Bidessodes are characterized by the following features: (1) a transverse occipital line is absent (e.g. Fig. 1), (2) the anterior clypeal margin is unmodified (Fig. 1), (3) the basal pronotal striae are present (Fig. 1), (4) the basal elytral stria is absent (Fig. 1), (5) the elytral sutural stria is absent (Fig. 1), and (6) the transverse carina across the epipleuron at the humeral angle of the elytron is absent. The genus most similar in general appearance to Bidessodes in Bidessini is Neobidessodes Hendrich and Balke, 2009, a group of species from Australia previously placed in Bidessodes. The main difference between these genera is a series of very fine serrations or denticles along the posterior margins of the abdominal ventrites, present in Bidessodes and absent in Neobidessodes.

The genera Hughbosdineus and Youngulus were proposed by Spangler (1981) and relegated to subgenera of Bidessodes by Young (1986). It seems clear, though, that the species were placed in their own genera based on unusual apomorphies rather than clear evidence of phylogenetic isolation. Although there has not been a phylogenetic analysis of the group, these two species appear to be well within the general character-based concept of Bidessodes. There is little justification for continued recognition of three subgenera in Bidessodes, so, Hughbosdineus Spangler, 1981 and Youngulus Spangler, 1981 are each placed as junior synonyms of Bidessodes Régimbart, 1895 (new synonymies).

The following key is modified from Young (1986) and Braga and Ferreira-Jr. (2009). Keys to Bidessodes have been historically based on male attributes. This key is similarly limited. Females of many species are extremely similar and cannot be easily distinguished without association with males. Much of the key requires dissection of male genitalia, and even with the key the best diagnostic method is to dissect male genitalia and compare with descriptions and images of them. Bidessodes fragilis is not keyed given ambiguity about its identity and character combination.

Suriname, Sipaliwini District, Camp 1, on Kutari River, 2°10.521'N 56°47.244'W.

Figures 1–20. 

Bidessodes species. 1–5 B. chlorus 1 dorsal habitus, scale = 1 mm 2–4 male genitalia 2 median lobe, right lateral aspect 3 median lobe, ventral aspect 4 right lateral lobe, right lateral aspect 5 left metatrochanter and metafemur, anterior aspect, scale = 0.25 mm 6 B. erythros 6 dorsal habitus, scale = 1 mm 7–9 male genitalia 7 median lobe, right lateral aspect 8 median lobe, ventral aspect 9 right lateral lobe, right lateral aspect 10 left metatrochanter and metafemur, anterior aspect, scale = 0.25 mm 11 B. leukus 11 dorsal habitus, scale = 1 mm 12–14 male genitalia 12 median lobe, right lateral aspect 13 median lobe, ventral aspect 14 right lateral lobe, right lateral aspect 15 left metatrochanter and metafemur, anterior aspect, scale = 0.25 mm 16 B. melas 16 dorsal habitus, scale = 1 mm 17 male genitalia 17 median lobe, right lateral aspect 18 median lobe, ventral aspect 19 right lateral lobe, right lateral aspect 20 left metatrochanter and metafemur, anterior aspect, scale = 0.25 mm.

Holotype in MIZA, male labeled, “SURINAME Sipaliwini District 2°10.521'N 56°47.244'W: 228m Camp 1, on Kutari River leg.A.E.Z.Short, UV-light 19-24.viii.2010; SR10-0819-LT1 2010 CI-RAP Survey/ SEMC0915810 KUNHM-ENT [barcode label]/ HOLOTYPE Bidessodes chlorus Miller, 2016 [red label with black line border].” Paratypes, 6, labeled same as holotype except with different specimen barcode labels and each with “…PARATYPE Bidessodes chlorus Miller, 2016 [blue label with black line border].”

This species does not have a carinate prosternum in either male or female. The prosternal process is longitudinally slightly convex and relatively narrow with the lateral margins distinctly convergent to a pointed apex. The male mesotibia is unmodified. The male metatrochanter and metafemur are unmodified (Fig. 5). The male abdominal ventrite VI is unmodified. The male median lobe in lateral aspect is very small basally with the apical portion abruptly bent and broadly expanded with the apex bilobed (Fig. 2). In ventral aspect the median lobe is very broad basally with the lateral margin concave and the apex broad with a deep, narrow medial emargination (Fig. 3). The basal segment of the lateral lobe is elongate and subsinuate (Fig. 4). The apical segment is elongate and obliquely T-shaped with the apical margin broadly emarginate (Fig. 4). Externally, B. chlorus is similar to many other species of Bidessodes with relatively unmodified ventral surfaces and legs in males or females. The main difference between this species and others is the male genitalia. The shape of the male median lobe and lateral lobes as described above (Figs 2–4) are unlike any other species in the genus. The very broad, angled apical section of the median lobe in lateral aspect (Fig. 2) is particularly unique.

Measurements. TL = 2.3–2.5 mm, EW = 1.0–1.1 mm, PW = 0.9–1.0 mm, HW = 0.7–0.9 mm, ED = 0.4–0.5 mm, TL/EW = 2.1–2.2, HW/ED = 1.8–1.9. Body shape elongate oval, pronotum widest medially, similar in width to greatest width of elytra, lateral outline discontinuous between pronotum and elytron.

Coloration (Fig. 1). Head and pronotum yellow, posterior margin of pronotum medially brown. Elytron with base color brown to dark brown with diffuse, transverse pale regions anteriorly, medially and at apex (Fig. 1); surface not iridescent. Head appendages, legs and ventral surfaces yellow to yellow-orange.

Sculpture and structure (Fig. 1). Head with dorsal surface smooth and shiny, impunctate. Pronotum (Fig. 1) smooth and shiny with few micropunctures, broadly distributed; lateral margins broadly rounded, pronotum broadest medially, slightly constricted at posterior angles, about same width as greatest width of elytra; basal striae moderately well impressed, extending about 2/5 distance across pronotum. Elytron (Fig. 1) very broadly curved laterally; shiny, finely microreticulate across surface, irregularly and inconsistently micropunctate. Prosternal process elongate triangular, basally broad and posteriorly convergent to sharply pointed apex; surface weakly convex. Metaventrite process anteriorly produced with weak lateral carinae that do not extend posteriorly; surface of metaventrite smooth and shiny, not carinate or otherwise modified. Metacoxa with lateral portions shiny, not punctate; metacoxal lines elongate, subparallel. Abdominal ventrites smooth, impunctate; ventrite VI smooth, evenly convex, apically pointed.

Male genitalia. Median lobe in lateral aspect short and robust, basal portion small, apical portion robust, strongly angulate medially, apically broad and truncate (Fig. 2); median lobe in ventral aspect broad basally, medially constricted and expanded apically with lateral margins each broadly concave, medially deeply and narrowly emarginate, lateral branches apically rounded with small medially-directed point (Fig. 3); lateral lobe in lateral aspect irregular, basal portion elongate, curved and constricted medially along ventral margin, apical portion broad basally, apically broadly and obliquely T-shaped with lateral apices pointed and truncate apex shallowly and irregularly concave (Fig. 4).

Sexual dimorphism. Male pro- and mesotarsomeres I-III broader than in female with extensive ventral adhesive setae. Male and female otherwise similar.

Variation. Specimens vary in the extent and intensity of coloration on the elytral surface, though all specimens have some degree of maculation.

This species is named chlorus, Greek for “pale green” after one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Bidessodes chlorus is known only from southern Suriname (Fig. 97).

The type specimens were collected at a UV light. No other natural history information is known about this species.

Guyana, Region 8, Konawaruk River, Basecamp (blackwater camp), 5°03.884'N 59°12.838'W.

Holotype in MIZA, male labeled, “GUYANA:Region 8 5°03.884'N 59°12.838'W, 75 m Konawaruk River, Basecamp (blackwater camp): Blackwater crk along margin, with leaf litter leg. Salisbury & La Cruz 10.ix.2014: GY14-0910-02/ SEMC1428326 [barcode label]/ HOLOTYPE Bidessodes erythros Miller, 2016 [red label with black line border].” Paratypes, 15, labeled same as holotype except with different specimen barcode labels and each with “…PARATYPE Bidessodes erythros Miller, 2016 [blue label with black line border].”

This species does not have a carinate prosternum in either male or female. The prosternal process is broadly triangular, slightly convex and apically acuminate. The male mesotibia is unmodified. The male metatrochanter and metafemur are unmodified (Fig. 10) and the male last abdominal ventrite is unmodified. The male median lobe in lateral aspect is broadly lobate basally with the apical portion long, sublinear, moderately broad with somewhat undulate dorsal and ventral margins and of somewhat even width to a rounded apex (Fig. 7). In ventral aspect the median lobe is moderately broad and similar in width to the apex which is divided into two long rami separated by a narrow, deep medial emargination, with the apex of each ramus narrowed to a point (Fig. 8). The basal segment of the lateral lobe is elongate and irregularly shaped (Fig. 9). The apical segment is small with the apex characterized by an anteriorly directed spinous process on the dorsal margin (Fig. 9). Externally, B. erythros is similar to many other species of Bidessodes with relatively unmodified ventral surfaces and legs in males or females. The main difference between this species and others is the male genitalia as described above. The male median lobe and lateral lobes (Figs 7–9) are unlike any other species in the genus.

Measurements. TL = 2.3–2.4 mm, EW = 1.2–1.3 mm, PW = 1.0–1.1 mm, HW = 0.7–0.9 mm, ED = 0.4–0.5 mm, TL/EW = 2.1–2.3, HW/ED = 1.7–1.8. Body shape elongate oval, pronotum widest medially, width less than greatest width of elytra, lateral outline slightly discontinuous between pronotum and elytron, posteriorly somewhat attenuate.

Coloration (Fig. 6). Head and pronotum yellow-orange, posterior margin of pronotum medially narrowly brown. Elytron with base color dark brown with weakly differentiated, diffuse, transverse pale fasciae anteriorly, medially and at apex, anterior and medial pale regions meeting in longitudinal areas medially (Fig. 6); surface not iridescent. Head appendages, legs and ventral surfaces yellow to yellow-orange.

Sculpture and structure (Fig. 6). Head with dorsal surface smooth and shiny, with extremely fine micropunctures, broadly dispersed. Pronotum (Fig. 6) smooth and shiny with broadly dispersed micropunctures; lateral margins broadly rounded, pronotum broadest medially, slightly constricted at posterior angles, somewhat less in width than greatest width of elytra; basal striae moderately well impressed, extending about 2/5 distance across pronotum. Elytron (Fig. 6) very broadly curved laterally; shiny, finely microreticulate across surface, distinctly punctate. Prosternal process basally broad and posteriorly slightly convergent to broadly pointed apex, lateral margins somewhat straight and convergent; surface approximately flat. Metaventrite process anteriorly produced with weak lateral carinae that do not extend posteriorly; surface of metaventrite smooth and shiny, not carinate or otherwise modified. Metacoxa with lateral portions shiny, not punctate; metacoxal lines elongate, subparallel, apically distinctly convergent; metatrochanter and metafemur relatively unmodified. Abdominal ventrites smooth, impunctate; ventrite VI smooth, evenly convex, apically broadly pointed.

Male genitalia. Median lobe in lateral aspect with elongate, oval basal part, apical portion nearly straight, robust, with lateral margins subparallel to rounded apex (Fig. 7); median lobe in ventral aspect broad, lateral margins weakly sinuate, similar in width throughout, apex bifid, each branch apically broadly pointed and slightly curved inward, emargination V-shaped (Fig. 8); lateral lobe in lateral aspect with basal segment elongate, subtriangular with distict apicoventral lobe at base of apical segment; apical segment short and small, apically with truncate and laterally toothed apex, with large, basally-directed tooth on dorsal margin (Fig. 9).

Sexual dimorphism. Male pro- and mesotarsomes I-III broader than in female and with extensive ventral adhesive setae. Otherwise males and females similar.

Variation. Specimens are relatively consistent in color pattern and other features.

This species is named erythros, Greek for “red” after one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.

This species is known only from central Guyana (Fig. 97).

The type series was collected from a leaf litter area along the margins of a blackwater creek.

Venezuela, Amazonas State, Comunidad Caño Gato, Rio Sipapo 4°58.838'N, 67°44.341'W.

Holotype in MIZA, male labeled, “VENEZUELA: Amazonas State 4°58.838'N, 67°44.341'W: 95m Comunidad Caño Gato Rio Sipapo: 16.i.2009; leg. Short, Miller, Camacho, Joly & Garcia VZ09-0116-01X: along stream/ SM0842868 KUNHM-ENT [barcode label]/ HOLOTYPE Bidessodes leukus Miller, 2016 [red label with black line border].”

This species does not have a carinate prosternum in either male or female. The prosternal process is broad, broadly convex, with the lateral margins convergent to the rounded apex. The male mesotibia is unmodified. The male metatrochanter and metafemur are unmodified (Fig. 15) and the male abdominal ventrite VI is unmodified. The male median lobe in lateral aspect is very broad basally with the apical portion short and abruptly curved (Fig. 12). In ventral aspect the median lobe is very broad with undulate lateral margins and the apex broad and medially emarginate (Fig. 13). The basal segment of the lateral lobe is short and subquadrate with the proximate margin toothed (Fig. 14). The apical segment is elongate and T-shaped with the apical margin broadly curved and with a series of setae (Fig. 14). Externally, B. leukus is similar to many other species of Bidessodes with relatively unmodified ventral surfaces and legs in males or females. The main difference between this species and others is the unique male genitalia. The male median lobe and lateral lobes (Figs 12–14) are unlike any other species in the genus. In particular, the median lobe is very broad in ventral aspect (Fig. 12) and robust and strongly curved in lateral aspect (Fig. 13).

Measurements. TL = 2.4 mm, EW = 1.1 mm, PW = 1.0 mm, HW = 0.7 mm, ED = 0.4 mm, TL/EW = 2.3, HW/ED = 1.9. Body shape elongate oval, pronotum widest medially, width somewhat less that greatest width of elytra, lateral outline discontinuous between pronotum and elytron, posteriorly somewhat attenuate.

Coloration (Fig. 11). Head and pronotum yellow, posterior margin of pronotum medially narrowly brown. Elytron with base color brown with very weakly differentiated, diffuse, transverse pale regions anteriorly, medially and at apex (Fig. 11); surface not iridescent. Head appendages, legs and ventral surfaces yellow to yellow-orange.

Sculpture and structure (Fig. 11). Head with dorsal surface smooth and shiny, with extremely fine micropunctures. Pronotum (Fig. 11) smooth and shiny with few broadly dispersed micropunctures; lateral margins broadly rounded, pronotum broadest medially, slightly constricted at posterior angles, about same width as greatest width of elytra; basal striae moderately well impressed, extending to nearly 1/2 distance across pronotum. Elytron (Fig. 11) very broadly curved laterally; shiny, finely microreticulate across surface, impunctate. Prosternal process basally broad and posteriorly slightly convergent to broadly rounded apex, lateral margins broadly rounded; surface approximately flat. Metaventrite process anteriorly produced with weak lateral carinae that do not extend posteriorly; surface of metaventrite smooth and shiny, not carinate or otherwise modified. Metacoxa with lateral portions shiny, not punctate; metacoxal lines elongate, subparallel, apically distinctly convergent. Abdominal ventrites smooth, impunctate; ventrite VI smooth, evenly convex, apically broadly pointed.

Male genitalia. Median lobe in lateral aspect with basal portion broad and irregular, apical portion robust, short, abruptly curved at nearly right angle medially, apically narrowed to elongate pointed apex (Fig. 12); median lobe in ventral aspect very broad, apically with lateral margins broadly expanded into lobes laterally, apex bifid (Fig. 13); lateral lobe in lateral aspect irregular, basal portion broad and short, basally with lobes and teeth, apical portion elongate and T-shaped, apex broadly expanded laterally, apical margin curved (Fig. 14).

Sexual dimorphism. Females not examined, but male pro- and mesotarsomeres I-III laterally expanded with ventral adhesive setae, similar to other Bidessodes species that exhibit this dimorphism.

Variation. Only a single male specimen was examined.

This species is named leukus, Greek for “white” after one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Bidessodes leukus is known only from southwestern Venezuela (Fig. 97).

The type was collected from slow areas along a sandy forest stream with extensive leaf pack.

Venezuela, Amazonas State, Comunidad Caño Gato, Rio Sipapo, 4°58.838'N, 67°44.341'W.

Holotype in MIZA, male labeled, “VENEZUELA: Amazonas State 4°58.838'N, 67°44.341'W: 95m Comunidad Caño Gato Rio Sipapo: 16.i.2009; leg. Short, Miller, Camacho, Joly & Garcia VZ09-0116-01X: along stream/ SM0842862 KUNHM-ENT [barcode label]/ HOLOTYPE Bidessodes melas Miller, 2016 [red label with black line border].” Paratypes, 66, labeled same as holotype except with different specimen barcode labels and each with “…PARATYPE Bidessodes melas Miller, 2016 [blue label with black line border].”

This species does not have a carinate prosternum in either male or female. The prosternal process is longitudinally slightly convex and relatively narrow with the lateral margins distinctly convergent to a pointed apex. The male mesotibia is unmodified. The male metatrochanter and metafemur are unmodified (Fig. 20) and the male last abdominal ventrite is unmodified. The male median lobe in lateral aspect is very small basally with the apical portion long, slender and evenly curved to a narrowly rounded apex (Fig. 17). In ventral aspect the median lobe is slender basally with the lateral margins expanded apically, divided into two long, slender curved rami that bend medially apically (Fig. 18). The basal segment of the lateral lobe is broadly obliquely triangular (Fig. 19). The apical segment is broad and obliquely subrectangular with the apex obliquely subtruncate (Fig. 19). Externally, B. melas is similar to many other species of Bidessodes with relatively unmodified ventral surfaces and legs in males or females. The main difference between this species and others is the male genitalia. The slender, elongate, longitudinally emarginate male median lobe and broad and uniquely shaped lateral lobes (Figs 17–19) are unlike any other species in the genus. This is also one of the smallest species in the genus.

Measurements. TL = 1.6–1.7 mm, EW = 0.8–0.9 mm, PW = 0.7–0.8 mm, HW =0.5–0.6 mm, ED = 0.3–0.4 mm, TL/EW = 2.1–2.3, HW/ED = 1.7–1.8. Body shape elongate oval, pronotum widest medially, width somewhat less than greatest width of elytra, lateral outline discontinuous between pronotum and elytron.

Coloration (Fig. 16). Head and pronotum yellow, posterior margin of pronotum medially narrowly brown. Elytron with base color brown with diffuse, transverse pale regions anteriorly, medially and at apex (Fig. 16); surface slightly but distinctly purplish iridescent. Head appendages, legs and ventral surfaces yellow to yellow-orange.

Sculpture and structure (Fig. 16). Head with dorsal surface smooth and shiny, with extremely fine micropunctures. Pronotum (Fig. 16) smooth and shiny with few broadly dispersed micropunctures; lateral margins broadly rounded, pronotum broadest medially, slightly constricted at posterior angles, about same width as greatest width of elytra; basal striae moderately well impressed, extending to nearly 1/2 distance across pronotum. Elytron (Fig. 16) very broadly curved laterally; shiny, finely microreticulate across surface, impunctate. Prosternal process elongate, basally broad and posteriorly convergent to narrowly rounded apex, lateral margins broadly rounded; surface approximately flat. Metaventrite process anteriorly produced with weak lateral carinae that do not extend posteriorly; surface of metaventrite smooth and shiny, not carinate or otherwise modified. Metacoxa with lateral portions shiny, not punctate; metacoxal lines elongate, subparallel. Abdominal ventrites smooth, impunctate; ventrite VI smooth, evenly convex, apically pointed.

Male genitalia. Median lobe in lateral aspect with small basal portion, apical portion elongate, slender, broadly and evenly curved to narrowly rounded apex (Fig. 17); median lobe in ventral aspect deeply bifid into two elongate, slender rami, apically pointed and with apices curved towards each other apically (Fig. 18); lateral lobe in lateral aspect very robust, basal and apical portions similar in length and width, apical portion broad, apically truncate and toothed (Fig. 19).

Sexual dimorphism. Male pro- and mesotarsomeres I-III broader than in female with extensive ventral adhesive setae. Male and female otherwise similar.

Variation. Specimens vary in the intensity and extent of elytral maculae which are not strongly evident in any specimens.

This species is named melas, Greek for “black” after one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.

This species is known only from southwestern Venezuela (Fig. 98).

The type series was collected from leaf pack in slow areas along a sandy forest stream.

This species does not have a carinate prosternum in either male or female. The prosternal process is flat and parallel-sided with the apex broadly acuminate. The male mesotibia is basally bent. The male metatrochanter and metafemur are broad, the metafemur is apically truncate with a distinct denticle along the ventral margin near the apex of the metatrochanter (Fig. 25). The male abdominal ventrite VI is apically slightly impressed medially. The male median lobe in lateral aspect is moderately broad basally with an elongate, broadly curved, slender apical portion that is medially somewhat expanded (Fig. 22). In ventral aspect the median lobe is slender and deeply bifid with each ramus sinuate and subapically expanded and ending in a single pointed process (Fig. 23). The basal segment of the lateral lobe is short and oblique (Fig. 24). The apical segment is very broad and has a broad dorsal expansion apically (Fig. 24). Specimens are relatively immaculate (Fig. 21).

Figures 21–40. 

Bidessodes species. 21–25 B. acharistus 21 dorsal habitus, scale = 1 mm 22 male genitalia 22 median lobe, right lateral aspect 23 median lobe, ventral aspect 24 right lateral lobe, right lateral aspect 25 left metatrochanter and metafemur, anterior aspect, scale = 0.25 mm 26–30 B. charaxinus 26 dorsal habitus, scale = 1 mm 27 male genitalia 27 median lobe, right lateral aspect 28 median lobe, ventral aspect 29 right lateral lobe, right lateral aspect 30 left metatrochanter and metafemur, anterior aspect, scale = 0.25 mm 31–34 B. demarcoi 31 dorsal habitus, scale = 1 mm 32 male genitalia 32 median lobe, right lateral aspect 33 median lobe, ventral aspect 34 right lateral lobe, right lateral aspect 35–40 B. elongatus 35 dorsal habitus, scale = 1 mm 36 male genitalia 36 median lobe, right lateral aspect 37 median lobe, ventral aspect 38 apex of right lateral lobe, apical aspect 39 right lateral lobe, right lateral aspect 40 left metatrochanter and metafemur, anterior aspect, scale = 0.25 mm.

Known from few localities in Brazil and Bolivia (Fig. 99).

This species does not have a carinate prosternum in either male or female. The prosternal process is impressed longitudinally. The lateral margins are slightly convergent apically to the broadly pointed apex. The male mesotibia is elongate, curved, not basally bent. The male metatrochanter and metafemur are not noticeably modified (Fig. 30). The male abdominal ventrite VI is apically somewhat impressed. The male median lobe in lateral aspect is broad with a broad elongate basal region and an apical region that is broad basally and abruptly tapered to an elongate slender apex with a distinct subapical pointed process representing the apicomedial portion of each ramus (Fig. 27). In ventral aspect the median lobe is complex and deeply bifid with each ramus elongate, broad and apically terminating in two sharply pointed processes, and also with a medial terminal lobe between each lateral ramus (Fig. 28). The basal segment of the lateral lobe is small, irregular, and transverse (Fig. 29). The apical segment is broad and complex, terminating in a broad, transverse structure (Fig. 29). Specimens are relatively large and maculate (Fig. 26).

Known from northern South America (Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana) south into Brazil (Fig. 99).

Bidessodes demarcoi does not have a carinate prosternum in males or females. The prosternal process is relatively flat, the lateral margins are slightly convergent to the broadly pointed apex. The male mesotibia is unmodified. The male metatrochanter and metafemur are not modified. The male abdominal ventrite VI is sulcate apically. The male median lobe in lateral aspect is broad and broadly curved throughout its length to a sinuate, apically truncate apical region (Fig. 32). In ventral aspect the median lobe is moderately broad with each lateral margin straight, apically slightly divergent and rounded with medial shallow emargination (Fig. 33). The lateral lobe in lateral aspect is extremely broad with a broadly rounded basal portion and the apical portion smaller, but broadly rounded (Fig. 34). Specimens are maculate on the elytra (Fig. 31).

Known from north-central Brazil (Fig. 100).

This species does not have a carinate prosternum in either male or female. The prosternal process is somewhat medially longitudinally sulcate, the lateral margins are slightly convergent to the rounded apex. The male mesotibia is unmodified. The male metatrochanter is medially transversely somewhat ridged, but the metafemur is not noticeably modified (Fig. 40). The male abdominal ventrite VI is apically and laterally slightly impressed. The male median lobe is basally moderately broad and apically robust and strongly curved to a narrowly rounded apex (Fig. 36). In ventral aspect it is broad and laterally broadly sinuate with the apex shallowly emarginate with each ramus short and sharply pointed (Fig. 37). The basal segment of the lateral lobe is small and transverse (Fig. 38). The apical segment is formed as a slender stalk basally with a very large, transverse apical lobe that is abruptly curved on the ventral apex (Fig. 39). Specimens are elongate slender with maculate elytra (Fig. 35).

Sharp (1882) mentioned that this species, “… will no doubt form a distinct genus.” That eventually proved to be the case as B. elongatus became the type of Bidessodes.

The type locality for this species is somewhat ambiguous. The specimens were evidently collected by Champion, but the localities, “Paso Antonio” and “Tortola” are not easily identified today. In a letter from Champion (http://james-champion.com/diary-2012/thursday-14th-june-2012-letter-13th-march-1881/) he mentions the “Rio Michotoya,” which is more easily located, and the star on the map included here reflects that locality (Fig. 101). Known from Guatemala and Costa Rica (Fig. 101).

This species does not have a carinate prosternum in either male or female. The prosternal process is flat, the lateral margins are slightly convergent to the apically rounded apex. The male mesotibia is unmodified. The male metafemur and metatrochanter are not noticeably modified (Fig. 45). The male abdominal ventrite VI is apically and laterally somewhat impressed. The male median lobe is basally broad, but apically very slender with an apical broad, denticulate expansion (Fig. 42). In ventral aspect it is deeply bifid with each branch slender and apically irregular, and sharply angulate (Fig. 43). The basal segment of the lateral lobe is moderately small and elongate triangular. The apical segment is broad and extremely irregular with a prominent apical, finger-like lobe (Fig. 44). Specimens are elongate oval with the elytra longitudinally vittate (Fig. 41);

Figures 41–60. 

Bidessodes species. 41–45 B. evanidus 41 dorsal habitus, scale = 1 mm 42 male genitalia 42 median lobe, right lateral aspect 43 median lobe, ventral aspect 44 right lateral lobe, right lateral aspect 45 left metatrochanter and metafemur, anterior aspect, scale = 0.25 mm 46–50 B. franki 46 dorsal habitus, scale = 1 mm 47 male genitalia 47 median lobe, right lateral 6spect 48 median lobe, ventral aspect 49 right lateral lobe, right lateral aspect 50 left metatrochanter and metafemur, anterior aspect, scale = 0.25 mm 51–54 B. hamadae 51 dorsal habitus, scale = 1 mm 52 male genitalia 52 median lobe, right lateral aspect 53 median lobe, ventral aspect 54 right lateral lobe, right lateral aspect 55–60 B. hygrobius 55 dorsal habitus, scale = 1 mm 56 male genitalia 56 median lobe, right lateral aspect 57 median lobe, ventral aspect 58 right lateral lobe apex, apical aspect 59 right lateral lobe, right lateral aspect 60 left metatrochanter and metafemur, anterior aspect, scale = 0.25 mm.

Known from lowland South America from northern Venezuela to southeastern Brazil (Fig. 102).

According to the original description and Young (1986), this species has the clypeus thickened but not margined, the pronotum has punctation similar to the head, the pronotal plicae extend about 1/3 distance across pronotum, the apex of the prosternal process is truncate, not acuminate, the prosternum and prosternal process are not carinate or spinous, and the last abdominal ventrite is not modified.

The holotype is a female (Young 1986). Young (1986) was unable to identify this species, but thought it close to B. semistriatus and B. knischi, but also thought B. acharistus may represent the species.

Only known from the type locality in Paraguay (Fig. 103).

Males and females do not have a medially modified prosternum. The prosternal process is flat, the lateral margins are convergent to the broadly pointed apex. The male mesotibia is unmodified. Bidessodes franki are unique in having males with an extremely broad metatrochanter and metafemur with a distinctive fringe of setae along their posterior margins (Fig. 50). The male abdominal ventrite VI is apically distinctly impressed, and broadly impressed laterally. The male genitalia are distinctive with the median lobe in ventral aspect deeply bifid with each branch unforked and tapered to a point (Fig. 47). In lateral aspect the median lobe is medially very broad and apically strongly tapered and straight to a sharp apex (Fig. 48). The lateral lobe has a reduced basal segment and the apical segment large and irregularly margined with a distinctive lobe on the apicodorsal margin that is directed basally (Fig. 49). Specimens are robust, relatively large and have maculate elytra (Fig. 46).

Found across northern South America from central Colombia to southern Suriname (Fig. 98).

Specimens do not have modified prosternum. The prosternal process is flat with the lateral margins somewhat convex and the apex acuminate. The male mesotibia is bent basally. The metafemur and metatrochanter are unmodified. The male abdominal ventrite VI is impressed and sulcate apically. The male median lobe in lateral aspect is basally elongate with an elongate dorsally-directed flange, the apical portion is elongate, medially slightly expanded but nearly straight with the apex slightly hooked dorsally (Fig. 52). In ventral aspect the median lobe is broad with the lateral rami moderately broad, divergent basally, apically obliquely truncate with medial shallow emargination between the apices (Fig. 53). The lateral lobe has the apical segment irregular, broad and apically truncate. The basal portion is elongate Y-shaped (Fig. 54). Specimens are elongate-slender and relatively immaculate with an indistinct apical pale spot (Fig. 51).

Only females were examined for this study and the figures of the male genitalia (Figs 52–54) are redrawn from Braga and Ferreira-Jr. (2009).

Known from north-central Brazil (Fig. 104).

This species does not have a carinate prosternum in either male or female. The prosternal process is longitudinally approximately flat, the lateral margins are subparallel, the apex is pointed. The male mesotibia and the male metafemur and metatrochanter are not noticeably modified (Fig. 60). The male abdominal ventrite VI is unmodified. The male median lobe is robust in lateral aspect, abruptly curved, apically pointed with a distinct ventral expanded angulation and a subapical projecting lobe with the apex elongate pointed (Fig. 56). In ventral aspect it is similarly robust with sinuate lateral margins (Fig. 57). The basal segment of the lateral lobe is small and irregular (Fig. 58). The apical segment is extremely irregular with a prominent transverse apical lobe which is hooked on the ventral apex (Fig. 59). Specimens are robust with maculate elytra (Fig. 55).

Known from lowland Venezuela and French Guiana (Fig. 100).

This species does not have a carinate prosternum in either male or female. The prosternal process is longitudinally slightly impressed, the lateral margins are convergent to the pointed apex. The male mesotibia is basally abruptly curved (Fig. 66). The male metafemur is moderately broad and has a distinct denticle along the ventral margin apically and another near the apex of the trochanter (Fig. 65). Unlike other species, the lateral pronotal margins are not strongly curved (Fig. 61). The male abdominal ventrite VI is unmodified. The male median lobe is deeply bifurcate with each branch narrow and apically broadly expanded and spatulate in ventral aspect (Fig. 63). In lateral aspect the median lobe is narrow and abruptly and evenly curved (Fig. 62). The basal segment of the lateral lobe is very slender and small, and the apical segment is large and broadly round (Fig. 64).

Figures 61–81. 

Bidessodes species. 61–66 B. jucundus 61 dorsal habitus, scale = 1 mm 62 male genitalia 62 median lobe, right lateral aspect 63 median lobe, ventral aspect 64 right lateral lobe, right lateral aspect 65 left metatrochanter and metafemur, anterior aspect, scale = 0.25 mm 66 left mesotrochanter, mesofemur and mesotibia, anterior aspect, scale = 0.25 mm 67–71 B. knischi 67 dorsal habitus, scale = 1 mm 68 male genitalia 68 median lobe, right lateral aspect 69 median lobe, ventral aspect 70 right lateral lobe, right lateral aspect 71 left metatrochanter and metafemur, anterior aspect, scale = 0.25 mm 72–76 B. nessimiani 72 dorsal habitus, scale = 1 mm 73 male genitalia 73 median lobe, right lateral aspect 74 median lobe, ventral aspect 75 right lateral lobe, right lateral aspect 76 left metatrochanter and metafemur, anterior aspect, scale = 0.25 mm 77–81 B. obscuripennis 77 dorsal habitus, scale = 1 mm 78 male genitalia 78 median lobe, right lateral aspect 79 median lobe, ventral aspect 80 right lateral lobe, right lateral aspect 81 left metatrochanter and metafemur, anterior aspect, scale = 0.25 mm.

The species is known from Brazil and Bolivia (Fig. 103). Young (1986) mentioned a potential specimen from Panama, but this seems unlikely.

This species differs from all other species in having the base of the prosternal process distinctly carinate to tectiform in both sexes. In males the ridge anteriorly is flattened and distinctly setose with those setae anteriorly distinctly forked. This species and B. obscuripennis each have the prosternal process basally carinate, at least in males, but they are otherwise rather different. In B. obscuripennis, only males are carinate. The prosternal process is flat and broad, the lateral margins are slightly convergent to the broadly rounded apex. Males of B. knischi have the metaventrite with a prominent transverse groove. The male mesotibia is unmodified. The male metafemur is very broad and rounded (Fig. 71). The male abdominal ventrite VI is distinctly impressed apically. The male genitalia are distinctive. The median lobe in ventral aspect is apically bifid with each branch obliquely bifurcated (Fig. 69). In lateral aspect the median lobe is broadly curved and apically sharply pointed with a distinct expansion along the ventral margin corresponding with the lateral branch of each bifurcation (Fig. 68). The lateral lobe is extremely broad with the apical segment very large and broadly triangular (Fig. 70). Specimens are large and robust with maculate elytra (Fig. 67).

The types were collected from Mato Grosso, Brazil with other specimens collected from lowland areas of South America from Venezuela and Guyana south to Bolivia (Fig. 104).

This species lacks modifications to the prosternum and male metathoracic legs. The prosternal process is approximately parallel sided with the apex rounded. The male mesotibia is bent basally. The male metafemur and metatrochanter are unmodified (Fig. 76). The male abdominal ventrite VI is unmodified. The male median lobe in lateral aspect is basally small and subtriangular with the apical portion slender, sublinear, medially and apically recurved (Fig. 73). In ventral aspect the median lobe is broad with the lateral rami extremely slender, apically slender and pointed obliquely with medial broad emargination (Fig. 74). The lateral lobe in lateral aspect is long and complex. The apical portion is broad, apically truncate and variously and broadly lobed on dorsal and ventral margins. The basal portion is slender and elongate sub-triangular (Fig. 75). Specimens are broad with maculate elytra (Fig. 72).

Known from north-central Brazil (Fig. 102).

The species differs from others in having the prosternal process anteriorly carinate with distinctive setae in males. Females have the prosternal process unmodified. This species and B. knischi each have the prosternal process basally carinate, at least in males, but they are otherwise rather different. The prosternal process is narrow, flat, with the lateral margins slightly convergent to the pointed apex. The metaventrite is not transversely grooved. The male mesotibia is unmodified. The metatrochanter in males is exceptionally large, distinctly offset and prominent apically (Fig. 81). The male abdominal ventrite VI is apically broadly impressed. The male genitalia are also distinctive. In lateral aspect the median lobe is slender and apically abruptly curved (Fig. 78). In ventral aspect the median lobe is deeply bifid, each branch ending in a bifurcation. The medial branch of each bifurcation is sinuate and apically pointed, the lateral branch is broad and apically subtruncate (Fig. 79). The lateral lobe has the apical segment extremely broad and irregularly margined (Fig. 80). Specimens are robust with complex maculae on the elytra (Fig. 77).

Known from Guyana and western Brazil (Fig. 100).

This species lacks a carinate and spinous prosternum in males and females. The prosternal process is narrow, flat, with the lateral margins subparallel with the apex rounded. The male mesotibia, metafemur and metatrochanter are not modified (Fig. 86). The male abdominal ventrite VI is apically impressed. The male median lobe in lateral aspect is evenly curved (Fig. 83). In ventral aspect the median lobe is deeply bifid and broad, with the lateral rami broad and apically slender, sinuate and apically pointed (Fig. 84). The lateral lobe in lateral aspect is apically broadly T-shaped with the dorsal portion of the “T” broadly lobate (Fig. 85). Specimens are elongate-slender with maculate elytra (Fig. 82).

Figures 82–96. 

Bidessodes species. 82–86 B. semistriatus 82 dorsal habitus, scale = 1 mm 83 male genitalia 83 median lobe, right lateral aspect 84 median lobe, ventral aspect 85 right lateral lobe, right lateral aspect 86 left metatrochanter and metafemur, anterior aspect, scale = 0.25 mm 87–91 B. subsignatus 87 dorsal habitus, scale = 1 mm 88 male genitalia 88 median lobe, right lateral aspect 89 median lobe, ventral aspect 90 right lateral lobe, right lateral aspect 91 left metatrochanter and metafemur, anterior aspect, scale = 0.25 mm 92–96 B. zimmermanni 92 dorsal habitus, scale = 1 mm 93 male genitalia 93 median lobe, right lateral aspect 94 median lobe, ventral aspect 95 right lateral lobe, right lateral aspect 96 left metatrochanter and metafemur, anterior aspect, scale = 0.25 mm.

Known from Guyana, Suriname and Brazil (Fig. 100).

This species lacks a carinate and spinous prosternum in either sex. The prosternal process is flat, the lateral margins are slightly convergent to the pointed apex. The male mesotibia is unmodified. The male metafemur and metatrochanter are unmodified (Fig. 91). The male abdominal ventrite VI is deeply indented laterally and apically impressed. The male median lobe in lateral aspect is slender and only slightly curved through most of its length to the apex which is abruptly curved and sharply pointed with a subapical tooth (Fig. 88). In ventral aspect the median lobe is deeply bifid with irregular lateral rami which terminate apically in laterally directed hooks (Fig. 89). The lateral lobe in lateral aspect has a small basal portion with the apical portion moderately large, and apically with a broad dorsally directed rounded lobe (Fig. 90). This is a small species, only about 2 mm in length, with maculate elytra (Fig. 87).

Known from Venezuela, Guyana and Brazil (Fig. 103).

This species lacks a carinate and spinous prosternum in males and females. The terminal visible abdominal ventrite is broadly impressed apically. The male mesofemur is apically somewhat swollen. The male mesotibia is basally bent. The male metatibia and metatrochanter are relatively unmodified (Fig. 96). The male median lobe in lateral aspect is evenly curved, somewhat expanded medially and apically narrowly rounded (Fig. 93). In ventral aspect the median lobe is narrow and apically simple with short setae (Fig. 94). The lateral lobe in lateral aspect has the basal segment short and irregularly sinuate, the apical portion is extremely large, elongate subtriangular and sinuate with the apex sharply pointed (Fig. 95).

This species is only known from Mato Grosso, Brazil (Fig. 103).

Checklist of species in Bidessodes

Bidessodes Régimbart, 1895

B. acharistus Young, 1986

B. charaxinus Young, 1986

B. chlorus sp. n.

B. demarcoi Braga & Ferreira-Jr., 2009

B. elongatus (Sharp, 1882) (Bidessus)

B. erythros sp. n.

B. evanidus Young, 1986

B. fragilis Régimbart, 1900

B. franki (Spangler, 1981) (Youngulus)

B. hamadae Braga & Ferreira-Jr., 2009

B. hygrobius Young, 1986

B. jucundus Young, 1986

B. knischi (Zimmermann, 1921) (Bidessus)

=Hughbosdinius leechi Spangler, 1981

B. leukus sp. n.

B. melas sp. n.

B. nessimiani Braga & Ferreira-Jr., 2009

B. obscuripennis (Zimmermann, 1921) (Bidessus)

B. semistriatus Régimbart, 1900

B. subsignatus (Zimmermann, 1921) (Bidessus)

B. zimmermanni Hájek, 2012

=Bidessus plicatus Zimmermann, 1921

Figures 97–98. 

Distributions of Bidessodes species based on examined specimens and published records.

Figures 99–100. 

Distributions of Bidessodes species based on examined specimens and published records.

Figures 101–102. 

Distributions of Bidessodes species based on examined specimens and published records.

Figures 103–104. 

Distributions of Bidessodes species based on examined specimens and published records.