN). Pastaza: Curaray, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). Pichincha: Chemin entre Guanacilla et San Nicolas, 1 F (MNHN); Monts Balzar, ex-coll. Oberthür, 2 F (MNHN); Santo Domingo de los Colorados, 500 m, 1 F (MNMS), 1 F (USNM); 17 Km E Sto Domingo de los Colorados, 1 F (FSCA). Chimborazo: Los Lanos, 2 F (ZMHB). Localities not found: Baron, 1 F (MNHN); Santo Domingo, 1 F (MNHN); Rio Cajapas, 1 F (MNHN); Alto Río Cayena, 950 m, 1 F (MNMS). CHILE. Ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN), ex-coll. Oberthür, 1 F (MNHN). PERU. Junín: Macas, 1 F (USNM); Satipo, 1 F (FSCA). La Libertad: Pacasmayo, Pueblo Nuevo, 1 F (IMLA). Puno: Balzapata, 650 m, 4 F (USNM). Tumbes: El Caucho, vic. Tumbes, E. Pte Pizarro, 1 F (IMLA).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius erythroloma is characterized especially by general white pubescence, with lateral stripes on pronotum and elytra clothed with ferruginous setae; lateral stripes of pronotum narrow, short and elliptical. The stripes on pronotum and elytra vary in size and coloration (orange to dark reddish-brown). It was examined one specimen from Fleutiaux collection, without locality (collect. Chevrolat; erythroloma typique Cand. Mon. Collection Fleutiaux; Rev. Chil. Hist. Nat. XI 1907, p. 172 collection Fleutiaux) that presents striae two and three, and distal 2/3 of first interstice, clothed with ferruginous pubescence.
C. erythroloma is similar to C. rugatus, differing especially by (the latter parenthesized): 1) ventral pubescence yellowish-white or grayish-white (reddish-brown); 2) lateral reddish-brown stripes of pronotum short and distant from lateral margins (marginal and longer or absent); 3) 3rd antennal segment shorter than 4th (equal); 4) sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands bearing 39 teeth (34, 44 teeth); 5) apex lateral cleft of parameres slightly notched and convex longitudinally (slightly rounded).
C. erythroloma belongs to fryi* group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from Hawaiian Island (Oahu- not included in the map), Ecuador, Chile and Peru (Fig. 684).
Chalcolepidius eschscholtzi Chevrolat, 1833
(Figs. 27,114,180,240,327,392,434,470,506,544,591,635,685)
Chalcolepidius eschscholtzi Chevrolat, 1833: 7; Candèze, 1857: 263, 279, t. 5, f. 8; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1502 (Cat.); Candèze, 1874: 167; 1886: 71; 1891: 39 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 274, 277; Schenkling, 1925: 56 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 107 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.). Syntype female: "Mexico bacci [illegible]; Type; collection Chevrolat; Eschscholtzi Chevr. type Germ. vidit. 1843 collection Fleutiaux [stuck underside of label:] Type Chevrolat Col. Mex. 1833" (MNHN) (examined).
According to the original description (CHEVROLAT 1833), "M. Lesueur a trouvé cette espèce assez abondamment sur les bois nouvellement coupés".
CANDÈZE (1857) enumerated five variations to C. eschscholtzi: Var. a. "Squamulis viridi-aeneis, cinnabarino-circumcinctus", that included C. eschscholtzi and C. mexicanus Dej.; Var.b. "Squamulis aeneis, albido-circumcinctus", including C. lafargi; Var. c. "Squamulis fusco-aeneis, albido circumcinctus"; Var. d. "Squamulis olivaceis, purpureo-circumcinctus, elytris striis albidis"; Var. e. "Squamulis aeneis, fulvo-circumcinctus, elytris striis fulvis". Some of these variations correspond to C. eschscholtzi and others to C. lafargi.
The present interpretation of C. eschscholtzi includes CANDÈZE'S (1857) variations a and d, and C. lafargi, b and c. I did not find any specimen belonging to variation e (cupreous setae, contour and striae yellow).
Length: 31-48 mm. Large, wide, arched body with convex elytra. Integument black clothed dorsally and ventrally with short metallic scale-like setae green or yellowish-green, in some places intermingled with golden; lateral stripes of pronotum narrowed at extremities, not reaching basal margin; lateral stripes of elytra three interstices wide; brown or reddish-brown setae on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra (Fig. 27). Antennae clothed with blue, except three first segments, green.
Frons not carinate, moderately declivous. Antennae (Fig. 114) serrate in both sexes, 3rd segment triangular elongate, longer than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 180) as long as wide, wider at hind angles, narrowed apicad from hind angles apices; subtrapezoidal; convex anteriorly and flat basad; punctuation very coarse forming ridges; anterior margin slightly sinuous at middle; hind angles short, wide, backward, raised laterally forming small edge continuous with that of lateral margins, almost reaching the apex; median basal tubercle flat, triangular, grooved longitudinally and continuous with longitudinal median weak ridge; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle. Hypomera convex, stronger near lateral margin; micropunctate with small sparse umbilicate punctuation; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of anterior channel. Notosternal sutures strongly sinuous. Prosternum small-punctuate with coarse punctuation near sutures; longitudinal median region with weak punctuation, almost smooth; strongly convex, flattened longitudinal medially, concave near sutures. Prosternal lobe wide, small-punctuate, in some specimens with longitudinal weak grooves; fore angles slightly rounded. Prosternal spine flattened laterally. Scutellum (Fig. 240) strongly folded, horizontal area subtrapezoidal, notched anterior and posteriorly, grooved longitudinally on anterior half. Borders of mesosternal cavity wide and horizontal on basal ¾ and vertical on distal ¼, forming L-shaped profile. Meso- metasternal suture weak, convergent at cavity base. First visible sternite prominent laterally fits in lateral groove of elytra. Anterior and median tibiae and last tarsal segments of all legs of male bearing fringe of long cilia. Striae grooved, interstices unequal and convex; 2nd interstice flattened and prominent anteriorly forming flat tubercle; scutellar area slightly grooved.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Sternite VIII (Fig. 327) transverse strongly narrowed on distal 1/3, translucent in subtrapezoidal median area, paired basal rounded patches and lateral short bands. Sternite IX elongate, partially membranous bearing moderately long setae more concentrate near apex. Tergite IX densely punctuate, with anterior margin rounded, bearing tiny setae lateroanteriorly. Aedeagus (Fig. 392): median lobe short, approximately 0.50 times the aedeagus length; 0.53 times the parameres length; narrowed apicad, constricted near middle, bearing 6, 7 lateral teeth (Fig. 434); lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 470) slightly narrowed near apex; apex straight, prominent ventrally and upwardly directed.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 506) transverse, setous; translucent in basal area and paired lateral narrow bands. Sternite VIII (Fig. 544) 0.56 times spiculum gastrale length, with anterior margin wide- and slightly notched; apex of spiculum gastrale rounded. Genitalia (Fig. 591): sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 635) bearing 41 teeth; bursa copulatrix with wide longitudinal median elongate band with spines and carinae and paired lateral rounded spiny areas.
Material examined. MEXICO. 1 F (IMLA), 8 F (MCZC), 3 F (MNHN), 1 F (MZSP), 1 F (NHMW), 3 F (USNM), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 M, 3 F (MNHN). Sinaloa: Tolosa, 1 M, 48 F (AMNH). Durango: ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); from Durango to Pacific, 7 M, 1 F (MNHN). Veracruz: 18 F (MNHN); Balzapota (locality not found), U. M. Biol. Sta., 1 F (FSCA); Lake Catemaco, 1 M, 1 F (FSCA), 1 F (MZSP); Cordova, 5 F (USNM), BCA Col. III (1), 1 F (AMNH), 1 F (MNHN); Cotaxtla, 1 F (USNM); Dos Amantes, 3 F (IMLA), (cerca de Catemaco) 2 F (MZSP), 3 F (USNM); Est. Biol. Los Tuxtlas, Camino a Balzapote, 2 F (UNAM); Franca Vieja (locality not found), 1 F (AMNH); Fortin, 1 F (USNM); Francita, 1 F (USNM); La Buena Ventura, 1 F (AMNH); Los Tuxtlas, 7 F (UNAM), 3 F (MZSP, retained UNAM), 2 F (USNM), vic. Balzapote, 1 F (FSCA); Motzorongo, 1 F (MNHN); Orizaba, 1 F (NHMW); Reg. Orizaba, 2 M, 20 F (MNHN); Presidio, 5 F (IBSP), 1 M, 1 F (USNM); 14-16 Km W S'ntompn [Sontecomapan], 5 F (JEWC), 2 M (1 dissected) (MZSP); Santa Lucrecia, 1 M (USNM); Soteapan, 1 F (MZSP), 300 m, 1 M (SRGI); 3 Km S Temascal, 1 F (FSCA); Tezonapa, 4 F (AMNH). Mexico: San Martin, 1 M, 1 F (PCCV); Santa Rosa, 1 F (MZSP, retained MZSP), 3 F (USNM). Morelos: Cuernavaca, 1 F (AMNH). Oaxaca: Chiltepec, 1 F (UNAM); Finca San Carlos (30 Km E Palomares), 1 F (dissected) (MZSP); Palomares 1 F (MZSP), (Finca San Carlos), 1 F (IBSP); Valle Nacional, 2 F (USNM); Tehuantepec, 1 F (USNM. Chiapas: ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 F (MNHN); San Quintin, 1 F (FSCA).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius eschscholtzi is characterized especially by wide arched body, clothed with green metallic pubescence with lateral stripes on pronotum (narrowed at extremities) and elytra clothed with brown setae, pronotum rugose, and subapical region of lateral cleft of parameres slightly narrowed with apex straight, prominent ventrally and upwardly directed.
It belongs to fryi* group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is restricted to Mexico (Sinaloa, Durango, Veracruz, Morelos, Mexico, Oaxaca, Chiapas) (Fig. 685).
Chalcolepidius extenuatuvittatus sp. nov.
(Figs. 28, 115, 181, 242, 285, 545, 590, 637, 674)
Type material. Holotype female. "Caracas $#151;? Mus. Drews" (ZMUC). Paratype female. "Venezuela 1891 Meiners leg 15.11.1892" (dissected) (MZSP retained ZMUC).
Holotype. Length: 46 mm. Integument black clothed dorsally and ventrally, including legs, with short metallic scale-like setae green; pronotum with small triangular-short patch clothed with dull white setae at hind angles base; few white setae on stria IX and lateroexternal margin of epipleura; antennae clothed with short blue setae except three first segments, green (Fig. 28).
Frons trapezoidal on distal 1/3, moderately concave medioanteriorly; nasal plate high and coarsely punctuate. Antennae (Fig. 115) serrate, not reaching anterior margins of procoxae; 3rd segment shorter than 4th, elongate with spiniform appendix. Pronotum (Fig. 181) as long as wide, wider at hind angles; narrowed apicad, from hind angles base; anterior margin slightly prominent at middle; anterior angles prominent; lateral margins forming narrow raised smooth edge, almost reaching apex; strongly convex and grooved internally to lateral edge; small-punctuate with moderately coarse punctuation, more concentrate on lateroanterior 2/3; hind angles divergent, raised laterally forming edge slightly wider and continuous with that of lateral margins; posterior margin downward, prominent and slightly notched at middle; median basal tubercle flat and elongate. Hypomera concave, small-punctuate; slightly swollen anteriorly, not forming anterior channel; narrow impunctuate band parallel notosternal sutures. Notosternal sutures slightly sinuous. Prosternum moderately convex from sutures, small-punctuate. Prosternal lobe transverse with anterior angles rounded; anterior margin notched at middle; punctuation slightly coarser and sparser than that of prosternum. Scutellum (Fig. 242) strongly declivous; anterior half narrower, almost perpendicular; horizontal area sub-elliptical, grooved at middle and notched medioanteriorly. Mesosternal cavity sub-elliptical with borders (Fig. 285) thick and horizontal on basal 2/3 and moderately declivous on distal 1/3, forming a semi-elliptical profile. Meso-metasternal suture well marked. First visible sternite not prominent laterally. Striae grooved, marked by row of coarse punctures; interstices strongly unequal, convex and small-punctuate; 2nd and 3rd interstices joined at base forming flattened forward basal tubercle; apices conjointly rounded with small sutural spine; lateral margins not marginated.
Female genital segments and genitalia (paratype, Venezuela). Tergite VIII (Fig. 507) transverse, melanized totally; anterior margin prominent at middle; basal margin notched; densely setous. Sternite VIII (Fig. 545) 0.6 times spiculum gastrale length; anterior margin narrow- and deeply notched. Genitalia (Fig. 590): sclerotized pieces of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 637) C-shaped bearing 50 teeth; teeth disposed into two levels: lateroexternal row higher; bursa copulatrix with long longitudinal median band with carinae and spines; one spermatheca [second probably broken].
Male unknown.
Remarks. The paratype is 41 mm long and does not present white dull setae. The genitalia was a little damaged and it was possible to find only one spermatheca. It was observed that the bursa copulatrix is formed by slightly stronger tissue than the other parts of genitalia and it presents a reinforced area at base of laterointernal margin.
Chalcolepidius extenuatuvittatus is characterized especially scutellum strongly declivous and sclerotized pieces of the openings of colleterial glands C-shaped with 50 teeth disposed into two levels.
It belongs to extenuatuvittatus+ group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from Venezuela (Fig. 674).
Etymology. The epithet is derived from one of the latin words for reducing, extenuatio, related to lateral bands of pronotum.
Chalcolepidius exulatus Candèze, 1874
(Figs. 29, 116, 182, 241, 286, 393, 675)
Chalcolepidius exulatus Candèze, 1874: 161; 1886: 66, 69; 1891: 37 (Cat.); Schenkling, 1925: 56 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 107 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.). Syntype male: "Syntype; Type; Brazil; Janson coll. 1903-130; exulatus Cdz. Type [handwritten]; Chalcolepidius exulatus Cdze. Type M" (BMNH) (examined).
CANDÈZE (1874) described C. exulatus, from Brazil, based on material belonging to M. Janson's collection. He commented the similarities of this species with C. lemoinii, and stated that, if the type locality would be correct, this was the first species of 1st section (scutellum declivous on anterior half) recorded from Brazil.
Length: 28 mm. Integument black, clothed dorsally and ventrally, including legs, with greenish-gray metallic setae, partially glabrous dorsally, pubescence present only in small areas; lateral stripes of pronotum band-like (1/4 of pronotum width), narrowed anteriad, not reaching anterior margin, with internal margin sinuous; lateral stripes of elytra one interstice wide (interstice IX); white setae on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra, striae (at least distal half) and epipleura (except triangular laterointernal area) (Fig. 29). Antennae clothed with brown setae, except 3 first segments, gray.
Frons pentagonal on distal 1/3, concave medioanteriorly in triangular area; nasal plate high and punctuate. Antennae (Fig. 116) surpassing posterior margin of procoxae in one segment; strongly serrate in male; 3rd segment short and triangular. Pronotum (Fig. 182) longer than wide, sub-rectangular, wider at hind angles, slightly narrowed apicad and slightly narrowed at hind angles base; anterior margin slightly prominent at middle; anterior angles slightly downwards, prominent and rounded; lateral margins forming narrow raised small-punctuate edge; strongly convex medioanteriorly, convexity decreasing basad; small-punctuate with slightly coarse punctuation dispersed on anterior half; lateral edge limited internally by coarse punctures and small groove; hind angles backwards, raised laterally in moderately wide edge, discontinuous from that of lateral margins; median basal tubercle flat and elongate with median elliptical concavity; posterior margin prominent and slightly notched at middle. Hypomera convex and small-punctuate, raised anteriorly, not forming anterior channel; slightly raised in narrow smooth band parallel notosternal sutures. Notosternal sutures slightly sinuous. Prosternum convex from sutures, small-punctuate; punctuation coarser and denser near sutures; two transverse short grooves anteriorly. Prosternal lobe transverse with rounded angles; marginated laterally; anterior margin notched at middle; punctuation coarser and sparser than median region of prosternum. Mesosternal cavity V-shaped with borders (Fig. 286) thick and horizontal on basal 2/3 and moderately declivous on distal 1/3, forming an inclined profile. Tibiae of male bearing row of long spines internally. First visible sternite slightly prominent laterally fitting in small groove of elytra. Scutellum (Fig. 241) strongly declivous on anterior half; horizontal area sub-elliptical, with posterior margin prominent at middle. Striae grooved, marked by row of coarse punctures; interstices unequal, strongly convex and small-punctuate; 2nd and 3th interstices fused at base forming small tubercle; epipleura forming small inclined carina, not reaching internal margin; apices conjointly rounded with small sutural spine.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Sternite VIII subpentagonal with anterior margin very prominent; melanized band broken in three parts. Tergite IX transverse, densely punctuate with anterior margin rounded and marginal lateroanterior setae. Aedeagus (Fig. 393): median lobe slightly narrowed near middle; apex of parameres spearhead-like.
Female not studied.
Material examined. VENEZUELA. 1 M (MNHN). Federal District: Caracas, 1 M (dissected, USNM). Without locality: ex-coll. Oberthür 1 M (MNHN).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius exulatus is characterized especially by integument black clothed with greenish-gray pubescence with whitish setae on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra and epipleura, antennae strongly serrate in male, scutellum strongly declivous on anterior half and apex of parameres spearhead-like. The lateral stripes of pronotum are variable in shape and size among the males examined. In the syntype, they do not reach the anterior margin of pronotum; in the specimen from "Venezuela" (MNHN), they are narrower and shorter and in the two others, a little longer than the syntype. The specimen from "Caracas", different from the others, presents the hypomera partially clothed with whitish setae.
C. exulatus is similar to C. gossipiatus, differing especially by (latter parenthesized): 1) pronotum with narrow lateral stripes (absent); 2) white setae on narrow lateral stripes on elytra and epipleura (lateral bands of elytra wider, not reaching epipleura); 4) horizontal area of scutellum proportionally wider than the latter.
C. exulatus belongs to serricornis+ group and it is the sister-group of C. albiventris (Fig 671).
Distribution. Besides the type locality, Brazil, it is recorded also from Venezuela (Fig.675).
Chalcolepidius fabricii Erichson, 1841
(Figs. 30, 117, 183, 328, 394, 435, 471, 508, 546, 636, 684)
Chalcolepidius fabricii Erichson, 1841: 83; Candèze, 1857: 277; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1503 (Cat.); Steinheil, 1875: 110; Candèze, 1886: 68, 73; 1891: 39 (Cat.); Schenkling, 1925: 56 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 107 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.). Syntypes: 5 females. [1] "16222; Fabricii Er.* Cand.* Bogota Bug.; Syntype Chalcolepidius fabricii Erichson, C M F von Hayek, 1980"; [2-5] "Bogota, Bug. Nr. 16222; Syntype Chalcolepidius fabricii Erichson, C M F von Hayek, 1980" (ZMHB) (examined).
Chalcolepidius marginatus Sturm, 1843: 67 (Cat.) (nomen nudum); Gemminger & Harold 1869: 1503 (Syn.).
Chalcolepidius fabricii var. a Candèze, 1857: 277.
CANDÈZE (1857) presented one variation to this species: "var. a. Elytris striis albido-squamulosis".
Length: 27-40 mm. Wide, arched body. Integument black clothed dorsally and ventrally (including epipleura) with short metallic scale-like setae green, olive or grayish-green, sometimes brownish at middle of pronotum; elytra with lateral stripes (2 or 3 striae wide) clothed with dull ferruginous or yellowish-white setae; in some specimens striae ferruginous (Fig. 30). Antennae (Fig. 117) clothed with black setae except 3 first segments, greenish.
Antennae (Fig. 117) serrate in both sexes; 3rd segment triangular-elongate, slightly shorter than 4th. Frons not carinate, moderately declivous. Pronotum (Fig. 183) longer than wide, wider at hind angles, narrowed apicad from hind angles base; slightly convex, convexity decreasing basad; small-punctuate with coarse punctures more concentrate on discal area; rugose; anterior margin sinuous at middle; hind angles wide, slightly divergent, raised laterally forming narrow edge continuous with that of lateral margins, not reaching apex; median basal tubercle flat, triangular, continuous with median weak ridge; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched posteriorly. Hypomera concave near lateral margins; micropunctate; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of anterior channel. Notosternal sutures strongly sinuous. Prosternum micropunctate, strongly convex, concave near sutures, flattened longitudinal medially. Prosternal lobe small-punctuate, wide, emarginated laterally, fore angles rounded. Scutellum strongly folded with horizontal basal area subtrapezoidal, notched anterior- and posteriorly. Borders of mesosternal cavity wide and horizontal on basal 2/3 and vertical at distal 1/3, forming L-shaped profile. First visible sternite prominent laterally, fits on lateral channel of elytra. Anterior and median tibiae and last tarsal segment of all legs of male bearing fringe of long cilia. Striae grooved; interstices convex, unequal in width; 2nd forming a flat tubercle at base.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Sternite VIII (Fig. 328) transverse, gradually narrowed apicad, with anterior margin slightly notched at middle; translucent in trapezoidal median and two lateral elliptical areas, and two narrow lateral bands. Tergite IX densely punctuate with anterior margin rounded, bearing tiny lateroanterior setae. Aedeagus (Fig. 394): median lobe (Fig. 435) 0.53 times the aedeagus length, moderately narrow near middle and strongly narrowed apicad, bearing 4, 6 lateral teeth; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 471) slightly narrowed near apex, with lateroapical sharpened angles.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 508) transverse, setous, translucent median basal area and two lateroanterior bands. Sternite VIII (Fig. 546) 0.60 times spiculum gastrale length; anterior margin wide- and deeply notched. Genitalia: sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 636) bearing 41 teeth; bursa copulatrix with elongate longitudinal median area with carinae and spines and two lateral rounded spiny area.
Material examined. "NEW GRANADA". ex-coll. Chevrolat, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). VENEZUELA. 2 F (MCZC). COLOMBIA. 1 M, 1 F (AMNH), 2 F (MCZC), 1 F (MNHN), 1 F (NHMW), 1 F (USNM), 2 F (ZMHB), 2 F (ZMUC), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 M, 2 F (MNHN). Antioquia: ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); La Miel, Río Samana, (tronco), 1 F (ICN-MNHN); Medellín, 1 M, 1 F (USNM); Territorio Vásquez (TV-395), 1 F (dissected) (MZSP). Boyacá: Muzo 3 F (AMNH), 2 F (ZMHB), (780 m), 1 F (USNM), (900 m), 2 F (MCZC), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Pauna, Manote Bajo, La Rocheta, Alt. 1280 mts, 1 F (ICNC). Caquetá: Yabi Caqueta, 2 F (IMLA). Chocó: Río Sucio La Balsa 50-80m 1 F (IAHC). Cundinamarca: Bogotá, 1 F (MNHN), 1 M (NHMW), 1 F (SRGI), 1 F (ZMHB), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 5 F (MNHN), 1 M, 9 F (USNM); env. Bogotá, 2 F (MNHN); Viotá 1 F (ICNC). Magdalena: Rio Magdalena, 2 F (MNHN), 1 F (ZMHB). Meta: Restrepo, 1 F (AMNH); Villavicencio, 1 F (MNHN). Santander: Alto Río Opon, 900 m, 1 F (AMNH); Campo Capote, Carare-Opon, 4 F (ICNC), Carare, 1 F (ICNC), Carare river, 1 F (ZMHB); Cucuta, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 F (MNHN); La Lachera, 900 m, 1 F (AMNH); Pamplona, 2300 m, 1 F (MNHN); Puerto Wilches, 1 F (ZMHB). Sucre: La Mesa, A.B., 1 F (ICNC), 1 M, 2 F (AMNH). Tolima: Ibagué, 1 F (ICNC), 3 F (MNHN), 1 M (dissected) (MZSP), El Salado, 4 F (MZSP); Mine Purina (280-350 m) 2 F (ZMHB). San Juan de Cordoba (several localities with this name), 1 F (MNHN). ECUADOR. Manabi: Porto Viejo, 1 F (PCCV), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 F (MNHN).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius fabricii is characterized especially by general pubescence green with ferruginous lateral bands on elytra and lateral cleft of parameres slightly narrowed near apex, with lateroapical sharpened angles. Some specimens present striae clothed with ferruginous pubescence and small sutural spine at elytral apex. I examined two specimens with yellowish-white setae on lateral bands of elytra, and also on striae in one of them, representing the CANDÈZE'S (1857) variation.
It belongs to fabricii+ group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is restricted to north of South America with records from Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador (Fig. 684). I examined also two specimens from Mexico (ZMHB) and one from Costa Rica (ZMUC), not included in the material examined because these records require confirmation.
Chalcolepidius fasciatus sp. nov.
(Figs. 31, 32, 118, 184, 287, 436, 472, 509, 547, 592, 638, 691)
Type material. Holotype male: "Mexico, from Durango to the Pacific; Chalcolepidius approximatus Er. CMF von Hayek det. 1980; Muséum Paris"(MNHN) [aedeagus exposed]. Paratypes: 7 females. "Mex[ico]; 556; Muséum Paris ex-coll. Fleutiaux" (MNHN); "3 mi W. S. W. Mazamitla Jal.[isco] VI.30.54; A. A. Alcorn" (SEMC); "Mexico, Sinaloa 30 Km W. El Palmito oct. 18-21.1978 E. Giesbert coll.; Chalcolepidius sp. det. E. Giesbert" (FSCA); "Mexico, Sinaloa, Loberas Aug. 3. 1983 E. Giesbert coll.; Chalcolepidius sp. det. E. Giesbert" (MZSP, retained FSCA); "Mexico, from Durango to the Pacific; Chalcolepidius approximatus Er. CMF von Hayek det. 1980" (dissected) (MZSP retained MNHN); "Mexico, from Durango to the Pacific; Muséum Paris ex-coll. Oberthür; Muséum Paris 1952 coll. R. Oberthür"(MNHN); "Mex.[ico]: St. Michoacán, 8 mi W Naranja 19-VIII-65 D. R. Paulson" (FSCA); "4 mi W Mazamitla, Jalisco, Mex. Oct. 16, 1950 6800 ft. Ray F. Smith" (AMNH); "6 mi N. E. El Salto, Dgo, Mex. 8500 ft. Aug. 10. 1947" (AMNH).
Holotype. Length: 30 mm. Integument dark-brown, clothed dorsally and ventrally with short metallic scale-like setae olive-brown; lateral stripes of pronotum narrow, 1/6 of pronotum width, narrowed apicad and not reaching anterior margin; dull white setae on lateral bands of pronotum, last striae and epipleura; antennae clothed with darker brown short setae except three first segments like general body pubescence (Figs. 31, 32).
Frons narrowed lateroanteriorly making distal third trapezoidal; moderately concave medioanteriorly; nasal plate almost vertical; fore angles forwardly prominent; small-punctuate with sparse moderately coarse punctuation. Antennae (Fig. 118) serrate, reaching posterior margin of procoxae; 3rd segment triangular-elongate, slightly shorter than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 184) longer than wide, wider at hind angles, slightly narrowed apicad, from hind angles apices; moderately convex; micropunctate with coarse sparse punctuation, more concentrate lateroanteriorly; anterior margin sinuous; lateral margins forming narrow raised bright and micropunctate edge almost reaching apex; hind angles backwards, raised laterally forming edge slightly wider than that of lateral margins; median basal tubercle flat, triangular, continuous with very weak ridge not reaching anterior margin; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle. Hypomera concave and micropunctate with sparse moderately coarse punctuation; laterointernal anterior margin raised (not carinate) forming wall of prosternal channel; row of very coarse and heterogeneous punctures forming narrow groove parallel notosternal sutures. Notosternal sutures moderately sinuous. Prosternum strongly convex, flattened longitudinal medially and grooved near sutures, small-punctuate with slightly coarser punctures near sutures. Prosternal lobes transverse, marginated laterally with angles slightly rounded; small and sparsely punctuate. Scutellum strongly folded with horizontal basal area subtrapezoidal, carinate anteriorly and notched anterior- and posteriorly. Mesosternal cavity elliptical with borders (Fig. 287) thick and horizontal on basal ¾, and vertical on distal ¼ forming L-shaped profile. First visible sternite prominent laterally and fitted in narrow groove of elytra. Anterior and median tibiae and distal half of last tarsal segment of all legs bearing fringe of moderately long cilia. Striae grooved with row of coarse punctures; interstices unequal, convex and micropunctate; 2nd prominent forming flattened basal tubercle; apices conjointly rounded.
Aedeagus (Fig. 436): median lobe bearing 7 teeth each side; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 472) slightly curved medioventrally; subapical region flattened and constricted laterally; distal margin rounded and upwards; median lobe strongly narrowed at middle, bearing 7; 7 lateral teeth.
Female genital segments and genitalia (paratype: Mexico, from Durango to the Pacific). Tergite VIII (Fig. 509) transverse with anterior margin rounded, basal margin strongly notched; densely setous; translucent in a small median basal area and a marginal band interrupted at middle. Sternite VIII (Fig. 547) 0.64 times spiculum gastrale length; anterior margin wide- and deeply notched at middle, densely setous. Female genitalia (Fig. 592): sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 638) sub-elliptical, bearing 39 teeth; bursa copulatrix rounded with longitudinal median band with carinae and spines and two rounded lateral spiny areas.
Remarks. The paratypes (all females) length vary from 28-40 mm and the pubescence coloration, from olive to clear-brown. In all paratypes the white pubescence is present also on laterobasal region of elytra; in the majority of them the white stripes of pronotum reaches the anterior margin and the last stria is more densely clothed with white pubescence; in one specimen the 8th and in other the 3rd-8th interstices are partially clothed with white pubescence.
Chalcolepidius fasciatus is characterized especially by general pubescence olive-brown with narrow lateral stripes on pronotum and epipleura white, scutellum folded and apex of parameres cleft.
It is similar to C. approximatus, differing especially by general pubescence coloration, brownish in the former and greenish in the latter, and the white pubescence more abundant in the latter, including sternites II-V with rounded white lateral patches, wider lateral bands of pronotum and lower interstices totally or partially clothed with white setae. Besides, the lateral cleft of parameres are slightly widened near middle, subapical region flattened and constricted laterally and distal margin rounded and upwards in the former, and more constricted and with distal margin almost straight in the latter; median lobe more constricted and bearing 7 slightly larger teeth each side in the former (10 smaller teeth in the latter); sternite VIII of female with anterior margin more deeply notched at middle and black setae denser in the former; sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands more elliptical, bearing 39 teeth in the former and semicircular, bearing 33 teeth in the latter.
C. fasciatus belongs to fasciatus+ group (Fig. 671), together with virgatipennis + virginalis.
Distribution. It is recorded from Mexico (Durango, Sinaloa, Michoacán) (Fig. 691).
Etymology. The epithet is derived from one of the latin words for presence of bands, fasciatus, related to lateral bands on pronotum and elytra.
Chalcolepidius ferratuvittatus sp. nov.
(Figs. 33, 34, 119, 185, 243, 288, 330, 362, 395, 675)
Type material. Holotype male: "Carn.[egie] Mus.[eum] Acc. 7324; Ecuador Cotopaxi La Mana Guasaganda 500 m Apr. 1995 A Barragán" (CMNH) (dissected). Paratype male: "Alto Río Opon 900 M. Alt. VI-16-48 Colombia; L. Richter coll. Frank Johnson Donor" (AMNH).
Holotype. Length: 30 mm. Integument black clothed dorsally and ventrally with short metallic scale-like setae green, yellowish-green on elytra; pronotum with two lateral elliptical stripes near margins, clothed with ferruginous setae, intermingled with white; ferruginous setae on interstice IX and distal half of stria VIII; antennae clothed with dark-blue short setae except three first segments, green (Figs. 33, 34)
Frons narrow, anterior third trapezoidal, slightly concave medioanteriorly; nasal plate high and moderate- coarsely punctuate. Antennae (Fig. 119) strongly serrate, surpassing posterior margin of procoxae; 3rd segment triangular and short. Pronotum (Fig. 185) longer than wide, slightly narrowed apicad from hind angles base; anterior margin prominent and slightly sinuous at middle; lateral margins forming narrow raised edge; moderately convex, small and sparsely punctuate with moderately coarse sparse punctuation longitudinal medially; hind angles strongly divergent, wide, with truncate apex, raised laterally, forming edge wider and continuous with that of lateral margins; posterior margin downwards, prominent and slightly notched at middle; median basal tubercle elongate. Hypomera concave, swollen near laterointernal margin, not forming anterior channel. Notosternal sutures slightly sinuous. Prosternum moderately convex from sutures; small-punctuate, coarser near sutures. Prosternal lobe transverse, marginated laterally, with rounded angles; punctuation sparser and slightly coarser than prosternum. Scutellum (Fig. 243) elongate, moderately declivous with posterior half wider and rounded. Mesosternal cavity U-shaped with borders (Fig. 288) thick and horizontal on basal 2/3 and moderately declivous on distal 1/3, forming semi-elliptical profile. First visible sternite not prominent laterally. Tibiae of male bearing irregular row of long spines internally. Striae grooved and marked by coarse punctures; interstices convex and micropunctate, unequal (pair interstices wider and higher); 2nd and 3rd fused at base, forming a flattened tubercle; apices conjointly rounded with sutural spine.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Tergite VIII slightly wider than long, slightly narrowed apicad, densely clothed with short setae; anterior margin rounded; basal margin moderately notched. Sternite VIII (Fig. 330) wider than long, subtriangular; translucent with three melanized areas: two lateral bands and one smaller distal; median basal rounded spot clearer and slightly melanized. Sternite IX sub-rectangular, with melanized band on distal half; apex translucent; short setae on distal third. Tergite IX transverse (Fig. 362), narrowed apicad; densely punctuate; anterior margin slightly notched; laterodistal margins with moderately long setae. Aedeagus (Fig. 395): apex of parameres spearhead-like; setous on distal third (tiny setae represented by punctures); median lobe slightly constricted near middle and near apex.
Female unknown.
Remarks. The paratype is 31 mm length and clothed totally with green pubescence with lateral stripes only on elytra; those of pronotum are lacking.
Chalcolepidius ferratuvittatus is characterized especially by the wide and parallel body with hind angles of pronotum long and wide, general pubescence green, scutellum moderately declivous, tibiae of male spiny and apex of parameres spearhead-like. It is similar in shape to C. albisetosus, but these species are easily recognized by the pubescence coloration, green in the former and white in the latter. In the former the scutellum is narrower and less declivous and in the latter the horizontal half of scutellum presents two rounded concavities and the horizontal area of mesosternal cavity more prominent. The sternite VIII of male is almost triangular and bears a basal rounded clear-brown spot in the former and present anterior margin prominent and only a darker basal line in the latter; median lobe narrower with two constrictions, making the apex narrower in the former and gradually narrowed apicad and surpassing the parameres in a shorter area in the latter.
C. ferratuvittatus belongs to serricornis+ group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from Colombia and Ecuador (Fig. 675).
Etymology. The epithet is derived from one of the latin words for iron, ferratus, related to the coloration of the lateral bands of pronotum and elytra.
Chalcolepidius fleutiauxi Pjatakowa, 1941
Chalcolepidius fleutiauxi Pjatakowa, 1941: 98. Type locality: Mexico (Durango).
PJATAKOWA (1941) described C. fleutiaxi as below.
"Niger, nitidus. Capite squamulis brunneis albidisque sparsim vestito; prothorace lateribus angustato; elytris lateribus, basi sparsim, epipleurisque dense albido squamulosis; striis, interstitiis imparibus postice brunneo squamulosis; corpore subtus brunneo, brunneo-violaceo sparsim squamuloso, pedibus antennisque nigris.
Fronte late excavata, dupliciter punctata. Prothorace glabro, subparallelo, latitudine longiore, antice rotundatim angustato, dense subtilissime, medio sparsim sat fortiter, antrorsum dupliciter punctato. Angulis posticis incrassatis. Scutello transverso, antrorsum angustato, parte antica deflexa, postica plana. Elytris subparallelis, postice rotundatim angustatis, subtruncatis, punctatosulcatis; interstitiis imparibus latioribus, elevatioribus; interstitiis 3-5 basi fortiter elevatis. Antennis acute serratis, articulo 2º, 3º breviore, 3º, 4º duplo minore. Long. 40 mm., lat. 12 mm. Mexico: Durango".
Remarks. By the original description, Chalcolepidius fleutiauxi looks-like C. mniszechi, except for the brown or brownish-violet general pubescence and antennae and legs clothed with black pubescence. Both species present lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra and epipleura clothed with white setae, antennae serrate, scutellum declivous and interstices unequal.
I strongly suspect that, when material become available for study, these two species will be found to be conspecific.
Chalcolepidius forreri Candèze, 1886
(Figs. 35, 120, 186, 244, 510, 548, 593, 594, 639, 681)
Chalcolepidius forreri Candèze, 1886: 72; Candèze, 1891: 38 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 274, 281, t. 12, f. 5; Schenkling, 1925: 56 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.). Syntypes: 2 females: "Coll. R. I. Sc. N. B. Ins. Tres Marias, ex-coll. Candèze; syntype cf. Bull. Mus. Inst. Nat. Belge 1886: lxxii". One specimen bears in addition: "Type; n. sp. forreri Cdz. Ins. Tres Marias F" (ISNB) (examined).
Length: 42-45 mm. Very wide, arched body. Integument black clothed dorsally and ventrally with metallic scale-like setae short, thin, dense, olive-brown with violet (purpure) reflex; antennae clothed with black setae except three first, olive (Fig. 35).
Frons not carinate, moderately declivous medioanteriorly; nasal plate high. Antennae (Fig. 120) of female serrate, 3rd triangular-elongate, shorter than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 186) as long as wide, slightly wider at hind angles, strongly narrowed on anterior third; moderately convex, convexity decreasing basad; micropunctate with coarse punctuation lateroanteriorly (anterior half); anterior margin strongly sinuous at middle; lateral margins raised laterally forming smooth narrow edge almost reaching apex; concave innerly edge; hind angles wide, backward, raised laterally forming wider edge, continuous with that of lateral margins; median basal tubercle very weak, triangular-elongate, continuous with very weak longitudinal median ridge; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched posteriorly. Hypomera concave near lateral margins; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of anterior channel. Notosternal sutures moderately sinuous. Prosternum micropunctate; coarse punctuation near sutures; strongly convex; flattened longitudinal medially, concave near sutures. Prosternal lobe wide, punctuation sparser and slightly coarser than median region of prosternum; emarginated laterally; fore angles slightly rounded. Prosternal spine flattened laterally. Scutellum (Fig. 244) strongly folded with horizontal basal area subtrapezoidal, strongly notched anteriorly, grooved longitudinal medially. Borders of mesosternal cavity wide and horizontal on basal ¾ and vertical on distal ¼, forming a L-shaped profile. Meso-metasternal suture weak. First visible sternite prominent laterally fits in lateral groove. Striae punctuate; interstices unequal irregularly convex and micropunctate; interstices 2, 4, 6 partially costiform; basal region with a flat prominence forwardly directed; apices conjointly rounded.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 510) transverse, setous, translucent in small median basal area and paired lateral bands. Sternite VIII (Fig. 548) 0.61 times spiculum gastrale length; anterior margin moderately wide- and deeply notched at middle. Genitalia: sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 639) bearing 41 teeth; bursa copulatrix (Figs. 593, 594) with longitudinal median elongate area with carinae and spines, narrowed near base, and paired lateral rounded spiny areas moderately small.
Male unknown.
Material examined. MEXICO. Nayarit: Islas Tres Marias, ex-coll. Sallé, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN), ex-coll. Oberthür, 1 F (MNHN). Isla Maria Madre, Camp-Mariano Escobedo, 1 F (dissected) (UNAM).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius forreri is easily recognized by the large size, olive-brown setae, striae punctuate and interstices irregularly raised.
It belongs to forreri* group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is restricted to Mexico (Nayarit) (Fig. 681).
Chalcolepidius fryi Candèze, 1874
(Figs. 37-39, 121, 189, 289, 511, 549, 595, 640, 684)
Chalcolepidius fryi Candèze, 1874: 168; 1886: 68, 73; 1891: 39 (Cat.); Schenkling, 1925: 56 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 107 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.). Holotype female: "Type; 33877; Peru [Libertad] Lucma; Type; Fry coll. 1903.100; C. fryi type Cdz.; drawer 126" (BMNH) (examined).
Chalcolepidius viriditarsus; Golbach, 1977: 157 (non Schwarz, 1906) [misidentification].
CANDÈZE (1874) described C. fryi, from Peru, based on a female clothed with yellow dull setae with lateral stripes on pronotum (short, elliptical, not reaching margins) and elytra ferruginous, and 3rd antennal segment shorter than 4th.
GOLBACH (1977) attributed to C. viriditarsus a male from Peru (Lambayeque), clothed dorsally with yellowish (ochraceus) setae with three last striae ferruginous, and ventrally with paler setae. The lateral stripes of pronotum were lacking, but comparing this specimen with the holotype and one female of C. fryi, it was concluded that it belongs to this species.
I suspect that C. viriditarsus Schwarz, 1906 is also conspecific with C. fryi Candèze, 1874, but until more material becomes available for study, I consider more prudent to retain both species, especially by type-locality (San Salvador) and presence of "squamulis albidis dense vestitus" in the former.
Length: 28-38 mm. Integument black clothed dorsally and ventrally (except antennae and tarsi) with dull ochraceus-yellow, very dense scale-like setae, sometimes paler ventrally; ferruginous scale-like setae on two lateral irregular elliptical patches on pronotum (absent on male examined) and lateral stripes of elytra (2-3 interstices wide); antennae, except 1st and part of 3rd segment clothed with ochraceus setae, and tarsi with short metallic blue or green setae; a narrow lateral band and median region on pronotum, except male examined, glabrous (Figs. 37-39).
Frons concave medioanteriorly; nasal plate high and punctuate. Antennae (Fig. 121) very short and serrate in both sexes; 3rd segment triangular-elongate, very prominent laterally, shorter than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 189) slightly longer than wide (except holotype, as long as wide), wider at hind angles, narrowed apicad and at hind angles base; micropunctate with slightly coarser and sparse punctuation lateroanteriorly, denser near lateral margins; moderately convex, convexity decreasing basad; discal area with weak ridges; anterior margin prominent and sinuous at middle; fore angles upwards and rounded; hind angles slightly divergent, raised laterally, forming edge, continuous with that of lateral margins, not reaching apex; median basal tubercle weak, flat, triangular-elongate; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle. Hypomera concave near lateral margins; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of well developed channel. Notosternal sutures strongly sinuous. Prosternum micropunctate, strongly convex, flattened longitudinal medially, concave near sutures. Prosternal lobe wide, with rounded angles; punctuation very dense, coarser than prosternum. Prosternal spine flattened laterally with rounded apex. Scutellum strongly folded with horizontal basal area subtrapezoidal, notched anterior and posteriorly. Borders of mesosternal cavity (Fig. 289) wide and horizontal on basal 2/3 and vertical on distal 1/3, forming a L-shaped profile. Meso-metasternal suture absent. First visible sternite prominent laterally fits in lateral groove of elytra. Anterior and median tibiae and last tarsal segment of all legs of male bearing fringe of long cilia; tibiae of female with moderately longer setae on internal face. Interstices convex and micropunctate, unequal in width; basal region with a flattened tubercle near 3rd interstice base; apex slightly truncate.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 511) transverse, strongly notched at base; median basal translucent area surpassing the middle; a translucent marginal band interrupted at middle; densely setous. Sternite VIII (Fig. 549) 0.46 times the spiculum gastrale length; anterior margin wide- moderately deeply notched; apex of spiculum gastrale prominent ventrally. Genitalia (Fig. 595): sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 640) bearing 43 teeth; bursa copulatrix with longitudinal median band with carinae and spines and two lateral irregular spiny areas.
Material examined. PERU. Lambayeque: 40 Km E Chiclayo, Río Ivancay, 1 M (without aedeagus) (IMLA). La Libertad: Trujillo, 1 F (dissected, USNM).
Remarks. Only three specimens of Chalcolepidius fryi, including the holotype, were examined, but it was possible to verify the variation of the color pubescence. The male genitalia could not be studied because it had been dissected and the aedeagus was not found.
C. fryi is characterized especially by wide body clothed with ochraceus-yellow pubescence with ferruginous stripes on pronotum (lacking in male examined) and elytra, scutellum strongly folded, tibiae of male ciliate and parameres of aedeagus cleft laterally (based on Golbach, 1977: 160, fig. 13)
Comparing the male identified by Golbach as C. viriditarsus with the female holotype and the other female of C. fryi examined, all specimens from semiarid area of north of Peru, it was verified that: the elliptical ferruginous patches on pronotum is lacking in the former; the holotype (38 mm) is larger than the other specimens (28, 31 mm) and presents pronotum more convex; the antennae and tarsi are metallic blue in the holotype and green in male, and in the other female, the antennae are blue and the tarsi bluish-green; in both females, the first and part of third antennal segment are ochraceus, while in the male only the first is ochre; the pubescence of the borders of pronotum and male dorsal is clearer (almost cream) than in female, and with lateral striae ferruginous, forming a striped band on elytron (three interstices wide).
C. fryi belongs to fryi* group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is restricted to Peru (Fig. 684).
Chalcolepidius gossipiatus Guérin-Méneville, 1844
(Figs. 36, 122, 188, 245, 290, 329, 363, 396, 512, 550, 642, 674)
Chalcolepidius gossipiatus Guérin-Méneville, 1844: 18; Candèze, 1857: 262, 265; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1503 (Cat.); Candèze, 1874: 160; 1886: 66, 69; 1891: 37 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 107 (Cat.). Syntypes: 1 male, 1 female. Male: "Chalcolepidius gossipiatus Guer. Rev. Zool. 1843 Colombie; ex Museo Guér.-Menév.; Muséum Paris, ex-coll. R. Oberthür; Syntype Chalcolepidius gossipiatus Guerin, CMF von Hayek, det.1980"; Female: "gossipiatus Guer. Type; Ex-Musaeo Guér-Menev.; Museum Paris, ex-coll. R. Oberthür; Syntype Chalcolepidius gossipiatus G.M. CMF von Hayek det. 1980" (MNHN) (examined).
Chalcolepidius gossypiatus [sic]; Schenkling, 1925: 56 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.).
Chalcolepidius erichsonii Guérin-Méneville, 1844: 18; Candèze, 1857: 265. Syntypes: 1 male, 1 female. Male: "Chalcolepidius Erichsonii Guér. Rev. Zool. 1843 (type) M Colombie; ex Museo Guér. Menév.; Syntype Chalcolepidius erichsonii G. M. CMF von Hayek det.1980"; Female: "Erichsoni Guér. Nlle Grenade; Ex Musaeo A. Sallé 1897; Syntype Chalcolepidius erichsoni G. M. CMF von Hayek 1980" (MNHN) (examined). Chalcolepidius lemoinii Candèze, 1857: 262, 266, t. 5, f. 7. Syntype female: "N. Grenada; Chalcolepidius lemoinii Cdze ex coll. Candèze; Chalcolepidius lemoinii Cdz. Nlle Gren. [Candèze stuck to underside of Janson label]; Janson coll. 1903.130." (BMNH) (not examined). Syn. nov.
Chalcolepidius lemoinii Candèze, 1857: 266. Syntype female: "Syntype; Type; Columbia; 115; Janson coll. 1903-130; Chalcolepidius Lemoinii (Reiche) Cdze Type F ex coll. de Laferté (Reiche) [glued underside:] Lemoinei Reiche; Syntype Chalcolepidius lemoinii Candèze var. a CMF von Hayek, 1979"(BMNH) (examined). Syn. nov.
Chalcolepidius lemoinei [sic]; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1503 (Cat.); Candèze, 1874: 161; 1886: 66, 69; Fleutiaux, 1926: 107 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 283 (Cat.).
Chalcolepidius Le Moinei [sic]; Candèze, 1891: 37; Schenkling, 1925: 56 (Cat.).
GUÉRIN-MÉNEVILLE (1844) described C. erichsonii and C. gossipiatus in the same page, both from "régions temperées". The former was characterized by presence of general scale-like setae green with lateral stripes of elytra orange almost red, and striae orange-yellow. C. gossipiatus was considered similar to C. erichsonii, but the latter is clothed with scale-like setae yellowish-ochre, paler ventrally, with lateral stripes of elytra and striae orange-yellow.
CANDÈZE (1857) presented two variations for C. gossipiatus, the first one I considered corresponding to C. erichsonii: "Var. a. Olivaceo-squamulosus, elytrorum striis margineque fulvo-squamosis; Var.b. Olivaceo-squamulosus, prothorace fulvo-cinereo, elytrorum striis margineque fulvo-squamosis." In this same year, CANDÈZE described C. lemoinii: "...entièrement revetu d'écailles blanches, sauf les intervalles des stries des élytres, couverts d`écailles d'un beau vert..." He also described one variety: "Var.a. Prothorace, elytrorum striis margineque squamulis fulvis". He recorded it from Colombia and stated about the difficult of describing the differences between C. lemoinii variety and some specimens of C. gossipiatus. In 1874 he stated that sometimes the prothorax of C. lemoinei [sic] is clothed with green scales with a white lateral band each side.
I studied the syntypes of C. erichsonii, C. gossipiatus and C. lemoinii, and also the specimens presenting the colour combinations of pubescence of all varieties described for these species, and concluded that they are conspecific.
Length: 25-43 mm. Wide, parallel body. Integument from reddish-brown to dark-brown. Dorsal and ventral pubescence white, yellowish-white, ochraceus or metallic olive, or grayish-green with striae and lateral stripes of elytra (3 interstices wide) ochraceus, ochre, orange, or at same color as general pubescence, only slightly darker and/or denser. Antennae clothed with brown or dark-brown setae except 3 first segments; legs and hypomera like ventral pubescence (Fig. 36).
Frons not carinate, slightly declivous anteriorly. Antennae (Fig. 122) serrate in female, strongly serrate in male; 3rd segment triangular and short. Pronotum (Fig. 188) longer than wide, slightly narrowed apicad from hind angles base; slightly convex; micropunctate with sparse coarse punctuation dispersed on anterior half; lateral margins forming smooth narrow edge, grooved innerly; anterior margin prominent at middle (slightly sinuous in some specimens); hind angles wide, divergent, prominent backwards, raised laterally forming edge, wider and continuous with that of lateral margins; median basal tubercle elongate; posterior margin prominent and slightly notched at middle. Hypomera concave; raised anteriorly forming globose prominence close to prosternal channel (different from other species). Notosternal sutures slightly sinuous; prosternal channel present (different from others). Prosternum micropunctate, moderately convex. Prosternal lobe wide, emarginated laterally with fore angles slightly rounded; punctuation small, coarser than prosternum. Scutellum (Fig. 245) subtrapezoidal; anterior half narrower and strongly declivous; horizontal area sub-elliptical with two rounded concavities. Borders of mesosternal cavity (Fig. 290) wide and horizontal on basal 2/3 and moderately declivous on distal 1/3, forming semi-elliptical profile. Mesepisternum with transverse irregular groove. Meso-metasternal suture weak. First visible sternite not prominent laterally. Tibiae of male bearing row of long spines internally. Interstices micropunctate and unequal in variable degree; striae marked by row of coarse punctures; 2nd forming well developed rounded tubercle near base.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Sternite VIII (Fig. 329) subpentagonal, translucent with three melanized areas: two lateral elongate larger and one median distal shorter. Tergite IX (Fig. 363) densely punctuate; anterior margin slightly notched with rounded angles; moderately long setae lateroanteriorly. Aedeagus (Fig. 396): median lobe wide, 0.58 times aedeagus length, slightly narrowed at middle, constricted at apex; apex of parameres spearhead-like.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 512) densely setous; median basal translucent area indistinguishable. Sternite VIII (Fig. 550) 0.60 times spiculum gastrale length; anterior margin narrow- and deeply notched at middle. Genitalia (Fig. 596): sclerotized pieces of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 642) C-shaped, bearing 42 teeth; bursa copulatrix with wide longitudinal band with carinae and spines, narrowed basad.
Material examined. GUATEMALA. Alta Verapaz: Panzos, 1 F (MNHN). COSTA RICA. Lemoinei Cand. collection Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). PANAMA. Chiriqui: Boquete A. Boutete, received as attenuatus Er. CMF von Hayek det. 1980, 1 M (ZMHB). "NEW GRANADA". 16205, gossipiatus Cand. gossipiatus et Erichsonii Guér. Nov. Gran. Goud., Hist. Col. (Coleoptera) Nr 16205 (1 ex.) Chalcolepidius gossypiatus Cand. Nuev. Granad. Goud.; Zool. Mus. Berlin, 1 M (ZMHB); 16205; Hist. Coll. (Coleoptera) nr 16205 (2ex) Chalcolepidius gossypiatus Cand. Nuev. Granad. Goud.; Zool. Mus. Berlin, 1 F (ZMHB); same data, (3 ex.), 1 F (ZMHB); N. Gran.Coll. L. W. SchaufuB, 1 M (ZMHB); N. G. [New Granada], 1 M (MCZC). Nova Grenata; collection Chevrolat; gossipiatus; gossipiatus typique Cand. Mon. collection Fleutiaux, 1 ex (abdomen destroyed) (MNHN). gossipiatus Cand. Type [handwritten]; collection Chevrolat; typique Cand. Mon. gossypiatus coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). Coll. Jekel; 39; gossypiatus (Cd., 1879); erichsoni Cand. rev. 160; jekeli det. Collection Fleutiaux, 1 M (MNHN). Ex- Musaeo A. Sallé, ex-coll. Oberthür, 1 M (MNHN). VENEZUELA. Ex-coll. Chevrolat, 1 F (MNHN), ex-coll. Oberthür, 1 M (MNHN), ex- Musaeo Sallé, ex-coll. Oberthür, 1 M (MNHN), Lemoinei Cand. var.; Collection Chevrolat; Lemoinei Cand. det. mon. Collection Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN), gossipiatus Guér. Collection Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). COLOMBIA. 1 F (MNHN), 1 F (ZMHB), 3 M (ZMUC), 2 M (NHMW), ex-Musaeo E. Steinheil, ex-coll. Oberthür, 2 F (MNHN), ex-coll. Oberthür, 1 F (MNHN); 43288; Lemoinei Cand.* Columb. Coll. Germar, 1 F (ZMHB); coll. Jekel, coll. Fleutiaux, 1 M (MNHN). Caqueta: Florencia, 1 F (ICNC); Yabi Caqueta, 1 M (IMLA). Special District: Bogotá, gossypiatus Guér. coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). Huila: 1 M (SRGI); Gigante, 1 F (FSCA), 2 M, 1 F (SRGI), 1 F (MZSP); San Agustin, Quebradillas, 3 F (ICNC). Putumayo: 1 F (SRGI). Tolima: Alvarado, 1 M (ICNC); Armero, 2 M, 1 F (MZSP); Ibagué, 1 M (dissected), 2 F (MZSP), coll. Deharme, 1 M, 1 F (MNHN), El Espinal, 1 F (dissected) (MZSP). BRAZIL. Pará: 1 M (SRGI). ECUADOR. Ex-coll. R. Oberthür, 1 F (MNHN). Bolívar: Chimbó, 1 M, 1 F (MNHN). Without locality: 1 M (IMLA), Chalcolepidius gossipiatus G. M. CMF von Hayek det. 1979; comp. to erichsonii in Gen. Coll. [von Hayek] 1 M (MNHN), Lemoinei Cand. var.; coll. Chevrolat; Lemoinei Cand. det. Mon. Collection Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN), ex-coll. Oberthür; Chalcolepidius gossipiatus G. M. CMF von Hayek det. 1979, Gen. Coll. Paris erichsonii Chalc. comp. w/ M type, 1 M (MNHN).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius gossipiatus is characterized especially by general pubescence whitish, ochraceus, olive or greenish with lateral stripes of elytra orange or of the same color of general pubescence (slightly darker and denser), antennae serrate in female and strongly serrate in male, scutellum strongly declivous and apex of parameres spearhead-like.
Examination of the available material of C. gossipiatus has shown a wide range of pubescence coloration. It was observed the integument clothed with dull scale-like setae ochraceus-yellow with striae and lateral stripes of elytra ochre or yellowish-orange, cream with striae and lateral stripes of elytra ochre, yellowish-white with lateral stripes of elytra ochraceus-yellow, totally yellowish-white, totally white with interstices glabrous and lateral margins of elytra more densely white, or metallic scale-like setae grayish-green with lateral bands of elytra ochre or orange-yellow, olive with lateral bands of elytra ochre or ferruginous, or totally grayish-green. Some specimens are dull dorsally and metallic ventrally, or sometimes, only the interstices are metallic. Besides, it was observed some sexual differences like narrower body and pronotum with lateral margins almost straight in male, and wider body with lateral margins more rounded in female. In both sexes the pronotum is as- or almost as wide as long with hind angles divergent and posterior margin as wide as elytral base. The antennae are strongly serrate in male.
C. gossipiatus belongs to extenuatuvittatus+ group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from Central and South America: Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil (Pará) and Ecuador (Fig. 674).
Chalcolepidius inops Candèze, 1886
(Figs.40,123,124,187,246,291,397,437,473,513,551,597,598,643,681)
Chalcolepidius inops Candèze, 1886: 73; Champion, 1894: 275, 282; Schenkling, 1925: 56 (Cat.). Syntype female: "Coll. R. I. Sc. N. B. 1874 Koels Sierra Madre Chihuahua Mex.; n. sp. inops Cdz Chihuahua; Type; Col. E. Candèze "(ISNB) (examined).
Chalcolepidius murinus Champion, 1894: 275, 283, t. 12, f. 6; Schenkling, 1925: 57 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 283. Syntypes: 1 male, 1 female: "Syntype; Acapulco, Guerrero. Höge; B. C. A. Col. III (1) Chalcolepidius murinus" The male also bears the labels: "M; sp. figured" (BMNH) (examined). Syn. nov.
CANDÈZE (1886) described C. inops from Sierra Madre de Chihuahua (Mexico) and commented that this species has the general fascies of C. virens, but it is easily recognized by the shape and the size of third antennal segment, very shorter than 4th and dentate. According to him, this shape of 3rd antennal segment is found in a small number of species.
CHAMPION (1894) described C. murinus, from Acapulco (Mexico), based on three specimens. He commented that one of them had been examined by Candèze that considered it as unknown and attached the following remarks: "near C. inops, but differing from it in having the margins of the thorax not flattened and all the elytral striae punctured". Three lines before the description of C. murinus he commented that the presence of very short third antennal segment in C. inops brings it near C. angustatus. Probably he had not examined any material of C. inops to verify that the third antennal segment is similar to C. murinus.
After comparing the syntypes of C. murinus and C. inops, it was concluded that they are conspecific species. The differences observed by CANDÈZE (1886) and CHAMPION (1894) are herein considered as intraspecific variations.
Length: 25-34 mm. Arched, almost parallel. Integument dark, clothed dorsally and ventrally with thin, short, metallic brown, brownish-olive, wine-brown or olive gray setae; antennae usually clothed with black setae, in a few specimens brown, except three first, like general body coloration (Fig. 40).
Frons not carinate, strongly declivous medioanterioriorly, consequently, nasal plate high. Antennae of male (Fig. 124) surpassing posterior margin of procoxae, pectinate; in female (Fig. 123) not reaching posterior margin and strongly serrate; 3rd segment transverse with spiniform appendix in both sexes. Pronotum (Fig. 187) longer than wide, slightly narrowed at hind angles base, strongly narrowed near apex; anterior margin slightly sinuous at middle; fore angles prominent; moderately convex anteriorly; convexity decreasing basad, flattened longitudinal medially on basal 3/4; micropunctate with coarse sparser punctuation more concentrate near middle; lateral margins raised laterally forming bright small-punctuate narrow edge, almost reaching apex; concave innerly edge; hind angles backward, wide, raised laterally forming edge continuous with that of lateral margins; median basal tubercle triangular, very flat, almost indistinguishable, continuous with very weak longitudinal median ridge, not reaching apex; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle. Hypomera concave near lateral margins; lateral margins incompletely carinate; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of anterior channel (not carinate). Notosternal sutures moderately sinuous. Prosternum micropunctate; punctuation coarser near sutures; strongly convex, flattened longitudinal medially, concave near sutures. Prosternal lobe transverse with rounded angles; punctuation sparse, coarser than median region of prosternum; emarginated laterally with fore angles slightly rounded. Prosternal spine flattened laterally. Scutellum (Fig. 246) strongly folded with horizontal basal area subtrapezoidal, notched anteriorly and posteriorly, grooved longitudinal medially. Mesosternal cavity narrow, U-shaped with borders (Fig. 291) thick, horizontal on basal ¾, and moderately declivous on distal ¼, forming semicircular profile. Anterior and median tibiae and last tarsal segment of all legs of male bearing fringe of long cilia. First sternite prominent laterally fits in lateral groove of elytra. Striae grooved and punctuate (a row of coarse punctures); interstices slightly convex and small-punctuate; interstices equal in width; 2-4 forming basal wide flattened tubercle; apices individually rounded.
Aedeagus (Fig. 397): median lobe (Fig. 437) wide, slightly narrowed near middle, gradually narrowed apicad; 15, 18 lateral very small teeth, dorsally directed; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 473) strongly narrowed dorsally giving rounded shape to dorsal margin, and apex upwards more prominent ventrally.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 513) transverse, setous, membranous in median basal triangular area, slightly shorter than half of tergite length and two bands on fore angles. Sternite VIII (Fig. 551) 0.63 times spiculum gastrale length; anterior margin slight- and widely notched at middle. Genitalia (Figs. 597, 598): sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 643) with 54 small teeth; bursa copulatrix with longitudinal median elongate area with carinae and spines; without rounded lateral spiny areas.
Material examined. MEXICO. 1 F (MNHN). Colima: Manzanillo, 1 F (MCZC). Guerrero: Cyn. del Zopilote, 2000, 1 F (FSCA); 51 Km Ixtapa, 1 F (dissected) (FSCA). Jalisco: Est. Biol. Chamela, 2 F (UNAM); La Quemada, 1 M (AMNH). Sinaloa: 5 mi N Mazatlan, 1 F (FSCA). GUATEMALA. 1 F (USNM). COSTA RICA. 1 F (MNHN).
Remarks. The syntype of Chalcolepidius inops is 25 mm long and clothed with brownish-olive setae with brown antennae. The syntypes of C. murinus are 26 mm long, both clothed with olive-gray setae; the antennae are clothed with black setae in male and brown in female. Comparing the syntypes with the material examined for C. inops, they do not present significant differences to be considered different species.
C. inops is characterized especially by pronotum micropunctate and bright longitudinal-medially with characteristic convexity, very strong frontally, decreasing basad, flattened on basal third and the lateral margins forming a wide flattened edge anteriorly. Besides, the scutellum is folded, anterior and media tibiae of male bear fringe of long cilia and lateral cleft of parameres is strongly narrowed dorsally giving a rounded shape to dorsal margin, and apex upwards more prominent ventrally.
C. inops presents a wide range of variation in size and pubescence coloration. The holotype is olive-brown, specimens with brown pubescence dorsally and ventrally and/or brown dorsally and olive-brown ventrally were examined.
C. inops belongs to forreri* group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from Mexico (Colima, Guerrero, Jalisco, Chihuahua and Sinaloa), Guatemala and Costa Rica (Fig. 681).
Chalcolepidius jansoni Candèze, 1874
(Figs. 41-43, 125, 190, 247, 292, 331, 364, 398, 438, 474, 514, 552, 599, 600, 644, 677)
Chalcolepidius jansoni Candèze, 1874: 165; 1886: 74; Champion, 1894: 275, 283, t.12, f. 7; Schenkling, 1925: 56 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 283. Syntypes: 22 females. [BMNH specimens numbered 1-19]:"1; Nicaragua/E.M.J.; Chalcolepidius jansoni Cdze. F type [Janson] jansoni [Candèze label stuck to underside]; sp. figured; Janson coll. 1903.130"; "2; Nicaragua/E.M.J.; Chalcolepidius jansoni Cdze. F [Janson]; Janson coll. 1903.130"; 3-13: "Nicaragua/E.M.J.; Chalcolepidius jansoni Cdze. F [Janson]; Janson coll. 1903.130"; "14; Nicaragua/Belt; Chalcolepidius jansoni Cdze. F [Janson]; Janson coll. 1903.130"; "15; Nicaragua; Belt; jansoni [Candèze]; Fry coll. 1905.100"; "16; Nicaragua; Belt; jansoni [Candèze]; Chalcolepidius jansoni Candèze Nicaragua Cotype [Fry]"; "17; Nicaragua; Sallé coll.; Chalcolepidius jansoni Cand. Sallé coll. 1436; B. C. A. coll. III (1) Chalcolepidius jansoni Cand. F [B. C. A. Champion]"; 18, 19: "B. C. A. Coll. III (1) Chalcolepidius jansoni Cand. F [B. C. A. Champion] (BMNH) (not examined); 1 female: " Nicaragua; Coll. Sallé. 1 F, Coll. Sallé; jansoni"(MNHN) (examined); 1 female: "Coll. R.I.Sc.N.B. Nicaragua ex coll. Candèze; jansoni Cdze. Nicar. [Candèze]; Chalcolepidius jansoni Cd. Det. E. Candèze (ISNB) (not examined).
Chalcolepidius mucronatus Candèze, 1889: 14. Syntype female: "Coll. R. I. Sc. N. B. Colombie ex-coll. Candèze; Type; n. sp. mucronatus Cdze. Colomb.; Chalcolepidius mucronatus Cd. det. E. Candèze" (ISNB) (examined). Syn. nov.
CANDÈZE (1874) described C. jansoni from Nicaragua, and in 1889, C. mucronatus from Colombia. According to him, both species may be confused by sutural spine at elytral apex, but the latter is narrower frontally and more attenuate behind, with deeper striae, while in the former the hind angles of pronotum are more slender and divergent.
After examining the type of C. mucronatus and identified specimens of C. jansoni from Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Ecuador, it was concluded that these species are conspecific. The differences enumerate by CANDÈZE (1889) are herein considered as intraspecific variations.
Length: 31-37 mm. Integument black clothed dorsally and ventrally with scale-like setae, thin, short, metallic green, olive, grayish-green, yellowish-green, bluish-green, blue (iridescent) or violet; antennae brownish except three first segments, bluish (Figs. 41-43).
Frons narrow, not carinate, slightly declivous. Nasal plate high. Antennae (Fig.125) serrate in both sexes; 3rd segment triangular-elongate, shorter than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 190) longer than wide, narrowed apicad and at hind angles base; slightly convex longitudinal medially; anterior margin prominent at middle, forming two small teeth; lateral margins forming edge, almost reaching apex; hind angles stout, divergent with truncate apex, raised laterally forming edge continuous with that of lateral margins; median basal tubercle flat, triangular-elongate, continuous with longitudinal median weak ridge; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle; micropunctate with sparse coarser punctures more concentrate anteriorly. Hypomera concave near lateral margins; micropunctate; convex anteriorly, but not forming wall of prosternal channel; raised in narrow band parallel notosternal sutures. Prosternal channel absent. Notosternal sutures slightly sinuous, opened frontally. Prosternum micropunctate, strongly convex, flattened longitudinal medially; concave near sutures. Prosternal spine flattened laterally. Scutellum (Figs. 247, 248) slightly declivous; horizontal area subtriangular, rounded anteriorly, slightly notched posteriorly (many times bilobed on anterior margin (Fig. 247); declivous area almost perpendicular. Borders of mesosternal cavity (Fig. 292) wide and horizontal on basal 2/3 and slightly declivous on distal 1/3, forming an inclined profile. First visible sternite prominent laterally, fits in lateral groove of elytra. Anterior tibiae of male and female with fringe of short cilia on distal half, longer in male. Striae punctuate; interstices equal in width, moderately convex and small punctuate; apex rounded with well developed sutural spine; 3rd interstice forming basal rounded tubercle.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Sternite VIII (Fig. 331) transverse, moderately narrowed apicad, slightly constricted at distal third; translucent in small median area, paired narrow lateral band, paired small elliptical laterobasal spot and small distal patch. Tergite IX (Fig. 364) densely punctuate; transverse, narrowed apicad; anterior margin narrow and strongly notched; anterior angles prominent and rounded bearing short setae. Aedeagus (Fig. 398): median lobe (Fig. 438) wide, 0.57 times aedeagus length, slightly narrowed apicad, slightly constricted near middle, bearing 6, 8 lateral teeth; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 474) short, constricted subapically with apex narrow, rounded and upwards.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 514) transverse, almost rectangular, densely setous; translucent in triangular median basal and paired large areas at fore angles. Sternite VIII (Fig. 552) wide, 0.67 times spiculum gastrale length; spiculum gastrale bifid; anterior margin wide- and moderately notched. Female genitalia (Figs. 599, 600): sclerotized pieces of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 644) C-shaped with many small teeth; bursa copulatrix with narrow longitudinal median band with carinae and spines and a paired lateral irregular spiny spots.
Material examined. NICARAGUA. 3 F (MNHN), 1 F (USNM), ex-coll. Sallé, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). Río San Juan: Greytown [San Juan del Norte], 1 M (USNM). COSTA RICA. 1 F (USNM). Alajuela: Río San Carlos, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). Cartago: Irazu, 1800-2000 m, 1 F (USNM). Limón: 35 Km N Guapiles, 1 M (FSCA); Santa Clara, Hamburg Farm, 1 F (dissected) (USNM); Siquirres, 550 m, 1 F (DZUP). PANAMA. Bocas del Toro: Bocas del Toro, vic. Chiriqui Grande, 1400, 1 M (FSCA). Panama: Cerro Campana, 1 M (EGRC); K 8-13 El Llano Carti Rd., 1 M (JEWC), 1 M (dissected) (MZSP); 10 Km N El Llano, 1 M, 2 F (FSCA); Cerro Jefe (locality not found), 1 F (FSCA). COLOMBIA. Chocó: Quibdo, 1 F (MZSP), 2 F (PCCV). Putumayo: 1 F (SRGI). Valle del Cauca: 1 F (MNHN); M-Cordillera, Lake Calima/Río Bravo Valley, nr Buga, 1180-1200 m, 9 F (PCCV), 2 F (NHMW); Rio Dagua, 5 F (MNHN). Valle: Anchicaya, 600 m, 2 M (AMNH). ECUADOR. Cachabé [Cachavi], 1 F (MNHN). PERU. Loreto: Rio Napo, 1 F (DZUP).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius jansoni is characterized especially by green, blue or violet pubescence coloration, hind angles of pronotum robust, divergent and prominent backwards, scutellum slightly declivous with horizontal subtriangular area and parameres of aedeagus cleft laterally.
The general pubescence of the type of C. mucronatus is clothed with bluish-green setae while in other specimens is olive-green, yellowish-green, green or blue; the antennae pubescence, except three first segments, are usually blue, brownish or both intermingled. It was observed also variation on thickness and density of the setae, as noted by Candèze to separate C. mucronatus; when the pubescence is thinner and/or sparser the striae look-like deeper. Besides, the size of median teeth of anterior margin of pronotum, the convexity and width of anterior region of pronotum, the scutellum declivity and the size of sutural spine of elytra are also variable; in some specimens the scutellum presents two small rounded tubercles of variable sizes near anterior margin of horizontal area (Fig. 247).
C. jansoni resembles C. oxydatus but the former is narrower with hind angles of pronotum more prominent and the apices of elytra present well developed sutural spine. Besides, they differ especially by (C. oxydatus parenthesized): 3rd antennal segment elongate (triangular); horizontal area of scutellum subtriangular (transverse, elliptical); lateral margins of pronotum almost straight (slightly sinuous); tibiae of male with very short cilia (with small teeth); parameres of the aedeagus cleft laterally (spearhead-like).
C. jansoni belongs to desmarestii+ group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. I examined also one male from Paraguay (Caaguazu) (FSCA) not included in the material examined because this record requires confirmation (Fig. 677).
Chalcolepidius lacordairii Candèze, 1857
(Figs. 44-46, 126, 191, 249, 332, 399, 439, 475, 553, 603, 645, 680)
Chalcolepidius lacordairii Candèze, 1857: 263, 281, t. 5, f. 6. 2 Syntypes numbered 1 and 2: "1: Mexico; Chalcolepidius lacordaireii Cdze, ex coll. Candèze [Janson] Chalcolepidius lacordaireii Cdz. Mex [Candèze, stuck to underside of Janson's label]; Janson coll. 1903.130.2: Santa Rosa; Chalcolepidius lacordaireii Cadze, ex coll. Candèze; Janson coll. 1903.130"(BMNH) (not examined).
Chalcolepidius lacordairii var. a Candèze, 1857: 281. Syntype male: "Mexico; Chalcolepidius lacordaireii Cdze. ex coll. Candèze; Janson coll. 1903.130" (BMNH) (not examined).
Chalcolepidius lacordairei [sic]; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1503 (Cat.); Candèze, 1874: 167; 1886: 68, 73; 1891: 39 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 274, 279, t. 12, f. 1; Schenkling, 1925: 56 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 283 (Cat.).
Chalcolepidius exquisitus Candèze, 1886: 68; 1889: 13; 1891: 38 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 274, 279, t. 11, f. 24; Schenkling, 1925: 56 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 107 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.). Syntypes: 3 females numbered 1, 2 and 3: "1: n. sp. exquisitus Cdz. Coll. Mn.[Candèze]; Coll. R. I. Sc. N. B. Panama, Chiriqui ex coll. Candèze." "2" and "3", as 1 but without Candeze`s manuscript label (ISNB). (not examined). [suggested to be a variety of C. lacordairii by Champion, 1894: 279] Syn. nov.
Chalcolepidius monachus Candèze, 1893: 16; Champion, 1896: 553. Syntype female: " Type F; n. sp. 1892 [sic] monachus Chihuahua Mex. Septent; Chalcolepidius monachus Cd. det. E. Candèze; Coll. R. I. Sc. N. B. Mexique ex coll. Candèze; Koels Mexico [stuck to curatorial label]; = lacordaireii small var." (ISNB) (examined). [suggested to be a variety of C. lacordairii by Champion, 1896: 553] Syn. nov.
CANDÈZE (1857) described C. lacordairii (from Mexico) characterized especially by general metallic pubescence greenish-blue or blue, and included one variety, clothed with indigo-blue pubescence. He considered this species as "... l'une des plus belles du genre". In the revision of the monograph (1874) he broadened the geographical distribution of this species, stating that it is common near the city of Guatemala and it is found in all Central America until "New Granada", spreading out by other side, following the littoral of Pacific until California. He discussed the variation of the pubescence coloration, blue (like the type), green, olive-green, grayish-green, brownish-green and purple-green, characteristically, always uniform in each specimen. He stated about one specimen (San Diego, California, Coll. Janson) with different pubescence coloration, "violet-pourple" with some dorsal brown setae, visible only by golden reflex. In 1886, he presented a key with one new species, C. exquisitus, separate from C. lacordairii only by rugosity of pronotum poorly developed in the former. In the key, C. exquisitus is numbered with the same number as C. aurulentus (43), and the new species was not formally described nor included in his "Bibliographie". In 1889 he presented a description of C. exquisitus, comparing it with C. lacordairii and C. virens. He also recorded the type locality of C. exquisitus as Veragua (province of Panama to the east of Chiriqui), but the specimens listed above as syntypes bear the locality "Chiriqui". According to HAYEK (personal communication), these specimens agree so well with the description, especially in regard the colour, that she has no hesitation in accepting them as Candèze's original material, and the locality label is probably the result of an error made during curation. In 1891, Candèze catalogued C. exquisitus from Veragua and C. lacordairii from Guatemala, ignoring the other localities.
CANDÈZE (1893) described C. monachus (from Mexico, Chihuahua) and commented the similarities with C. lacordairii, stating that the former is smaller, clothed with olive-brown pubescence and striae more visibly punctuate. The holotype of C. monachus is very naked and this way it is easier to see the punctuation of elytral striae considered by Candèze as specific character.
CHAMPION (1894) presented a key where C. lacordairii is separated from C. exquisitus by the body shape, wrinkles of pronotum and pubescence coloration. He recorded C. lacordairii from Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. He commented that this species is common in the forest-region of the Pacific slop of Guatemala, also occurring sparingly in Verapaz, and that the Candèze's record from San Diego, California, requires confirmation. Treating C. exquisitus as "species or variety" he commented that it replaces C. lacordairii in the southern portions of Central America, and recorded it from Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. He examined a large series of specimens and verified that those from Panama are all clothed with greenish setae, and some are coarsely wrinkled in the disc, and some those from Nicaragua and Costa Rica, are bluish or violet, resembling C. lacordairii. Treating of C. monachus in the "Supplement", he suggested that "It is in my opinion, a small varietal form of C. lacordairii, with the longitudinal rugae of the thorax coarser than usual".
After studying a large series of material, I concluded that C. monachus Candèze, 1893 and C. exquisitus Candèze, 1886 are synonyms of C. lacordairii Candèze, 1857.
Length: 28-48 mm. Large, wide, arched body. Integument black, clothed dorsally and ventrally with short dense metallic scale-like setae dark-blue, blue, green, olive-green, grayish-green, greenish-blue, brownish or brownish-olive (Figs. 44-46).
Frons not carinate, strongly declivous. Antennae (Fig. 126) serrate in both sexes, 3rd segment triangular-elongate, slightly shorter than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 191) as long as wide or slightly longer than wide, narrowed anteriad and at hind angles base; micropunctate with very coarse and irregular punctuation forming ridges on longitudinal median region; anterior margin sinuous at middle in variable degree; lateral margins raised laterally forming narrow smooth edge almost reaching apex; concave in narrow band innerly edge; hind angles wide, slightly divergent with truncate and thick apex, raised laterally forming edge wider and continues with that of lateral margin; median basal tubercle flat, triangular-elongate, continuous with irregular longitudinal median ridge, not reaching apex; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle. Hypomera concave near lateral margins; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of anterior channel. Notosternal sutures strongly sinuous. Prosternum micropunctate, apparently smooth on longitudinal median region; punctuation denser and coarser near sutures; strongly convex, flattened longitudinal medially, concave near sutures. Prosternal lobe wide with punctuation sparse, slightly coarser than median region of prosternum; in some specimens with longitudinal very weak grooves; emarginated laterally with fore angles slightly rounded. Prosternal spine flattened laterally. Scutellum (Fig. 249) strongly folded with horizontal basal area subtrapezoidal grooved and notched anteriorly and posteriorly. Borders of mesosternal cavity wide, horizontal on basal ¾, and vertical on distal ¼, forming L-shaped profile. Meso-metasternal suture weak. First visible sternite prominent laterally fits in lateral groove of elytra. Anterior and median tibiae and last tarsal segment of all legs of male bearing fringe of long cilia. Striae grooved; interstices convex and equal; 3rd interstice flattened and prominent at base, forming a forward tubercle, apex truncate.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Sternite VIII (Fig. 332) transverse, abruptly narrowed on apical third, basal margin sinuous; translucent in median larger area with two small basal patches each side and two lateral bands. Tergite IX densely punctuate; anterior margin rounded bearing lateroanteriorly tiny setae. Aedeagus (Fig. 339): median lobe (Fig. 439) 0.50-0.53 times aedeagus length, moderately narrowed near middle, bearing 7, 8; 8, 8 lateral teeth; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 475) wide, slightly narrowed near apex with apex prominent ventrally and upwards.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII transverse, setous, translucent in small basal area and paired lateral bands. Sternite VIII (Fig. 553) 0.61 times spiculum gastrale length; anterior margin wide- and deeply notched. Genitalia (Fig. 603): sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 645) bearing 34 teeth; bursa copulatrix with wide longitudinal band with carinae and spines and two rounded lateral spiny areas.
Material examined. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. California: 1 F (USNM). MEXICO. 12 F (MNHN), 1 F (MZSP), 2 F (NHMW), 1 F (UNAM), 1 F (USNM), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN), Côte Occidental, 2 F (MNHN). Chihuahua: San Isidro, 1600 feet, 1 F (USNM). Jalisco: 15 Km N El Tuito, 2200, 1 F (FSCA). Colima: Colima, 1 F (MZSP retained USNM), 2 M, 4 F (1 M dissected, UNAM), 1 F (USNM), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Manzanillo, 1 F (MCZC); Tecolopa, 1 F (AMNH). Veracruz: 1 F (MNMS),1 F (ZMUC); ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Playa Escondida, 1 F (MNMS); Dos Amantes, 2 F (USNM); localities not found: Huatimac, 1 F (FSCA). Hidalgo: Huasca, 1 F (MZSP). Guerrero: Acapulco, 2 F (ZMUC). Morelos: Cuernavaca, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 F (MNHN). Puebla: Tehuacan, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 F (MNHN). Chiapas: La Esperanza, 4 F (USNM); Muste (locality not found), 1 F (MZSP); Pacific Slope, Cordilleras, 800-1000 m, 1 M (dissected) (MZSP), 1 F (MZSP retained USNM), 1 M, 19 F (USNM); Piedras Paradas (several localities with this name), 1 F (USNM); Rancho Sta Rosa (locality not found), 1 F (USNM); San Jeronimo, 680 m, 4 F (IMLA), 1 M (dissected), 3 F (1 dissected) (MZSP), 2 F (PCCV); 1 F (SRGI), 3 F (USNM), (Tacaná), 1 M, 1 F (USNM); San Jose (1000-1500 ft), 1 F (USNM); Tapachula, 1 F (USNM); Tuxtla Gutierrez, 1 F (AMNH). GUATEMALA. 2 F (AMNH), 4 F (MNHN), 1 F (NHMW), 1 F (OSUC), 3 F (USNM); 3 F (ZMUC), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 M, 13 F (MNHN). Alta Verapaz: Missouri ou Coban, 1 M, 1 F (MNHN). Guatemala: env. Guatemala, 8 F (MNHN). Quiché: Zacualpa, 1 F (AMNH). Retalhuleu: El Tumbador, 2500 ft., 1 F (MNHN); San Sebastian, 7 F (USNM). Sacatepéquez: Capetillo, 2 F (MNHN). Suchitepequez: Cuyotenango, 1 F (USNM), Finca San Rafael Olimpo, 2 F (MZSP); Moca, 1 F (AMNH); Variedades, 500 ft., 1 M, 10 F (AMNH). Localities not found: Siboya Yopacotoá, 1 F (USNM). Escuintla: Cerro Zunil, 4000 ft., 2 F (MNHN); El Reposo, 800 ft., 1 F (AMNH), 1 F (PCCV); Escuintla, 5 F (NHMW), 3 F (USNM); Yepolapa, 2 F (USNM). Jutiapa: Zapote, 2 F (AMNH), 2 F (NHMW), 2 F (USNM). Zacapa: La Union, 850 m, 1 F (SRGI). COSTA RICA. 5 F (MCZC), 5 F (MNHN), 1 F (MZSP), 1 M, 7 F (USNM). Guanacaste: Bebedero, 1 F (NHMW); Hda. Taboga, 2 M (FSCA); Playa Hermosa, 1 M (FSCA). Limón: Santa Clara Pr., Hamburg Farm, 1 F (USNM). Puntarenas: ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Finca Las Cruces, San Vito, 1 F (FSCA); Las Cruces, nr. San Vito, 1 F (USNM); Osa Peninsula, 2.5 mi SW Rincon, 2 F (FSCA), 1 F (USNM); 14.5 Km N Quepos, 1 F (FSCA). vic. of Rincón, 1 F (FSCA); San Vito, 1 F (FSCA) nr. San Vito de Java, 1 F (USNM), 1 F (FSCA); Surrubres, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); 6 Km N Tarcoles, 1 F (FSCA); Turrialba, 2 F (MNHN); La Conquista, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Ponto Rieles, 7 F (AMNH). HONDURAS. 4 F (MNHN). Copan: 8 Km NW El Paraiso, 1 M, 3 F (TAMU). Francisco Morazan: Zamorano, 2 F (FSCA), 1 F (USNM). Olancho: ca Catamacas, 450 m (degraded rainforest), 1 F (FSCA). NICARAGUA. 1 M, 1 F (AMNH), 1 F (USNM). Chinandega: San Marcos, 1 F (USNM). Managua: Managua, 1 F (AMNH). EL SALVADOR. Cuscatlán, 1 M (USNM); Dulce Nombre de Maria, 1 F (FSCA); San Salvador, 1 F (NHMW), 2 F (PCCV), Trop. Inst. Science, 1 F (USNM); Sta Tecla [Nueva San Salvador], 1 F (USNM). PANAMA. 1 F (AMNH), 1 F (NHMW), 3 F (USNM), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 M, 7 F (MNHN). Canal Zone: 1 F (AMNH); Ancon, 1 F USNM); Barro Colorado Island, 2 F (AMNH), 7 F (USNM), 12 F (MCZC), 1 M (MZSP), Gatun Lake, 2 F (USNM), Las Cruces Trail, in Madden Forest, 1 F (USNM); Cano Saddle, Gatun Lake, 3 F (USNM); Fort Kobbe, 2 F (EGRC); Ft. Clayton, 1 F (USNM); Ft. Gulick, 1 M (OSUC); La Pita signal station rd. 29, 1 F (EGRC); Las Cascadas, 5 F (USNM); Madden Dam, 1 F (FSCA); Paraiso, 2 F (USNM); Tank Hill near Albrook Field, 1 F (EGRC). Chiriquí: 1 M, 5 F (MNHN), 2 F (MZSP), 4 F (USNM), 3 F (MCZC), 1 F (ZMHB), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 F (MNHN), exquisitus var. collection Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN), 2-8000 ft., 1 F (MNHN), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 10 F (MNHN); Bugaba, 800-1500 ft, 1 F (AMNH), 4 F (MCZC), 1 F (MZSP, retained USNM), 2 F (USNM), BCA Col. III (1), 4 F (MNHN); Volcán de Chiriqui, 2-3000 ft, 1 F (USNM), 2600 ft. Champion, 1 F (MCZC), 1 F (PCCV); San Félix, 1 M (USNM). Coclé: El Valle, 1 F (JEWC); Santa Clara, 1 F (AMNH). Colón: Ft. Sherman 1 F (FSCA); Porto Bello, 2 F (USNM). Darién: Camp Monsenel (locality not found), 1 F (AMNH); Río Tacarcuna, 1 F (USNM). Herrera: Santa Maria, El Real, 2 F (MCZC). Panama: Bayamo, 26 Km W Ipiti, 1 F (JEWC), 2.5 Km W Ipiti, 1 F (MZSP); Cabima, 1 F (MZSP, retained USNM), 5 F (USNM); Cerro Campana 2000', 1 F (MZSP), 1 F (MZSP retained EGRC), 1 F (JEWC), 850 m, 2 F (EGRC); 56 Km E Chepo, 1 F (JEWC); 80 Km E Chepo, 1 F (JEWC), 1 F (dissected) (MZSP); El Llano, Carti Rd. 1 F (FSCA); 10 Km N El Llano, 1400, 2 F (FSCA); 10-13 Km N El Llano, 1 F (FSCA); 11-15 Km N El Llano, 350 m, 2 F (FSCA); Old Panama, 1 F (AMNH); Pearl Island, San Jose [Island], 5 F (USNM); San Isidro, 1 M (dissected) (MZSP), 1 F (USNM); Santa Rita, 1 F (EGRC); Taboga Island, 1 F (AMNH), 1 M, 1 F (USNM); Trinidad Río, 2 F (USNM).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius lacordairii is characterized especially by very wide arched body clothed with green, blue, brown or violet setae, pronotum rugose, tibiae of male bearing fringe of long cilia and lateral cleft of parameres slightly narrowed subapically with apex upwards and prominent ventrally.
After examining a large series of specimens, I could observe the wide range of variation in size, colour and rugosity of pronotum already verified by previous authors. Specimens from Mexico exhibit whole pubescence coloration occurring into this species; those from Central America are usually blue, except the smaller specimens, and green specimens are more common in Costa Rica and Panama. All specimens examined from California are green, and one from Missouri or Coban, is blue. When the male and female genitalia are compared in specimens with blue and green pubescence, the only difference observed was in the length of median lobe and the increasing of one tooth in the sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands.
C. lacordairii is one of the most colorful species into the genus. It is usually unicolor and presents body shape similar to C. bomplandii, C. eschscholtzi, C. lafargi, C. rugatus and C. validus: wide and almost parallel body with elytra strongly convex on anterior half. I examined one female from Guatemala (Zacapa, La Union) (SRGI) clothed with metallic bluish-green pubescence and castaneus pubescence on very narrow lateral stripes on pronotum, not reaching hind angles, and last lateral elytral striae. It is the only specimen with lateral stripes that I examined in this species.
C. lacordairii belongs to forreri* group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from the United States of America (California), Mexico (Chihuahua, Jalisco, Colima, Veracruz, Hidalgo, Guerrero, Morelos, Puebla, Chiapas), Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Panama (Fig. 680). I examined specimens from Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil, identified as C. lacordairii, but this material, belongs to C. virens.
Chalcolepidius lafargi Chevrolat, 1835
(Figs. 47, 127, 194, 333, 365, 400, 440, 476, 554, 641, 686)
Chalcolepidius lafargi Chevrolat, 1835: 196. Syntype female: "Ch. lafargi Ch. ...[illegible]; Type; Collection Chevrolat; lafargi Chevr. Type, Germ. Vidit 1843 Collection Fleutiaux [handwritten underside:] Type Chevrolat Col. Mex. 1835 n. 196" (MNHN) (examined).
Chalcolepidius lafargei [sic]; Candèze, 1886: 67, 71; Champion, 1894: 274, 276, t. 11, f. 18.
Chalcolepidius eschscholtzi var. lafargei Candèze, 1857: 279; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1503 (Cat.); Schenkling, 1925: 56 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 107 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 282 (Cat.).
According to the original description, C. lafargi was "trouvé par nos voyageurs, à Tuspan, en terrre chaude, sur des pieux secs, pendant le moins de mai". The type locality was not included into the labels of the syntype examined.
CANDÈZE (1857) considered C. lafargei [sic] as a variation of C. eschscholtzi Chevrolat, 1833; in 1886 he listed both species separately, and related to the former stated: "N'est, pour beaucoup, qu'une variété de couleur du précedent" [C.eschscholtzi].
CHAMPION (1894) treating of C. eschscholtzi stated: "C. lafargi is probably an extreme variety of it", but maintained both species separately.
FLEUTIAUX (1926) considered C. lafargei [sic] as a variety of C. eschscholtzi.
SCHENKLING (1925) formalized Champion's proposal considering C. lafargei [sic] as a variation of C. eschscholtzi. He was followed by BLACKWELDER (1944).
Here, C. lafargi is brought to its original condition.
Length: 34-48 mm. Wide, arched body. Integument black, clothed dorsally and ventrally with short, thin metallic scale-like setae olive or grayish-green; lateral stripes of pronotum band-like, approximately 1/6 of pronotum width, narrowed at extremities or widened at base; lateral stripes of elytra three interstices wide; white or yellowish-white pubescence on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra (Fig. 47).
Frons not carinate, moderately declivous. Antennae (Fig. 127) serrate in both sexes; 3rd segment triangular-elongate, longer than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 194) as long as wide, subtrapezoidal, wider at hind angles, narrowed anteriad from hind angles apices; flat, moderately convex, rugose; anterior margin sinuous; hind angles wide, backward with truncate apex, raised laterally forming edge continuous with that of lateral margins, almost reaching apex; median basal tubercle flat, triangular, grooved at middle, continuous with median weak ridge; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle. Hypomera concave, stronger near lateral margins; micropunctate with sparse umbilicate punctuation; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of anterior channel. Notosternal sutures strongly sinuous. Prosternum small-punctuate with coarser punctures near sutures; median region apparently smooth; strongly convex, flattened longitudinal medially, strongly concave near sutures. Prosternal lobe sparsely small-punctuate, wide, emarginated laterally with fore angles slightly rounded. Prosternal spine flattened laterally. Scutellum strongly folded with horizontal basal area subtrapezoidal, notched anterior- and posteriorly. Borders of mesosternal cavity wide, horizontal on basal ¾, and almost vertical on distal ¼, forming L-shaped profile. Mesepisternum with two transverse elliptical grooves. Meso-metasternal suture weak and convergent at cavity base. First visible sternite prominent laterally, fits in lateral groove of elytra. Anterior and median tibiae and last tarsal segment of all legs of male bearing fringe of long setae. Striae punctuate and paired; interstices unequal, convex and slightly micropunctate.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Tergite VIII transverse, gradually narrowed apicad; densely setous except median basal region; translucent in large median trapezoidal area, two small rounded spots near base and short lateral band. Sternite IX (Fig. 333) elongate, partially membranous bearing short setae, more concentrate near apex. Tergite IX (Fig. 365) transverse, strongly convex, densely punctuate, narrowed apicad; anterior margin rounded; tiny laterodorsal setae; three long setae on anterior margin. Aedeagus (Fig. 400): median lobe (Fig. 440) strongly constricted near middle, bearing 10, 12 teeth; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 476) almost straight with apex prominent ventrally and slightly upwards.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII transverse, translucent in triangular basal area and on lateral marginal bands. Sternite VIII (Fig. 554) 0.56 times spiculum gastrale length with anterior margin wide- and moderately notched at middle; apex of spiculum gastrale bilobed. Genitalia: sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 641) with 36 teeth; bursa copulatrix with median elongate band with carinae and spines and paired lateral rounded spiny areas.
Material examined. MEXICO. 2 F (MCZC), 4 F (NHMW), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 M, 3 F (MNHN). San Luís de Potosí: Tomazunchale, 1 F (USNM). Tamaulipas: 10 m E Tula, 3900" 1 F (JEWC); Boca Toma area (locality not found), 1 F (JEWC); 80 Km S Ciudad Victoria, 2 F (FSCA); 80 Km S Cd. Victoria, Ruta 85, ca La Gloria, 1 F (FSCA); Est. Biol. Los Cedros, Gomez Farias, 1 F (TAMU); La Lola [La Jola] Pto Limón (en cacao) (locality not found), 1 F (USNM). Veracruz: Jalapa, 2 F (AMNH), 1 F (NHMW), 1 F (PCCV), 2 F (MCZC), 1 F (MZSP), 1 F (NHMW), 1 F (USNM), BCA Col. III (1), 1 F (MNHN). Yucatan: Merida, 1 F (NHMW). Chiapas: 1 F (USNM); San Quintin, 2 F (USNM). COSTA RICA. Heredia: Finca La Selva, 1.5 mi S Puerto Viejo, 1 F (MZSP). WEST INDIES. 1 F (USNM). Without locality: 1 M (dissected) (NHMW); Collection Chevrolat; Eschscholtzi var. typique Cand. Mon. Collection Fleutiaux; Coll. A. Sallé, 1 F (MNHN).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius lafargi is characterized especially by wide arched body clothed with green metallic pubescence with white lateral stripes on pronotum and elytra, tibiae of male bearing fringe of long cilia and apex of lateral cleft of parameres almost straight with apex prominent ventrally and slightly upwards. In some specimens, the lateral bands of pronotum do not reach the hind angles and in one specimen from Costa Rica the striae are clothed with white pubescence.
It looks-like C. eschscholtzi, differing especially by (C. eschscholtzi parenthesized): 1) general metallic pubescence green- or grayish-olive with lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra white or yellowish-white (green or yellowish-green with stripes ferruginous (cinnamon)); 2) lateral stripes of pronotum longer, extending to the hind angles base in C. lafargi (not reaching hind angles base); 3) tergite VIII of male with one small translucent spot each side of the median larger spot (absent); 4) sternite IX of male bearing short setae (moderately long); 5) tergite IX of male bearing three long setae on anterior margin (fallen or absent); 6) median lobe of aedeagus bearing 10, 12 teeth (6, 7); 7) lateral cleft of parameres almost straight, with apex prominent ventrally, upwards in a narrow band (narrower and constricted near apex; apex prominent ventrally and more widely upwards); 8) anterior margin of sternite VIII of female more deeply notched in C. lafargi; 9) apex of spiculum gastrale bilobed (rounded); 10) sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands bearing 36 teeth (41).
C. lafargi belongs to fryi* group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from Mexico (Potosí, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Yucatan, Chiapas), Costa Rica and West Indies (Fig. 686). I examined also one specimen from "Colombia" (AMNH) and 2 from "New Granada" (USNM), not included in the material examined this locality requires confirmation.
Chalcolepidius lenzi Candèze, 1886
(Figs.48,129,130,193,250,293,334,366,401,515,555,601,602,646,673)
Chalcolepidius lenzi Candèze, 1886: 69; 1891: 37 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 275, 285; Schenkling, 1925: 56 (Cat.). Syntype female: "Coll. R. I. Sc. N. B. Mexique ex coll. Candèze; Sinaloa Mex; type; n. sp. lenzi Cdz. Mex. L.; Chalcolepidius lenzi dét. E. Candèze" (ISNB) (examined).
Chalcolepidius behrensi Candèze, 1886: 70; Leng, 1920: 167 (Cat.). Syntype female: "Coll. R. I. Sc. N. B. Mexique ex coll. Candèze Sinaloa Mex; n. sp. behrensi Cdz. Mex.; Lectotype Chalcolepidius behrensi Cand. M. C. Lane, 1964; Chalcolepidius behensi Cand. det. E. Candèze; Lectotype designation unpublished, CMF von Hayek det. 1979" (ISNB) (examined). Syn. nov.
CANDÈZE (1886) described C. lenzi and C. behrensi, both from same locality, only published with different spelling (Mexico: respectively, Cinaloa and Sinaloa), but at the specimens labels they are written with the same spelling (Sinaloa). According to him, C. behrensi differs from C. lenzi especially by smaller size, prothorax more elongate and narrower frontally, and striae not grooved in the former. He described the pubescence as olive in the former and grayish-green in the latter.
CHAMPION (1894) stated about C. lenzi: "allied to C. rubripennis Lec. from Lower California" and about C. behrensi: "near C. lenzi but smaller; the greenish scales less dense, the thorax much longer and more narrowed in front; its surface not uneven, the elytra striated but not sulcate". The different sizes, length of pronotum, depth of the striae and pubescence coloration are not considered, herein, as sufficient to justify the retention of C. lenzi and C. behrensi as separate species, and they are considered conspecific.
Length: 20-39 mm. Parallel body; integument bright. Integument dark-brown or brown clothed dorsally and ventrally with short metallic olive, grayish-green, grayish-brown, grayish or bluish-green scale-like setae (Fig. 48).
Frons not carinate, moderately declivous. Antennae (Figs. 129, 130) serrate in female, strongly serrate in male; 3rd segment triangular with spiniform appendix. Pronotum (Fig. 193) longer than wide, narrowed anteriorly and at hind angles base, making lateral margins rounded; strongly convex at middle; micropunctate with coarser sparse punctuation lateroanteriorly; anterior margin U-shaped; fore angles prominent; lateral margins raised forming smooth edge, grooved in narrow band innerly edge; hind angles strongly divergent, sharpened, raised laterally forming wide edge not fused with that of lateral margins; median basal tubercle flat, transverse, with transverse carina near apex; posterior margin prominent and slightly notched at middle. Hypomera slightly convex, micropunctate; emarginated posteriorly, more raised than prosternum on sutures; prosternal channel absent. Notosternal sutures slightly sinuous. Prosternum slightly convex from sutures; micropunctate; punctuation coarser near sutures. Prosternal lobe emarginated laterally; punctuation dense, coarser than prosternum with fore angles rounded. Prosternal spine flattened laterally. Scutellum (Fig. 250) strongly declivous, folded at middle with horizontal half elliptical with two rounded concavities; anterior half narrow and vertical. Borders of mesosternal cavity (Fig. 293) wide and horizontal on basal half and slightly declivous distally, forming inclined profile. Mesepisternum with transverse irregular groove as wide as sternite. Meso-metasternal suture present. First visible sternite not prominent laterally. Tibiae of male bearing row of long spines internally. Striae marked by coarse punctures; interstices equal, flat and small-punctuate; 2nd interstice joined to 3rd at base forming small forward tubercle more developed in male; apices conjointly rounded.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Sternite VIII (Fig. 334) strongly narrowed on distal third; translucent with V-shaped melanized area, convergent basally. Tergite IX (Fig. 366) densely punctuate, anterior margin almost straight with rounded angles; moderately long setae lateroanteriorly. Aedeagus (Fig. 401): median lobe 0.62 times the aedeagus length, almost straight, widened at base; parameres with apices spearhead-like.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 515) transverse, setous, translucent in Y-shaped basal band. Sternite VIII (Fig. 555) 0.60 times spiculum gastrale length; anterior margin narrow- and deeply notched at middle. Genitalia: sclerotized pieces of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 646) C-shaped bearing many small teeth; bursa copulatrix (Figs. 601, 602) membranous dorsally and totally clothed with carinae and spines ventrally.
Material examined. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. California: Imperial Co., Calipatria, 1 M (CMNH). Arizona. 1M, 2 F (1M, 1 F dissected, CMNH), 1 M (dissected), 1 F (MZSP), 2 F (USNM); Cochise Co., Don Luis, 1 M, 8 F (AMNH); Douglas, 1 M, 1 F (USNM), San Bernardino Ranch, 3750 ft. 1 M (MCZC), 2 M (SEMC); Coconino Co. Madeira Canyon (locality not found), 1 M (OSUC); Gila Co., Globe, 1 F (USNM); Maripa Co., Mazatzal Mts, Three Bar Wildlife area, Tonto National Forest 1 M (USNM); Pima Co., Baboquivari Mts, 1 F (SEMC); Tucson, 2 F (AMNH), 1 F (FSCA), 1 F (MCZC); Santa Cruz Co.: Benson, 1 F (USNM); Nogales, 1 F (AMNH), 2 M (MZSP), 4 M (MCZC), 1 M, 1 F (USNM); Pajarito Mts. Pena Blanca (locality not found), 1 F (FSCA); 10 mi W Patagonia, 1 F (AMNH); nr Nogales on Ruby Road, 1 F (FSCA); Yuma Co.: near Yuma, 1 F (CMNH). MEXICO. Ex-coll. Candèze, 1 F (ISNB). Sonora: nr Alamos, 1 F (USNM); 9 mi W Alamos, 1 M, 1 F (FSCA); 10 Mi W Alamos, 3 M (AMNH); 13 mi SE Alamos, 1 M (FSCA); Immuris, 1 M (AMNH); Los Hornos, Río Yaqui, 1 M (USNM), 11.3 mi E Navajoa, 1 F (FSCA); Minas Nuevas, 1 F (AMNH); Santa Rosa Rch. N. Navojoa, 1 F (AMNH). Sinaloa: 1 F (USNM), 4.5 mi Elota, 1 M (MZSP); 5 mi N Mazatlán, 1 M (FSCA). Nuevo Leon: Pesquería, 20 mi NE Hermosillo, 1 M (AMNH). Colima: Manzanillo, 1 F (MCZC). Veracruz: Jalapa, 1 F (AMNH).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius lenzi is characterized especially by antennae strongly serrate in male and serrate in female; 3rd antennal segment transverse with spiniform appendix, shorter with more developed appendix in male; pronotum micropunctate, strongly convex with moderately wide lateral groove; hind angles of pronotum divergent; median basal tubercle transverse with carina; scutellum strongly declivous with horizontal half elliptical; tibiae of male bearing irregular row of spines; interstices flat, striae marked by row of coarser punctures; and apex of parameres spearhead-like.
Comparing the holotypes of C. behrensi and C. lenzi, both females, It was observed that the pubescence of the former is olive dorsally and grayish ventrally and that of the latter, grayish in both sides. Besides the different coloration, the type specimen of C. lenzi is really much larger than C. behrensi (40/30 mm) and consequently it presents some differences related with the body strength: pronotum shorter and more convex, with small rugosities; interstices slightly convex near base, and prosternal lobe with deeper longitudinal grooves.
C. lenzi presents a wide range of variation in size (20-40 mm) and pubescence coloration. The specimens studied from U.S.A. have green pubescence dorsally and ventrally, sometimes bluish-green dorsally and olive ventrally. The larger specimen examined (39 mm, Arizona) is green in both sides and presents some weak rugosities on pronotum and deeper longitudinal grooves on prosternal lobe. Specimens from Mexico are usually clothed with pubescence brownish dorsally and grayish ventrally; three specimens from Sonora are grayish with brownish elytra while two others from Sonora are grayish dorsally and ventrally; two specimens from Sinaloa (type locality) are brownish dorsally and grayish ventrally, or grayish with brownish elytra.
C. lenzi looks-like C. smaragdinus, differing especially by (the latter parenthesized): pubescence olive, grayish-green, grayish-brown, grayish or bluish-green (green or blue); antennae strongly serrate in male, serrate in female (flabellate, pectinate); pronotum strongly convex with lateral margins rounded (moderately convex with lateral margins almost straight); hind angles of pronotum divergent (backwards); median basal tubercle transverse (indistinct or triangular); scutellum strongly declivous with horizontal half subelliptical, transverse (distal third of scutellum almost vertical and horizontal half triangular, sometimes with two tubercles).
C. lenzi is similar to C. attenuatus (see remarks after the latter). Together with C. attenuatus and C. dugesi it forms the attenuatus* group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from United States of America (California, Arizona) and Mexico (Sonora, Sinaloa, Nuevo Leon, Colima, Veracruz) (Fig. 673).
Chalcolepidius limbatus (Fabricius, 1777)
(Figs.49, 50, 128, 192, 335, 367, 402, 441, 477, 516, 556, 647, 689)
Elater limbatus Fabricius, 1777: 234; 1781: 272.
Elater striatus; Fabricius, 1801: 226; Erichson, 1841: 80 [misidenti-fication].
Chalcolepidius limbatus; Eschscholtz, 1829: 33; Erichson, 1841: 80; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1503 (Cat.); Lacordaire, 1857: 155 Candèze, 1857: 263, 272; 1886: 71; 1891: 38 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 274, 277; Heyne & Taschenberg, 1908: 153, t. 25, f. 16; Hyslop, 1916: 17; Schenkling, 1925: 56, 57 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 107 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 283 (Cat.).
Elater porcatus; Olivier, 1790(31): 14, t. 7, f. 74; Drury, 1837: 70, t.47, fig. 6; Herbst, 1801: 323, t. 157, f. 3; Erichson, 1841: 80 (Syn.); Lacordaire, 1857: 155; Candèze, 1857: 272 . [Misidentification].
Chalcolepidius brullei Dejean, 1837 (nomen nudum); Erichson, 1841: 80 (Syn.).
OLIVIER (1790) presented a redescription of C. porcatus Linnaeus, where the diagnosis corresponds to C. porcatus, but the specimen illustrated presents lateral whitish stripes on pronotum. Subsequent workers considered it belonging to C. limbatus.
ESCHSCHOLTZ (1829) presented the following diagnosis to C. limbatus: "ferrugineo-squamulosus; thoracis lateribus, elytrorum limbo striisque sex ausque ad apicem dissitis ochraceis. 18 lin.Bresilien".
ERICHSON (1841) included the Olivier's interpretation of C. porcatus, C. striatus (Fabricius) and C. brullei (Dejean, nomen nudum) as synonyms of C. limbatus. LACORDAIRE (1857) and CANDÈZE (1857) kept the Erichson's synonymizations including also, respectively, C. porcatus [treated by Herbst] and C. porcatus (Dejean, nomen nudum).
CANDÈZE (1857) redescribed C. limbatus and commented that this species is very common in Brazil, Guyana and Colombia, and presents numerous variations in size and coloration. He enumerated the principal variations: "var.a. squamulis viridibus, vittis striisque albidis" [correponding to Elater striatus Fab.]; "var.b. squamulis cinereis"; "var.c. squamulis fulvis, prothoracis elytrorumque vittis ochraceis"; "var.d. squamulis viridibus, vittis fulvis" [corresponding to C. brullei Dej.]. In 1886 he recorded C. limbatus from Mexico and Uruguay and, again, commented that it is very common in whole Brazil.
CHAMPION (1894) recorded it from Mexico, "Bay of Honduras", Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil and Uruguay, and considered the first two localities as dubious. In relation to the studied material from Mexico he stated: "there is an abraded male example of this species in the Janson collection, from that of Dejean, labeled as from Mexico". According to him, the figure and redescription of E. porcatus from Bay of Honduras, presented by DRURY (1837) would apply equally well to C. bomplandii Guérin-Méneville, which differs from C. limbatus in the latter having the epipleura clothed with elongate luteous setae and the marginal carina of the elytra more deflexed anteriorly.
HEYNE & TASCHENBERG (1908) redescribed this species and presented a colored figure and, correctly, reduced the geographical distribution to Brazil, Colombia (Bogotá) and Guyana.
Length: 22-42 mm. Wide, arched body. Integument black clothed dorsally and ventrally, including legs, with scale-like setae thin, metallic green-olive, gray-olive, brown-olive, brown-violet, bluish or violet; sometimes ventrally with different tonalities; lateral stripes of pronotum band-like, ¼ of pronotum width, narrowed anteriad, with internal margin semi-elliptical; lateral stripes of elytra complete, three interstices wide; white, yellowish-white or bright ochre dull pubescence on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra, striae and epipleura (Figs. 49, 50). Antennae blue, except three first segments, like general pubescence.
Frons not carinate, moderately declivous. Antennae (Fig. 128) serrate in both sexes, 3rd segment triangular-elongate, slightly shorter than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 192) longer than wide, wider at hind angles, slightly narrowed apicad from hind angles base; anterior margin slightly prominent and sinuous at middle; micropunctate with coarse punctures more concentrate near middle, giving rugose appearance; hind angles wide, slightly divergent, with truncate apex, raised laterally forming edge continues with lateral edge except distal ¼; median basal tubercle flat, triangular; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle. Hypomera concave near lateral margins, micropunctate; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of well developed channel. Notosternal sutures strongly sinuous. Prosternum micropunctate, strongly convex, flattened longitudinal medially, slightly concave near sutures on basal 2/3. Prosternal lobe micropunctate, wide, with lateral margins emarginated and fore angles slightly rounded. Prosternal spine flattened laterally. Scutellum strongly folded with horizontal basal area subpentagonal, notched anterior- and posteriorly, grooved longitudinal medially. Borders of mesosternal cavity wide, horizontal on basal ¾, and vertical on distal ¼, forming L-shaped profile. Meso-metasternal suture weak and convergent to cavity base. First visible sternite prominent laterally fits in lateral groove of elytra. Anterior and median tibiae and last tarsal segment of all legs of male bearing fringe of long cilia. Striae grooved with coarse punctures; interstices unequal in width, convex and micropunctate, almost at same high.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Tergite VIII wider than long, slightly narrowed apicad; basal margin strongly notched; densely setous. Sternite VIII (Fig. 335) transverse, narrowed on distal third; melanized in marginal band entire or interrupted at apex; setous on distal 2/3. Sternite IX elongate, melanized in distal half, except narrow marginal band; setous laterodistally. Tergite IX (Fig. 367) transverse, densely punctuate; anterior margin rounded; two setae near lateroanteriorly margin. Aedeagus (Fig. 402): median lobe (Fig. 441) moderately narrowed near middle, bearing 4, 8; 8, 8; 8, 10; 8, 11; 8, 13; 9, 11; 12, 17 lateral teeth; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 477) slightly narrowed apicad, apex prominent laterally and upwards.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 516) transverse; basal margin strongly notched; anterior angles rounded and anterior margin slightly prominent at middle; densely setous; translucent in median basal area surpassing middle and two lateral narrow bands. Sternite VIII (Fig. 556) 0.6 times spiculum gastrale length; anterior margin moderate- and widely notched. Genitalia: sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 647) bearing 37, 40, 44 teeth; bursa copulatrix with longitudinal median elongate band with carinae and spines and two lateral rounded spiny areas.
Material examined. WEST INDIES. Virgin Islands. St. Croix, 1 F (ZMUC). Trinidad. 1 F (MZSP), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Caparo, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 7 F (MNHN). VENEZUELA. 2 F (MNHN), C. limbatus var. Lherminieri Ch.; ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 F (MNHN), 2631, 1 F (ZMHB). Amazonas: Mt. Duida, 1 F (AMNH). Aragua: El Limon, 450 m, 1 F (IMLA). Barinas: Arismendi, 1 F (MNHN). Bolívar: 1 F (USNM). Federal District: Caracas, 3 F (MNHN), 1 F (USNM), ex-coll. Chevrolat, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, zonatus pars typique Cand. Mon., 1 F (MNHN). Guárico: Guyabal, 1 F (MNHN); La Cruz, Rivière, 2 F (MNHN); Las Adjacintas, 1 M (USNM). Lara: Bas Sarare, 2 F (MNHN). Mérida: 1 F (MNHN). Monagas: Caripito, 1 F (AMNH); Maturin, 1 F (NHMW), (Río Guarapiche), 1 F (ZMUC). Sucre: Cumaná (nr. 29.824), 1 M (MCNZ). Zulia: Maracaibo, 4 F (USNM). COLOMBIA. 2 F (MCZC), 1 M, 26 F (MNHN), 1 F (USNM), 2 F (ZMUC), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 F (MNHN). Boyacá: San Luis de Gaceno, 1 F (ICNC). Special District: Bogotá, ex-coll. Oberthür, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 M (dissected) 4 F (MNHN); Oriente, Monterredondo, 4 F (IMLA); Santa Fé de Bogotá, 2 F (MNHN); Villavicencio, ex-coll. Oberthür, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 M (MNHN). Huila: Gigante, 1 F (ICNC). Meta: Macarena, 550 m, 1 F (ICNC); Medina, 1 M, 3 F (AMNH); Meta PNN, Tinigua CIEM R. Duda, 350 m, 1 F (IAHC); Pto Limon, Alt. 300 m, 1 M (ICNC); Pto Lopez, Alto Menegua, Alt. 300 m, 1 F (ICNC); Restrepo, 1 M, 1 F (AMNH), 1 F (IMLA); Restrepo, Vda Alto Coney, alt. 700 m, 1 M (ICNC); Villavicencio, 3 F (AMNH), 1 F (USNM), V. da Cucuy, Río Negro. H. Restrepo, 1 F (MZSP, gift ICNC). Santander: Barranca Bermeja, 1 F (AMNH). PERU. Loreto: Pucallpa, 2 F (PCCV). ECUADOR. Chinchipe: Santa Rosalia de Turim, Zamora, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). Esmeraldas: San Mateo, 1 F (IMLA). FRENCH GUIANA. Cayenne: 1 M (MNHN), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). GUYANA. 1 F (ZMUC). BRAZIL. 1 F (AMNH), 1 F (FSCA), 7 F (MCZC), 2 M, 3 F (USNM), 2 F (ZMHB), 3 M, 8 F (ZMUC), Chalcolepidius costatus Dej. 1 F (MNHN), 16215, limbatus Esch. Er* Elater porcatus Ol. Hbst Brasil, Hist. coll. (Coleoptera) nr. 16215 (1 ex) Chalcolepidius limbatus Eschs. Brasil Zool. Mus. Berlin, 1 M (ZMHB), Hist. coll. (Coleoptera) nr 16215 (2 ex.) Chalcolepidius limbatus Eschs. Brasil Zool. Mus. ZMHB, 1 F (ZMHB), (5 ex), 1 M (ZMHB), (3 ex)(4 ex)(6-10 ex) 7 F (ZMHB). Amazonas: Benjamin Constant, 1 F (MZSP); Rio Juruá, 3 F (MZSP). Roraima: Maracá (nr. 158.181), 1 F (MCNZ). Pará: Cachimbo, 1 M, 5 F (MZSP); Óbidos, 1 M, 3 F (MZSP), Canta Galo, 2 F (MZSP). Paraíba: ex-coll. Jekel, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). Pernambuco: Caruaru, Brejo dos Cavalos, 1 F (UFPE); Pery-Pery, 3 F (MNHN). Goiás: 1 F (MZSP); Cana Brava, 1 F (MCZC); Jataí, 13 F (MNHN); Fazenda Aceiro, 1 F (MZSP); Leopoldo Bulhões, 3 F (MZSP); Rio dos Bois, 1 F (MZSP); Trindade, 1 F (MNHN); Vianópolis, 1 F (MZSP), 1 F (NHMW). Mato Grosso: 1 F (FSCA), 10 F (MNHN), 1 F (MZSP); Barra do Tapirapé, 1 M, 1 F (MZSP); Caparó (Fazenda Pai Cué) (locality not found), 2 F (MZSP); Chapada [dos Guimarães], near Cuiabá, 2 F (USNM); Chapada Guimarães, 1 F (DZUP); Claudia (30 Km SSW) (locality not found), 1 F (MZSP); Cuiabá, 3 F (MNHN), 1 M (UFMT); Guaicurus, 5 F (MZSP); Lagoa dos Patos, Faz. Taquari, 1 M (IBSP); from Miranda to Cuiabá, 4 F (MNHN); Porto Quebracho, 1 F (MZSP); Rio Negro, 1 M (NHMW); Rio Paraná (riacho Herval), 1 M (dissected), 10 F (MZSP); Rio Verde, 400 m, 1 F (DZUP); Rondonópolis, 1 M (MZSP); Rosário d'Oeste, 3 F (PCCV), 1 M, 5 F (MZSP), 2 F (DZUP); Utiariti (Rio Papagaio), 12 F (MZSP). Mato Grosso do Sul: Corumbá, 1 F (MCZC), 1 F (NHMW), Serra do Urucum, 1 F (MZSP); Murtinho, 2 F (MZSP); Passos, 1 M (DZUP); Três Lagoas (Fazenda do Cervo), 1 M (MZSP). Bahia: 1 F (AMNH), 3 F (MCZC), 1 F (MZSP), 1 M, 3 F (ZMUC), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 F (MNHN); Água Preta, 4 F (IBSP); Bonfim, 1 F (IBSP); Cachimbo [Campinarana], 4 F (MNHN); Ilhéus, 1 M (dissected), 1 F (MZSP); Mucuri, 1 F (MZSP), BR 101 Km 295, 1 F (DZUP); Prado, 5 F (DZUP); Salobro, 1 M (MNHN); Uruçuca, 1 F (DZUP); Vila Victoria [Vitória da Conquista], 1 F (MNHN). Minas Gerais: Aimorés, 1 M, 1 F (DZUP); Buritis, Primeira Cachoeira Rio Urucuia, 1 F (MZSP); Ibiá, 1 F (DZUP); Jampruca, 1 F (MZSP); Lagoa Santa, 4 F (ZMUC); Nova Resende, 1 M (DZUP); Organ Mt. [Serra dos Órgãos], 2 F (USNM); Passos, 3 M (DZUP); Catas Altas, Serra do Caraça, 2 F (MNHN); Sete Lagoas, 1 M, 6 F (ZMUC). Espírito Santo: 5 F (MZSP), 3 F (NHMW); Baixo Guandu, 5 M, 9 F (DZUP); Colatina, 1 F (DZUP); Conceição da Barra, 14 F (MZSP), 1 F (TAMU); 2 M, 124 F (DZUP); Córrego Itá, Barra do São Francisco,16 F (DZUP); Guarapari, 1 F (DZUP); Itapina, 1 F (DZUP); Linhares, 1 F (FSCA), 54 M (5 M dissected), 133 F (3 F dissected) (MZSP), 4 M, 68 F (DZUP), Parque Sooretama, 1 F (MZSP), 5 F (DZUP); Rio Bonito, 3 M (DZUP); Santa Leopoldina, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 9 F (MNHN); Santa Tereza, 5 F (MZSP), 30 F (DZUP). Rio de Janeiro: 18 F (MNHN), 1 M, 5 F (NHMW), 9 F (USNM, 1 F (ZMUC), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Guapimirim, 1 M, 1 F (IBSP), 160 m alt., Caneca Fina- Rio Sucavao, Mun. Magé, 1 M, 2 F (USNM); Manguinhos, 1 F (MZSP); Petrópolis (nr. 158.712), 1 F (MCNZ); Rep. Rio Grande, 16 F (DZUP); Rio de Janeiro (nr. 22.190), 1 M (MCNZ), Corcovado, 1M, 1 F (MNMS), 1 M, 3 F (DZUP), [Serra dos Órgãos] Montagne des Orgues, Massif de la Tijuca, 4 F (MNHN), 1 F (NHMW). São Paulo: Araçatuba, 1 M (MZSP); Agudos, 1 F (MZSP); Batatais, 1 F (DZUP); Bauru, 1 F (MZSP); Boa Esperança do Sul, Fazenda Itaquerê, 1 M (MZSP); Botucatu, 2 M, 3 F (MZSP); Cassia dos Coqueiros, 1 F (MZSP); Corumbataí, 1 F (MZSP); Franca, 1 F (MZSP); Indiana, 3 F (IBSP), 3 F (MZSP); Itararé, 1 M, 1 F (IBSP), 1 M (MZSP); Jundiaí, 1 F (MZSP); Lageado, 1 F (DZUP); Marília, 2 F (MZSP); Nova Europa, Fazenda Itaquerê, 1 F (MZSP); Paranapiacaba, Alto da Serra, 1 F (MZSP); Pirajui, 1 F (IBSP); Pirassununga, 1 F (MZSP), 1 M (DZUP); Porto Cabral (Rio Paraná), 3 F (MZSP); Porto Epitácio, 1 F (MZSP); Presidente Venceslau, 1 F (IBSP),1 F (USNM); Ribeirão Preto (Bosque Fabio Barreto), 2 F (MZSP); Rio Claro, 2 F (MZSP); Rio Piracicaba, 1 F (MNHN); Rio Preto, 1 F (MZSP); São Bernardo do Campo, Represa Rio Grande, 1 F (MZSP); São Fidelis, Sto Antonio dos Brotos, 10 F (MNHN); São Paulo, 2 F (PCCV), 1 F (IBSP), 2 F (MZSP), Ipiranga, 1 F (MZSP), Vila Olimpia, 1 F (MZSP). Paraná: Andirá (Sítio S. Roque, Águas das Antas), 1 F (IBSP); Canta Galo, 2 M, 2 F (MCZC); Caviuna, 2 M, 7 F (AMNH); Guaira, 1 F (DZUP); Foz do Iguaçu (col. MCN nr.26.722), 1 F (MCNZ), 1 F (DZUP); Heimtal [Londrina], 1 F (AMNH), 1 F (MZSP); Jundiaí do Sul (Fazenda Monte Verde), 1 F (DZUP); Maringá, 2 F (DZUP); Matelandia, 1 F (DZUP); Ponta Grossa (nr. 20.619), 1 F (MCNZ); Rolândia, 2 M, 3 F (AMNH), 17 M, 32 F (MZSP); Santa Helena (nr. 150.441), 1 F (MCNZ). Santa Catarina: Blumenau, 1 F (MCZC); Corupa, 1 M (MZSP); Nova Teotônia [Seara], 1 F (AMNH), 1 F (MNHN), 4 M (1 dissected), 4 F (MZSP); São Bento do Sul, Rio Vermelho, 1 M, 2 F (MZSP). Rio Grande do Sul: 2 F (MCZC), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 3 F (MNHN); Barão de Cotegipe, 1 F (DZUP); Iraí, (nr. 23,192), 1 F (MCNZ); Porto Alegre, Ilha das Flores, 1 F (MCNZ), Morro do Coco (nr. 20.617), 1 F (MCNZ); Pelotas, 1 M (AMNH), 1 M, 1 F (FSCA), 4 F (NHMW), 1 F (USNM); Porto Alegre, (nr. 158,713; 158.714; 123.232), 3 M (MCNZ); Santa Maria (Cerrito) (nr.153.504), 2 F (MCNZ); Torres, (nr. 20.620), 1 M (MCNZ). BOLIVIA. Cochabamba: Independencia, 1 F (IMLA). Santa Cruz: 1 F (FSCA), 1 F (USNM); El Cidral, 1 F (IMLA); Est. Experimental Gral. Saavedra, 1 M, 1 F (IMLA); Nueva Moka, Prov. Sara, 1 F (MZSP); Parapeti, 1 F (MZSP); Roboré, Chiquitos, 1 M (IMLA); Santa Cruz de la Sierra, 2 F (MNHN). ARGENTINA. Buenos Aires: ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN); Zelaya, 4 F (USNM). Chaco: 1 F (MZSP); Departamento General Guenes, Pozo la Gringa, 1 F (SRGI); Santajacino [San Jacinto], 1 M (USNM). Cordoba: Cordoba, 2 F (NHMW). Corrientes: 1 F (IMLA); San Tomé, 1 M, 1 F (IMLA). Federal District: Buenos Aires, 1 F (USNM). Entre Ríos: Concordia, 2 F (AMNH), 1 F (IMLA); Villa Hernandaria, 1 F (ZMUC). Formosa: Clorinda, 1 F (IMLA); Gran Guardia, 2 F (IMLA). Jujuy: 1 F (IMLA); Calilegua, 1 F (IMLA); Quemado, 3 F (USNM); Palpalá, 1 F (IMLA). Misiones: 1 M, 8 F (IMLA), 1 M (USNM); Azara, 1 F (MZSP); Dos de Mayo, 1 F (IMLA); Iguazu, 1 F (IMLA), 2 F (PCCV); Panambi, 1 F (IMLA); Localities not found: Mado Puerto Magdalena, 1 F (AMNH). Salta: 1 F (IMLA); Cafayate, 1 F (IMLA); Orán, ruta Mac 57, Km 21, 700 m, 1 M (IMLA); Abra Grande, 1 F (IMLA); Salta, Pocitos, 1 F (MZSP); San Carlos, 800 m, 5 F (FSCA); Senillosa, 1 M (USNM); Urundel, 2 F (IMLA); Zuviria, 1 F (NHMW). Santa Fé: Villa Ana, 2 F (IMLA). Tucumán: 2 M, 4 F (IMLA); Depto Burruyaçu, La Ramada, 1 F (IMLA). PARAGUAY. 2 F (IMLA), 1 F (MCZC), 6 F (MNHN); Puerto Pte [Presidente] Franco, 3 F (MZSP); Amambay: Capitan Bado, 1 F (IMLA). Caaguazu: Itaquiri, 400 m, 1 F (DZUP); Paso Yobaí (locality not found), 6 F (IMLA). Caazapá: Buena Vista, 1 F (MCZC). Central: Assuncion, 4 F (IMLA), 1 F (MNHN), 1 F (SRGI). Concepción: Concepción, 3 F (AMNH), 1 F (IMLA). Cordillera: San Bernardino, 3 F (USNM). Guairá: Villarrica, 1 F (AMNH), 1 F (DZUP). Itapúa: Hohenau, 1 F (AMNH), 2 F (IMLA); Nueva Asuncion, 1 F (USNM). URUGUAY. Soriano: Arroyo Cololó (locality not found), 3 F (MZSP). Localities not found: Delta Arroyo _ Chaná, 1 F (ILMA).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius limbatus is characterized especially by the general pubescence olive or brown with whitish setae on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra, striae and epipleura, scutellum folded, tibiae of male bearing fringe of long cilia and lateral cleft of parameres with apex slightly prominent laterally and upwards.
I had the opportunity of dissecting several specimens of this species and observed the intraspecific variation, especially: 1) the melanized area of sternite VIII of male continuous, forming a subtrapezoidal median translucent area or interrupted on anterior margin, making the anterior band of translucent area irregular; 2) the number of teeth of median lobe of aedeagus varying from 4-17 (4, 8; 8, 8; 8, 11; 8, 13; 9, 11; 9, 11; 12, 17); 3) the number of teeth of the sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands with considerable variation between the right and left sides: 40, 44; 37, 43.
C. limbatus looks like C. bomplandii, differing especially by smaller size and elytral epipleura of the same color as lateral stripes of elytra in the former.
C. limbatus is similar to C. corpulentus and C. zonatus. It is easily separated from C. corpulentus by narrower lateral whitish stripes of pronotum, and from C. zonatus by the presence of separate striae, never geminate; the lateral whitish stripes of the elytra are three interstices wide in the former and two in the latter. Besides, the 3rd antennal segment is proportionally longer in the second species, the frons more strongly declivous in the last, and the punctuation of pronotum is simple, coarser and denser in the first.
C. limbatus belongs to mocquerysii+ group; it is the sister-group of C. zonatus (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from West Indies (Virgin Islands), Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Brazil (Amazonas, Roraima, Paraiba, Pernambuco, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Bahia, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul), Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay (Fig. 689). In the females from Trinidad (MNHN), the lateral stripes of pronotum are reduced and the epipleura partially clothed with whitish setae. The majority of them are clothed with blue or greenish-blue metallic pubescence.
Chalcolepidius mexicanus Castelnau, 1836
(Figs.51,52,131,132,195,196,251,336,368,403,517,557,607,648,672)
Chalcolepidius mexicanus Castelnau, 1836: 14; Erichson, 1841: 87; Candèze, 1857: 262, 268, 269; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1503 (Cat.); Candèze, 1874: 162; 1886: 66, 69; 1891: 37 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 275, 284, t. 12, f. 10-11; Schwarz, 1906a: 45; Schenkling, 1925: 57 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 107 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 283 (Cat.). Type locality: "Mexico".
Chalcolepidius boisduvalii Dejean, 1837: 100 (nomen nudum); Champion, 1894: 284 (Syn.).
Chalcolepidius chevrolatii Dejean, 1837: 100 (nomen nudum); Champion, 1894: 284 (Syn.).
CASTELNAU (1836) described briefly C. mexicanus, from Mexico, probably a female, characterized especially by integument clothed with dull white pubescence except longitudinal median region of pronotum and interstices grayish-green.
ERICHSON (1841) repeated, with the same words, Castelnau's description.
CANDÈZE (1857), probably treating of one male, redescribed C. mexicanus and presented one variation: "brunneus, subtus olivaceo-squamulosus". He commented that it could be confused with C. attenuatus that has black integument.
CHAMPION (1894) commented that during the examination of twenty specimens of this species, he observed that all females (thirteen) had the sides of prothorax and elytra, and striae clothed with elongate white setae; the rest of upper surface was clothed with minute olive setae; the males had only the base of pronotum, scutellum and the base, and sometimes lateroanterior stripes, of elytra clothed with white setae. Ventrally, including legs, they were clothed with white with minute olive setae intermingled, except two females from Jalapa and two from Chontales, with small and olive setae. He separated C. mexicanus from C. oxydatus by the less acute sutural angles of elytra and from C. lemoinii by the divergent hind angles of thorax. I believe that the females from Jalapa and Chontales examined by Champion, clothed with olive setae do not belong to this species.
Length: 22-33 mm. Narrow, parallel body. Integument reddish-brown except antennae, dark-brown, clothed with scale-like metallic setae. Dorsal pubescence of male (Fig. 51) totally metallic olive-brown or with dull white or yellowish-white setae on basal region of pronotum and anterior margin of elytra; female (Fig. 52) clothed with olive-brown metallic pubescence with dull white or yellowish-white setae on frons (total- or partially), narrow lateral stripes on pronotum (narrower than ¼ of pronotum width), striae and lateral stripes of elytra (two interstices wide). Ventral pubescence, including legs and epipleura, yellowish-white in both sexes. Antennae with dark-blue small metallic setae.
Frons strongly convex medioanteriorly with hind angles prominent. Antennae (Figs. 131, 132) strongly serrate in female, longer and pectinate in male; 3rd segment transverse with spiniform appendix. Pronotum (Figs. 195, 196) longer than wide, strongly narrowed near apex and slightly at hind angles base; weakly micropunctate with very sparse moderately coarse punctuation; anterior margin slightly sinuous; lateral margin raised forming narrow edge; convexity stronger anteriorly decreasing basad, forming small groove innerly edge; hind angles backward with sharpened apex, raised laterally forming narrow edge slightly wider than that of lateral margins; median basal tubercle flattened, elongate; posterior margin prominent and slightly notched at middle. Hypomera concave, densely moderately coarsely punctuate, not forming prosternal channel. Notosternal sutures slightly sinuous. Prosternum moderately convex from sutures, micropunctate with very sparse moderately coarse punctuation, more concentrate near sutures. Prosternal lobe truncate with rounded angles, moderately coarsely punctuate. Scutellum (Fig. 251) strongly declivous, with anterior half almost vertical, horizontal basal half elliptical with anterior margin forming weak ridge. Borders of mesosternal cavity thick and horizontal on basal ¾ and vertical on distal ¼ forming L-shaped profile. First visible sternite not prominent laterally. Tibiae of male bearing irregular row of spines internally. Elytra almost parallel with apices conjointly rounded; without lateral carina; striae grooved; interstices unequal, convex, weakly micropunctate; 2nd and 3rd interstices forming prominent tubercle at base.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Tergite VIII slightly wider than long, gradually narrowed apicad, densely setous at middle and near margins. Sternite VIII (Fig. 336) subpentagonal, anterior margin angular; totally yellowish, only two small irregular darker spots near base; densely setous. Tergite IX (Fig. 368) transverse, anterior margin straight with rounded angles; densely punctuate with lateroanteriorly moderately long setae. Sternite IX elongate; distal half setous laterally and melanized except narrow distal band. Aedeagus (Fig. 403): median lobe narrow, slightly narrowed near middle; apex of parameres spearhead-like.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII (Fig. 517) wider than long, almost rectangular with anterior margin prominent at middle; densely setous; median basal translucent area very narrow, surpassing middle. Sternite VIII (Fig. 557) densely setous with anterior margin narrow- and deeply notched; spiculum gastrale broken. Genitalia (Fig. 607): sclerotized pieces of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 648) C-shaped, bearing 36 small teeth; bursa copulatrix with an elongate longitudinal median area with carinae and spines and spines dispersed each side; two spermathecae.
Material examined. MEXICO. 1 M (BMNH), 1 M (ZMHB), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 M, 1 F (MNHN). Tamaulipas: Tampico, ex-coll. Oberthür, 1 F (MNHN). Veracruz: ex-coll. Sallé; B.C.A. Col. III (1), 1 F (BMNH); Miranda, 1 M (dissected), 1 F (dissected) (PCCV). Without locality: 3 M, 3 F (NHMW); ex-coll. Oberthür, 1 M (MNHN).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius mexicanus is characterized especially by general pubescence olive-brown dorsal and whitish ventral; females with lateral whitish stripes on pronotum; antennae strongly serrate in female and pectinate in male; scutellum strongly declivous; tibiae of male spiny internally, and apex of parameres of aedeagus spearhead-like.
The present interpretation of this species was based on study of eight specimens from Mexico. CANDÈZE (1857) described the interstices as equal, but they are equal only at base.
C. mexicanus is similar to C. rodriguezi differing especially by (latter parenthesized): antennae of male pectinate (serrate); tergite VIII of male gradually narrowed apicad (slightly narrowed); sternite VIII of male almost unicolor (translucent with three darker spots); tergite IX of male more densely setous latero-distally and more notched on anterior margin in the latter; distal half of sternite IX of male translucent in a narrow distal band (translucent in a wide band).
C. mexicanus belongs to mexicanus* group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is herein recorded only from Mexico (Tamaulipas, Veracruz) (Fig. 672). Champion (1894) recorded it also from Nicaragua.
Chalcolepidius mniszechi Candèze, 1881
(Figs. 53, 134, 197, 252, 253, 294)
Chalcolepidius mniszechi Candèze, 1881: 21; 1886: 69; 1891: 37 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 275, 284; Schenkling, 1925: 57 (Cat.). Syntype female: "Coll. R. I. Sc. N. B. Mexique ex coll. Candèze; mniszechi Cdz. Mex. Coll. Mn; Chalcolepidius mniszechi Cand. det. E. Candèze; Syntype Chalcolepidius mnizechi Cand. 1882, CMF von Hayek, det. 1979" (ISNB) (examined).
Length: 30 mm. Integument black, clothed dorsally with thin, sparse, metallic grayish-olive scale-like setae and ventrally (including legs and elytral epipleura) with dull yellowish-white; lateral stripes of pronotum band-like, approximately ¼ of pronotum width, joined basally (yellowish-white and olive pubescence are intermingled at borders becoming difficult to distinguish the limits); lateral stripes of elytra two interstices wide; yellowish-white pubescence on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra, and striae intermingled with olive-gray at basal region of pronotum (Fig. 54). Antennae with brownish pubescence except three first segments, olive.
Fore angles of frons very prominent anteriorly; frons slightly concave medioanteriorly, making nasal plate high, almost perpendicular to labrum. Antennae (Fig. 134) serrate; 3rd segment short and triangular. Pronotum (Fig. 197) longer than wide, almost parallel on basal ¾, strongly narrowed on anterior ¼; strongly convex; lateral margins forming edge; hind angles wide, backwardly directed, raised laterally, forming edge, wider than that of lateral margins; median basal tubercle flat, transverse; posterior margin prominent and slightly notched at middle; micropunctate (visible only at middle). Hypomera forming lateral edge; notosternal sutures slightly sinuous, with parallel line on hypomera; prosternal channel absent. Prosternum slightly grooved near sutures, flat longitudinal medially. Prosternal lobe rounded laterally with basal transverse groove, not reaching middle. Scutellum (Figs. 252, 253) moderately declivous on anterior half; horizontal half wider, elliptical with two rounded concavities. Mesosternal cavity V-shaped with borders (Fig. 294) wide and horizontal on basal half and almost vertical on anterior half, forming L-shaped profile. Meso-metasternal suture present. Striae grooved, not punctuate; interstices slightly convex, unequal in width; basal tubercle between 2nd and 3rd interstices; apices conjointly rounded.
Remarks. Only a syntype female of Chalcolepidius mniszechi was examined; its abdomen had been internally, totally destroyed by nuisance. This species was not included in the cladistic analysis because of the bad condition of the material.
C. mniszechi is characterized especially by general pubescence grayish-olive dorsal and whitish ventral, with whitish lateral stripes on pronotum and elytra and scutellum moderately declivous. It is similar to C. albiventris, but easily separated by the coloration of dorsal pubescence.
Distribution. It is recorded only from the type locality, Mexico.
Chalcolepidius mocquerysii Candèze, 1857
(Figs. 54, 133, 198, 404, 442, 478, 558, 649, 688)
Chalcolepidius mocquerysii Candèze, 1857: 262, 274; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1503 (Cat.); Candèze, 1874:164; 1886: 67, 71; 1891: 39 (Cat.); Schenkling, 1925: 57 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 108 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 283 (Cat.). Syntypes: 2 females, numbered 162: "No 1; Nov. Grenada; 105; Chalcolepidius mocquerysii Cdze F type (C. goudottii Laf.) ex coll. de Laferté [Janson] Goudolii nobis Nov. Gren [? Laferté, stuck to underside of Janson's label]; Janson coll. 1903.130"; "No 2 as no 1 but without the word `Type' or Laferté label" (BMNH) (not examined).
CANDÈZE (1857) described C. mocquerysii, from "Nouvelle Grenade", characterized especially by pubescence metallic green with dull white setae on lateral stripes of pronotum and elytra, and paired striae. He also presented a variation: "flavo-squamulosus, striis vittisque flavo-ochraceis". According to him, this species is similar to C. limbatus and C. zonatus, but the former is easily separated by the epipleura clothed with metallic setae, like underside. In his key of 1886, he considered the epipleura coloration like underside, and put C. mocquerysii close to C. bomplandii, separated only by the presence of geminate striae in the former.
Length: 30-40 mm. Wide, arched body. Integument black, clothed with scale-like setae, metallic, thin, grayish-green or olive; lateral stripes of pronotum band-like, ¼ of pronotum width at base and narrowed apicad with internal margin semi-elliptical; lateral stripes of elytra three interstices wide on anterior half and narrower on distal half (one or two interstices wide), not reaching elytral apices; white dull pubescence on striae and lateral stripes of pronotum (reaching anterior margin, widened posteriorly and distant from lateral margins on anterior third) and elytra (Fig. 54). Antennae with pubescence dark-blue except three first segments, green.
Antennae (Fig. 133) serrate in both sexes, 3rd segment triangular-elongate, slightly shorter than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 198) longer than wide, wider at hind angles, narrowed anteriad from hind angles base; lateral margins forming narrow edge; hind angles wide, slightly divergent with truncate apex, raised laterally; median basal tubercle flat and triangular, continuous with median weak ridge; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle. Hypomera concave; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of anterior channel. Notosternal sutures strongly sinuous. Prosternum strongly convex, flattened longitudinal medially, concave near sutures. Scutellum strongly folded with horizontal basal area subtrapezoidal. Interstices unequal and convex. Borders of mesosternal cavity thick and horizontal on basal 2/3 and vertical on distal 1/3 forming L-shaped profile. First visible sternite prominent laterally fits in small lateral groove of elytra. Anterior and median tibiae and last tarsal segment of all legs bearing fringe of long cilia. Interstices unequal in width.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Tergite VIII transverse, strongly notched at base and slightly narrowed apicad; densely setous. Sternite VIII transverse, moderately narrowed to apex; anterior margin straight with rounded angles; translucent in a median large subpentagonal area and two small elliptical fused areas each side, and two lateral narrow bands. Tergite IX transverse, densely punctuate with anterior margin rounded, tiny setae laterodistally. Aedeagus (Fig. 404): median lobe (Fig. 442) wide, gradually narrowed apicad, slightly narrower near middle, bearing 4,5; 7, 8; 7,9; 8,8; 9,9; 14,14; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 478) constricted near apex, with apex widened forming prominent angles, longer ventrally.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII transverse, sub-rectangular, densely setous; median basal translucent area not reaching middle. Sternite VIII (Fig. 558) with anterior margin wide- and moderate- deeply notched, densely setous, 0.65 times spiculum gastrale length. Genitalia: sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 649) bearing 44 teeth; bursa copulatrix with longitudinal median area with carinae and spines and paired rounded spiny areas.
Material examined. GUATEMALA. 1 F (ZMHB). BELIZE. Stann Creek: Middlesex, 1 M, 1 F (ZMHB) (not included in map). VENEZUELA. 1 F (NHMW). 1 F (MNHN). COLOMBIA. 3 F (MNHN), 1 M (dissected) (MZSP, retained MCZC), ex-coll. Chevrolat, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). Antioquia: Medellin, 1 F (MNHN). Caldas: Manizales, 1 M, 9 F (MNHN). Cauca: 1 F (MCZC); Carthago, 2 M, 5 F (MNHN). Cordoba: 1 M (MNHN). Special District: Bogotá, 2 F (MNHN), ex-coll. Chevrolat, ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). Magdalena: Aracataca, 1 F (MCZC). Sucre: Aguacatal, 2 F (MNHN), 1 F (ZMHB). Tolima: Ibagué, 1 M (MNHN); Pereira (Cauca), 2 M, 42 F (MNHN); S. Antonio, 1 F (MNHN). Valle del Cauca: ZP-076, 1 F (MZSP); Andalucia (in cacao), 1 F (USNM); Cali, 1 F (MNHN); Estacion Agricola Experimental Palmira, 1 F (dissected) (USNM); Palmyra, 1 F (MNHN); W-Cordillera, Lake Calima/Rio Bravo Valley, 1 F (PCCV). Localities not found: Hacienda Garcia, 1 F (FSCA); Villa Elvira, 2 F (MNHN). SURINAME. 1 F (MNHN). PERU. Tumbes: [Cueva] Las Pavas, 1 ex. (ZMHB)
Remarks. Chalcolepidius mocquerysii is characterized especially by general pubescence grayish-green or olive with white stripes on pronotum and elytra, scutellum folded, tibiae of male bearing fringe of long cilia and subapical region of lateral cleft of parameres constricted with apex widened forming prominent angles. It is similar to C. limbatus and C. bomplandii, differing from the former especially by epipleura clothed with metallic pubescence, like underside. Differs from C. bomplandii by several characters discussed in the remarks of this species.
C. mocquerysii belongs to bomplandii* group and together with C. limbatus + C. zonatus form the mocquerysii+ group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from Guatemala, Belize, Venezuela, Colombia, Suriname and Peru (Fig. 688).
Chalcolepidius morio Candèze, 1857
(Figs. 55, 135, 199)
Chalcolepidius morio Candèze, 1857: 263, 284; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1503 (Cat.); Candèze, 1874: 167; 1886: 73; 1891: 38 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 274, 281; Schwarz, 1906a: 45; Schenkling, 1925: 57 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 283 (Cat.). Syntype male: " ? Syntype "Mexico; M; Janson coll. 1903-130.; Chalcolepidius morio Cdze M ex coll. de Laferté" (BMNH) (examined).
Chalcolepidius atterimus Sturm in. litt.; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1503 (Cat.) (Syn.).
CANDÈZE (1857) described the pubescence coloration: "... de très-petites écailles d'un gris sale, à reflet légèrement fauve, paraissant verdâtres lorsqu'on les examine à l'aide d'une forte loupe, ne masquant nullement la couleur noire du fond". It was recorded from "aux environs de Mexique".
According to CHAMPION (1894) "C. morio is very closely allied to C. silbermanni, from which it chiefly differs in having the alternate interstices of elytra more strongly costate". In fact, the interstices look like more raised because the pubescence is fallen.
Length: 29 mm. Wide, arched body. Integument black and bright, totally naked dorsally and clothed with metallic green pubescence ventrally; antennae clothed with bluish pubescence except three first segments, glabrous (Fig. 55).
Frons moderately concave medioanteriorly, micropunctate with sparse moderately coarse punctuation. Nasal plate high and punctuate. Antennae (Fig. 135) serrate in male, 3rd segment triangular-elongate, slightly shorter than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 199) longer than wide, wider at hind angles, gradually narrowed apicad; strongly convex anteriorly, convexity decreasing basad; anterior margin prominent and sinuous at middle; lateral margins forming narrowed impunctuate edge except distal 1/4; micropunctate with sparse moderately coarser punctuation, denser laterally on anterior 1/3 and near lateral edge; hind angles wide, backward, raised laterally, forming edge continuous with that of lateral margin; median basal tubercle flat, triangular elongate, continuous with longitudinal median weak edge, not reaching anterior margin; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle. Hypomera concave near lateral margins, micropunctate; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of well developed channel. Notosternal sutures strongly sinuous. Prosternum micropunctate, strongly convex, flattened longitudinal medially, concave near sutures. Prosternal lobe emarginated laterally; anterior margin rounded; punctuation slightly coarser and sparser than prosternum. Prosternal spine hidden by borders of mesosternal cavity. Scutellum strongly folded with horizontal basal area subtrapezoidal, very narrow anteriorly, notched anteriorly and posteriorly. Borders of mesosternal cavity wide and horizontal on basal ¾ and vertical on distal ¼, forming L-shaped profile. Meso-metasternal suture absent. First visible sternite prominent laterally, fits in lateral groove of elytra. Anterior and median tibiae and last tarsal segment of all legs bearing fringe of long cilia. Striae marked by row of coarse punctures; interstices convex and micropunctate, unequal; basal region with flat tubercle near base of 2nd and 3rd interstices; apex slightly rounded.
Aedeagus (partially extroverted): median lobe constricted near middle and at apex, with 12 small teeth each side; lateral cleft of parameres narrowed near apex; apex slightly rounded, prominent in both sides.
Female not studied.
Remarks. The original description of Chalcolepidius morio was based on three specimens from Monsieur M. Deyrolle et de la Ferté Sénectère collection, without indication of the sex. I examined a "male syntype" that probably does not belong to the syntype series, because according to CHAMPION (1894) the male was not known by Candèze. HAYEK (personal communication) agrees with him because Candèze had not described the ciliate tibiae of male. This evidence make her to believe that the specimen examined, with an interrogation mark before syntype (? Syntype), was not the type. Another evidence also observed by her is the small size of the supposed type, 29 mm compared with the published length of 40 mm.
Comparing C. morio with C. silbermanni (except the dorsal pubescence and the female genitalia), it was verified that they are very similar, differing especially by the 3rd antennal segment narrower and shorter than the 4th; pronotum narrower and more convex in the former; lateral cleft of parameres shorter and narrower near apex, and median lobe with 12 teeth in the former and 5-8 in the latter. The differences are very small and probably these species are conspecific, but until to have more material available to study, I prefer to maintain both species.
C. morio belongs to lacordairii* group.
Distribution. It is recorded only from the type locality, Mexico. Champion (1894) presented a more precise locality "Mexico, Santo Domingo in Tehuantepec, Oaxaca"
Chalcolepidius obscurus Castelnau, 1836
(Figs.56,137,199,254,295,337,405,444,480,559,604,650,683)
Chalcolepidius obscurus Castelnau, 1836: 13; 1840: 238; Germar, 1841: 86; Erichson, 1841: 86; Lacordaire, 1857: 155; Candèze, 1857: 264, 286; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1503 (Cat.); Candèze, 1886: 68, 73; Fleutiaux & Sallé, 1889: 407; Candèze, 1891: 38 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1911: 247; Schenkling, 1925: 57 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 108 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 283 (Cat.). Type locality: "Guadeloupe".
Length: 33-36 mm. Parallel, wide body. Integument black, clothed dorsally and ventrally with scale-like setae thin, short, metallic, brown, reddish-brown, violet-brown, violet-gray or ferruginous; antennae clothed with blue or black pubescence except three first segments, like general pubescence (Fig. 56).
Frons not carinate, strongly declivous. Antennae (Fig.137) serrate in both sexes, 3rd segment triangular-elongate, shorter than 4th. Pronotum (Fig. 200) longer than wide, wider at hind angles; slightly narrowed apicad from hind angles base, narrower on distal third; moderately convex anteriorly, convexity decreasing basad; micropunctate with coarse sparse punctuation lateroanteriorly; anterior margin prominent and sinuous at middle; lateral margins raised forming narrow smooth edge except distal ¼; concave in narrow band innerly edge; hind angles strongly divergent, short, moderately thick with truncate apex; raised laterally forming edge slightly wider than that of lateral margins; median basal tubercle flat, triangular, continuous with very weak discontinuous longitudinal median ridge; posterior margin prominent and strongly notched at middle. Hypomera concave near lateral margins; laterointernal margin raised forming wall of anterior channel. Notosternal sutures strongly sinuous. Prosternum micropunctate, punctuation denser and coarser near sutures; strongly convex, flattened longitudinal medially, concave near sutures. Prosternal lobe wide, punctuation sparser and slightly coarser than median region of prosternum; emarginated laterally; fore angles slightly rounded. Prosternal spine flattened laterally. Scutellum (Fig. 254) strongly folded, horizontal area subtrapezoidal, notched anterior- and posteriorly. Borders of mesosternal cavity (Fig. 295) wide and horizontal on basal 2/3 and vertical on distal 1/3, forming L-shaped profile. Mesepisternum with two transverse elliptical grooves. Meso-metasternal suture weak. First visible sternite prominent laterally, fits in lateral groove of elytra. Anterior and median tibiae and last tarsal segment of all legs bearing fringe of long cilia. Interstices unequal, giving costiform appearance; 2nd forming sharpened basal tubercle forwardly directed.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Sternite VIII (Fig. 337) transverse, strongly narrowed on distal third; translucent in median large area, paired basal smaller and two lateral bands. Tergite IX densely punctuate with anterior margin rounded and tiny setae lateroanteriorly. Aedeagus (Fig. 405): median lobe (Fig. 444) 0.58 times the aedeagus length, slightly narrowed near middle, bearing 8, 9 lateral teeth; lateral cleft of parameres (Fig. 480) strongly narrowed near apex; apex widened laterally and upwards.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII transverse with anterior margin rounded, setous; translucent in small median basal area. Sternite VIII (Fig.559) 0.66 times spiculum gastrale length; anterior margin wide- and moderate deeply notched at middle. Genitalia (Fig. 604): sclerotized rings of openings of colleterial glands (Fig.650) with 41 teeth; bursa copulatrix with wide longitudinal median band with carinae and spines and paired lateral rounded spiny areas.
Material examined. WEST INDIES. 3 F (1 dissected) (USNM), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). Guadeloupe Island: 1 F (AMNH), 1 F (FSCA), 3 M, 1 F (MNHN), 4 F (ZMUC), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 3 M, 12 F (MNHN); ; [identified as] Chalcolepidius obscurus Lap. Revue Silb. defloratus Dej., ex-Musaeo A. Sallé, 1897, 1 F (MNHN); Domaine-Ducos, 1 F (AMNH). St. Vincent Island: 2 F (AMNH), 1 F (MNHN). Virgin Islands: Montserrat, 1 M (dissected) (USNM). CUBA. 1 F (MNHN).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius obscurus is characterized especially by general pubescence usually brown or ferruginous, but specimens with pubescence reddish-brown, violet-brown, violet-gray and ferruginous-brown were also studied. The pronotum is narrowed frontally and at hind angles base; scutellum folded; tibiae of male bearing fringe of long cilia; interstices strongly unequal, costiform, and parameres of aedeagus cleft.
DAJOZ (1964) presented the illustrations of the bursa copulatrix (profile and dorsal) and a detail from longitudinal median spiny area and one sclerotized ring of the openings of the colleterial glands. Comparing these illustrations with the structures of the female dissected, it was observed that in the former, the lateral rounded spiny areas of the bursa copulatrix are larger and the sclerotized rings of the openings of colleterial glands present a larger number of teeth (41, 35 in illustration).
C. obscurus is similar to C. silbermanni differing especially by (the latter parenthesized): different pubescence coloration and interstices stronger costiform in the former; pronotum almost as long as wide (longer than wide); lateral cleft of parameres strongly narrowed subapically with apex rounded, widened laterally and upwards (shorter, wider, with apex moderately widened); median lobe of aedeagus slightly narrowed near middle, bearing 8-9 lateral teeth (strongly narrowed, bearing 5, 5 lateral teeth); tergite VIII of female with median basal translucent area well delimited (not well delimited); sclerotized rings of the openings of colleterial glands closed with 41 teeth, 35 in Dajoz's illustration (slightly opened with 32 and 38 teeth (2 observations)).
C. obscurus belongs to forreri* group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is recorded from West Indies (Guadeloupe, St. Vicent and Virgin Islands) and Cuba (Fig. 683). One female from "Mexico" (MNHN) was examined but not included in the material examined because the locality indicated requires confirmation.
Chalcolepidius oxydatus Candèze, 1857
(Figs. 57-60, 136, 201, 255, 338, 369, 406, 560, 605, 606, 651, 672)
Chalcolepidius oxydatus Candèze, 1857: 261, 266; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1503 (Cat.); Candèze, 1874: 161; 1886: 69; 1891: 37 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 275, 286, t. 12, f. 15; Schenkling, 1925: 57 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 283 (Cat.). Holotype female: "F Type; Venezuela; Janson coll. 1903-130; Chalcolepidius oxydatus Cdze F type ex coll. Deyrolle [glued underside:] oxydatus F" (BMNH) (examined).
Chalcolepidius jekeli Candèze, 1874: 162; 1886: 70; 1891: 37 (Cat.); Champion, 1894: 275, 285, t.12, f.13; Schenkling, 1925: 56 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 283 (Cat.). Holotype female: "Collection Jekel; Type; jekelii [sic] Cand. Rev. (Cd. 1879); jekelii [sic] Type Cdz.; Jekeli Cand. Type Collection Fleutiaux"(MNHN) (examined). Syn. nov.
CANDÈZE (1857) described C. oxydatus based on a female from Venezuela, clothed with green metallic pubescence. In 1874, he observed at fore legs of male, black spines equidistantly placed. In fact, the spines are present in all tibiae of male and female, more developed in the former. In the same paper he described C. jekeli based on a female from Colombia, with broken antennae, and stated, that he had sufficient reasons to believe that this locality is erroneous and that the specimen comes from Central America. In 1886, CANDÈZE confirmed his supposition after receiving several specimens of C. jekeli from Guatemala. CHAMPION (1894) also collected this species in Guatemala.
CHAMPION (l. c.) treating on C. oxydatus stated that the tibiae of both sexes are armed with short "teeth", longer on anterior pair and more numerous in male. He recorded this species also from Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.
After examining the type material of both species, it was concluded that they are conspecific.
Length: 25-44 mm. Integument black, clothed dorsally and ventrally with thin, short metallic scale-like setae green, blue, bluish-green, grayish-blue, violet-blue, violet, olive-green, yellowish-green, or grayish-green; antennae clothed with dark-brown or blue setae, except three first segments, same color as general pubescence (Figs. 57-60).
Frons not carinate, concave and slightly declivous medioanteriorly; nasal plate punctuate, perpendicular and high. Antennae (Fig. 136) serrate in female, strongly serrate in male, 3rd segment short, triangular. Pronotum (Fig. 201) longer than wide, very wider at hind angles; slightly narrowed anteriad, from hind angles base; moderately convex in male, strongly in female; anterior margin prominent and slightly sinuous at middle; lateral margins forming raised edge in almost all length; narrow groove innerly edge; hind angles stout, divergent, with truncate apex, raised laterally, forming edge, not continuous with that of lateral margins; micropunctate with coarse sparse punctuation; median basal tubercle flat, elongate; slightly notched at middle; posterior margin prominent and slightly notched at middle. Hypomera concave near lateral margins; small-punctuate. Notosternal sutures slightly sinuous opened frontally not making channel. Prosternum micropunctate, moderately convex from sutures. Prosternal lobe small-punctuate with longitudinal weak grooves, emarginated laterally; fore angles rounded. Meso-metasternal suture weak, convergent near cavity base. Scutellum (Fig. 255) narrower and moderately declivous on anterior half; basal half transverse, sub-elliptical, in some specimens with one rounded concavity each side. Mesosternal cavity narrow, V-shaped, with borders (Fig. 296) wide and horizontal on basal 2/3 and moderately declivous on distal 1/3, forming semi-elliptical profile. First visible sternite not prominent and elytra without lateral groove. Tibiae of male with irregular row of spines internally. Interstices micropunctate, very convex, equal or unequal in width; three first interstices joined near base, forming small tubercle; scutellar area strongly grooved.
Male genital segments and aedeagus. Sternite VIII (Fig. 338) transverse, wide, pentagonal, translucent with two melanized lateral bands and a distal spot. Tergite IX (Fig. 369) densely punctuate; anterior margin almost straight with rounded angles; moderately long setae lateroanteriorly. Aedeagus (Fig. 406): median lobe 0.61 times the aedeagus length, gradually narrowed apicad; apex of parameres spearhead-like.
Female genital segments and genitalia. Tergite VIII transverse, sub-rectangular with anterior margin slightly prominent at middle; translucent in small basal triangular area. Sternite VIII (Fig. 560) wide, 0.66 times spiculum gastrale length; anterior margin wide- and strongly deeply notched at middle. Genitalia: sclerotized pieces of the openings of colleterial glands (Fig. 651) C-shaped, bearing 38 teeth; bursa copulatrix (Figs. 605, 606) ventrally almost totally clothed with carinae and spines, and dorsally with few lateral disperse spines.
Material examined. MEXICO. 1 F (NHMW), 2 M, 3 F (MNHN). Chiapas: Aguacero, 16 Km W Ocozocoatla, 1 M (FSCA); Chorreadura Canyon, 1 M (MZSP), 1 M (JEWC); Chorreadura St. Pk., 2 M (EGRC), 1 M (FSCA); Finca Violeta (locality not found), 800 m, 1 M (PCCV); La Esperanza, 1 M (USNM); 12 Km N Mapastepec, 1 F (TAMU); Motozintla [de Mendoza], 1 F (FSCA); Pacific Slope Cordilleras, 800-1009 m., 1 F (USNM); Rizo de Oro, 1 F (dissected) (UNAM); San Jeronimo, 1 M, 3 F (IMLA), 1 F (USNM), Tacaná, 1 F (MZSP). Sonora: La Liberdad, 1 M, 1 F (USNM). GUATEMALA. 1 F (USNM), ex-coll. Oberthür, 4 F (MNHN). Escuintla: Palmar, Zovó, 1 M (MNHN). Guatemala: env. Guatemala, 1 M, 2 F (MNHN). Petén: Chicacao, 1 F (USNM). Retalhuleu: San Sebastian, 1 M, 2 F (USNM). Suchitepéquez: Moca, 3000 ft., 1 F (AMNH); Variedades, 500 ft., 5 F (AMNH). HONDURAS. 1 M, 1 F (MNHN). Choluteca: Cerro Guanacaure, 10 Km S Yusquare, 510 m, 2 M (FSCA). EL SALVADOR. Copan, 8 Km NW El Paraiso, 1 F (TAMU); San Salvador, 1 M (USNM); San Vicente, 1 M (FSCA). NICARAGUA. Managua: Managua, 1 F (AMNH). Rivas: Chacalapa, 1 F (MNMS); Corcuera, 1 F (MCZC). COSTA RICA. Cartago: Irazu, 1800-2000, 1 M (USNM). Guanacaste: 21 Km S Canas Guanacaste, 1 M (TAMU). Puntarenas: San Vito, 6 Km S Cerro Cruces, 5000, 1 M (dissected) (USNM). PANAMA. 1 M (MNHN). Chiriqui: Chiriqui, 1 F (ISNB), ex-coll. Oberthür, 1 F (MNHN), ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 F (MNHN). VENEZUELA. Ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 2 M (MNHN); ex-coll. Oberthür, 1 M, 2 F (MNHN), 16206, 1 F (ZMHB). Falcón: San Estevan près Puerto Cabello, 1 F (MNHN), ex-coll. Oberthür, 1 F (MNHN). Federal District: Caracas, [identified as] oxydatus Csy var., ex-coll. Oberthür, 1 F (MNHN). Miranda: El Valle, 1 M (USNM). COLOMBIA. Ex-coll. Fleutiaux, 1 M (MNHN). GUYANA. West Demerara: Rio Demerara, 1 M (ZMHB). BRAZIL. Amazonas: São Paulo [de Olivença], 2 F (MNHN). Without locality: ex-Musaeo Sallé; ex-coll. Oberthür, 1 F (MNHN).
Remarks. Chalcolepidius oxydatus is characterized especially by wide and almost parallel-sided body; general pubescence green, blue or violet; scutellum moderately declivous; tibiae of male spiny internally and apex of parameres spearhead-like.
The female holotype of C. oxydatus presents the general pubescence metallic green with last lateral stria (IX) partially clothed with yellowish-white setae. The female holotype of C. jekeli is clothed with blue metallic pubescence; it presents almost parallel-sided wide body, narrowed on distal third of elytra, and pronotum with coarse punctuation near middle. The pubescence of the specimens studied varies from green to violet, but only one female from Mexico (Chiapas, Rizo de Oro) and one from Venezuela, present last lateral stria (IX) partially clothed with yellowish-white pubescence, like the holotype of C. oxydatus. This female from Venezuela presents also yellowish-white setae laterally on prosternum. One large female (42 mm) without indication of locality, presents lateral bands on pronotum (not reaching anterior margin), basal third of striae and lateral bands of elytra (one interstice wide) and irregular internal band on epipleura with white pubescence. Two specimens from Costa Rica, one from Irazu and other from Puntarenas, with pubescence respectively, grayish-green and green, present sutural spine at elytral apices.
I examined also one female (ISNB) from Chiriqui, labelled by Candèze as "aeruginosus Cand., 1893, n.sp." that belongs to C. oxydatus. Comparing this female with the other specimens examined, I observed, in the latter, different coloration on general pubescence (green-olive) and on antennae (ochre).
Up to now, C. oxydatus and C. jekeli were distinguished especially by the pubescence coloration, green in the former and blue in the latter. Other variations, independent of the pubescence coloration, were observed in this species: the females are wider almost parallel-sided, narrowed on distal third of elytra and pronotum shorter than in males (almost as wide as long), and the lateral margins of pronotum (excluding the hind angles) almost straight in males, slightly rounded in females. The convexity and the punctuation of pronotum are also variable; when slightly convex presents coarser punctuation with rugose appearance. The length of the 3rd antennal segment, declivity of anterior half of scutellum, convexity of interstices 2, 4, 6, 8 and size of the sutural spine of elytral apex, when present, are also variable. The differences observed in the holotype of C. oxydatus and C. jekeli are within the intraspecific variations.
C. oxydatus is similar to C. gossipiatus. Comparing both species, it was observed that they present the same scutellar shape, tibiae of male spiny internally, 3rd antennal segment shorter than 4th (smaller in C. oxydatus), and parameres of aedeagus with spearhead-like apex. They differ especially by the coloration of pubescence; antennae more strongly serrate in C. gossipiatus, and declivity of basal half of mesosternal cavity (almost vertical in C. oxydatus). The pronotum is longer than wide in the former and as long as wide and more convex in the latter; body wider and less convex in the former; interstices slightly unequal in the former and easily visible unequal in the latter; anterior margin of sternite VIII of female more widely notched in the latter. The bursa copulatrix of C. oxydatus presents, besides the longitudinal spiny area, some disperse ventral spines.
C. oxydatus is also similar to C. jansoni and C. supremus, especially by the pubescence usually green and scutellum declivous. C. jansoni, different from the others (parenthesized), present antennae serrate in both sexes (antennae strongly serrate in male), scutellum slightly declivous (moderately declivous), tibiae of male bearing short cilia (spines) and apex of parameres cleft (spearhead-like).
Comparing C. oxydatus with C. jansoni it was observed (C. jansoni parenthesized): 3rd antennal segment shorter in the former, horizontal area of scutellum elliptical (almost triangular); median basal tubercle of pronotum elongate (flat and triangular, almost indistinct); elytral apices rounded with sutural spine (truncate). Some specimens of C. oxydatus present two rounded concavities on elliptical basal half of scutellum.
C. oxydatus belongs to supremus+ group; it is the sister-group of mexicanus* group (Fig. 671).
Distribution. It is widely distributed, recorded from Mexico (Chiapas, Sonora), Guatemala (Escuintla, Guatemala, Petén, Retalhuleu, Suchitepéquez), Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Guyana and Brazil (Amazonas) (Fig. 672).
Chalcolepidius porcatus (Linnaeus, 1767)
(Figs. 61-63, 138, 202, 339, 407, 445, 481, 561, 652, 682)
Elater porcatus Linnaeus, 1767: 652; Fabricius, 1775: 211; 1787: 168; 1792: 220; 1801: 225. Syntype(s): "America" (Brünnick) (ZMUC). (Photo examined).
Chalcolepidius porcatus; Eschscholtz, 1829: 33; Castelnau, 1840: 238; Erichson, 1841: 78; Lacordaire, 1857: 155; Candèze, 1857: 265, 270; Gemminger & Harold, 1869: 1503 (Cat.); Candèze, 1874: 163; 1881: 23; 1886: 68, 73; 1891: 38 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1911: 247; Schenkling, 1925: 57, 58 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 108 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 283 (Cat.).
Elater striatus Linnaeus, 1767: 652; Fabricius, 1787: 168; Olivier, 1790: 14; Herbst, 1801: 340; Palisot de Beauvois, 1805: 212. Type locality: "Surinam".
Chalcolepidius striatus; Eschscholtz, 1829: 33; Castelnau, 1840: 237; Erichson, 1841: 79 (Syn.); Candèze, 1857: 271; 1881: 22; Schenkling, 1925: 57 (Cat.); Fleutiaux, 1926: 108 (Cat.); Blackwelder, 1944: 283 (Cat.).
Elater maximus Sulzer, 1776: 52; Olivier, 1790: 14 (= E. striatus); Fleutiaux, 1911: 248 (Syn.). Type locality: "America".
Chalcolepidius pulverulentus Herbst, 1786: 172; Schoenherr, 1817: 276 (= E. virens Fabricius); Candèze, 1891: 38 (Syn.).
Chalcolepidius guineensis Gmelin, 1788: 1914; Schoenherr, 1817: 276 (=E. v










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