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Research Article
Four new species of Sphaeroderma Stephens (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini) from Taiwan, with discussion on genus boundaries based on S. flavonotatum Chûjô and S. jungchani sp. nov.
expand article infoChi-Feng Lee‡
‡ Applied Zoology Division, Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Taichung, Taiwan

Corresponding author: Chi-Feng Lee ( chifeng@tari.gov.tw )

Academic editor: Ron Beenen
© 2023 Chi-Feng Lee.
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: Lee C-F (2023) Four new species of Sphaeroderma Stephens (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini) from Taiwan, with discussion on genus boundaries based on S. flavonotatum Chûjô and S. jungchani sp. nov. ZooKeys 1185: 1-19. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1185.112099
ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:5B12796B-2102-4994-8D33-53FAD1A1B763
Open Access

Abstract

Three new species of Sphaeroderma Stephens, 1831, S. hsui sp. nov., S. changi sp. nov., and S. sheipaensis sp. nov. are described based on specimens from Shei-Pa National Park, Taiwan. A fourth new species, S. jungchani sp. nov., is described based on specimens from southern Taiwan. Delimitation of the genus is discussed based on S. flavonotatum Chûjô, 1937, which is redescribed, and the new species, S. jungchani sp. nov.

Key words

Flea beetles, leaf beetles, Malaise trap, new species, Shei-Pa National Park, taxonomy

Introduction

The first species of Sphaeroderma was recorded from Taiwan by Chen (1934) as S. apicalis Baly, 1874. Three species were added by Chûjô (1937): S. flavonotatum Chûjô, S. rubi Chûjô and S. tibiale Chûjô. The fifth species was described as S. postnigrum Chûjô (Chûjô 1963). Sphaeroderma kondoi Ohno, 1964, was the sixth species (Ohno 1964). Sphaeroderma chui Kimoto, 1970, was the seventh and S. babai Chûjô, 1963 was added to the Taiwan fauna in the same paper (Kimoto 1970). The latter species was inadvertently included; it should be S. postnigrum Chûjô, 1963 (Kimoto and Chu 1996). Three more new species were described by Takizawa (1979): S. varicolor Takizawa, S. alishanensis Takizawa, and S. nigroapicalis Takizawa. In total, ten species have been described or recorded from Taiwan previously.

During a research project conducted by Dr Yu-Feng Hsu (徐堉峰) and myself entitled “A survey for selection of insect indicator species and their microhabitat usage in the Daxueshan area of Shei-Pa National Park”, six Malaise traps were set up at different altitudes ranging from 2620 to 3320 m. Two traps collected more than 60 specimens representing three species resembling oblong-bodied Sphaeroderma. Moreover, two of these have transverse antennal calli with well-developed supracallinal sulci, a character shared with members of Sphaeroderma. To redefine genus boundaries of Sphaeroderma, specimens of S. flavonotatum Chûjô and its allied species were studied. Both possess characteristic white spots on the elytra and are easily recognized members of Taiwan chrysomelid fauna.

Material and methods

Five Malaise traps were set up at the Shei-Pa National Park from April 2021 to November 2022, namely Hsishihshan trail (Fig. 1B) (西勢山林道: 24°19'01.9"N, 121°03'36.3"E, 2630 m), Hsiaopangchih (Fig. 1D) (小胖池: 24°19'09.0"N, 121°04’09.7”E, 2830 m), Tahsuehshan (大雪山: 24°20'40.1"N, 121°07'36.2"E, 3280 m), Chichunshan (奇峻山: 24°20'58.8"N, 121°07'53.2"E, 3260 m), Tananshan (大南山: 24°21'40.3"N, 121°09'48.6"E, 3050 m), Huoshihshan (火石山: 24°22'47.8"N, 121°10'53.7"E, 3060 m). Adults of Spheroderma were collected from two localities, Hsishihshan trail and Hsiaopangchih. Microhabitats of both localities are described as follow:

Figure 1. 

Habitat photographs A microhabitat at Hsishihshan trail (西勢山林道) B Malaise trap set up at Hsishihshan trail (西勢山林道) C microhabitat at Hsiaopangchih (小胖池) D Malaise trap set up at Hsiaopangchih (小胖池).

Hsishihshan trail (Fig. 1A): plant cover composed of Chamaecyparis formosensis Matsum. (Cupressaceae) and Pinus taiwanensis Hayata (Pinaceae). Understory and herbaceous plants include Illicium anisatum L. (Schisandraceae), Photinia niitakayamensis Hayata (Rosaceae), Trochodendron aralioides Siebold & Zucc. (Trochodendraceae), Acer rubescens Hayata (Sapindaceae), Rhododendron spp. (Ericaceae), Eurya crenatifolia (Yamam.) Kobuski and E. glaberrima Hayata (Pentaphylacaceae), Symplocos morrisonicola Hayata (Symplocaceae), Digitalis purpurea L. (Plantaginaceae) and Reynoutria japonica Houtt. (Polygonaceae).

Hsiaopangchih (Fig. 1C): a primeval forest with Tsuga chinensis (Franch.) Pritz. var. formosana (Hayata) H.L. Li & H. Keng and Abies kawakamii (Hayata) T. Itô (Pinaceae) as dominant tree species. Minor tree species include Pinus armandii Franch. var. mastersiana (Hayata) Hayata, P. taiwanensis (Pinaceae) and Juniperus squamata Lamb. (Cupressaceae). Understory shrubs include Rhododendron formosanum Hemsl. (Ericaceae), Juniperus formosana var. formosana Hayata (Cupressaceae) and a shrub bamboo, Yushania niitakayamensis (Hayata) Keng f. (Poaceae).

For taxonomic study, the abdomens of adults were separated from the forebodies and boiled in 10% NaOH solution, followed by washing in distilled water to prepare genitalia for illustrations. The genitalia were then dissected from the abdomens, mounted on slides in glycerin, and studied and drawn using a Nikon ECLIPSE 50i compound microscope with a drawing tube. Large morphological structures were drawn using a Leica M165 stereomicroscope with a drawing tube.

At least three males and females from each species were examined to delimit variability of diagnostic characters. For species collected from more than one locality or with color variations, at least one pair of each sex from each locality and color morph was examined. Length was measured from the anterior margin of the eye to the elytral apex, and width at the greatest width of the elytra. Nomenclature for morphological structures follows Duckett and Daza (2004).

Specimens studied herein are deposited at the Natural History Museum, London, UK (BMNH) and Applied Zoology Division, Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, Taichung Taiwan (TARI).

Precise label data are cited for all type specimens of described species; a double slash (//) indicates label breaks and a single slash (/) indicates line breaks. Other comments and remarks are in square brackets: [p] – preceding data are printed, [h] – preceding data are handwritten, [w] – white label.

Taxonomy

Sphaeroderma Stephens, 1831

Sphaeroderma Stephens, 1831: 328. Type species: Altica testacea Fabricius, 1775, subsequently designated by Maulik (1926).

Argosomus Wollaston, 1868: 152. Type species: Argosomus epilachnoides Wollaston, 1868, subsequently designated by Konstantinov and Vandenberg (1996). Synonymized by Scherer (1961).

Musaka Bechyné, 1958: 91. Type species: Sphaeroderma freyi Bechyné, 1955. Synonymized by Scherer (1961).

Kimotoa Gruey, 1985: 125. Type species: Argopus splendens Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963, by original designation. Synonymized by Konstantinov and Prathapan (2008).

Notes

Three new species with oblong bodies (Figs 3, 5) were collected from Shei-Pa National Park, but only one of them has longitudinal antennal calli (Fig. 2A) with poorly delimited supracallinal sulci. The other two have typical characters for Sphaeroderma (Fig. 2B–E). This suggests that the supracallinal sulci are not diagnostic.

The new species of Sphaeroderma from Shei-Pa National Park can be assigned to a species group (= S. hsui species group) that can be separated from other species of Sphaeroderma (such as S. flavonotatum and S. jungchani sp. nov.) by their oblong bodies (Figs 3, 5) which look like members of Meishania Chen & Wang, 1980: 1.1–1.2× longer and wide [spherical bodies (Fig. 8), as long as wide in S. flavonotatum and S. jungchani sp. nov.]; abdominal ventrites V without internal median ridge in males (abdominal ventrites V with internal median ridge in males of S. flavonotatum and S. jungchani sp. nov.), aedeagus without endophallic sclerites (Figs 4C, D, 6C, D) [aedeagus with one pair of small endophallic sclerites in S. flavonotatum (Fig. 9C, D) and S. jungchani sp. nov. (Fig. 7C, D)], gonocoxae with a transverse basal sclerite connected with apical sclerites (Figs 4G, 6G, 7G) [gonocoxae with only apical sclerites in S. flavonotatum (Fig. 9G)], and abdominal ventrite VIII in females strongly sclerotized and short speculum (Figs 4E, 6E, 7E) [abdominal ventrite VIII in females membranous except apical margin scleritozed and long speculum in S. flavonotatum (Fig. 9E)].

Sphaeroderma hsui sp. nov.

https://zoobank.org/510555F9-6ABE-4D34-9789-0D27E498F030
Figs 2A, 3, 4

Types

Holotype ♂ (TARI). Taiwan: Miaoli, Hsiaopangchih (小胖池), 28.VIII.2021–16.XI.2021, leg. Y.-F. Hsu. Paratypes. 29♂, 22♀ (TARI: 26♂, 19♀; BMNH: 3♂, 3♀), same data as holotype; 4♂, 2♀ (TARI), same but with “28.VIII.2021”; 2♂, 3♀ (TARI), same but with “21.V.-28.VIII.2021”; 1♀ (TARI): Hsishihshan (西勢山), 16.XI.2021–21.IV.2022, leg. Y.-F. Hsu.

Figure 2. 

Heads of Sphaeroderma species in frontal view A S. hsui sp. nov. B S. changi sp. nov. C S. sheipaensis sp. nov. D S. flavonotatum Chûjô E S. jungchani sp. nov.

Description

Length 2.5–2.8 mm, width 1.6–1.9 mm. Body color (Fig. 3A–C) yellowish-brown. Antennae filiform in males (Fig. 4A), antennomeres VIII–X wider, length ratios of antennomeres I–XI 1.0:0.6:0.4:0.5:0.7:0.6:0.7:0.8:0.7:0.7:1.0, length to width ratios of antennomeres I–XI 2.9:2.1:1.8:2.0:2.5:2.4:2.5:2.6:2.3:2.3:3.0; similar shape in females (Fig. 4B), but antennomeres VIII–X narrower, length ratios of antennomeres I–XI 1.0:0.6:0.4:0.5:0.8:0.6:0.8:0.7:0.7:0.7:1.0, length to width ratios of antennomeres I–XI 3.1:2.3:1.9:2.2:3.2:2.6:2.9:2.5:2.4:2.2:3.3. Antennal calli longitudinal, with supracallinal sulci poorly delimited. Pronotum 1.7–1.9× wider than long, disc with fine, scattered punctures, same size as punctures on elytra; lateral margins almost straight; anterolateral callosity protruding forward; posterolateral callosity poorly developed. Elytra 1.3 times longer than wide, sides widely rounded; disc with punctures entirely confused; humeral calli well developed. Abdominal ventrite V without internal median ridge in both sexes. Male genitalia: aedeagus (Fig. 4C, D) slender in dorsal view, 4.0× longer than wide; parallel-sided, but slightly narrowed at apical 1/4, apex widely rounded; moderately curved at middle in lateral view, apex slightly recurved, ventral margin with densely, tiny teeth at middle; ostium membranous and with Y-shaped sclerotized area. Female genitalia: ventrite VIII (Fig. 4E) with apical part triangular, apical margin smooth and lacking setae, disc with medial part membranous, spiculum short; gonocoxae (Fig. 4G) separated, transversely triangular, with dense, long setae along apical margins, with one slender and transverse basal sclerite; receptacle of spermatheca (Fig. 4F) moderately swollen; pump short and strongly curved, transverse wrinkles present on entire pump and extending into half of receptacle; sclerotized proximal spermathecal duct long, with ramus oblong.

Figure 3. 

Habitus of Sphaeroderma hsui sp. nov. A typical form, male, dorsal view B ditto, ventral view C ditto, lateral view D color variation, male, dorsal view E ditto, ventral view F ditto, lateral view G color variation, female, dorsal view H ditto, ventral view I ditto, lateral view.

Figure 4. 

Diagnostic characters of Sphaeroderma hsui sp. nov. A antenna, male B antenna, female C aedeagus, dorsal view D aedeagus, lateral view E abdominal ventrite VIII, female F spermatheca G gonocoxae.

Color variation

Some adults have black bodies (Fig. 3D–F) with legs and antennae that are yellowish-brown, with metafemora darkener; some adults (Fig. 3G–I) similar in this color form, but the elytra are yellowish-brown except darker base that extends to lateral margins, then abbreviated at apical 1/3.

Diagnosis

Although adults of Sphaeroderma hsui sp. nov. display diverse color patterns (Fig. 3), they are characteristic and diagnostic. In addition, this new species differs from the two other Taiwanese species (S. changi sp. nov. and S. sheipaensis sp. nov.) based the following combination characters: entire yellowish-brown antennae (Fig. 3) [yellowish-brown antennomeres I–IV and black antennomeres V–XI in other species (Fig. 5)]; longitudinal antennal calli with poorly delimited supracallinal sulci (Fig. 2A) [transverse antennal calli with well-developed supracallinal sulci in S. changi sp. nov. (Fig. 2B) and S. sheipaensis sp. nov. (Fig. 2C)]; slender aedeagus, 4.0× longer than wide, with cluster of setae at middle of inner margin in lateral view (Fig. 4D) [wide aedeagus, 3.1× longer than wide, and inner margin lacking setae in lateral view in S. changi sp. nov. (Fig. 6D)]; triangular abdominal ventrite VIII in females with apical margin lacking setae, subapically and moderately narrowed sides (Fig. 4E) [apical margin with seven pairs of setae at medial part in S. changi sp. nov. (Fig. 6E), subapically and slightly narrowed sides in S. changi sp. nov. and S. sheipaensis sp. nov. (Figs 6E, 7E)]; transversely triangular gonocoxae (Fig. 4G) [longitudinally triangular gonocoxae in S. changi sp. nov. (Fig. 6G)].

Figure 5. 

Habitus of Sphaeroderma changi sp. nov. and S. sheipaensis sp. nov. A S. changi sp. nov., female, dorsal view B ditto, ventral view C ditto, lateral view D S. sheipaensis sp. nov., female, dorsal view E ditto, ventral view F ditto, lateral view.

Figure 6. 

Diagnostic characters of Sphaeroderma changi sp. nov. A antenna, male B antenna, female C aedeagus, dorsal view D aedeagus, lateral view E abdominal ventrite VIII, female F spermatheca G gonocoxae.

Figure 7. 

Diagnostic characters of Sphaeroderma sheipaensis sp. nov. and S. jungchani Lee, sp. nov. A antenna, male, S. jungchani sp. nov. B antenna, female, Sphaeroderma sheipaensis sp. nov. C aedeagus, dorsal view, S. jungchani sp. nov. D ditto, lateral view E abdominal ventrite VIII, female, S. sheipaensis sp. nov. F spermatheca, S. sheipaensis sp. nov. G gonocoxae, S. sheipaensis sp. nov.

Etymology

The name is dedicated to Dr Yu-Feng Hsu (徐堉峰), who is the director for the insect survey project at Shei-Pa National Park.

Distribution

Sphaeroderma hsui sp. nov. seems to be the dominant species at the Shei-Pa National Park.

Sphaeroderma changi sp. nov.

https://zoobank.org/880B2056-1C8E-4C62-AFBB-434F07506557
Figs 2B, 5A–C, 6

Types

Holotype ♂ (TARI). Taiwan: Miaoli, Hsishihshan trail (西勢山林道), 26.IX.2021, leg. Y.-F. Hsu. Paratypes. 1♀ (TARI), same but with “28.VIII.2021”.

Description

Length 3.2 mm, width 2.2 mm. Body color (Fig. 5A–C) yellowish or reddish-brown; head, pronotum, and legs blackish-brown; antennae blackish-brown except four basal antennomeres yellowish-brown. Antennae filiform in males (Fig. 6A), length ratios of antennomeres I–XI 1.0:0.7:0.4:0.5:0.7:0.7:0.8:0.8:0.8:0.8:1.2, length to width ratios of antennomeres I–XI 2.8:2.2:1.9:2.0:2.7:2.5:2.5:2.3:2.3:2.4:3.5; similar in females (Fig. 6B), length ratios of antennomeres I–XI 1.0:0.6:0.5:0.5:0.7:0.6:0.7:0.7:0.7:0.7:0.9, length to width ratios of antennomeres I–XI 2.9:2.2:2.1:2.1:2.7:2.4:2.7:2.6:2.5:2.4:3.2. Antennal calli transverse, with supracallinal sulci well developed. Pronotum 1.7× wider than long, disc with fine, scattered punctures the same size as those on elytra; lateral margins almost straight; anterolateral callosity protruding forward; posterolateral callosity poorly developed. Elytra 1.1–1.2 times longer than wide, sides widely rounded; disc with punctures entirely confused; humeral calli well developed. Abdominal ventrite V without internal median ridge in both sexes. Male genitalia: aedeagus (Fig. 6C, D) wide in dorsal view, 3.1× longer than wide; parallel-sided, apex narrowly rounded, strongly widened at apical 1/8; moderately curved at middle in lateral view; ventral surface with one pair of oblique ridges from apical 1/5 of lateral margins; ostium membranous and with Y-shaped sclerotized area. Female genitalia: ventrite VIII (Fig. 6E) with apical part triangular, but sides slightly narrowed near apex, apical margin smooth and with seven pairs of setae medially, disc with medial part membranous, spiculum short; gonocoxae (Fig. 6G) separated, longitudinally triangular, with dense, long setae along apical margins, with one slender and transverse basal sclerite; receptacle of spermatheca (Fig. 6F) moderately swollen; pump short and strongly curved, transverse wrinkles present on entire pump and extending onto half of receptacle; sclerotized proximal spermathecal duct long, with ramus oblong.

Diagnosis

Adults of Sphaeroderma changi sp. nov. have a characteristic and diagnostic color pattern (Fig. 5A–C). In addition, this new species differs from the other two Taiwanese species (S. hsui sp. nov. and S. sheipaensis sp. nov.) based on the following combination of characters: yellowish-brown antennomeres I–IV and black antennomeres V–XI (Fig. 5A–C) [entire yellowish-brown antennae in S. hsui sp. nov. (Fig. 3)]; transverse antennal calli with well-developed supracallinal sulci (Fig. 2B) [longitudinal antennal calli with poorly delimited supracallinal sulci in S. hsui sp. nov. (Fig. 2A)]; wide aedeagus, 3.1× longer than wide, ventral disc with one pair of oblique ridges from apical 1/5 in lateral margin (Fig. 6C, D) [slender aedeagus, 4.0× longer than wide and ventral disc without oblique ridges in S. hsui sp. nov. (Fig. 4C, D)]; triangular abdominal ventrite VIII in females with apical margin with seven pairs of setae at medial part, subapically and slightly narrowed sides (Fig. 6E) [apical margin lacking setae; subapically and moderately narrowed sides in S. hsui sp. nov. (Fig. 4E)]; longitudinally triangular gonocoxae (Fig. 6G) [transversely triangular gonocoxae in S. hsui sp. nov. (Fig. 4G) and S. sheipaensis sp. nov. (Fig. 7G)].

Etymology

This species is named for Mr Li-Jen Chang (張勵仁) for his assistance in conducting the project.

Distribution

Sphaeroderma changi sp. nov. is a rarely collected species known from only one locality in Shei-Pa National Park.

Sphaeroderma sheipaensis sp. nov.

https://zoobank.org/08FADE40-DBF7-44CB-BDFD-4B08D0138BF1
Figs 3C, 5D–F, 7B, E–G

Types

Holotype ♀ (TARI). Taiwan: Miaoli, Hsishihshan trail (西勢山林道), 28.VIII.2021, leg. Y.-F. Hsu. Paratype. 1♀ (TARI), Hsiaopangchih (小胖池), 28.VIII.2021, leg. Y.-F. Hsu.

Description

Length 2.4 mm, width 1.8 mm. Body color (Fig. 5D–F) blackish-brown, head, prothorax, scutellum yellowish-brown; elytra metallic blue, metafemora blackish-brown; antenna black except four basal antennomeres yellowish-brown. Antennae filiform in females (Fig. 7B), length ratios of antennomeres I–XI 1.0:0.6:0.4:0.4:0.6:0.6:0.7:0.7:0.8:0.7:1.0, length to width ratios of antennomeres I–XI 2.9:2.2:2.2:2.0:2.5:2.5:2.3:2.3:2.5:2.2:3.4. Antennal calli transverse, with supracallinal sulci well developed. Pronotum 1.9 times wider than long, disc with fine, scattered punctures the same size as those on elytra; lateral margins almost straight; anterolateral callosity protruding forward; posterolateral callosity poorly developed. Elytra 1.1 times longer than wide, sides widely rounded; disc with punctures entirely confused; humeral calli well developed. Female genitalia: ventrite VIII (Fig. 7E) with apical part triangular, but sides slightly narrowed near apex, apical margin smooth and depressed at middle, lacking setae; disc with medial part membranous, spiculum short; gonocoxae (Fig. 7G) separated, transversely triangular, with dense, long setae along apical margins, with one slender and transverse basal sclerite; receptacle of spermatheca (Fig. 7F) moderately swollen; pump short and strongly curved, transverse wrinkles present on entire pump and extending onto half of receptacle; sclerotized proximal spermathecal duct long, with ramus oblong.

Males unknown.

Diagnosis

Adults of Sphaeroderma sheipaensis sp. nov. have a characteristic and diagnostic color pattern (Fig. 5D–F). In addition, this new species differs from the two other Taiwanese species (S. hsui sp. nov. and S. changi sp. nov.) based on the following combination of characters: yellowish-brown antennomeres I–IV and black antennomeres V–XI (Fig. 5D–F) [entire yellowish-brown antennae in S. hsui sp. nov. (Fig. 3)]; transverse antennal calli with well-developed supracallinal sulci (Fig. 2C) [longitudinal antennal calli with poorly delimited supracallinal sulci in S. hsui sp. nov. (Fig. 2A)], triangular abdominal ventrite VIII in females with apical margin lacking setae, subapically and slightly narrowed sides (Fig. 7E) [apical margin with seven pairs of setae at medial part in S. changi sp. nov. (Fig. 6E), subapically and moderately narrowed sides in S. hsui sp. nov. (Fig. 4E)]; transversely triangular gonocoxae (Fig. 7G) [longitudinally triangular gonocoxae in S. changi sp. nov. (Fig. 6G)].

Etymology

The species is named for Shei-Pa National Park (雪霸國家公園) where three new species were collected.

Distribution

Sphaeroderma sheipaensis sp. nov. is a rarely collected species known from two localities in Shei-Pa National Park.

Sphaeroderma flavonotatum Chûjô, 1937

Figs 8A–F, 9, 10

Sphaeroderma flavonotata Chûjô, 1937: 40; Kimoto 1966: 35 (Hoozan = Fenghuangshan, 鳳凰山); Kimoto 1970: 295 (Fenchihu 奮起湖).

Types

Lectotype ♂ (TARI), here designated for clarifying its species identity which was confused with S. jungchani sp. nov., labeled: “Arisan (= Alishan, 阿里山) / 1912.X.10 [h] / Col. I. Nitobe [p, w] // Co / Type (p, circle label with yellow letters and border) // Sphaeroderma / flavonotata / Chûjô [h] / DET. M. CHUJO [p, w] // 1020 [p, w]”. Paralectotypes. 1♂, 3♀ (TARI), same data as holotype, but with “2683 (♂), 1388 (♀), 1917 (♀), 2684 (♀)”; 1♂: “Mt. Arisan / FORMOSA / 25.X.1933 [h] / COL. M CHUJO [p, w] // Co / Type (p, circle label with yellow letters and border) // Sphaeroderma / flavonotata / Chûjô [h] / DET. M. CHUJO [p, w] // 698 [p, w]”.

Other material

Taiwan. Hsinchu: 2♂, 1♀ (TARI), Kuanhsi (關西), 2.IX.2011, leg. H. Lee; 2♂, 1♀ (TARI), Wuchihshan (五指山), 27.III.2008, leg. H. Lee; Nantou: 1♂ (BMNH), Tungpu (東埔), 5–8.X.1981, leg. T. Lin & W. S. Tang; 2♀ (BMNH), same but with “18–23.XI.1981”; 1♂ (BMNH)), same locality, 18–23.VII.1982, leg. L. Y. Chou & T. Lin; Pingtung: 1♂ (TARI), Tahanshan (大漢山), 7.II.2008, leg. M.-H. Tsou; 1♀ (TARI), same but with “leg. S.-F. Yu”; 1♀ (TARI), same locality, 3.III.2008, leg. C.-F. Lee; Taichung: 1♂, 1♀ (TARI), Wushihkeng (烏石坑), 19.III.2008, leg. C.-F. Lee; Taipei: 1♀ (TARI), Fushan (福山), 15.III.2007, leg. H.-J. Chen.

Redescription

Length 3.1–3.5 mm, width 2.2–2.5 mm. Body color (Fig. 8A–F) reddish-brown; antennae blackish-brown except three basal antennomeres reddish-brown; elytron with one large white, round spot, margined by black, black area variable in extent; legs sometimes darker. Antennae filiform in males (Fig. 9A), apex of antennomere III angular, much smaller than IV, length ratios of antennomeres I–XI 1.0:0.5:0.4:0.6:0.7:0.7:0.8:0.8:0.8:0.8:1.1, length to width ratios of antennomeres I–XI 3.1:2.0:1.8:2.3:2.3:2.2:2.6:2.5:2.6:2.6:4.3; similar shape in females (Fig. 9B), length ratios of antennomeres I–XI 1.0:0.5:0.3:0.6:0.6:0.6:0.7:0.7:0.7:0.7:1.0, length to width ratios of antennomeres I–XI 2.8:2.1:1.7:2.3:2.4:2.2:2.3:2.4:2.5:2.4:4.1. Antennal calli transverse, with supracallinal sulci well developed. Pronotum 1.6–1.7× wider than long, disc with coarse, scattered punctures, mixed with fine punctures; lateral margins slightly rounded; anterolateral callosity protruding forward; posterolateral callosity poorly developed. Elytra as long as wide, sides widely rounded; disc with punctures arranged into longitudinal striae but mixed with additional punctures; humeral calli well developed. Middle tibiae curved in males (Fig. 8A, B), and much longer than other tibiae. Abdominal ventrite V with median internal ridge in males. Male genitalia: aedeagus (Fig. 9C, D) wide in dorsal view, 3.6× longer than wide; parallel-sided, apex narrowly rounded, strongly widened at apical 1/6; slightly curved at middle in lateral view, extremely wide; ostium membranous and with short median longitudinal sclerite, and with one rounded sclerite connected with apex; internal sac with one pair of rounded and laterally flattened sclerites. Female genitalia: ventrite VIII (Fig. 9E) membranous, only apical margin sclerotized, with one pair of setae near middle, spiculum long; gonocoxae (Fig. 9G) separated, oblong, with dense, long setae along apical margins; receptacle of spermatheca (Fig. 9F) moderately swollen; pump long and strongly curved, transverse wrinkles present on entire pump and extending onto half of receptacle; sclerotized proximal spermathecal duct long, with ramus rounded.

Figure 8. 

Habitus of Sphaeroderma flavonotata Chûjô and S. jungchani sp. nov. A S. flavonotata Chûjô, male, dorsal view B ditto, ventral view C ditto, lateral view D S. flavonotata Chûjô, female, dorsal view E ditto, ventral view F ditto, lateral view G S. jungchani sp. nov., male, dorsal view H ditto, ventral view I ditto, lateral view.

Figure 9. 

Diagnostic characters of Sphaeroderma flavonotata Chûjô A antenna, male B antenna, female C aedeagus, dorsal view D aedeagus, lateral view E abdominal ventrite VIII, female F spermatheca G gonocoxae.

Diagnosis

Adults of S. flavonotatum Chûjô and S. jungchani sp. nov. are easily separated by the color surrounding the single pair of large white spots on the elytra: black margins on reddish-brown elytra in S. flavonotatum; reddish-brown surrounding spots in S. jungchani sp. nov. Middle tibiae are sexually dimorphic, enlarged in males of S. flavonotatum (middle tibiae not modified in males of S. jungchani sp. nov.). The aedeagus is broader in S. flavonotatum, 3.6× longer than wide, and thick in lateral view (Fig. 9C, D) [narrow aedeagus, 5.2× longer than wide, and thin in lateral view in S. jungchani sp. nov. (Fig. 7C, D)].

Host plants

Clematis tashiroi var. tashiroi Maxim. (Ranunculaceae) (Lee and Cheng 2010).

Distribution

Widespread in Taiwan (Fig. 10).

Figure 10. 

Distribution map of Sphaeroderma flavonotata Chûjô and S. jungchani sp. nov. Solid line: 1000 m, dotted line: 2000 m; circles: S. flavonotata Chûjô; square: S. jungchani sp. nov.

Sphaeroderma jungchani sp. nov.

https://zoobank.org/AB83115A-5632-466C-B5B5-401A9B92A089
Figs 7A, C, D; 8G–I, 10

Types

Holotype ♂ (TARI). Taiwan: Pingtung, Nanjenhu (南仁湖), 31.III.2011, leg. J.-C. Chen. Paratypes. 3♂ (BMNH: 2♂; TARI: 1♂), same data as holotype; 1♂ (TARI), same but with “11.IV.2011”; 1♂ (TARI), same but with “3.IV.2023”.

Description

Length 2.9-3.3 mm, width 2.1–2.3 mm. Body color (Fig. 8G–I) blackish-brown; head and prothorax reddish-brown; antennae blackish-brown except three basal antennomeres reddish-brown; elytron with one large white round spot, elytra basally and apically reddish-brown; abdominal ventrite V reddish-brown; legs dark brown but front legs paler. Antennae filiform in males (Fig. 7A), apex of antennomere III angular, much smaller than IV, length ratios of antennomeres I–XI 1.0:0.5:0.4:0.5:0.6:0.6:0.7:0.7:0.7:0.7:1.1, length to width ratios of antennomeres I–XI 2.9:1.7:1.6:2.1:2.3:2.1:2.1:2.2:2.1:2.1:3.4. Pronotum 1.7–1.8× wider than long, disc with coarse, scattered punctures, mixed with fine punctures; lateral margins slightly rounded; anterolateral callosity protruding forward; posterolateral callosity poorly developed. Elytra 1.1–1.2 times longer than wide, sides widely rounded; disc with punctures arranged into longitudinal striae but mixed with additional punctures; humeral calli well developed. Abdominal ventrite V with median internal ridge in males. Antennal calli transverse, with supracallinal sulci well developed. Male genitalia: aedeagus (Fig. 7C, D) narrow in dorsal view, 5.2× longer than wide; parallel-sided, apex narrowly rounded, strongly widened at apical 1/6; almost straight at middle in lateral view and narrow, apex sinuate; ostium membranous and with long median longitudinal sclerite; internal sac with one pair of curved sclerites.

Females unknown.

Diagnosis

Adults of S. jungchani sp. nov. and S. flavonotatum Chûjô are easily separated by the color surrounding the single pair of large white spots on the elytra: surrounded by reddish-brown elytra in S. jungchani; black borders surrounding spots on reddish-brown elytra of S. flavonotatum sp. nov. Middle tibiae of S. jungchani sp. nov. males not modified (sexually dimorphic middle tibiae in S. flavonotatum). Aedeagus narrow in S. jungchani sp. nov., 5.2× longer than wide, and thin in lateral view (Fig. 7C, D) [aedeagus broad, 3.6× longer than wide, and thick in lateral view in S. flavonotatum (Fig. 9C, D)].

Host plants

Chloranthus oldhamii Solms (Chloranthaceae).

Etymology

The species is named for Mr Jung-Chan Chen (陳榮章) for collecting type specimens of this new species.

Distribution

Only known in type locality, Nanjenhu (南仁湖), in southern Taiwan (Fig. 10). This new species is allopatric from S. flavonotatum.

Discussion

The current study suggests that adults of the Sphaeroderma hsui species group can be collected efficiently with Malaise traps set up at suitable microhabitats. No specimens in this group were collected above 3000 m at the Shei-Pa National Park, central Taiwan (with three traps). Members of the group may be limited to 2600–3000 m, where other Sphaeroderma species are absent. Moreover, the three species were collected from a single national park. The diversity of this species group in Taiwan should be greater than current knowledge suggests.

Color patterns were used as key characters for diagnosis of Taiwanese species of Sphaeroderma (Kimoto and Takizawa 1997). This study suggests that color variation will be documented in species when a sufficient number of specimens become available for study. Thus, a revision of this genus based on more material is needed.

The genus Meishania was erected by Chen and Wang (1980) for the single species, M. rufa Chen & Wang, from Sichuan, China. Five more species were added to the genus from Sichuan and Yunnan (China), and Bhutan by Ruan et al. (2018). Members of Meishania have broad, entire third tarsomeres, a character state shared with Argopistes Motschulsky, 1860, Argopus Fischer von Waldheim, 1824, Bhamoina Bechyné, 1958, Chilocoristes Weise, 1895, Jacobyana Maulik, 1926, Omeisphaera Chen & Zia, 1974, Parargopus Chen, 1939, Pentamesa Harold, 1876 and Sphaeroderma Stephens, 1831. All of these genera can be separated from Meishania by the hemispherical body. Ruan et al. (2018) suggested that specimens of Meishania are closely allied to those of Sphaeroderma, but could be recognized by their oblong bodies (spherical bodies in Sphaeroderma), longitudinal antennal calli with poorly delimited supracallinal sulci (transverse antennal calli with well-developed supracallinal sulci in Sphaeroderma). Adults of Sphaeroderma, were characterized as having spherical bodies with transverse antennal calli and well-developed supracallinal sulci. Three new species, described here, with oblong bodies (Figs 3, 5) were collected from Shei-Pa National Park. One of them, Sphaeroderma hsui sp. nov., possesses longitudinal antennal calli (Fig. 2A) with poorly delimited supracallinal sulci. The other two have typical characters for Sphaeroderma (Figs 2B–E). Delimitation of both Sphaeroderma and Meishania requires further study because these overlapping characters obscure generic boundaries.

Acknowledgements

Taiwanese specimens of Sphaeroderma hsui species group were collected as part of the project: Shei-Pa National Park SP110113, entitled “A survey for selection of insect indicator species and their microhabitat usage in the Daxueshan area of Shei-Pa National Park.” This research was directed by Yu-Feng Hsu (徐堉峰) and conducted in the field by Li-Jen Chang (張勵仁). I am grateful to the Taiwan Chrysomelid Research Team (TCRT), including Jung-Chang Chen (陳榮章), Hou-Jay Chen (陳厚潔), Hsueh Lee (李雪), and Mei-Hua Tsou (曹美華) for assistance in collecting Sphaeroderma flavonotatum and S. jungchani sp. nov. I especially thank Chi-Lung Lee (李其龍) for photos of specimens. I thank Chih-Kai Yang (楊智凱) for identification of host plants. I especially thank Chang Chin Chen (陳常卿) for assisting our study in various ways. I thank Chris Carlton for reading the draft and editing for American English style. Finally, I thank Jan Bezděk, Yong-Ying Ruan, and Alexander S. Konstantinov for reviewing the draft of this paper.

Additional information

Conflict of interest

The author has declared that no competing interests exist.

Ethical statement

No ethical statement was reported.

Funding

This study was supported by the National Science and Technology Council NSTC 112-2313-B-055-001-MY3.

Author contributions

Writing – original draft: CFL.

Author ORCIDs

Chi-Feng Lee https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1996-0557

Data availability

All of the data that support the findings of this study are available in the main text.

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