Research Article |
Corresponding author: Larry Jiménez-Ferbans ( larryjimenezferbans@gmail.com ) Academic editor: Andrey Frolov
© 2023 Larry Jiménez-Ferbans, Ana Maestre-Guerra, Evelin Villalba-Fuentes, Mayelis M. Barros-Barrios, Jeison Muñoz-Montero.
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:
Jiménez-Ferbans L, Maestre-Guerra A, Villalba-Fuentes E, Barros-Barrios MM, Muñoz-Montero J (2023) Passalidae (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea) from the Caribbean coast of Colombia: synopsis, key, and new species description. ZooKeys 1179: 243-297. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1179.104037
|
Bess beetles (Passalidae) are a subsocial family of Coleoptera with approximately 1000 known species of saproxylophagous diet and pantropical distribution, with few extratropical species. Because of their high levels of endemism (especially in mountains), feeding habits, and complex subsociability; Passalidae is considered an excellent biological subject for taxonomic, biogeographical, and evolutionary studies. Colombia is the richest country with more than 118 recorded species of Passalidae, most of the species being related to humid and mountain areas. Colombia’s Caribbean region constitutes the northern portion of the country, extending for more than 130,000 km2 and includes four of the eight biogeographical provinces of Colombia. Since the 2000s this region has been the subject of systematic surveys for Passalidae; as a result, 18 passalid species have been recorded to date. After new explorations and review of entomological collections, the knowledge of the passalid fauna for the region is updated, recording 28 species (8 new records, 2 new species) for which are provided species diagnoses, photographs, and a taxonomic key. The dry plain, characteristic of the lowlands, is dominated by widely distributed species such as Passalus punctiger and Passalus interstitialis, while the mountainous systems provide species of more restricted distributions, some of them endemic to the Colombian Caribbean.
Diversity, taxonomy, wood beetles
Beetles of the family Passalidae are saproxylophagous diet, playing an important role in nutrient recycling (
The previously mentioned characteristics make Passalidae an excellent biological subject for ecological, biogeographical, taxonomic, and evolutionary studies. Consequently, in Colombia, Passalidae is one of the faunistically best-known families of Coleoptera, with an estimated 118 species distributed in the country, making it the country with the highest number of recorded Passalidae species in the world (
The Colombian Caribbean is constituted, in geopolitical terms, by seven departments or states (La Guajira, Cesar, Magdalena, Atlántico, Bolívar, Sucre and Córdoba), covering more than 130,000 km2. It includes four of the eight main biogeographic provinces of Colombia (Fig.
The Caribbean region of Colombia is the most comprehensively know for passalids, based in amount of works published in the last two decades (e.g.,
We studied and digitized 5400 specimens deposited in Colección Entomológica Universidad del Magdalena (CBUMAG-ENT), Colombia (GBIF dataset: https://www.gbif.org/dataset/54F7AF87-E0A3-4816-AE9F-ED77C45F2455). We also included 380 records from Museo de Zoología de la Universidad de Sucre, Colombia (GBIF dataset https://www.gbif.org/dataset/6F1BED71-743E-407B-8862-E7E2E1CED896), and conducted a literature review. The total records, including those from literature, are included in a Darwin core formatted file (Suppl. material
The classification used is that of
For each species we examined, we give a diagnosis based on external morphological characters and photographs of relevant body areas. The photographs were taken using a Canon EOS Rebel SL3 camera. Then, they were stacked in layers by the software Helicon Focus v. 8.0.1 to generate a single image of combined focus. This image was edited for light and contrast correction in Adobe Photoshop, and the final combined figures were made using the same software, following the guide proposed by
The passalid fauna of the Colombian Caribbean Coast comprises 28 species of the genera Passalus (10 spp), Rhodocanthopus (2 spp), Spasalus (2 spp), Paxilus (1 spp), Veturius (4 spp), Popilius (3 spp), Heliscus (1 spp), Odontotaenius (1 spp), and Verres (2 spp) (Table
Species of Passalidae from the Colombian Caribbean Coast. The distribution indicates the department on the Caribbean Coast, followed by the general distribution of the species. Altitude data were taken from the material examined and ranges cited by other authors are given in parentheses.
Species | Distribution | Altitude (m) |
---|---|---|
Passalus (Passalus) coniferus | Magdalena. Argentina-northern Colombia | 710–1880 (1550–1560) |
Passalus (Passalus) interruptus | Córdoba, La Guajira, Magdalena, and Sucre. Argentina-northern Colombia | 0–550 (375–2620) |
Passalus (Passalus) interstitialis | Córdoba, La Guajira, Magdalena, and Sucre. Argentina-Mexico | 0–480 (0–1500) |
Passalus (Passalus) punctiger | Córdoba, Cesar, La Guajira, Magdalena, and Sucre. Argentina-Mexico | 20–2260 (30–1500) |
Passalus (Passalus) serankuai | Magdalena. Endemic to SNSM | 1530–1950 (1530–1560) |
Passalus (Passalus) chechai sp. nov. | Serranía del Perijá (La Guajira) | 3019 |
Passalus (Passalus) florezi sp. nov. | Serranía del Perijá (La Guajira) | 2460–2850 |
Passalus (Pertinax) gaboi | Magdalena. Endemic to SNSM | 2040–2190 (1938–2190) |
Passalus (Pertinax) paucuvillosus | Córdoba. Endemic to biogeographical province of Chocó | 150–290 (0–550) |
Passalus (Pertinax) punctatostriatus | Córdoba, Cesar, La Guajira, Magdalena, and Sucre. Northern Colombia-Mexico | 120–2290 (0–2000) |
Passalus (Pertinax) rugosus | La Guajira. Andes of Colombia | 1900–2460 (270–2200) |
Passalus (Pertinax) unimagdalenae | Cesar and Magdalena. Endemic to SNSM | 710–2260 (1560–2309) |
Paxillus leachi | Córdoba, Magdalena, and Sucre. Argentina-México | 280–860 (250–1440) |
Rhodocanthopus maillei | La Guajira. Northern Andes | 980–2280 (180–2400) |
Rhodocanthopus rufiventris | Córdoba. Endemic to biogeographical province of Chocó | 250–370 (50–160) |
Spasalus crenatus | Magdalena. South America and the Antilles. | 400–1000 |
Spasalus paulinae | Magdalena. South America-Puerto Rico | (1050) |
Heliscus eclipticus | Córdoba. Northern South America-Mexico | 170–260 (0–2438) |
Odontotaenius striatopunctatus | Córdoba. Colombia-Mexico | 341 (100–1200) |
Popilius erotylus | Córdoba and Magdalena. Northern Venezuela-Costa Rica | 50–430 (250–750) |
Popilius gibbosus | Cesar and La Guajira. Andes | 1520–2470 (1350–3000) |
Popilius marginatus | Córdoba, Cesar, Magdalena, and Sucre. South America | 870–1900 (250–1795) |
Verres corticicola | Córdoba. Northern South America-Mexico | 240 |
Verres hageni | Córdoba. Northern South America-Mexico | 200–500 (255–1500) |
Veturius (Ouayana) cirratus | Córdoba. Ecuador-Costa Rica | 130–540 (0–1000) |
Veturius (Publius) impressus | Magdalena. Endemic to SNSM | 1270–2050 (1560) |
Veturius (Veturius) aspina | Córdoba and Sucre. Ecuador-Honduras | 120–330 (0–1000) |
Veturius (Veturius) standfussi | La Guajira. Andes of Bolivia-Venezuela | 1280–1910 (800–2500) |
Richness and records of Passalidae by biogeographical province of the Caribbean Coast of Colombia. SNSM: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Endemic species by province refer to those species endemic to a province and distributed in the Caribbean Coast.
Province | Species richness | Endemic species | Number of localities with records |
---|---|---|---|
Arid Peri-Caribbean belt | 7 | 16 | |
Massif of SNSM | 14 | 4 | 43 |
Norandina | 10 | 1 | 28 |
Chocó-Magdalena | 15 | 2 | 13 |
The species of this tribe are recognized by having the clypeus hidden under the frons, with anterior angles located under the external tubercles (
39.6–46.5 mm total length. Body robust. Anterior border of the frons with two prominent secondary mediofrontal tubercles. Mediofrontal tubercles large, located on base of each laterofrontal tubercle. Central tubercle with apex free. Lateroposterior tubercles distinct. Eyes large. Antennal club tri-lamellate, with lamellae long. Lacinia with apex bidentate. Mediobasal area of mentum protruding and glabrous, sometimes with scarce setae on the posterior border. Marginal pronotal groove occupying 2/3 of the pronotum anterior border. Prosternellum rhomboidal, truncate. Mesosternum pubescent, with inconspicuous and elongated scars. Metasternum pubescent anterolaterally and in lateral groove; disc smooth, delimited posteriorly to middle by punctations. Humeri pubescent, epipleura pubescent in basal 2/3. Last abdominal sternite with complete marginal groove. Anterior ventral border of the profemur with well-developed groove. Meso- and metatibia with one or two small spines.
A South American species, with distribution in the Antilles (
41.2–52.7 mm total length. Body robust. Anterior border of the frons with two prominent secondary mediofrontal tubercles. Mediofrontal tubercles small, located on base of each laterofrontal tubercle. Central tubercle with apex slightly free. Lateroposterior tubercles distinct. Eyes large. Antennal club tri-lamellate, with lamellae long. Lacinia with apex bidentate. Mediobasal area of mentum protruding and glabrous. Marginal pronotal groove occupying 2/3 of the pronotum anterior border. Prosternellum rhomboidal, acute. Mesosternum with some sparse setae, with inconspicuous and elongated scars. Metasternum pubescent anterolaterally and in lateral groove; disc smooth and delimited by punctations posteriorly to middle. Humeri pubescent, epipleura pubescent in basal 2/3. Last abdominal sternite with incomplete marginal groove. Anterior ventral border of the profemur with conspicuous groove. Mesotibia with one or two small spines, metatibia unarmed.
Distributed from Panama to Argentina and Trinidad and Tobago (
23.6–29.9 mm total length. Body flattened. Anterior border of the frons with two prominent secondary mediofrontal tubercles. Mediofrontal tubercles large, located on base of each laterofrontal tubercle. Central tubercle with apex not free. Lateroposterior tubercles distinct. Eyes large. Antennal club tetra-lamellate, fourth lamella reduced. Lacinia with apex bidentate. Mediobasal area of mentum glabrous and slightly protruding. Marginal pronotal groove occupying 2/3 of the pronotum anterior border. Prosternellum rhomboidal, truncate. Mesosternum glabrous, with distinct elongated scars. Metasternum pubescent anterolaterally and in lateral groove; disc smooth and delimited posteriorly to middle by punctations. Humeri pubescent, epipleura pubescent in basal third. Last abdominal sternite with complete marginal groove. Anterior ventral border of the profemur with distinct groove. Mesotibia lacking spine or with single small spine.
Distributed from Mexico to Argentina (
28.4–41.7 mm total length. Body robust. Anterior border of the frons with two prominent secondary mediofrontal tubercles. Mediofrontal tubercles large, located on base of each laterofrontal tubercle. Central tubercle with apex slightly free. Lateroposterior tubercles conspicuous. Eyes large. Antennal club tri-lamellate, with lamellae long. Lacinia with apex bidentate. Mediobasal area of mentum protruding and glabrous. Marginal pronotal groove occupying 2/3 of the pronotum anterior border. Prosternellum rhomboidal, truncate. Mesosternum glabrous, with conspicuous and elongate scars. Metasternum pubescent anterolaterally and in lateral groove; disc smooth and delimited posteriorly to middle by punctations. Humeri pubescent, epipleura pubescent in basal 2/3. Last abdominal sternite with complete marginal groove. Anterior ventral border of the profemur with distinct groove. Meso- and metatibia with one or two small spines.
Distributed from Mexico to Argentina. This the most common species for the lowlands of the Colombian Caribbean.
28.7–34.2 mm total length. Body slightly flattened. Anterior border of frons with two prominent secondary mediofrontal tubercles, almost completely fused. Mediofrontal and laterofrontal fused, large. Central tubercle with apex very free, reaching or surpassing anterior frons border. Lateroposterior tubercles small, distinct. Eyes large. Antennal club tri-lamellate, with lamellae long. Lacinia with apex bidentate. Mediobasal area of mentum protruding and pubescent. Marginal pronotal groove occupying 2/3 of the pronotum anterior border. Prosternellum rhomboidal, truncate. Mesosternum glabrous, with distinct and elongate scars. Metasternum pubescent anterolaterally, lateral groove glabrous; disc smooth and delimited by punctations excluding the anterior part. Humeri pubescent, epipleura with some setae basally. Last abdominal sternite with complete marginal groove. Anterior ventral border of the profemur with conspicuous groove. Meso- and metatibia with small spines or unarmed.
Described from SNSM, this species seems to be endemic to this biogeographical province.
Holotype Colombia • ♂; La Guajira, Serranía del Perijá, Cerro Pintao; 10°25'37.9"N, 72°56'33.3"W; 3019 m alt.; 08 Aug 2015; L. Granados leg.; CBUMAG: ENT: 20605.
Hemibrachypterous. Frons wide, anterior frontal edge straight, without middle indentation or secondary mediofrontal tubercles. Central tubercle wide at the base, without a sulcus in the posterior part, apex free, almost reaching the anterior frons border. Medial basal mentum impunctate and glabrous. Prosternellum rhomboidal and opaque in the area between procoxae, without longitudinal groove. Anterolateral part of metasternum and lateral fossa pubescent, pubescence reaching the posterior region of the lateral fossa. Metasternal disc without punctures, delimited by numerous punctures posteriorly. Humeri pubescent and epipleura glabrous.
Habitus (Fig.
Head
(Figs
Thorax
(Figs
Elytra
(Fig.
Abdomen
(Fig.
Legs
(Fig.
Aedeagus
(Fig.
named after Mr. Cesar “Checha” Pérez, enthusiastic amateur collector of passalids in the Caribbean coast of Colombia.
Holotype Colombia • ♂; La Guajira, Villanueva, Serranía del Perijá, Cerro Pintao; 10°27'59.1"N, 72°52'4.3"W; 2467 m alt.; 19 Jan 2019; L. Jiménez-Ferbans and V. Flórez leg.; CBUMAG: ENT 33480. Paratypes: Colombia • 3♀, 4♂; Same data as the holotype • 2♀; La Guajira, Villanueva, Serranía del Perijá, Cerro Pintao; 10°27'36.3"N, 72°52'11.0"W; 2845 m alt.; 19 Jan 2019; L. Jiménez-Ferbans and V. Flórez leg; CBUMAG:ENT 33150 • sex unknown; La Guajira, Villanueva, Serranía del Perijá, Cerro Pintao; 10°27'59.1"N, 72°52'4.3"W; 2467 m alt.; 19 Jan 2019; L. Jiménez-Ferbans and V. Flórez; CBUMAG:ENT 33147.
Brachypterous. Frons wide, anterior frontal edge straight, with middle indentation and secondary mediofrontal tubercles small (rudimentary). Central tubercle wide at the base, with a sulcus in the posterior part, apex free, reaching the anterior frons border. Medial basal mentum with punctures and setae on the posterior border. Prosternellum rhomboidal and opaque in the area between procoxae, with a deep longitudinal groove. Anterolateral part of metasternum with scarce pubescence, lateral fossa glabrous. Metasternal disc without punctures, delimited by numerous punctures medially and posteriorly. Humeri with scarce pubescence basally, epipleura glabrous.
Habitus (Fig.
Head
(Figs
Thorax
(Fig.
Elytra
(Fig.
Abdomen
(Fig.
Legs
(Fig.
Aedeagus
(Fig.
Variation : In some paratypes, the area between the frontal ridges has 0–4 punctures, and the metasternal disc with 0–10 punctures.
Named after Mr. Víctor Flórez Carrillo, for his dedication to entomological exploration in the Serranía del Perijá.
31.6–34.2 mm total length. Body robust. Anterior border of the frons with small middle indentation, without secondary mediofrontal tubercles. Mediofrontal and laterofrontal fused, midsize. Central tubercle with apex not free. Lateroposterior tubercles slightly distinct and rounded. Eyes reduced, with canthus covering 1/2 of the eye in lateral view. Antennal club tri-lamellate, with lamellae long. Lacinia with apex bidentate. Mediobasal area of mentum protruding and heavily punctate and pubescent. Marginal groove wide, occupying 3/4 of the anterior margin of the pronotum. Prosternellum rhomboidal, truncate. Mesosternum without mesosternal scars, indicated only by an opaque area, impunctate and glabrous. Metasternum pubescent anterolaterally and in lateral groove; disc smooth and delimited by numerous punctations medially and posteriorly. Humeri and epipleura glabrous. Last abdominal sternite with complete marginal groove. Anterior ventral border of the profemur with thin groove. Mesotibiae with small spines on the outer margin. Metatibiae unarmed.
Passalus gaboi had been the last species described from the Colombian Caribbean. It seems to be endemic to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
22.9–25.5 mm total length. Body robust. Anterior border of the frons straight, with small and irregular tubercles, without secondary mediofrontal tubercles. Mediofrontal and laterofrontal fused, small, projected forward. Central tubercle small, with apex not free. Lateroposterior tubercles small, slightly distinct. Eyes large. Antennal club tri-lamellate, with lamellae short. Lacinia with apex bidentate. Mediobasal area of mentum protruding and glabrous. Marginal groove widened, occupying 2/3 of the anterior margin of the pronotum. Prosternellum rhomboidal, truncate. Mesosternum glabrous; mesosternal scars absent. Metasternum glabrous anterolaterally and in lateral groove; disc smooth and delimited by punctations posteriorly. Humeri and epipleura glabrous. Anterior ventral border of the profemur with thin groove. Meso- and metatibiae with small spines or unarmed.
Described from the Chocó department of Colombia (
21.8–26.0 mm total length. Body subcylindrical. Anterior border of the frons with strong middle indentation, without secondary mediofrontal tubercles. Mediofrontal and laterofrontal fused, large. Central tubercle with apex not free. Lateroposterior tubercles small, slightly distinct. Eyes large. Antennal club tri-lamellate, with lamellae long. Lacinia with apex bidentate. Mediobasal area of mentum protruding and glabrous. Marginal groove widened, occupying 2/3 of the anterior margin of the pronotum. Prosternellum rhomboidal, acute. Mesosternum glabrous; mesosternal scars inconspicuous and elongated. Metasternum glabrous anterolaterally and in lateral groove; disc smooth and delimited by punctations posteriorly to laterally. Humeri glabrous and epipleura with some scarce setae basally or glabrous. Anterior ventral border of the profemur with groove. Meso- and metatibiae with small spines or unarmed.
Distributed from Mexico to central and northern Colombia.
20.1–23.2 mm total length. Body subcylindrical. Anterior border of the frons with strong middle indentation, suggesting secondary mediofrontal tubercles. Mediofrontal and laterofrontal fused, large. Central tubercle with apex not free. Lateroposterior tubercles large, conspicuous, and conical. Eyes large. Antennal club tri-lamellate, with lamellae long. Lacinia with apex bidentate. Mediobasal area of mentum protruding and glabrous. Marginal groove narrow, occupying 2/3 of the anterior margin of the pronotum. Prosternellum rhomboidal, acute. Mesosternum glabrous; mesosternal scars distinct and elongated. Metasternum glabrous anterolaterally and in lateral groove; disc smooth and delimited by punctations posteriorly to laterally. Humeri pubescent and epipleura pubescent in basal third. Anterior ventral border of the profemur with conspicuous groove. Meso- and metatibiae with small spines or unarmed.
19.5–22.4 mm total length. Body subcylindrical. Anterior border of the frons with strong middle indentation, without secondary mediofrontal tubercles. Mediofrontal and laterofrontal fused, large. Central tubercle with apex not free. Lateroposterior tubercles small, slightly distinct. Eyes large. Antennal club tri-lamellate, with lamellae long. Lacinia with apex bidentate. Mediobasal area of mentum protruding and glabrous. Marginal groove widened, occupying 2/3 of the anterior margin of the pronotum. Prosternellum rhomboidal, truncate. Mesosternum glabrous, except for a few short setae on the anterior margin; mesosternal scars inconspicuous and elongated. Metasternum glabrous anterolaterally and in lateral groove; disc smooth and delimited by punctations posteriorly to laterally. Humeri with long setae at its base, epipleura glabrous. Anterior ventral border of the profemur with conspicuous groove. Meso- and metatibiae with small spines or unarmed.
This is the most common species above 1500 m a.s.l. in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. P. unimagdalenae is similar to P. punctatostriatus, from which it differs by having internal tubercles large and humeri with long setae at the very base.
17.5–18.8 mm total length. Anterior border of the frons straight, sometimes with a small central notch, without secondary mediofrontal tubercles. Mediofrontal tubercles large. Internal tubercules smaller than mediofrontal tubercles, located between mediofrontal tubercles and central tubercle. Central tubercle with apex not free. Lateroposterior tubercles distinct. Anterior cephalic angles reach the border of the frons. Frontal fossae glabrous. Eyes large. Antennal club with five lamellae, with the basal lamella no more than half as long as the apical four. Lacinia with apex unidentate. Mediobasal area of mentum flat and glabrous. Prosternellum pentagonal. Mesosternum glabrous, with conspicuous oval scars. Metasternum pubescent anterolaterally and glabrous in lateral groove; disc smooth, completely delimited by punctures. Humeri pubescent and epipleura pubescent in basal 1/4. Anterior ventral border of the profemur without groove or inconspicuous.
This species is distributed throughout the American continent, from Mexico to Argentina.
16.3–19.8 mm total length. Body subcylindrical. Anterior border of the frons with strong middle indentation, without secondary mediofrontal tubercles. Mediofrontal and laterofrontal fused, large. Central tubercle with apex not free. Lateroposterior tubercles conspicuous and conical. Eyes reduced. Antennal club tri-lamellate, lamellae short. Lacinia with apex bidentate. Mediobasal area of mentum protruding and glabrous. Marginal groove widened, occupying 2/3 of the anterior margin of the pronotum. Prosternellum rhomboidal, acute. Mesosternum glabrous; mesosternal scars oval and distinct. Metasternum glabrous anterolaterally and in lateral groove; disc smooth and delimited by punctations posteriorly to laterally. Humeri and epipleura glabrous. Anterior ventral border of the profemur with conspicuous groove. Meso- and metatibiae with strong spines.
Species very similar to R. maillei, from which it differs by its larger size, reduce punctation on the pronotum, which do not reach the mid zone and the metasternal disc not abundantly punctate.
14.0–16.5 mm total length. Body flattened. Anterior border of frons with strong middle indentation, on the sides of which are two insinuated tubercles. Mediofrontal and laterofrontal fused, large. Central tubercle with apex not free. Lateroposterior tubercles distinct and transverse. Eyes reduced. Antennal club tri-lamellate, lamellae short. Lacinia with apex bidentate. Mediobasal area of mentum protruding and glabrous. Marginal groove widened, occupying 1/2 of the anterior margin of the pronotum. Prosternellum rhomboidal, truncate. Mesosternum glabrous; mesosternal scars elongated and conspicuous. Metasternum glabrous anterolaterally and in lateral groove; disc smooth and delimited by punctations posteriorly to laterally. Humeri glabrous; epipleura with scattered setae in basal area. Anterior ventral border of the profemur with conspicuous groove. Meso- and metatibiae with strong spines.
Described from the Chocó department of Colombia (
17.6–18.2 mm total length. Body robust. Mediofrontal and laterofrontal fused, large. Central tubercle with apex not free. Eyes large. Antennal with five lamellae. Lacinia with apex unidentate. Mediobasal area of mentum protruding, with setae along almost its entire extension. Marginal groove widened, occupying 2/3 of the anterior margin of the pronotum. Anterior border of mentum almost straight. Prosternellum rhomboidal. Anterior ventral border of the profemur with conspicuous groove.
Distributed widely in South America, this species has been recorded also in Lesser Antilles and Puerto Rico (
15.75–16.30 mm total length. Body robust. Mediofrontal and laterofrontal fused, large. Central tubercle with apex not free. Eyes large. Antennal with five lamellae. Lacinia with apex unidentate. Mediobasal area of mentum protruding, without setae in the posterior border. Marginal groove widened, occupying 2/3 of the anterior margin of the pronotum. Anterior border of mentum almost straight. Prosternellum rhomboidal. Anterior ventral border of the profemur with conspicuous groove.
Comments. Known only from material type from Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The differences between S. crenatus and S. paulinae are subtle, they may be synonymous.
The species of this tribe are recognized by having a frontoclypeus, below which the clypeus is hidden (
28.7–32.5 mm total length. Anterior border of the labrum straight or slightly concave. Frontoclypeus straight, not swollen in the middle. Frontal-clypeal suture present and strong. Internal tubercles conspicuous, joined to central tubercle by Y-shaped ridges. Central tubercle small, with apex not free; lateroposterior tubercles distinct and transverse, with a superior groove extending over the total length of the tubercles. Frontal fossae pubescent posteriorly. Postfrontal groove complete, slightly erased in the middle. Mediobasal area of the mentum glabrous. Marginal groove over anterior border of the pronotum not expanded. Mesosternum glabrous. Metasternum pubescent anterolaterally and in lateral groove; disc not delimited by punctations. Mesotibiae and metatibiae with a small spine or unarmed. Humeri and epipleura glabrous; anterior vertical face of elytra pubescent.
28.8 mm total length. Anterior border of the labrum straight or slightly concave. Frontoclypeus swollen in the middle. Frontal-clypeal suture present and strong. Internal tubercles small, not joined to the central tubercle. Central tubercle large, with apex free; lateroposterior tubercles absent. Frontal fossae glabrous. Postfrontal groove complete. Mediobasal area of mentum glabrous. Marginal groove over anterior border of pronotum not expanded. Mesosternum glabrous. Metasternum with scarce pubescence anterolaterally and in lateral groove; disc delimited by punctations posteriorly. Mesotibiae and metatibiae with a small spine. Humeri and epipleura glabrous; anterior vertical face of elytra pubescent.
23.1–25.0 mm total length. Anterior border of the labrum slightly concave. Frontoclypeus straight or slightly concave. Frontal-clypeal suture present and strong. Internal tubercles conspicuous, joined to central tubercle by Y-shaped ridges. Central tubercle small, with apex not free and posterior to level of lateroposterior tubercles which are conspicuous and transverse. Frontal fossae pubescent. Postfrontal groove complete. Mediobasal area of the mentum glabrous. Marginal groove over anterior border of the pronotum slightly expanded. Mesosternum glabrous. Metasternum with scarce pubescence anterolaterally and in lateral groove; disc not delimited by punctations. Meso- and metatibiae with small spines. Humeri with scarce setae; epipleura glabrous; anterior vertical face of elytra pubescent.
Popilius erotylus was described from Panama. The specimens studied here show some setal variation in comparison with the type material; they could be a new species very closely related to P. erotylus.
21.4–23.5 mm total length. Anterior border of the labrum slightly concave. Frontoclypeus straight or slightly expanded forward. Frontal-clypeal suture present and strong. Internal tubercles small, joined to central tubercle by Y-shaped ridges. Central tubercle small, with apex not free and almost even with lateroposterior tubercles which are distinct and transverse. Frontal fossae pubescent. Postfrontal groove complete. Mediobasal area of the mentum glabrous. Marginal groove over anterior border of the pronotum not expanded. Mesosternum glabrous. Metasternum pubescent anterolaterally and in lateral groove, pubescence extending beyond lateral groove; disc not delimited by punctations. Meso- and metatibiae with a small spine. Humeri and epipleura glabrous or with scarce setae basally; anterior vertical face of elytra pubescent.
Common species from the north of the Eastern Cordillera (Serranía del Perijá and Sierra de Venezuela) (
20.6–24.4 mm total length. Anterior border of the labrum slightly concave. Frontoclypeus straight or slightly concave. Frontal-clypeal suture present and strong. Internal tubercles conspicuous, joined to central tubercle by Y-shaped ridges. Central tubercle small, with apex not free and even with lateroposterior tubercles which are conspicuous and transverse. Frontal fossae glabrous or rarely pubescent. Postfrontal groove complete. Mediobasal area of the mentum glabrous. Marginal groove over anterior border of the pronotum slightly expanded. Mesosternum glabrous. Metasternum with scarce pubescence anterolaterally and in lateral groove; disc not delimited by punctations. Meso- and metatibiae with small spines. Humeri with scarce setae; epipleura glabrous; anterior vertical face of elytra pubescent.
P. marginatus has been recorded from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Peru and Suriname (
32.9 mm total length. Anterior border of the labrum deeply concave, with an excavation in labrum behind concavity of margin. Frontoclypeus slightly curved, with a central notch. Frontal-clypeal suture absent. Internal tubercles large, with free apex projecting forward, not joined to central tubercle. Central tubercle short, with apex free projected forward; lateroposterior tubercles conspicuous and transverse. Frontal fossae glabrous. Postfrontal groove complete. Mediobasal area of the mentum glabrous. Marginal groove over anterior border of the pronotum expanded. Mesosternum glabrous. Metasternum pubescent anterolaterally and in lateral groove, pubescence extending beyond lateral groove; disc delimited by punctations posteriorly. Meso- and metatibiae unarmed. Humeri with scarce setae; epipleura glabrous; anterior vertical face of elytra glabrous.
34.4–38.5 mm total length. Anterior border of the labrum deeply concave, with an excavation in labrum behind concavity of margin. Frontoclypeus slightly curved, with a central notch. Frontal-clypeal suture absent. Internal tubercles small, blunt, not joined to central tubercle. Central tubercle with apex slightly free, oblique; lateroposterior tubercles distinct and transverse. Frontal fossae glabrous. Postfrontal groove complete. Mediobasal area of the mentum glabrous. Marginal groove over anterior border of the pronotum not expanded. Mesosternum glabrous. Metasternum pubescent anterolaterally and in lateral groove, pubescence extending beyond lateral groove; disc delimited by punctations posteriorly. Meso- and metatibiae unarmed. Humeri with scarce setae; epipleura glabrous; anterior vertical face of elytra glabrous.
28.7–33.6 mm total length. Anterior border of the labrum slightly concave. Frontoclypeus straight. Frontal-clypeal suture absent. Internal tubercles small, joined to central tubercle by V-shaped ridges. Central tubercle short, with apex not free; lateroposterior tubercles large, conspicuous, and transverse. Frontal fossae pubescent. Postfrontal groove incomplete, interrupted behind central tubercle. Mediobasal area of the mentum pubescent. Marginal groove over anterior border of the pronotum not expanded. Mesosternum with two rows of setae running longitudinally parallel. Metasternum pubescent anterolaterally and in lateral groove; disc not delimited by punctations. Meso- and metatibiae unarmed. Humeri and epipleura glabrous; anterior vertical face of elytra pubescent.
40.6–47.9 mm total length. Anterior border of the labrum concave. Frontoclypeus straight. Frontal-clypeal suture absent. Internal tubercles prominent, joined to central tubercle by V-shaped ridges. Central tubercle large, with apex not free; lateroposterior tubercles absent. Frontal fossae glabrous. Postfrontal groove complete. Mediobasal area of the mentum glabrous. Marginal groove over anterior border of the pronotum not expanded. Mesosternum with scarce setae. Metasternum pubescent anterolaterally and in lateral groove; disc not delimited by punctations. Meso- and metatibiae unarmed. Humeri with scarce setae basally; epipleura glabrous; anterior vertical face of elytra sparsely pubescent.
This species seems to be common in the middle elevations of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. It has been collected in both forest areas and in shady coffee plantations; in the latter within logs of Erythrina sp. (Leguminosaeae), in which there were also colonies of Leptogenys sp. (Formicidae). Veturius impressus is the only Proculini endemic to the Caribbean region of Colombia.
47.5–50.4 mm total length. Anterior border of the labrum straight or slightly concave. Frontoclypeus almost straight. Frontal-clypeal suture absent. Internal tubercles small, joined to central tubercle by V-shaped ridges. Central tubercle small, with apex slightly free, upward projected; lateroposterior tubercles large, conspicuous, and transverse. Frontal fossae glabrous. Postfrontal groove complete. Mediobasal area of the mentum pubescent. Marginal groove over anterior border of the pronotum expanded. Mesosternum glabrous. Metasternum pubescent anterolaterally and in lateral groove; disc not delimited by punctations. Meso- and metatibiae unarmed. Humeri and epipleura glabrous; anterior vertical face of elytra pubescent.
41.4–46.5 mm total length. Anterior border of the labrum straight or slightly concave. Frontoclypeus almost straight. Frontal-clypeal suture absent. Internal tubercles small, joined to central tubercle by V-shaped ridges. Central tubercle small, with apex not free; lateroposterior tubercles large, distinct, and transverse. Frontal fossae with some setae. Postfrontal groove complete. Mediobasal area of the mentum glabrous. Marginal groove over anterior border of the pronotum expanded. Mesosternum glabrous. Metasternum pubescent anterolaterally and in lateral groove; disc not delimited by punctations. Meso- and metatibiae with a small spine. Humeri and epipleura glabrous; anterior vertical face of elytra pubescent.
Originally described from Venezuela, this species is distributed in the Andes of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela (
(Spanish version available as Suppl. material
1 | Clypeus hidden below frons, with anterior angles below the mediofrontal tubercles (Passalini) (Figs |
2 |
– | Clypeus (frontoclypeus) exposed dorsally, with anterior angles in front of the border of the frons (Proculini) (Figs |
18 |
2 | Antennal club with 5 lamellae (Figs |
3 |
– | Antennal club with 3 lamellae of similar length (Figs |
5 |
3 | Prosternellum pentagonal, with posterior apex very wide (Fig. |
Paxillus leachi |
– | Prosternellum rhomboidal (Fig. |
4 |
4 | Medial basal mentum almost entirely with punctures and setae. Length 17.6–18.2 mm | Spasalus crenatus |
– | Medial basal mentum with punctures and setae only on posterior border. Length 15.75–16.30 mm | Spasalus paulinae |
5 | Secondary internal tubercles on frontal ridges present (Fig. |
6 |
– | Secondary internal tubercles on frontal ridges absent (Fig. |
7 |
6 | Body robust. Abdominal tergites black in color in mature adults. Length 16.3–19.8 mm | Rhodocanthopus maillei |
– | Body flattened. Abdominal tergites reddish in color (even in mature adults). Length 14.0–16.5 mm | Rhodocanthopus rufiventris |
7 | Anterior border of frons with 2 secondary mediofrontal tubercles (Fig. |
8 |
– | Anterior border of frons straight or almost straight, without secondary mediofrontal tubercles. Central tubercle always with apex not free (Figs |
14 |
8 | Central tubercle with apex very free, reaching or surpassing the anterior border of the frons (Figs |
9 |
– | Central tubercle with apex not free or slightly free, not reaching the anterior border of the frons (Figs |
11 |
9 | Body svelte and flattened. Macropterous (Fig. |
Passalus serankuai |
– | Body robust, subcylindrical (Figs |
10 |
10 | Anterior frontal edge without middle indentation or secondary mediofrontal tubercles (Figs |
Passalus chechai sp. nov. |
– | Anterior frontal edge with middle indentation and rudimentary secondary mediofrontal tubercles (Fig. |
Passalus florezi sp. nov. |
11 | Body flattened. Central tubercle with apex not free (Fig. |
Passalus interstitialis |
– | Body robust. Central tubercle with apex slightly free (Fig. |
12 |
12 | Central tubercle distinctly free but short (Fig. |
Passalus coniferus |
– | Central tubercle barely free (Fig. |
13 |
13 | Last abdominal sternite with medially incomplete groove (Fig. |
Passalus interruptus |
– | Last abdominal sternite with medially complete groove (Fig. |
Passalus punctiger |
14 | Humeri and epipleura with dense pubescence (Fig. |
Passalus rugosus |
– | Humeri and epipleura glabrous or with a few setae at the base (Figs |
15 |
15 | Frontal fossae with sparse long setae (Fig. |
Passalus paucuvillosus |
– | Frontal fossae glabrous (Fig. |
16 |
16 | Eyes reduced (Fig. |
Passalus gaboi |
– | Eyes not reduced (Figs |
17 |
17 | Internal tubercles large, with free apex (Fig. |
Passalus unimagdalenae |
– | Internal tubercles small, with apex not free (Fig. |
Passalus punctatostriatus |
18 | Clypeus swollen anteromedially (Fig. |
Odontotaenius striatopunctatus |
– | Clypeus not swollen anteromedially (Figs |
19 |
19 | Anterior labral border deeply concave, with an excavation behind concavity (dorsal depression sensu |
20 |
– | Anterior labral border straight or slightly concave or convex, without an excavation behind border (Figs |
21 |
20 | Internal tubercles large, with free apex projecting forwards, surpassing the frontoclypeus (Fig. |
Verres corticicola |
– | Internal tubercles small and blunt, not surpassing the frontoclypeus (Fig. |
Verres hageni |
21 | Frontoclypeal suture strong (Figs |
22 |
– | Frontoclypeal suture absent (Figs |
25 |
22 | Metasternal pubescence restricted to the mesocoxal cavity and lateral fossa (Fig. |
Heliscus eclipticus |
– | Metasternal pubescence absent (Popilius erotylus, Fig. |
23 |
23 | Metasternal pubescence extend way beyond the mesocoxal cavity and lateral groove (Fig. |
Popilius gibbosus |
– | Metasternal pubescence absent or scarce (Figs |
24 |
24 | Tip of central tubercle even with parietal tubercles (Fig. |
Popilius marginatus |
– | Tip of central tubercle posterior to level of parietal tubercles (Fig. |
Popilius erotylus |
25 | Lateroposterior tubercles absent (Fig. |
Veturius impressus |
– | Lateroposterior tubercles present (Figs |
26 |
26 | Frontal fossae pubescent, pubescence extending over supraorbital ridges (Fig. |
Veturius cirratus |
– | Frontal fossae glabrous (Fig. |
27 |
27 | Frontal fossae glabrous (Fig. |
Veturius aspina |
– | Frontal fossae with scarce setae (Fig. |
Veturius standfussi |
With 28 species, the Colombian Caribbean hosts an important richness of passalid species, which also exhibits a unique composition. The dry plain, characteristic of the lowlands of northern Colombia, is dominated by widely distributed species such as Passalus punctiger and P. interstitialis, and to a lesser extent by P. interruptus. Meanwhile, the mountainous systems provide elements of more restricted distribution, some of them endemic to the Colombian Caribbean, similar to other regions in the Neotropics (e.g., Guatemala and Costa Rica; Beza-Beza et al. pers. comm.;
Despite having the smallest number of localities sampled, the Chocó-Magdalena is the richest province in the Caribbean region, with 15 species of Passalidae. It is in this province where species shared between the Colombian Pacific and Mesoamerica are also recorded (e.g., Heliscus eclipticus, Odontotaenius striatopunctatus, and Passalus paucuvillosus). Likewise, according to
By geopolitical divisions (departments), Córdoba has the highest richness is Córdoba (15 species), due to the high richness recorded in the southern portion of the department, which biogeographically belongs to the Chocó-Magdalena province (
We thank Cristian Beza-Beza for his kind review of the manuscript and Nataly Valero-Pérez for designing the map. The field surveys that allowed the collection of the examined material were founded by Ministerio de Ciencias de Colombia (contract No. 80740-470-2021). The cataloging, digitization, and quality control of the material was done with resources provided by the GBIF-BID National Biodiversity Data Mobilization Grants (BID-CA2020-045-NAC), and Vicerrectoría de Investigación, Universidad del Magdalena.
The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
No ethical statement was reported.
GBIF-BID National Biodiversity Data Mobilization Grants (BID-CA2020-045-NAC). Ministerio de Ciencias de Colombia (contract No. 80740-470-2021). Vicerrectoría de Investigación, Universidad del Magdalena.
LJF conceived this research; LJF, AMG, EVF, MBB and JMM collected data; EVF and AMG prepared the data set (Darwincore), took and edited the photographies; LJF led the writing; AMG, MBB and JMM helped with manuscript review and editing.
Larry Jiménez-Ferbans https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5710-2265
Ana Maestre-Guerra https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2046-8036
Evelin Villalba-Fuentes https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3332-5384
Mayelis Barros-Barrios https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2634-5408
Jeison Muñoz-Montero https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2563-9388
All of the data that support the findings of this study are available in the main text or Supplementary Information.
Data set with ocurrences of Passalidae from the Caribean region of Colombia
Data type: Ocurrences
Label information for the photographed specimens
Data type: image (JPG file)
Spanish version of the key to the Passalidae from the Caribbean Coast of Colombia
Data type: (Word document)