Review of Canadian species of the genus Mocyta Mulsant &amp; Rey (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae), with the description of a new species and a new synonymy

Jan Klimaszewski; Reginald P. Webster; Caroline Bourdon; Georges Pelletier; Benoit Godin; David W. Langor

doi:10.3897/zookeys.487.9151

Research Article

Review of Canadian species of the genus Mocyta Mulsant & Rey (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae), with the description of a new species and a new synonymy

Jan Klimaszewski^‡, Reginald P. Webster^§, Caroline Bourdon^‡, Georges Pelletier^‡, Benoit Godin^|, David W. Langor^¶

‡ Natural Resources Canada, Quebec, Canada

§ Unaffiliated, Charters Settlement, Canada

| Unaffiliated, Whitehorse, Canada

¶ Natural Resources Canada, Edmonton, Canada

Corresponding author: Jan Klimaszewski ( jklimaszewski@cfl.forestry.ca )

Academic editor: Volker Assing

This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Citation: Klimaszewski J, Webster RP, Bourdon C, Pelletier G, Godin B, Langor DW (2015) Review of Canadian species of the genus Mocyta Mulsant & Rey (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae), with the description of a new species and a new synonymy. ZooKeys 487: 111-139. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.487.9151

ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1B03F7CD-1A58-44F6-8ADD-209E7D34BB2D

Abstract

Six species of the genus Mocyta Mulsant & Rey are reported from Canada: Mocyta amblystegii (Brundin), M. breviuscula (Mäklin), M. discreta (Casey), M. fungi (Gravenhorst), M. luteola (Erichson), and M. sphagnorum Klimaszewski & Webster, sp. n. New provincial and state records include: M. breviuscula – Saskatchewan and Oregon; M. discreta – Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan; M. luteola – New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Massachusetts and Minnesota; and M. fungi – Saskatchewan. Mocyta sphagnorum is described from eastern Canada from specimens captured in Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario. Mocyta negligens Mulsant and Rey, a native European species suspected of occurring in Canada, is excluded from the Nearctic fauna based on comparison of European types with similarly coloured Canadian specimens, which are now identified as M. luteola. The European species, Mocyta gilvicollis (Scheerpeltz), is synonymized with another European nominal species, M. negligens, based on examination of type material of the two species. Lectotypes are designated for Eurypronota discreta Casey, Atheta gilvicollis Scheerpeltz, Homalota luteola Erichson, Colpodota negligens Mulsant and Rey, Acrotona prudens Casey and Dolosota redundans Casey. The latter species is here synonymized with M. luteola. A review of the six Nearctic species is provided, including keys to species and closely related genera, colour habitus images, images of genitalia, biological information and maps of their distributions in Canada.

Keywords

Coleoptera , Staphylinidae , Aleocharinae , Mocyta , taxonomy, Canada

Introduction

There has been considerable confusion about the taxonomic status of the genus Mocyta Mulsant & Rey, 1874. Species have historically been assigned to many genera including Atheta Thomson, 1858, Acrotona Thomson, 1859, Colpodota Mulsant & Rey, 1873, Dolosota Casey, 1910, Eurypronota Casey, 1894, and Homalota Mannerheim, 1830. Seevers (1978) included Mocyta fungi, and other groups with the pronotal hypomeron strongly deflexed and not visible in lateral view, within the genus Acrotona. Casey (1894, 1910) did not formally recognize Mocyta as a distinct genus and described several species of Mocyta and Acrotona in the genera Eurypronota Casey and Dolosota Casey. Lohse and Smetana (1985) examined types of Homalota breviuscula Mäklin from Sitka, Alaska and assigned the species to Mocyta as a subgenus of Atheta. This species was later recorded as Mocyta breviuscula from eastern Canada by Klimaszewski et al. (2005, 2007a, 2008), Webster et al. (2009), and Majka and Klimaszewski (2010). Lohse et al. (1990) recognized Mocyta as a distinct genus and reported M. amblystegii (Brundin) for the first time from northwestern North America, confirming it as a holarctic species. An adventive Palaearctic species, M. fungi (Gravenhorst), is now broadly distributed in Canada and the USA (Muona 1984, Gusarov 2003, McLean et al. 2009, Klimaszewski et al. 2011, 2013).

We believe that species of Mocyta constitute a monophyletic evolutionary lineage defined by the shape of the spermatheca, antennal and pronotal structure, and pubescence and punctation patterns. The genus is externally similar to Acrotona, Strigota and Atheta, sharing with the two former genera a strongly deflexed hypomeron on the pronotum, which is not visible in lateral view. Molecular studies by Elven et al. (2012) clearly treat Mocyta as a taxon of generic rank within the clade of Athetini. The purpose of this paper is to review all Canadian species of Mocyta and to provide modern tools and illustrations for their proper identification. Mocyta species are often abundant in forest litter samples and may be used as indicators of forest health.

Material and methods

Approximately 1000 adults of the genus Mocyta from Canada were studied, and most specimens were dissected to examine the genitalic structures that were dehydrated in absolute alcohol, mounted in Canada balsam on celluloid microslides, and pinned with the specimens from which they originated. Images of the entire body and the genital structures were taken using an image processing system (Nikon SMZ 1500 stereoscopic microscope; Nikon Digit-like Camera DXM 1200F, and Adobe Photoshop software).

Morphological terms mainly follow those used by Seevers (1978), Ashe (2000), and Klimaszewski et al. (2011). The ventral side of the median lobe of the aedeagus is considered to be the side of the bulbus containing the foramen mediale, the entrance of the ductus ejaculatorius, and the adjacent ventral side of the tubus of the median lobe with internal sac and its structures (this part is referred to as the parameral side in some recent publications); the opposite side is referred to as the dorsal part. In the species descriptions, microsculpture refers to the surface of the upper forebody (head, pronotum and elytra).

The structure of antennae, body proportions including size, shape and convexity of pronotum, density of punctures on the forebody, and the shape of the spermatheca, particularly that of the capsule with apical invagination, provide the best diagnostic characteristics for species of Mocyta. The shape of the median lobe of the aedeagus is generally similar in all species of Mocyta occurring in Canada, except for some structures of the internal sac, but several features differ among species, including: the shape of sternite VIII and the form of its basal suture (antecostal suture); the distance between the antecostal suture and the base of the disc; and the shape of the apical part of the disc. In addition, there is great diversity in the form of the spermathecal stem and particularly its posterior part with variable coils and twists within the same species.

Depository/institutional abbreviations

AAFC Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Atlantic Cool Climate Crop Research Centre, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

BGC Benoit Godin Collection, Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada.

CNC Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

CCL Centre de Conservation et d’Etude des Collections Musée des Confluences, Lyon, France.

LFC Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Laurentian Forestry Centre, R. Martineau Insectarium, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.

NHMV Natural History Museum, Vienna, Austria.

RWC Reginald Webster Collection, Charters Settlement, New Brunswick, Canada.

USNM United States National Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., USA.

ZMB Zoological Museum of Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.

ZML Museum of Zoology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.

ZMH Zoological Museum Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Checklist of Canadian Mocyta species

New jurisdictional records are indicated in bold type.

I. Mocyta amblystegii species group

1) Mocyta amblystegii (Brundin, 1952), Holarctic. Canada: YT, NT, NU; USA: AK.

2) Mocyta breviuscula (Mäklin, 1852), Nearctic. Canada: YT, BC, AB, SK, ON, QC, NB, NS, LB, NF; USA: OR, AK.

3) Mocyta fungi (Gravenhorst, 1806), Palaearctic, adventive in North America, cosmopolitan in many regions of the world. Canada: YT, NU, BC, AB, SK, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, LB, NF; USA: AK.

II. Mocyta luteola species group

4) Mocyta luteola (Erichson, 1839), Nearctic, new Canadian record. Canada: NB, QC, ON; USA: IN, MA, MN, NY, WI.

III. Mocyta discreta species group

5) Mocyta discreta (Casey, 1894), Nearctic, new Canadian record. Canada: QC, ON; USA: IA, MN.

6) Mocyta sphagnorum Klimaszewski & Webster, sp. n. Canada: NF, NB, QC, ON.

Distribution

Each species is cited with its currently known distribution in Canada and USA. Data for distribution map (Canada only) were extracted from specimens in collections. Geographic coordinates were standardized using the NAD83 datum, and maps projected onto a Lambert Conic Conformal using ESRI ArcMap version 10 for Windows. The following abbreviations are used in the text for Canadian provinces and territories:

AB – Alberta, BC – British Columbia, LB – Labrador, MB – Manitoba, NB – New Brunswick, NF – Newfoundland (island), NS – Nova Scotia, NT – Northwest Territories, NU – Nunavut, ON – Ontario, PE – Prince Edward Island, QC – Quebec, SK – Saskatchewan, YT – Yukon Territory.

USA state abbreviations follow those of the USA Postal Service.

Taxonomic review

Tribe Athetini Casey, 1910

Key distinguishing Mocyta, Acrotona and Strigota

[Canadian genera with pronotal hypomeron not visible in lateral view]

1	Antennae thick, articles V-X more or less transverse (Fig. 1a); body narrowly elongate, densely punctate, particularly on abdomen, dorsal surface with fine white pilose pubescence (Fig. 1a); pronotum approximately as broad as maximum width of elytra (Fig. 1a); tergite VIII in both sexes with the basal line (antecostal suture) joining the base of tergite (Figs 1d, g), and not the sides of the disc as in other aleocharines; apical margin of female sternite VIII with row of strong microsetae on its dorsal side (Fig. 1h)	Strigota Casey
–	Antennae in most specimens thin, articles V-X subquadrate or slightly transverse (Figs 2a–8a); body broadly to narrowly elongate, moderately densely punctate, pubescence different (Figs 2a–8a); pronotum often broader than maximum width of elytra; tergite VIII in both sexes with the basal line joining sides of the disc (Figs 2d, g, 3e, i); apical margin of female sternite VIII with less strongly developed apical microsetae (Figs 3j, 4h)	2
2	Antennae very thin and pale, in most specimens contrasting in colour with head, articles V-X subquadrate, transverse to slightly elongate (Figs 3a–8a, e); pronotum broad and shield-shaped, often broader than maximum width of elytra, pubescence moderately dense and directed straight posteriad or obliquely posterolaterad from midline of disc (Figs 3a–8a, e); abdomen gradually narrowed apically and broadly rounded posteriorly; spermatheca with capsule hemispherical or elongate and sac-shaped with usually small apical invagination and short neck, stem thin and regularly or irregularly coiled posteriorly (Figs 3g, h, 4f, 5d–h, 6e–g, 7e, 8f)	Mocyta Mulsant & Rey
–	Antennae normally developed and not appearing very thin, usually not strongly contrasting in colour with head (Fig. 2a); pronotum subquadrate to transverse, approximately as wide as elytra, pubescence usually very dense and directed lateroposteriad from midline of disc (Fig. 2a); abdomen tapering apically and often slightly pointed; spermatheca differently shaped, capsule more or less spherical and extended to elongate neck, stem broader than that in Mocyta, regularly coiled posteriorly and often with swelled apex (Fig. 2f)	Acrotona Thomson

Figures 1a–h.

Strigota ambigua (Erichson): 1a habitus in dorsal view 1b median lobe of aedeagus in lateral view 1c median lobe of aedeagus in ventral view 1d male tergite VIII 1e male sternite VIII 1f spermatheca 1g female tergite VIII 1h female sternite VIII. Figures 1b–h after Gusarov 2003, slightly modified. Scale bar for habitus = 1 mm, and the remaining scale bars = 0.2 mm.

Figures 2a–h.

Acrotona subpygmaea (Bernhauer): 2a habitus in dorsal view 2b median lobe of aedeagus in lateral view 2c median lobe of aedeagus in dorsal view 2d male tergite VIII 2e male sternite VIII 2f spermatheca 2g female tergite VIII 2h female sternite VIII. Scale bar for habitus = 1 mm, and the remaining scale bars = 0.2 mm.

Mocyta Mulsant & Rey, 1874

For synonymy, see Gusarov 2003, Lohse et al. 1990, Smetana 2004

Diagnosis

Mocyta may be distinguished from the other genera of Canadian Aleocharinae except for Acrotona Thomson and Strigota Casey, by having the pronotal hypomeron not visible in lateral view. From Acrotona and Strigota, as well as other aleocharine genera, it may be distinguished by the following combination of characters: antennae very thin and pale, in most specimens contrasting with body colour (Figs 3a–7a); pronotum glossy, moderately convex, broad and shield-shaped, widest at or near middle, with pubescence directed posteriad in midline or entire central section of disc (Fig. 6a) and posterolaterad at sides, pronotum is at least as broad as the base of the elytra but in most specimens broader (Figs 3a–7a); median lobe of aedeagus of a simple form, tubus ca. half length of median lobe, narrowly tapering and rounded apically in dorsal view (Figs 3d, 4c, 5c) and straight and narrow apically in lateral view (Figs 3b, c, 4b, 5b, 6b), internal sac structures inconspicuous, usually elongate and not strongly pronounced (Figs 3b–d, 4b, c, 6b); male tergite VIII truncate apically and without teeth and other secondary sexual characters (Figs 3e, 4d, 5i, 6c), sternite VIII with longer macrosetae than those of females (Figs 3f, 4e, 6d); spermatheca with capsule hemispherical, or elongate and sac-shaped with usually small apical invagination and short neck, stem thin and regularly or irregularly coiled posteriorly (Figs 3g, h, 4f, 5d–h, 6e–g).

The shape of the spermatheca in Acrotona is different, with a capsule more or less spherical and extended to a broad and long neck, often pitcher-shaped, and a stem that is broader than that in Mocyta, regularly coiled posteriorly and often with a swelled apex (Fig. 2f). Strigota may be easily distinguished from Mocyta and Acrotona by the basal line of the abdominal tergum VIII laterally joining the base of the tergum in both sexes (Figs 1d, g), while in other athetines the basal line is separated from the tergite base (Figs 3e, i). For illustrations, see also Gusarov (2003).

Key to Canadian species of the genus Mocyta

1	Body bicoloured, head and at least posterior part of abdomen brown to almost black, and remainder of the body reddish to yellowish-brown, pronotum in most specimens paler than the rest of the body, in some specimens elytra mottled with small and irregular in shape darker spots (Figs 6a, 7a); genital structures as illustrated (Figs 6b, e–g, 7b–e)	2
–	Body uniformly brown to black except for paler appendages in most specimens	3
2	Pronotum approximately as broad as elytra (Fig. 6a); antennal articles V-X subquadrate (Fig. 6a); median lobe of aedeagus with tubus arcuate and apex pointing ventrally in lateral view (Fig. 6b); spermatheca with capsule sac-shaped and sinuate stem irregularly coiled posteriorly (Figs 6e–g); eastern Canada	Mocyta luteola (Erichson)
–	Pronotum much broader than elytra (Fig. 7a); antennal articles V-X in most specimens slightly elongate; median lobe of aedeagus with tubus straight and apex in horizontal position in lateral view; spermatheca with capsule club-shaped and straight stem coiled posteriorly (Figs 7b, e); eastern Canada	Mocyta discreta (Casey)
3	Elytra distinctly longer than pronotum (Figs 3a, 5a)	4
–	Elytra as long as or slightly shorter than pronotum (Figs 4a, 8a, e)	5
4	Pronotum approximately rectangular in shape, gradually narrowed in apical third of its length (Fig. 5a); spermathecal capsule pear-shaped, rounded apically and gradually narrowed posteriorly, apical invagination small and shallow, stem thin and irregularly twisted posteriorly (Figs 5d–h); only females are present in North America; adventive species broadly distributed across North America and transcontinental in Canada	Mocyta fungi (Gravenhorst)
–	Pronotum approximately trapezoidal in shape, strongly narrowed apically from basal third of its length (Fig. 3a); spermathecal capsule narrowly elongate and sac-shaped, apical invagination small and shallow; stem sinuate and irregularly twisted or coiled posteriorly (Figs 3g, h); median lobe of aedeagus with tubus straight in lateral view (Figs 3b, c); holarctic species known from northwestern Canada and Alaska	Mocyta amblystegii (Brundin)
5	Pronotum as broad as elytra (Fig. 4a); spermatheca with capsule pitcher-shaped and flat apically with elongate apical invagination, stem broadly coiled posteriorly (Fig. 4f); median lobe of aedeagus with tubus straight in lateral view (Fig. 4b); transcontinental in Canada and reported from Alaska, Oregon, California and Nevada	Mocyta breviuscula (Mäklin)
–	Pronotum in many specimens broader than elytra (Fig. 8e); spermatheca with capsule pear-shaped with short apical invagination, stem broadly irregularly coiled posteriorly (Fig. 8f); median lobe of aedeagus with tubus straight and apex in horizontal position in lateral view (Fig. 8b); known from sphagnum in black spruce and cedar forests and swamps; distributed in eastern Canada	Mocyta sphagnorum Klimaszewski & Webster, sp. n.

I. Mocyta amblystegii species group

Diagnosis. Body entirely dark brown to black except for light-coloured appendages; pronotum moderately transverse, approximately as broad as elytra or slightly broader, sides arcuate, pubescence directed posteriad only in midline and obliquely posteriad elsewhere (Figs 3a, 4a, 5a); elytra in most specimens longer than pronotum (Figs 3a, 5a) except for M. breviuscula (Fig. 4a); spermatheca and median lobe of aedeagus as illustrated (Figs 3b–d, g, h, 4b, c, f, 5b–h).

1. Mocyta amblystegii (Brundin)

Figs 3a–j

Atheta amblystegii Brundin 1952: 135; Lohse et al. 1990, Smetana 2004.

Diagnosis

Body narrowly oval (Fig. 3a), length 2.5–3.0 mm; uniformly brown to black, appendages light brown (Fig. 3a); antennal articles I-IV elongate and V-X subquadrate or slightly transverse (Fig. 3a); pronotum broad, strongly transverse, rounded laterally and arcuate basally; elytra transverse and at least as long as pronotum; broadly arcuate laterally. MALE: median lobe of aedeagus as illustrated (Figs 3b–d); tergite VIII truncate apically (Fig. 3e); sternite VIII produced apically, with numerous macrosetae and with a broad space between base of disc and antecostal suture, the suture nearly straight or slightly sinuate (Fig. 3f). FEMALE: spermatheca with capsule sac-shaped, as illustrated (Figs 3g, h); tergite and sternite VIII truncate apically (Figs 3i, j).

Figures 3a–j.

Mocyta amblystegii (Casey): 3a habitus in dorsal view 3b, c median lobe of aedeagus in lateral view 3d median lobe of aedeagus in dorsal view 3e male tergite VIII 3f male sternite VIII 3g–h spermatheca 3i female tergite VIII 3j female sternite VIII. Scale bar for habitus = 1 mm, and the remaining scale bars = 0.2 mm.

Adults are externally similar to those of M. fungi and may be identified with certainty by the pear-shaped capsule of spermatheca. The presence of males in Canadian populations of M. amblystegii and lack of males in Canadian populations of M. fungi may also aid in identification of this species.

Distribution

Mocyta amblystegii is, according to Lohse (Lohse et al. 1990), a holarctic species recorded in North America from Alaska, Northwest Territories, Yukon and northern Manitoba (Lohse et al. 1990). In Europe, it is recorded from Finland, Norway, and Sweden (Smetana 2004).

Natural history

Adults were found under leaf litter and in moss (Lohse et al. 1990).

2. Mocyta breviuscula (Mäklin)

Figs 4a–h

Homalota breviuscula Mäklin in Mannerheim, 1852: 309; Lohse and Smetana 1985: 285, 292 (as Atheta subgenus Mocyta, redescription based on type); Klimaszewski et al. 2011: 107, 218, 246; Gusarov 2003: 100–102. LECTOTYPE (male): UNITED STATES, Alaska, Sitka (Sitcha); Lectotype, Lohse designation 1983 (ZMH). An extensive list of synonymies for M. breviuscula is provided by Gusarov 2003: 101.

Acrotona prudens Casey 1910: 149; synonymized by Lohse and Smetana 1985: 293. Type localities: British Columbia, Queen Charlotte Islands and Metlakatla (Casey 1910: 149). LECTOTYPE (female): 2 CI [Queen Charlotte Islands], Type USNM 38985 (USNM), present designation.

Diagnosis

Body narrowly oval (Fig. 4a), length 2.4–3.0 mm; body uniformly dark brown to almost black and often with reddish tinge, appendages yellowish to reddish-brown; antennal articles I-IV elongate and V-X subquadrate; pronotum transverse, arcuate laterally and arcuate basally; elytra transverse and nearly as long as pronotum; abdomen broadly arcuate laterally. MALE: Median lobe of aedeagus as illustrated (Figs 4b, c); tergite VIII truncate apically (Fig. 4d); sternite VIII slightly produced apically with broad space between base of the disc and antecostal suture, the suture more or less sinuate (Fig. 4e). FEMALE: spermatheca with capsule pitcher-shaped and flat apically with elongate apical invagination, stem broadly coiled posteriorly (Fig. 4f); tergite and sternite VIII truncate apically (Figs 4g, h).

Figures 4a–h.

Mocyta breviuscula (Brundin): 4a habitus in dorsal view 4b median lobe of aedeagus in lateral view 4c median lobe of aedeagus in dorsal view 4d male tergite VIII 4e male sternite VIII 4f spermatheca in lateral view 4g female tergite VIII 4h female sternite VIII. Scale bar for habitus = 1 mm, and the remaining scale bars = 0.2 mm.

The combination of uniform body colour, elytra no longer than pronotum, distinct shape of spermatheca with deep capsular invagination, and shape of male sternite VIII with broad space between base of disc and antecostal suture, can distinguish M. breviuscula from the remaining Nearctic congeners.

Distribution

Mocyta breviuscula is a native Canadian species distributed transcontinentally in northern Canada, and it was also reported from Alaska, California and Nevada (Lohse and Smetana 1985, Lohse et al. 1990, Gusarov 2003, Webster et al. 2009, Klimaszewski et al. 2005, 2007b, 2008, 2011, Majka and Klimaszewski 2008, Brunke et al. 2012). We include new records of this species from Saskatchewan and Oregon (see below for new distribution localities).

Natural history

In Newfoundland, adults were frequently caught in pitfall traps in various forest types (birch, spruce-lichen, spruce-poplar, fir), in vegetation on coastal sand dunes, on shrubby limestone barrens and in disturbed fields amongst grass and weeds (Klimaszewski et al. 2011). The activity period is June to September. Adults were captured in pitfall traps from June to August in yellow birch/balsam fir forest in southern Quebec and in sphagnun and litter in an eastern white cedar swamp in New Brunswick (Klimaszewski et al. 2005, 2007b, Webster et al. 2009).

New jurisdictional records

CANADA: Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, 28.IX.1976, E.J. Kiteley (CNC) 1 male.

UNITED STATES: Oregon, Grant Co., Strawberry Range, Strawberry Lake, 1920 m, 1.VI.1989, A. Smetana, NA21(CNC)3 males, 1 female.

3. Mocyta fungi (Gravenhorst)

Figs 5a–j

Aleochara fungi Gravenhorst 1806: 157; Muona 1984, Gusarov 2003, Smetana 2004, McLean et al. 2009, Klimaszewski et al. 2011. For extensive synonymy, see Gusarov 2003 and Smetana 2004. LECTOTYPE (female): Aleochara fungi Gravenhorst; Lectotype, V. Mahler des. 1986; Europa, nr. 5499; typus; fungi Gr. (ZMB) [examined by Klimaszewski].

Diagnosis

Body broadly oval (Fig. 5a), length 2.4–3.0 mm; body uniformly dark brown to black, in some specimens body black and posterior or central part of elytra with reddish tinge, appendages light brown; antennal articles I-IV elongate and V-X subquadrate or slightly transverse; pronotum broad, transverse, rounded laterally and arcuate basally; elytra transverse and ca. as long as pronotum or longer; abdomen broadly arcuate laterally (Fig. 5a). MALE: median lobe of aedeagus as illustrated (Figs 5b, c) [absent in North America]. FEMALE: spermatheca with capsule pear-shaped, as illustrated (Figs 5d–h); tergite VIII truncate apically (Fig. 5i); sternite VII broadly rounded apically with fringe of microsetae, distance between antecostal suture and base of disc narrow, antecostal suture sinuate (Fig. 5j).

Figures 5a–j.

Mocyta fungi (Gravenhorst): 5a habitus in dorsal view 5b median lobe of aedeagus in lateral view 5c median lobe of aedeagus in ventral view 5d–h spermatheca 5i female tergite VIII 5j female sternite VIII. Scale bar for habitus = 1 mm, and the remaining scale bars = 0.2 mm.

This species is externally very similar to M. amblystegii and may be identified with certainty only by the shape of the spermatheca. The presence of males in Canadian populations of M. amblystegii and lack of males in Canadian populations of M. fungi may also aid in the identification of these species.

Distribution

Palaearctic, adventive in North America, cosmopolitan in many regions of the world (Smetana 2004). Canada: YT, NU, BC, AB, SK, ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, LB, NF, and USA: AK, ME, MA, MN, NY, OR, RI (Moore and Legner 1975, Muona 1984, Gusarov 2003, Klimaszewski et al. 2005, 2007a, 2008, 2011, 2012, Majka and Klimaszewski 2008, 2010, Brunke et al. 2012). We include new records of this species from Saskatchewan in Canada.

Natural history

Mocyta fungi is represented in North America by parthenogenetic females only. In Newfoundland, adults were collected in pitfall traps in cut and burned balsam fir, birch, spruce-poplar and riparian forests, in agricultural fields and amongst vegetation on coastal sand dunes (Klimaszewski et al. 2011). The adult activity period in Newfoundland is June to September. Adults were captured by pitfall traps from May to September in forest litter in mixed wood, red spruce in New Brunswick and yellow birch forest in southern Quebec (Klimaszewski et al. 2005, Majka and Klimaszewski 2010).

New jurisdictional records

CANADA: Saskatchewan: Cypress Hills, wet willow stand, 49,5978°, -109,9231°, 1134 m, 2.IX.2012, 2 males; wet pond, riparian, 49,6704°, -109,5005°, 1189 m (LFC) 1 female.

II. Mocyta luteola species group

Diagnosis. Pronotum strongly transverse, 1.5 times broader than long, sides arcuate, pubescence directed posteriad in midline and central part of the disc (Fig. 6a); elytra approximately as wide as pronotum (Fig. 6a); spermatheca and median lobe of aedeagus as illustrated (Figs 6b, e–g).

4. Mocyta luteola (Erichson)

Figs 6a–i, Map 1

Homalota luteola Erichson 1839: 114 [habitat in America septentrionalis, Dom. Zimmerman]; Bland 1865: 397; Blatchley 1910: 353; Moore and Legner 1975: 365. LECTOTYPE (male): USA: Am.[America] spt.[septentrionalis], Zimm. [Zimmerman]; #5432; Zool. Mus. Berlin.; typus; Lectotype male Homalota luteola Erichson, V.I. Gusarov des. 2003 [designation not published]; our lectotype designation label (ZMB) present designation. PARALECTOTYPES: labelled as lectotype (ZMB) 1 male, 1 female, present designation.

Dolosota redundans Casey 1910: 137; Moore and Legner 1975: 372. syn. n. LECTOTYPE (female): United States of America: NY [New York]; redundans Casey; Type USNM 39197; Casey bequest 1925; Dolosota redundans Casey - Lectotypus des. Gusarov 2000. Acrotona luteola (Er.) V.I. Gusarov det. 2000. We have added J. Klimaszewski’s lectotype, present designation label because Gusarov’s designation was never published (USNM). PARALECTOTYPES: United States of America: NY [New York]; redundans Casey; Type USNM 39197(USNM)2 females, present designation.

Diagnosis

Body narrowly elongate (Fig. 6a), length 1.8–2.6 mm; head and posterior part of abdomen from brown to almost black, pronotum and basal half of abdomen light yellowish-brown to reddish brown, elytra yellowish to reddish-brown with some irregular small dark brown spots; legs and palps yellowish-brown and antennae either uniformly yellowish or basal articles I-IV yellowish and apical ones light brown; antennal articles I-IV elongate and V-X subquadrate to slightly transverse; pronotum short, transverse, strongly rounded laterally, and arcuate basally (Fig. 6a); elytra ca. as long as pronotum (Fig. 6a); abdomen broadly arcuate laterally. MALE: median lobe of aedeagus as illustrated (Fig. 6b); tergite VIII truncate apically, distance between base of disc and antecostal suture moderate in width, suture slightly sinuate medially (Fig. 6c); sternite VIII rounded apically (Fig. 6d). FEMALE: spermatheca with capsule small, pear-shaped and with shallow invagination, stem thin and twisted posteriorly, twists are irregular in shape or forming more or less regular coils (Figs 6e–g); tergite VIII truncate apically (Fig. 6h); sternite VIII broadly rounded apically with apical fringe of short microsetae, distance between base of disc and antecostal suture narrow, suture strongly sinuate medially (Fig. 6i).

Figures 6a–i.

Mocyta luteola (Erichson): 6a habitus in dorsal view 6b median lobe of aedeagus in lateral view 6c male tergite VIII 6d male sternite VIII 6e–g spermatheca 6h female tergite VIII 6i female sternite VIII. Scale bar for habitus = 1 mm, and the remaining scale bars = 0.2 mm.

Distribution

This native Nearctic species is reported in Canada for the first time from New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario (Map 1). In the USA, new records are provided for Massachusetts and Minnesota, and an additional record is provided for New York. The species was previously reported from Indiana, Michigan, New York and Wisconsin (Erichson 1839, Casey 1910, Bland 1865, Blatchley 1910, Moore and Legner 1975).

Maps 1–3.

1 Distribution of Mocyta cupiens (Casey) in Canada 2 Distribution of Mocyta discreta in Canada 3 Distribution of Mocyta sphagnorum in Canada.

Natural history

Most adults from Quebec were collected in yellow birch and balsam fir dominated forest using pitfall traps (Klimaszewski et al. 2007b). In New Brunswick, adults were found: under decaying seaweed on sea beach; under driftwood on a riverbank; in grass, moss and leaf litter near water in alder and cedar swamps and Carex marshes; in Spagnum moss and leaf litter in a young regenerating mixedwood forest; and in other decaying material in forests. In Ontario, adults were captured in litter around raspberry bushes near a bog, in a Typha marsh, and in a nest of Microtus pennsylvanicus. Adults were active from March to October in Canada. In Minnesota, adults were captured on a lakeshore and in a Microtus nest, and in Indiana were taken by sifting dump vegetable debris from March to November (Blatchley 1910).

Locality data

CANADA: New Brunswick: Carleton Co., Bell Forest, 46.2152°N, 67.7192°W, 11.V.2005, river margin, under drift material, M.-A. Giguère & R. Webster (RWC) 1 sex undetermined; Charlotte Co., ca. 9 km NW of New River, 45.2096°N, 66.6483°W, 13.VI.2005, alder swamp near large brook, in grass and leaf litter, R.P. Webster (RWC) 1 male. Kent Co., Kouchibouguac Nat. Pk., 21.IX.1977, D.B. Lyons (CNC) 1 female; same data except A. Smetana (CNC) 1 female, and S.J. Miller (CNC) 1 female. Northumberland Co., Goodfellow Brook P.N.A., 46.8943°N, 65.3796°W, 23.V.2007, old-growth eastern white cedar swamp, in litter & grasses & moss on hummocks near water, R.P. Webster (RWC) 1 female; Restigouche Co., Jacquet River Gorge P.N.A., 47.8200°N, 66.0015°W, 13.V.2010, Carex marsh, under alders in leaf litter & moss near brook, R.P. Webster (RWC) 1 female; Saint John Co., Taylor’s Island, 45.2238°N, 66.1265°W, 26.VII.2004, sea beach, under decaying seaweed, R.P. Webster (RWC) 1 sex undetermined; Sunbury Co., 46.0173°N, 66.3741°W, 18.VI.2007, Road 16 regenerating forest, 8.5 year-old regenerating mixed forest, in sphagnum & leaf litter, R.P. Webster (RWC) 1 female; York Co., Canterbury, trail to Browns Mtn. Fen, 5.8978°N, 67.6273°W, 2.V.2005, Mature cedar forest near stream, sifting leaf litter, M. Giguère (RWC) 1 female; Rt. 645 at Beaver Brook, 45.6860°N, 66.8668°W, 3.V.2008, Carex marsh in litter at base of dead red maple, R.P. Webster (RWC) 1 female; Charters Settlement, 45.8395°N, 66.7391°W, 14.VI.2008, mixed forest, in decaying (moldy) corncobs & cornhusks, R.P. Webster (RWC) 1 female; 8.5 km W of Tracy, off Rt. 645, 45.6821°N, 66.7894°W, 6.V.2008, wet alder swamp, in leaf litter & grass on hummocks, R.P. Webster (RWC) 1 female. Quebec: Blandford, 13.V.1971, E.J. Kiteley (CNC) 1 female; Hudson Heights, 24–30.VII.1956, Lindberg (CNC) 1 female; Montreal, 22.IX.1968, E.J. Kiteley (CNC) 1 male; Montreal, 30.IX.1968, E.J. Kiteley (CNC) 8 females; Montreal, 16.V.1969, E.J. Kiteley (CNC) 2 females; Montreal, 5.X.1979, E.J. Kiteley (CNC) 1 female; Montreal, 4.V.1980, E.J. Kiteley (CNC) 1 female; Ormstown, 22.VIII.1980, E.J. Kiteley (CNC) 1 female; Rigaud end Ch. de la Croix. 5.V.1988, A. & Z. Smetana (CNC) 2 females; Saint-Etienne, Lévis, 6.VI.1981, C. Chantal (CNC) 1 female; Ste-Catherine, Port., 5.VIII.1961, J.C. Aubé (CNC) 4 females; Scotstown, 29.V.2006, C. Levesque (LFC) 4 females, 1 sex?; Mcy Co., St-Joachim, 11.VI.1963, C. Chantal (CNC) 1 female; Sherbrooke, 20.IX.1972, Dondale and Redner (CNC) 1 female; Portneuf, ZEC Batiscan-Nelson, SSAM project, Sapinière à bouleau jaune, Lac des Étangs, 4 gaps, Pitfall trap 21, 46°58'08"N, 72°02'57"W, 30.VI–07.VII.2008, 1 specimen; Pitfall trap 23, 46°58'08"N, 72°02'57"W, 1 specimen; Lac Poissonneux, clear cut, Pitfall trap 66, 47°02'48"N, 72°07'29"W, 297 m, 12.VIII–19.VIII.2008, 1 specimen; 2 gaps, Pitfall trap 69, 47°02'N, 72°07'W, 15.VII–22.VII.2008, 1 specimen; Clear cut, Pitfall trap 95, 47°02'N, 72°07'W, 1 specimen; 2 gaps, Pitfall trap 98, 47°02'N, 72°07'W, 22.VII–29.VII.2008,1 specimen; 29.VII–05.VIII.2008, 1 specimen; 25.VI–02.VII.2008, 2 specimens; Pitfall trap 99, 27.V–03.VI.2008, 1 specimen; Pitfall trap 100, 12.VIII–19.VIII.2008, 1 specimen; Pitfall trap 101, 02.VII-08.VII.2008, 1 specimen; Pitfall trap 102,12.VIII–19.VIII.2008, 1 specimen; 22.VII-29.VII.2008, 1 specimen; 8 gaps, Pitfall trap 103, 47°02'N, 72°07'W, 22.VII-29.VII.2008, 1 specimen; Pitfall trap 105, 25.VI–02.VII.2008, 1 specimen; Pitfall trap 107, 25.VI-02.VII.2008, 1 specimen; 4 gaps, Pitfall trap 109, 47°02'N, 72°07'W, 25.VI–02.VII.2008, 2 specimens; 08.VII–15.VII.2008, 1 specimen; Pitfall trap 110, 1 specimen; 10.VI-17.VI.2008, 2 specimens; Pitfall trap 111, 17.VI–25.VI.2008, 1 specimen; 25.VI-02.VII.2008, 1 specimen; Pitfall trap 113, 08.VII–15.VII.2008, 1 specimen; 10.VI-17.VI.2008, 1 specimen.

Ontario: Ancaster, 28.III.1963, J.E.H. Martin (CNC) 4 females; Carleton Co., Fitzroy Prov. Pk., 2-3.V.1979, A. & Z. Smetana (CNC) 1 female; Mer Bleue, 3.III.1973, Redner and Starr (CNC) 27 females; Ottawa, Mer Bleue bog, 16.IV.1972, litter around raspberry, L. LeSage (CNC) 4 females, 1 sex?; Mer Bleue, 17.X.1980, en fauchant herbages dans un champ, L. LeSage (CNC) 7 females; Ottawa, 22.VIII.1912, Beaulieu (CNC) 1 female; Ottawa, Shirleys Bay, 2.V.1970, A. & Z. Smetana (CNC) 1 female; Ottawa, Mer Bleue bog, 23.IV.1982, ridge litter, L. LeSage (CNC) 5 females; Carlsbad Springs, Mer Bleue, 23.V.1980, A. Smetana (CNC) 9 females; Kinburn, 8.VI.1962, ex Microtus nest, J.E.H Martin (CNC) 9 females; Ottawa, Black Rapids, 19.VIII.1959, J.R. Vockeroth (CNC) 3 females; Osgoode, 20.X.1967, ex nest of Microtus pennsylvanicus, J.M. Campbell and A. Smetana (CNC) 7 females; 6 mi. W. Richmont, 28.III.1973, J.E.H. Martin (CNC) 1 female; Rondo Provincial Park, Marsh Trail, 2.VI.1985, tread Typha in marsh, A. Davies and J.M. Campbell (CNC) 1 female; South March, 19.X.1967, A. Smetana (CNC) 1 female; 19 mi. S. Temagami, 1-13.VIII.1973, J. Redner and C. Starr (CNC) 1 female; North Bay, 11.VII.1972, E.J. Kiteley (CNC) 1 female.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Massachusetts: Northampton, 5.XI.1978, E.J. Kiteley (CNC) 2 females; Minnesota, Minneapolis, 25.VI.1958, E.J. Kiteley (CNC) 1 female; New York: Chautauqua Co., Lake Shore, Sheridan, II.1968, ex nest of Microtus pennsylvanicus, A.H. Benton (CNC) 1 female.

Comments

In new material of Mocyta from Quebec and New Brunswick, we discovered an unrecorded bicoloured species from Canada that was similar in body size, coloration and shape of spermatheca to the native Mocyta luteola (Erichson) and the European Mocyta negligens (Mulsant & Rey) and Mocyta gilvicollis (Scheerpeltz). After examining the types and additional specimens of the two European species and Mocyta luteola and comparing them with Canadian individuals of our new species, we have concluded that our populations represent Mocyta luteola and that they are not conspecific with the two European species, as they differ in external morphological features such as body proportions, microsculpture, and shape and pubescence of pronotum. After examining the types of both nominal species (M. negligens, M. gilvicollis), and additional specimens from Europe, we found no significant morphological differences between the two species. Therefore these two European species are considered as conspecific, and M. gilvicollis is considered as a new synonym of M. negligens with details listed below (Figs 9a–g, 10–14).

Colpodota negligens Mulsant and Rey 1873: 156 (Figs 10–14); Benick and Lohse 1974 (as Mocyta); Smetana 2004 (as Acrotona).

LECTOTYPE (male): the specimen does not have any original label but it is from the historical Rey collection (CCL) and it is pinned next to the original name label by Rey. It bears V. Gusarov’s lectotype designation label (2000), and his identification label as Atheta fungi (Gravenhorst), 2000. Because this designation was never published, we formally designate this specimen as a lectotype and put our determination label as Mocyta negligens (Mulsant and Rey), J. Klimaszewski 2014.

PARALECTOTYPES: there are 4 syntypes (1 male, 3 females) in Rey’s collection that are here designated as paralectotypes. One of the syntypes (female) bears a black dot label, which indicates that the specimen was taken in Provence, in southeast France. The specimens bear Paralectotype designation labels by V. Gusarov (2000) but because these designations were not published, we formally designate them as paralectotypes. All are determined as Mocyta negligens (Mulsant and Rey), det. J. Klimaszewski 2014.

Atheta gilvicollis Scheerpeltz 1949: 355 (Figs 9a–g). syn. n.

LECTOTYPE (male): Typus; Atheta (Acrotona) gilvicollis; O. Scheerpeltz [red label]; female sign; Üttligen; IX.1943; ex coll. Scheerpeltz [blue card] (MNHV) examined, present designation.

PARALECTOTYPES: Erlach; X.1951; male sign; gilvicollis ex coll. Scheerpeltz [blue card]; Vienna Museum (NHMV) 1 male, examined; Frauenfeld; VII.1955; gilvicollis Scheerpeltz, ex coll. Scheerpeltz (NHMV) sex undetermined, examined, present designation.

III. Mocyta discreta species group

Diagnosis. Pronotum large, transversely orbicular with rounded lateral and hind angles, usually much broader than elytra, pubescence directed posteriad only in midline and obliquely posteriad elsewhere (Figs 7a, 8a, e); elytra short, as long as or shorter than pronotum (Fig. 7a); median lobe of aedeagus and spermatheca as illustrated (Figs 7b, e, 8b, f).

5. Mocyta discreta (Casey)

Figs 7a–g, Map 2

Eurypronota discreta Casey 1894 [1893]: 335; Moore and Legner 1975: 359 (as Acrotona). LECTOTYPE (male): USA: Ia [Iowa], Cedar Rapids, Dr. E. Brendel [in orig. description]; Eurypronota discreta Casey; Casey bequest 1925; Lectotype label designated by V.I. Gusarov, 1999, but because he never published his designation, we here formally designate this specimen as a lectotype with J. Klimaszewski’s designation label 2014 (USNM). PARALECTOTYPES: USA: Ia [Iowa], paratype 2(USNM)1 female; Ia, paratype 3(USNM)1 female; Ia, paratype 4(USNM)1 female; Ia, paratype 5(USNM)1 male; Ia, paratype 6(USNM)1 female; Ia, paratype 7(USNM)1 female; and Ia, paratype 8(USNM)1 female. All these specimens bear V.I Gusarov paralectotype labels, but because he never published his designations we here formally designate these specimens as paralectotypes with J. Klimaszewski’s designation label 2014 (USNM).

Diagnosis

Body broadly oval (Fig. 7a), length 2.4–2.8 mm; head and entire abdomen or its basal part only from brown to almost black, pronotum and basal half of abdomen in most specimens light brown, testaceous or reddish-brown, elytra yellowish to reddish-brown with some irregular small dark brown spots and darker than pronotum, legs and palps yellowish to reddish-brown and antennae either uniformly yellowish to light brown; antennal articles I-IV elongate and V-X variable in length from subquadrate to slightly elongate (Fig. 7a); pronotum transverse, usually very large but variable in width, from slightly broader than elytra to 1/7 wider [pronotum usually broader in females than in males], strongly rounded laterally, and arcuate basally; elytra transverse and shorter than pronotum; abdomen broadly arcuate laterally and with very strong macrosetae apically. MALE: median lobe of aedeagus as illustrated (Fig. 7b); tergite VIII truncate apically (Fig. 7c); sternite VIII slightly produced and rounded apically and with numerous strong macrosetae in apical part of disc, space between base of disc and antecostal suture broad, antecostal suture sinuate medially (Fig. 7d). FEMALE: spermatheca pear-shaped with small and shallow apical invagination, stem thin and straight anteriorly and coiled posteriorly (Fig. 7e); tergite and sternite VIII truncate apically (Fig. 7f, g).

Figures 7a–g.

Mocyta discreta (Casey): 7a habitus in dorsal view 7b median lobe of aedeagus in lateral view 7c male tergite VIII 7d male sternite VIII 7e spermatheca 7f female tergite VIII 7g female sternite VIII. Scale bar for habitus = 1 mm, and the remaining scale bars = 0.2 mm.

This species is readily recognisable from other Mocyta species by its bicoloured body, large pronotum, very strong macrosetae on the apical part of the abdomen, and antennal articles V-X subquadrate to elongate.

Distribution

This nearctic species is newly reported from Canada and the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan (Map 2), and from Minnesota. Casey (1894) described this species from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA, and no other records of this species were published from North America until now.

Natural history

In Ontario, adults were collected in forest litter, deciduous leaf mold, and maple forest from March through October. In Quebec, adults were found in maple-oak forest litter and other deciduous tree litter, from May through August. In Saskatchewan, adults were collected from deciduous forest litter in October.

New jurisdictional records

CANADA: Ontario: 7 km W Petawawa, 16.IV.1988, A. Smetana (CNC) 1 male; Chaffeys Locks, 24.X.1971, forest litter, S. Peck (CNC) 4 females, 1 male, 2 sex undetermined; Kinburn, 8.IV.1962, Acer sp., J.E.H. Martin (CNC) 3 sex undetermined; 89 mi. N. Pickle Lake, 21.VI.1973, Campbell and Parry (CNC) 1 male; South March, 19.X.1967, A. Smetana (CNC) 1 female; Merivale, 19.VI.1953, deciduous leaf mold (CNC) 1 female; Mer Bleue, 3.VIII.1973, Redner and Starr (CNC) 1 sex undetermined. Quebec: Chelsea, 8.VI.1953, E.C. Becker (CNC) 1 sex undetermined; Chelsea, 22.VIII. 1957, J.R. Vockeroth (CNC) 1 sex undetermined; Danford Lake, 30.VI.1953, Berlese deciduous duff, E.C. Becker (CNC) 1 sex undetermined; Rigaud, 15.V.1979, A. Smetana and E.C. Becker (CNC) 1 male, 3 sex undetermined; Rigaud, end Ch. de la Croix, 5.V.1988, A. and Z. Smetana (CNC) 1 female, 1 sex undetermined; 5 km W. Farrellton, Lake Bernard, 8.VII.1973, maple-oak litter, A. Davies (CNC) 2 sex ? undetermined. Saskatchewan: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan River, 52.127°N, 106.662°W, 477 m, 6.X.2008, litter sifting, deciduous, B. Godin (BGC) 3 males, 3 females.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Minnesota: Ramsey Co., Lake Vadnais, 10.V.1960, soil sample (CNC) 1 male; Brainerd, 10.VI.1965, E.J. Kiteley (CNC) 1 male [new state record].

6. Mocyta sphagnorum Klimaszewski & Webster, sp. n.

http://zoobank.org/59167206-821A-42C8-AA6F-13A37A0C2ED6

Figs 8a–h, Map 3

Holotype

(female). CANADA, New Brunswick, Restigouche Co., Berry Brook Protected Area, 47.81399°N, 66.75778°W, 26.V.2007, old-growth eastern white cedar swamp, in moss near brook, R.P. Webster (LFC).

Paratypes

CANADA: Newfoundland: R.A. Squires Prov. Pk., 23.VII.1970, D.E. Bright (CNC) 1 male. New Brunswick, Charlotte Co., Hwy 3 at Deadwater Brook, 45.4745°N, 67.1225°W, 23.IV.2006, Black spruce forest in Sphagnum, R.P. Webster (LFC) 1 male, 1 female; Hwy 3 at Deadwater Brook, 45.4745°N, 67.1225°W, 23.IV.2006, Black spruce forest, in sphagnum, R.P. Webster, (RWC) 3 males, 1 female; Carleton Co., Wakefield, Meduxnekeag Valley Nature Preserve, 46.1935°N, 67.8825°W, 19.IV.2005, mixed forest in moist moss, R. Webster (RWC) 1 female; Belleville, Meduxnekeag Valley Nature Preserve, 46.1907°N, 67.6740°W, 4.V.2006, conifer forest area, in moldy conifer duff at base of large white pine, R.P. Webster (RWC) 1 female; “Two Mile Brook Fen”, 46.3619°N, 67.6733°W, 5.VIII.2004, calcareous fen, in sphagnum moss & litter, J. Edsall & R. Webster (RWC) 1 sex undetermined; Restigouche Co., Berry Brook P.N.A., 47.81399°N, 66.75778°W, 26.V.2007, R.P. Webster // Old-growth eastern white cedar swamp, in moss near brook (RWC) 1 male. Ontario: 52 mi N Hurkett, Black Sturgeon Lake, 28.VI.1973, R. Parry and J.M. Campbell (LFC) 1 male; Mt. Tremblant Pk., 27.VI.1971, E.J. Kiteley (LFC) 1 female. Quebec: Gaspé Co., Mt-Albert, Sommet nord, 1000 m, 18.Vii.1985, sweeping field, F. Génier (LFC) 1 male.

Non-types

Canada, New Brunswick: York Co., Canterbury Brown’s Mtn. Fen., 45.8965°N, 67.6344°W, 5.VIII.2004, mixed forest on decaying fungi, J. Edsall and R. Webster (LFC) 1 sex unknown. Quebec: Gaspé Co., Mt-Jacques-Cartier, 24.VII.1985, caribou dung, F. Génier and J. Klimaszewski (LFC) 1 male.

Etymology

The specific name sphagnorum is an adjective, which derives from the generic name of Sphagnum, in the genitive plural, meaning “of the Sphagnum plant”, a dominant plant of the habitat where the species was found.

Diagnosis

Body narrowly oval (Fig. 8a), length 2.4–2.7 mm; uniformly brown to almost black, legs and palps yellowish to reddish-brown and antennae uniformly light brown to brown; antennal articles I-IV elongate and V-X variable in length from subquadrate to slightly transverse (Figs 8a, e); pronotum transverse, variable in width, from slightly-to-distinctly broader than elytra [pronotum usually broader in females than in males, Fig. 8e], strongly rounded laterally, and arcuate basally; elytra transverse and slightly shorter than pronotum; abdomen broadly arcuate laterally and with strong macrosetae apically. MALE: median lobe of aedeagus as illustrated with distinct apical structures of median lobe (Fig. 8b); tergite VIII truncate apically (Fig. 8c); sternite VIII slightly produced and rounded apically and with numerous strong macrosetae in apical part of disc, space between base of disc and antecostal suture narrow, antecostal suture arcuate (Fig. 8d). FEMALE: spermatheca pear-shaped with small and shallow apical invagination, stem thin and irregularly coiled posteriorly (Fig. 8f); tergite and sternite VIII truncate apically (Figs 8g, h).

Figures 8a–h.

Mocyta sphagnorum sp. n.: 8a male habitus in dorsal view 8b median lobe of aedeagus in lateral view 8c male tergite VIII 8d male sternite VIII 8e female habitus in dorsal view 8f spermatheca 8g female tergite VIII 8h female sternite VIII. Scale bar for habitus = 1 mm, and the remaining scale bars = 0.2 mm.

This species may be distinguishable from other Mocyta species by its large and dark brown to black pronotum, shape of spermatheca and apical structures of internal sac.

Distribution

This nearctic species is known from Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario.

Natural history

In New Brunswick, adults were found in sphagnum moss and litter in calcareous eastern white cedar fens and in a black spruce forest. One individual was collected from moldy conifer duff at the base of a large pine in a mixed forest. Adults were found in April and May in New Brunswick, and June to August elsewhere. This species seems to be associated with moist sphagnum moss.

Figures 9a–g.

Mocyta givicollis (Scheerpeltz) [images based on Types, Austria] (=M. negligens): 9a habitus in dorsal view 9b median lobe of aedeagus in lateral view 9c male tergite VIII 9d male sternite VIII 9e spermatheca in lateral view 9f female tergite VIII 9g female sternite VIII. Broken line indicates original border of bulbus which was distorted during preparations. Scale bar for habitus = 1 mm, and the remaining scale bars = 0.2 mm.

Figures 10–14.

Mocyta negligens Mulsant & Rey (=M. givicollis) [habitus images in dorsal view, based on types, France]: 10 lectotype 11 paralectotype 1 12 paralectotype 2 13 paralectotype 3 14 paralectotype 4 [abdomen]. Scale bar for habitus = 1 mm.

Acknowledgements

We thank Jon Sweeney (NRCan, Atlantic Forestry Centre) for reviewing the first draft of the manuscript and for his useful comments, Harold Labrique, Attaché de Conservation, Musée des Confluences, Lyon, France (CCL) for providing types of Colpodota negligens Mulsant & Rey; Christoffer Fägerström, curator of insect collection, Museum of Zoology, Lund University, Sweden (ZML) for providing specimens of Mocyta amlystegii from Sweden; Volker Assing (Hannover, Germany) for providing some specimens of Mocyta from Germany; Harald Schillhammer, Curator of Staphylinidae, Natural History Museum, Vienna, Austria (NHMV) for providing types of Atheta gilvicollis Scheerpeltz; Johannes Frisch (ZMB) for arranging a loan with types of Aleochara fungi Gravenhorst; Benoit Godin, Whitehorse, Yukon, for providing specimens of M. discreta from Saskatchewan, and Dave Furth and Floyd W. Shockley, curators (USNM) for loan of types of Eurypronota discreta Casey and other Casey types. Anthony Davies (CNC) arranged several specimens for study from the CNC collection in Ottawa. Pamela Cheers (LFC) edited and corrected the first draft of the manuscript and Jim Hammond (NoFC) prepared the maps. Natural Resources Canada provided the funding for this study.

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