Pseudogeniates richterianus Ohaus 1910: 180. By monotypy.

The genus Pseudogeniates is a member of the tribe Rutelini. In overall appearance, however, species in the genus Pseudogeniates are similar to species in the genera Geniates (Geniatini) and Anomala (Anomalini). Species in the genus Pseudogeniates can be separated from both of these tribes based on the margin of the elytra that lacks an obvious membranous border (membranous border present at the elytral apex in both Geniatini and Anomalini). Additional characters that separate the Rutelini and Geniatini include: the labrum that is horizontally produced with respect to the clypeus in the Rutelini (vertically produced in the Geniatini) and protarsomeres that are subcylindrical and lacking ventral setose pads (dorsoventrally flattened and densely setose ventrally in the Geniatini). Additional characters that separate the Rutelini and Anomalini include: protibia with inner, protibial spur apical in the Rutelini (inner, apical spur subapical in Anomalini) and terminal spiracle positioned in pleural suture in the Rutelini (terminal spiracle not positioned in pleural suture in Anomalini). For a key to tribes of Rutelinae, see Jameson (1990, 2005).

Ohaus (1915, 1934) placed the genus Pseudogeniates in the tribe Rutelini and subtribe Pelidnotina. Based on morphological data, this subtribe was demonstratively paraphyletic and it was eliminated (Jameson 1998). Soula (2009), without justification or discussion, continued use of this higher-level taxon for the genus. We consider the genus Pseudogeniates to be a member of the tribe Rutelini (without subtribal designation).

Sister group relationships have not been examined for the genus or for species within the genus.

Members of the genus Pseudogeniates differ from other genera in the tribe Rutelini by the following combination of characters: feathery fringe of setae on the ventral edge of the elytra present; elytra obviously striate (Figs 1–3); mesosternal peg lacking; claws simple on all legs (not toothed) (Figs 11–13); frontoclypeal suture incomplete (Figs 16–18); clypeal apex broadly reflexed (Figs 16–18); apex of labrum extending beyond clypeal apex, visible from dorsal view (Fig. 18); apex of mandible with one, apical, recurved tooth (Figs 4, 18); maxillary teeth lacking (Fig. 5).

Species in the genus Pseudogeniates share several characters with Parhomonyx fuscoaeneus Ohaus, a monotypic taxon that is also endemic to southern South America. The following characters are shared: fringe of setae at apex of elytra, mesosternal process lacking, mandible with one external tooth, elytra striate, and claws simple. However, Pseudogeniates differs from Parhomonyx based on the external margin of the mandible that is straight (external margin lobe-like in Parhomonyx), maxillary teeth lacking (maxilla with well developed teeth in Parhomonyx), maxillary palp rod-shaped (broadly elliptical in Parhomonyx), and fifth tarsomere on all legs of males and females lacking an internal tooth (with two well developed internal teeth on the fifth meso- and metatarsomeres of males and females of Parhomonyx).

Length from apex of clypeus to apex of pygidium 12.0–19.0 mm; width at mid-elytra 6.0–11.0 mm. Color: Dorsal and ventral surfaces testaceous to castaneous. Form (Figs 1–3): Elongate oval, sides subparallel, pygidium exposed beyond apices of elytra, apex of elytra broadly rounded. Head (Figs 16–18): Disc of frons and clypeus in lateral view nearly flat, clypeus with margins and apex reflexed. Frons and clypeus variably sculptured, punctate and/or rugose. Frontoclypeal suture weakly indicated, incomplete at middle. Eye canthus weakly cariniform. Interocular width 2.9–4.8 transverse eye diameters. Clypeal apex rounded or quadrate, with or without basolateral constriction, lacking bead; frontal view flat, length (at middle) about 1/3 length of frons, disc variably punctate and setose. Mandible (Fig. 4) with 1 apical, acute, recurved tooth; scissorial region with 1 poorly developed tooth; molar region narrow. Labrum projecting beyond clypeus, trapezoidal, apex emarginate or quadrate; apex moderately emarginate medially, surface moderately densely punctate, punctures moderate in size, some setose (setae moderately long and short, rufous). Maxilla (Fig. 5) lacking teeth; galea fused or not, with moderately dense, moderately long setae and with 1 to 2 long, bristle-like seta on disc; terminal segment of palpus with dorsal, longitudinal sulcus from based to sub-apex. Mentum (Figs 8–10) rectangular, trapezoidal, or pentagonal, inner apex produced anteriorly or not, with or without inner shelf. Antenna 9 or 10-segmented with 3-segmented club; club subequal in length to segments 1–7 combined or slightly longer than segments 1–7 combined. Pronotum: Widest at middle, apical angles obtuse, basal angles obtuse. Dorsal surface punctate, rugopunctate, or imbricate, with or without median line. Bead complete anteriorly, laterally, and basally. Margin sparsely setose (setae short, rufous). Scutellum: Parabolic, wider than long; base declivous at elytral base. Wing: Dense, thick setae present anterior to RA3+4 to apex; ScA with dense, thick setae near fold, lacking precostal pegs; AA1+2 shorter than AA3+4 (Fig. 7). Mesepimeron: Apex entirely hidden by base of elytra in dorsal and lateral views. Elytra: Variably sculptured with longitudinal, punctate striae; punctures variable. Sutural stria sulcate, impressed from base of scutellum to apex. Epipleuron from base to mid-metacoxa with shelf and associated setae; epipleuron from mid-metacoxa to apex beaded and with associated setae. Apex of elytra weakly rounded; sutural apex spiniform, rounded, or square. Elytral sutural length about 6.5 times length of scutellum. Propygidium: Hidden beneath elytra. Pygidium: Semitriangular, about twice as wide as long at middle; variably sculptured, punctate, shagreened, or weakly rugose. Margins beaded. Apex rounded. Apical bead with moderately long to long setae; setae tawny to rufous or testaceous. Venter: Prosternal keel triangular; apex projecting anteroventrally at about 35° with respect to ventral plane; apex produced to level of protrochanter, blunt; surface flat (lacking protuberance). Mesometasternal keel lacking. Sternites 1–4 subequal in length in male and female, sternites 5–6 about twice length of sternite 4. In lateral view, male sternites flat, female sternites weakly convex. Last sternite with apex quadrate in male, posteriorly rounded in female. Legs: Protibia (male and female) with width at base 1/3^rd to 1/4^th greater than width at apex (Figs 11–13), inner base with weak Protibial notch, with 3 external teeth in apical half (2 apical teeth removed from basal tooth external teeth or not); spur present, subapical. Modified foreclaw of male (Fig. 11) about 3 times width of unmodified claw, not toothed, inner apical tooth present at apex, small. Foreclaws of female simple, internal claw slightly wider than outer claw. Unguitractor plate laterally flattened, exposed beyond tarsomere 5; apex with 0–1 moderately long setae. Mesotibia with sides subparallel, apex weakly divergent; external edge with 2 carinae; inner apex with 2 spurs; apex with 10–20 spinulae. Meso- and metatarsomere 4 apicomedially with 4 medial spinulae (male) or 2 medial spinulae and 1 seta-like long spinule laterad of each medial spinula (female). Meso- and metatarsal claws of male and female simple, internal claw slightly wider than outer claw. Metarsomere 1 moderately divergent at middle and apex (male and female). Metatrochanter with apex weakly produced beyond posterior border of femur. Metacoxal corner (female) rounded or square. Metatibia (Figs 14–15) with sides subparallel, divergent towards apex; external edge with 1–2 carinae; inner apex with 2 spurs; inner apex with 25–40 short, stout spinulae. Spiculum gastrale: Y-shaped, lacking associated sclerites (Fig. 6). Parameres and phallobase: Plates fused dorsally/ventrally (not laterally). Dorsal plate symmetrical, apex rounded and with or without two apical, rounded teeth (Figs 19–21); not diagnostic for species. Ventral plate elongate (as long as dorsal plate or ½ length of dorsal plate), apex acute, quadrate, or rounded; diagnostic, species specific (Figs 19–21). Parameres slightly longer than phallobase. Female Genitalia: Gonocoxites subquadrate with sparse setae; not diagnostic for species.

The genus Pseudogeniates is composed of three species that are distributed entirely in Argentina (Fig. 22). Species are associated with arid areas of the Pampa, Espinal, Chaco, and Monte eco-regions in Argentina.

Very little is known of the biology of the species in the genus. Males and females are attracted to lights at night. Based on the extreme wear on the protibia of some specimens, individuals probably are associated with soil and use their front appendages for digging.

The name Pseudogeniates (“the false Geniates”) refers to the similarity in form to some species in the ruteline genus Geniates.

(Males: Protarsus with inner claw enlarged [Fig. 11]; abdomen ventrally flat or concave. Females: Protarsus with inner claw not enlarged, similar in size to outer claw [Figs 12–13]; abdomen ventrally swollen or weakly convex.)

Holotype male, from Ohaus’s type series of Pseudogeniates intermedius, at ZMHB labeled: a) “Argentina S. d. Cordoba J. Hubrich S.” (typeset, white label), b) male symbol, c) “Pseudogeniates intermedius cotype Ohs.” (Ohaus’s handwritten, red label), d) “SYNTYPUS Pseudogeniates intermedius Ohaus, 1914 labelled by MNHUS 2007” (typeset, red label), f) “Paralectotype 2009 Pseudogeniates intermedius Oh. Soula det.” (typeset and handwritten, red label), g) “Holotype 2009 Pseudogeniates cordobaensis Soula Soula” (handwritten and typeset, red label). Soula (2009) based the description on one male specimen.

(based on 10 males and 17 females). Length 13.8-17.0 mm. Widest width 6.8-8.0 mm. Color: Dorsum, venter, and appendages rufous-castaneous (Fig. 1). Head (Fig. 16): Frons densely punctate to confluently punctate (mid-disc), rugopunctate laterally and apically; punctures small and moderately large, mixed. Clypeus with dorsal surface densely punctate to confluently punctate (mid-disc), rugopunctate laterally and apically, punctures small and large (mixed), some setose; setae short to moderate, rufous, sparse; shape broadly semicircular, apex and sides broadly reflexed, with or without constriction basolaterally; disc (frontal view) densely rugopunctate, punctures small and large, mixed, some setose (setae short to moderately long, rufous, sparse). Labrum setose; setae moderately long and short, rufous. Maxilla (Fig. 5) with galea distinct, with 1 elongate, bristle-like, medial seta. Mentum (Fig. 8) nearly as long as wide or slightly longer than wide, form pentagonal, inner apex projects anteriorly, with inner shelf. Antenna 10-segmented with 3 segmented club; club slightly longer than stem. Pronotum: Medial line obsolete. Surface (disc and mediolaterally) moderately densely imbricate with sparse, short, testaceous setae. Margin with short, rufous setae. Elytra: Sutural stria impressed from base of scutellum to apex. Elytral apex weakly spiniform or quadrate. Discal striae weakly impressed, punctate; 5 on disc mesad of humerus, 5 laterad of humerus; discal stria 1 (adjacent to sutural stria) extending from base to apical umbone; striae 2-3 and 4-5 paired, extending from near base to apical umbone, stria 5 faintly impressed and incomplete; humeral striae 1-4 faintly impressed, incomplete, indicated by shallow punctures, stria 5 moderately impressed, extending from base of metacoxa to subapex; small to moderate in size, some longitudinal (Fig. 5). Intervals with moderately dense, random punctures, punctures minute to moderate in size; interval 1 broader than others. Pygidium: Disc and apex sparsely punctate; base and sides moderately densely imbricate, nearly obsolete; punctures minute to small. Legs: Protarsomere 5 of male subequal to tarsomeres 2-4. Modified proclaw of male subequal in length to tarsomeres 2-4; internoapical tooth present. Protibia (Fig. 11) (male and female) with teeth evenly separated; basal 1/3 weakly dilated (male) or moderately dilated (female). Mesotibia (male) with sides subparallel, weakly divergent towards apex (male) or weakly divergent (female); apex oblique with 10-11 moderately long spinulae; external edge with weak carina in basal 1/3, 1 carina in apical 1/3. Metatrochanter (male) weakly produced beyond posterior border of femur. Metacoxal corner square (female). Metacoxa at middle weakly produced posteriorly. Metatibia of male (Fig. 14) with sides subparallel, weakly divergent towards apex; external edge with 1 carina in basal 1/3 (faint), 1 carina in apical 1/3 (faint); apex without corbel, with 2 inner spurs (spurs equal in width in male, weakly curved at apex), inner apex with 28 short, stout spinulae. Metatibia of female divergent at apical 1/5; external edge with 1 carina in basal 1/3, 1 carina in apical 1/3; apex without corbel, with 2 inner spurs, inner apex with 28 short, stout spinulae. Parameres: Ventral plate nearly as long as dorsal plate with sides converging to a quadrate apex (Fig. 19).

Pseudogeniates cordobaensis is separated from other species in the genus by the pentagonal form of the mentum (width subequal to length) that has the inner apex projecting anteriorly and has an inner shelf (Fig. 8). In comparison, the form of mentum is longer than wide in Pseudogeniates intermedius and Pseudogeniates richterianus (Figs 9-10). In Pseudogeniates intermedius, the inner apex of the mentum does not project anteriorly, but does possess an inner shelf (Fig. 9); in Pseudogeniates richterianus, the inner apex projects anteriorly, but does not possess an inner shelf (Fig. 10). The ventral plate of the male parameres in Pseudogeniates cordob-aensis is nearly as long as dorsal plate with sides converging to a quadrate apex (Fig. 19). The ventral plate of Pseudogeniates richterianus is about half the length of the dorsal plate (Fig. 21), whereas in Pseudogeniates intermedius the ventral plate is nearly as long as the dorsal plate, but the sides converge with a weak constriction preapically and a rounded apex (Fig. 20).

(Fig. 22). Pseudogeniates cordobaensis is distributed in the Monte de Sierras y Bolsones in the Monte eco-region in Argentina. The distribution of this species coincides with the Montane Forest region (Navarro et al. 2009) and the Yungas Forest area of endemism in Argentina (Szumik et al. 2012).

27 specimens from IAZA, WSUC, and ZMHB. ARGENTINA (27): CATAMARCA (26): Salar de Pipanaco, Pío Brizuela (37 km S Andalgalá, 27°49'34"S, 66°14'47"W, 751 m), Quirós (2 km S on RN 157, 28°48'43.3"S, 65°06'22.6"W), CÓRDOBA (1): Huerta Grande (Sierra de Córdoba).

December (9).

The holotype specimen for this species was part of the type series for Pseudogeniates intermedius, a series that included three specimens from Santiago del Estero and one specimen (=Pseudogeniates cordobaensis) from Huerta Grande in the Sierra de Cordóba, Córdoba Province (Ohaus 1914).

This species is attracted to black lights. It was recorded from an elevation of 751 m.

Type material (3 males, 1 female) at ZMHB. Lectotype male labeled: a) “ARGENTINA Santiago d E. Wagner” (typeset, white label), b) male genitalia card-mounted, c) mouthparts card-mounted, d) “Typus!” (typeset, red label), e) “Pseudogeniates intermedius Ohs.” (Ohaus’ handwritten, red label), f) “SYNTYPUS Pseudogeniates intermedius Ohaus, 1914 labelled by MNHUS 2007” (typeset, red label), g) “Lectotype 2009 Pseudogeniates intermedius Oh. Soula” (typeset and handwritten, red label). Paralectotype female labeled: a) “ARGENTINA Santiago del Estero” (typeset, white label), b) female symbol, c) mouthparts card-mounted, d) “Pseudogeniates intermedius cotype Ohs.” (Ohaus’ handwritten, red label), e) “SYNTYPUS Pseudogeniates intermedius Ohaus, 1914 labelled by MNHUS 2007” (typeset, red label), f) “Paralectotype 2009 Pseudogeniates intermedius Oh. Soula det.” (typeset and handwritten, red label), g) “Alloréférent Pseudogeniates intermedius M. SOULA det 19” (handwritten and typeset, white label with scribed red boarder), h) “Paralectotype 2009 Pseudogeniates intermedius Oh. Soula det.” (typeset and handwritten, red label). A second male paralectotype labeled: a) “MUSEUM PARIS PROV. DE SANTIAGO del Estero Barrancas Banados de Rio Dulce, 80 kil. O. d’Icano E.R. WAGNER 1909”, b) “Pseudogeniates intermedius cotype Ohs.” (Ohaus’ handwritten, red label), c) “SYNTYPUS Pseudogeniates intermedius Ohaus, 1914 labelled by MNHUS 2007” (typeset, red label), d) “Paralectotype 2009 Pseudogeniates intermedius Oh. Soula det.” (typeset and handwritten, red label). An additional paralectotype from Córdoba is the holotype specimen for Pseudogeniates cordobaensis Soula (see treatment for Pseudogeniates cordobaensis). Ohaus (1914) stated that he described the species based on four specimens: two males and one female from Santiago del Estero (Wagner collection) and one male from Sierra de Córdoba.

(based on 2 males and 1 female). Length 14.0–15.7 mm. Widest width 7.5–9.0 mm. Color: Dorsum, venter, and appendages rufotestaceous to castaneous (Fig. 2). Head (Fig. 17): Frons densely, confluently punctate or rugopunctate; punctures small and moderately large, mixed. Clypeus with dorsal surface densely punctate, confluently punctate or rugopunctate, punctures small and large, mixed; clypeal shape broadly semicircular, apex and sides broadly reflexed, with or without constriction basolaterally; disc (frontal view) with surface densely rugopunctate, punctures small and large, mixed, some setose (setae short to moderately long, rufous, sparse). Labrum with setae moderately long and short, rufous. Maxilla with galea fused, with 1 or 2 elongate bristle-like, medial, setae. Mentum (Fig. 9) longer than wide, form subtrapezoidal (base broader than apex), inner apex not projecting anteriorly, with inner shelf. Antenna 10-segmented with 3 segmented club; club subequal to stem. Pronotum: Medial line obsolete (male) or weakly indicated (female). Surface (disc) moderately densely imbricate with sparse, short, testaceous setae; surface (mediolaterally) moderately densely rugopunctate, punctures minute and small. Margin with setae short, testaceous. Elytra: Elytral apex rounded or quadrate (not spiniform). Discal striae punctate; 5 on disc mesad of humerus, 5 laterad of humerus; discal stria 1 (adjacent to sutural stria) extending from base to apical umbone; striae 2-3 and 4-5 paired, extending from near base to apical umbone; humeral stria 1 incomplete (extending from mid-elytron to near apical umbone), stria 2 extending from humerus to near apical umbone, striae 3-4 extending from base of metacoxa to near apical umbone (indicated by punctures, not sulcate), stria 5 poorly indicated, extending from base of metacoxa to subapex (indicated by punctures near base, sulcate near apex); punctures small, some longitudinal. Intervals with moderately dense, random punctures, some transversely wrinkled (on disc), punctures small; interval 1 broader than others. Pygidium: Disc and apex moderately densely punctate, some transverse; base and sides closely, weakly rugulose; punctures minute to small. Legs: Protarsomere 5 of male subequal to tarsomeres 2-4. Modified foreclaw of male subequal in length to tarsomeres 2-4; internoapical tooth present. Protibia (male and female) with external teeth evenly separated; basal 1/3 weakly dilated (male) or moderately dilated (female) (e.g., Figs 11-13). Mesotibia (male) with sides subparallel, weakly divergent towards apex; apex oblique with 8-11 moderately long spinulae; external edge with weak carina in basal 1/3, 1 carina in apical 1/3. Metatrochanter (male and female) weakly produced beyond posterior border of femur. Metacoxal corner square (female). Metacoxa at middle weakly produced posteriorly. Metatibia (male) with sides subparallel, apex weakly divergent; external edge with 1 carina in basal 1/3, 1 carina in apical 1/3; apex without corbel, with 2 inner spurs (spurs equal in width in male, with a weak curve at apex), inner apex with 21-25 short, stout spinulae. Metatibia (female) greatly divergent at apical 1/5; external edge with 1 carina in basal 1/3, 1 carina in apical 1/3; apex without corbel, with 2 inner spurs, inner apex with 28 short, stout spinulae. Parameres: Ventral plate nearly as long as dorsal plate but the sides converge with a weak constriction preapically and a rounded apex (Fig. 20).

Pseudogeniates intermedius is known from only three specimens. It is separated from other species in the genus by the form of the mentum (Fig. 9) and the form of the male parameres (Fig. 20). It is distinguished from Pseudogeniates cordobaensis by the form of the mentum (longer than wide and subtrapezoidal in Pseudogeniates intermedius [Fig. 9]; length subequal to width and pentagonal in Pseudogeniates cordobaensis [Fig. 8]) and apex of the ventral plate of the male parameres (with a weak constriction preapically and a rounded apex in Pseudogeniates intermedius [Fig. 20]; lacking preapical constriction and with quadrate apex in Pseudogeniates cordobaensis [Fig. 19]). It is separated from Pseudogeniates richterianus by the apex of the mentum (with an inner shelf in Pseudogeniates intermedius; lacking inner shelf in Pseudogeniates richterianus [Fig. 9 versus Fig. 10]) and length of the ventral plate of the male parameres (nearly as long as dorsal plate in Pseudogeniates intermedius [Fig. 20]; half length of dorsal plate in Pseudogeniates richterianus [Fig. 21]).

(Fig. 22). Pseudogeniates intermedius is distributed in the Chaco-seco eco-region in Argentina.

3 specimens from ZMHB. ARGENTINA (3): SANTIAGO DEL ESTERO (3): Barrancas (Bañados de Río Dulce, 80 km W. d’Icaño), No data.

December (1).

This species is known from two male specimens and one female specimen, and the natural history is not known.

Ohaus (1914) distinguished Pseudogeniates intermedius from Pseudogeniates richterianus based on the 10-segmented antenna (versus 9-segmented in Pseudogeniates richterianus), the “front corners” of the clypeus (rounded in Pseudogeniates richterianus versus absent in Pseudogeniates intermedius), and elytral coloration (brownish-red color in Pseudogeniates intermedius versus reddish-yellow in Pseudogeniates richterianus). Based on our examination of specimens, these characters are highly variable and are not reliable for identification. Coloration varies within species (from testaceous to castaneous), form of the clypeus varies, and antennae vary from 9 to 10 segments. However, characters provided in our “Diagnosis” are sufficient to separate Pseudogeniates intermedius and Pseudogeniates richterianus.

Two female co-types examined at ZMHB. Female lectotype labeled: a) “ARGENTINA Buenos Aires XII.08 H.R.” (typeset and handwritten on upperside and underside of white label), b) “Pseudogeniates Richteri cotype Ohs.” (Ohaus’ handwritten, red label), c) “SYNTYPUS Pseudogeniates richterianus Ohaus, 1910 labelled by MNHUB 2007” (typeset, red label), d) “Lectotype 2009 Pseudogeniates Richterianus Oh. Soula” (typeset and handwritten, red label). Paralectotype female labeled: a) “Rep. Argentina Prov. Santa Fe, R. Richter”, b) female symbol, c) mouthparts card-mounted, d) “Typus!” (typeset, red label), e) “Pseudogeniates Richterianus Oh.” (Ohaus’ handwritten, red label), f) “SYNTYPUS Pseudogeniates richterianus Ohaus, 1910 labelled by MNHUB 2007” (typeset, red label), d) “Lectotype 2009 Pseudogeniates Richterianus Oh. Soula det.” (typeset and handwritten, red label). The paralectotype has the head, thorax, and abdomen glued together. It is, in fact, a chimera with the head of Parhomonyx fuscoaneus and body of Pseudogeniates richterianus. Ohaus (1910) stated that he described the species based on three female specimens from Santa Fé, Argentina (Hans Richter collection) and Buenos Aires. The location of one specimen is not known.

(based on 4 males and 22 females). Length 12.0–18.4 mm. Widest width 7.8–10.0 mm. Color: Dorsum, venter, and appendages rufotestaceous to castaneous (Fig. 3). Head (Fig. 18): Frons moderately densely punctate or rugopunctate; punctures small and moderately large, mixed. Clypeus with dorsal surface weakly rugopunctate, punctures small and large, mixed; shape broadly rounded apically and laterally or subquadrate, with or without constriction basolaterally, apex and sides broadly reflexed; disc (frontal view) moderately densely punctate or rugopunctate, punctures small and large, mixed, some setose (setae short, testaceous, sparse). Labrum with setae moderately long and short, testaceous. Maxilla with galea not fused, with 1-2 moderately long, bristle-like medial setae. Mentum (Fig. 10) longer than wide, rectangular, inner apex projecting anteriorly, without inner shelf. Antenna 9 or 10-segmented with 3-segmented club; club subequal to or slightly longer than stem. Pronotum: Medial line weakly impressed or obsolete. Surface (disc) moderately densely punctate (mid-disc), rugopunctate, or imbricate; punctures small to moderate. Margin with setae moderately long, testaceous. Elytra: Elytral apex rounded, quadrate, or with obtuse angle. Discal stiae, sulcate-punctate; 5 on disc mesad of humerus, 5 laterad of humerus; discal stria 1 (adjacent to sutural stria) extending from base to apex, stiae 2-6 extending from near base to apical umbone; humeral stria 1 incomplete (extending from mid-elytron to near apical umbone), stria 2 extending from humerus to near apical umbone, striae 3-4 extending from base of metacoxa to near apical umbone (indicated by punctures, not sulcate), stria 5 extending from base of metacoxa to subapex (indicated by punctures near base, sulcate near apex); punctures small to moderate in size, some longitudinal. Intervals with moderately dense, random punctures, some transversely wrinkled (on disc), punctures small to moderate in size; interval 1 subequal in width to other intervals. Pygidium: Disc and apex moderately densely punctate or transversely rugopunctate; base and sides closely, rugopunctate or weakly rugose; punctures small. Legs: Protarsomere 5 of male slightly longer than tarsomeres 2-4. Modified foreclaw of male slightly longer than tarsomeres 2-4; internoapical tooth present. Protibia with external teeth often worn; 2 apical teeth removed from basal tooth; basal 1/3 weakly dilated (male; Fig. 12) or moderately dilated (female; Fig. 13). Mesotibia with sides subparallel, apex weakly divergent and weakly oblique; external edge with weak carina in basal 1/3, 1 carina in apical 1/3; apex with 8-14 short spinulae. Metatrochanter weakly produced beyond posterior border of femur. Metacoxal corner (female) rounded, with or without inner tooth. Metacoxa at middle not produced posteriorly. Metatibia (male) with sides subparallel, apex moderately divergent in apical 1/3; external edge with 1 carina in basal 1/4, 1 carina in apical 1/4; apex without corbel, with 2 inner spurs (spurs equal in width in male), inner apex with 28-35 short, stout spinulae. Metatibia (female; Fig. 15) greatly divergent at apical 1/4; external edge with 1 carina in basal 1/3, 1 carina in apical 1/3; apex without corbel, with 2 inner spurs, inner apex with 28-35 short, stout spinulae. Parameres: Ventral plate half length of dorsal plate (Fig. 21).

Pseudogeniates richterianus is a highly variable species. Variation is observed in the antenna (9- or 10-segmented), labrum (weakly or moderately emarginated), length of antennal club (subequal to slightly longer then the stem), elytral apex (spiniform, quadrate, rounded, or obtusely angled), pronotal medial line (weak or obsolete), and form of the clypeus. However, several characters reliably separate this species from others in the genus. Pseudogeniates richterianus is separated from Pseudogeniates intermedius and Pseudogeniates cordobaensis by the form of the mentum (rectangular and without inner shelf in Pseudogeniates richterianus [Fig. 10]; subtrapezoidal and with inner shelf in Pseudogeniates intermedius [Fig. 9]; pentagonal and nearly as wide as long in Pseudogeniates cordobaensis [Fig. 8]), ventral plate of the parameres (half length of the dorsal plate in Pseudogeniates richterianus [Fig. 21]; nearly as long as dorsal plate in Pseudogeniates intermedius and Pseudogeniates cordobaensis [Figs 20 and 19, respectively]), metacoxal corner in female (rounded in Pseudogeniates richterianus; square in Pseudogeniates intermedius and in Pseudogeniates cordobaensis), and posterior margin of the metacoxa (not produced posteriorly in Pseudogeniates richterianus; produced posteriorly in Pseudogeniates intermedius and Pseudogeniates cordobaensis).

(Fig. 22). Pseudogeniates richterianus is the most wide-spread species in the genus. It is distributed in the Pampa, Espinal, and Monte de Llanuras y Mesetas (Monte) eco-regions in Argentina.

26 specimens deposited in CMNC, FMNH, IAZA, MACN, MLJC, UCCC, and ZMHB. ARGENTINA (26): BUENOS AIRES (16): Caballito, Dept. Puán, No data. MENDOZA (7): Lavalle (Brazo S. Río San Juan Area San Miguel 32°20'7"S, 68°26'57.9"W, 500 m), San Rafael, No data. NEUQUEN (1): No data. RIO NEGRO (1): Villa Regina. SAN JUAN (1): Los Berros (Dept. Sarmiento). SANTA FE (1): Rosario.

November (5), January (3), February (1).

Based on specimens in collections, there is a female sex bias in this species (24 females: 4 males). Many specimens (male and female) have worn protibiae (Fig. 13), indicating that adults dig in abrasive soil. Label data indicate that this species was collected at mercury vapor light and at 500 m elevation.

Ohaus (1914) distinguished Pseudogeniates richterianus from Pseudogeniates intermedius based characters that vary within the species (see “Remarks” for P. intermedius), including number of antennal segments, form of the clypeus, and coloration. Although these characters are unreliable for diagnosis of the species, we provide characters that are useful (see “Diagnosis”). Ohaus (1910) named the species in honor of Herr Hans Richter from Buenos Aires.