Research Article |
Corresponding author: Dávid Selnekovič ( david.selnekovic@uniba.sk ) Academic editor: Aaron Smith
© 2019 Dávid Selnekovič, Ján Kodada.
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:
Selnekovič D, Kodada J (2019) Taxonomic revision of Mordellistena hirtipes species complex with new distribution records (Insecta, Coleoptera, Mordellidae). ZooKeys 854: 89-118. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.854.32299
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A taxonomic revision of species related to Mordellistena hirtipes Schilsky, 1895 is presented. Five species among the M. hirtipes complex are recognised: M. hirtipes Schilsky, 1895, M. pseudohirtipes Ermisch, 1965, M. purpurascens Costa, 1854, M. balearica Compte, 1985, and M. irritans Franciscolo, 1991. Descriptions, differential diagnoses, an identification key, and new distributional records are provided. Principal Component Analysis is performed for visualisation of differentiation between taxa. The following taxonomic acts are proposed: Mordellistena podlussanyi Czető, 1990 and M. aegea Franciscolo, 1949 are proposed as junior subjective synonyms of M. hirtipes Schilsky, 1895; M. fageli Ermisch, 1969 and M. pseudohirtipes krotosensis Czető, 1990 are proposed as junior subjective synonyms of M. pseudohirtipes pseudohirtipes Ermisch, 1965; M. geronensis Ermisch, 1977 and M. istrica Ermisch, 1977 are proposed as junior subjective synonyms of M. purpurascens Costa, 1854.
taxonomy, identification key, distribution, new synonym, morphometry, Principal Component Analysis (PCA)
Mordellistena Costa, 1854 is the largest genus within the family Mordellidae Latreille, 1802, comprising approximately 800 described species (
The Western Palaearctic species are conventionally assigned to species groups proposed by
The present study is focused on nine morphologically related taxa, which represent a complex within M. confinis species group (
Species belonging to this complex were described by
Examination of material from several localities in Western Palaearctic revealed new distribution records and new biological information for M. hirtipes Schilsky, 1895, M. pseudohirtipes Ermisch, 1965, and M. purpurascens Costa, 1854.
Dried specimens were relaxed in water with a few drops of acetic acid to allow for the dissection. Specimens were observed using Leica MZ16 stereomicroscope with magnification up to 120×, illuminated with diffuse light (neon bulb, 6400 K). Dissected body parts for drawings were temporarily mounted on slides in glycerine. Drawings were prepared using Leica drawing tube attached to Leica DM 1000 microscope, scanned and traced in Adobe Illustrator CS6. Dissected body parts were after examination mounted on the same card as respective specimen using dimethyl hydantoin formaldehyde (DMHF) or put to genitalia microvials filled with glycerine and pinned with the respective specimen. Measurements were taken using ocular micrometre. Intervals of measured values are followed by data in parentheses: arithmetic mean ± standard deviation, n = number of measured specimens. Total length (TL) was measured from the anterior margin of pronotum to the apices of elytra; elytral length (EL) was measured from the apex of scutellar shield to the apices of the elytra; elytral width (EW) was measured at the widest point of elytra. Digital photographs were taken using Canon EOS 5D mark II camera attached to Zeiss Axio Zoom.V16 stereomicroscope. Image stacks were produced manually, combined using Zerene Stacker software and edited in Adobe Photoshop CC.
Terminology used in morphological descriptions follows
Specimen data are given in the following format: number of specimens and sex, depository: exact data from labels in quotation marks; slash indicates separate labels; author’s remarks are given in square brackets.
Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was conducted in PAST 3.12 software (
All nomenclatorial acts follow regulations of
Overall 149 specimens from following depositories were examined:
CSB collection of Dávid Selnekovič, Bratislava, Slovakia
MNHU Museum für Naturkunde der Humboldt Universität, Berlin, Germany
SNSD Senckenberg Naturhistorische Sammlungen, Dresden, Germany
Abbreviations of measured characters:
BLPr basal part of left paramere length
BRPr basal part of right paramere length
EL length of elytra
EW width of elytra (combined)
HL length of head
HW width of head
LabL length of labrum
LabW width of labrum
LPrL length of left paramere
MsTiL length of mesotibiae
MsTrL length of mesotarsi
MtTiL length of metatibiae
MtTrL length of metatarsi
PL length of pronotum
PTiL length of protibiae
PTrL length of protarsi
PW width of pronotum
PygL length of pygidium
RPrL length of right paramere
St8L length of sternite VIII
St8W width of sternite VIII
TVtL length of terminal abdominal ventrite
TL total length
TPalL length of terminal segment of maxillary palpi
TPalW width of terminal segment of maxillary palpi.
The data underpinning the analyses reported in this paper are deposited at GBIF, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, https://doi.org/10.15468/pkhkul
Mordellistena Costa, 1854: 16 [type species: Mordellistena confinis Costa, 1854: 18]
Integument including legs and maxillary palpi completely black; metatibial spurs black; pubescence of dorsum yellowish, sometimes darkened in apical portions of elytra but never completely dark. Antennomeres I–IV shorter and narrower than following ones (Figs
Mordellistena hirtipes
Schilsky, 1895: 46 (original description);
Mordellistena aegea
Franciscolo, 1949: 90, 93 syn. nov. (original description);
Mordellistena podlussanyi
Czető, 1990: 26–29 syn. nov. (original description);
Attalia [Turkey].
M. hirtipes
: LECTOTYPE (by designation of
Croatia: 1 ♂,
Parameres of M. hirtipes are shorter in proportion to the body dimensions than in M. pseudohirtipes and M. purpurascens (EL/LPrL ratio in M. hirtipes: 7.87–9.17 (8.48 ± 0.40, n = 14), M. pseudohirtipes: 4.65–7.17 (5.89 ± 0.71, n = 25) and M. purpurascens: 4.42–5.84 (4.98 ± 0.35, n = 19); EL/RPrL ratio in M. hirtipes: 10.07–11.89 (11.10 ± 0.50, n = 14), M. pseudohirtipes: 5.91–8.63 (7.42 ± 0.72, n = 25) and M. purpurascens: 5.57–6.94 (6.19 ± 0.41 n = 19). Ventral branch of the right paramere is in M. hirtipes (Fig.
Measurements: TL: ♂♂ 3.21–3.95 mm (3.51 ± 0.24 mm, n = 13), ♀♀ 2.79–4.68 mm (3.44 ± 0.52 mm, n = 9); HL: ♂♂ 0.72–0.93 mm (0.81 ± 0.06 mm, n = 14), ♀♀ 0.67–0.80 mm (0.74 ± 0.04 mm, n = 9); HW: ♂♂ 0.87–1.02 mm (0.94 ± 0.05 mm, n = 14), ♀♀ 0.77–0.96 mm (0.87 ± 0.06 mm, n = 9); PL: ♂♂ 1.04–1.33 mm (1.17 ± 0.11 mm, n = 14), ♀♀ 0.94–1.20 mm (1.09 ± 0.08 mm, n = 9); PW: ♂♂ 1.06–1.37 mm (1.23 ± 0.10 mm, n = 14), ♀♀ 0.98–1.29 mm (1.16 ± 0.10 mm, n = 9); EL: ♂♂ 2.34–2.96 mm (2.65 ± 0.19 mm, n = 14), ♀♀ 2.08–2.79 mm (2.48 ± 0.21 mm, n = 9); EW: ♂♂ 1.10–1.43 mm (1.25 ± 0.11 mm, n = 14), ♀♀ 1.10–1.36 mm (1.23 ± 0.09 mm, n = 9); PTiL: ♂♂ 0.70–0.87 mm (0.77 ± 0.05 mm, n = 14), ♀♀ 0.56–0.73 mm (0.65 ± 0.06 mm, n = 9); PTrL: ♂♂ 0.65–0.74 mm (0.71 ± 0.03 mm, n = 11), ♀♀ 0.57–0.66 mm (0.63 ± 0.03 mm, n = 7); MsTiL: ♂♂ 0.83–1.10 mm (0.97 ± 0.08 mm, n = 14), ♀♀ 0.78–1.01 mm (0.87 ± 0.07 mm, n = 9); MsTrL: ♂♂ 1.06–1.30 mm (1.16 ± 0.06 mm, n = 11), ♀♀ 0.91–1.13 mm (1.05 ± 0.07 mm, n = 9); MtTiL: ♂♂ 0.69–0.91 mm (0.81 ± 0.05 mm, n = 14), ♀♀ 0.66–0.86 mm (0.76 ± 0.06 mm, n = 9); MtTrL: ♂♂ 1.48–1.87 mm (1.67 ± 0.11 mm, n = 10), ♀♀ 1.33–1.69 mm (1.51 ± 0.11 mm, n = 9); PygL: ♂♂ 1.42–1.85 mm (1.58 ± 0.12 mm, n = 13), ♀♀ 1.17–1.56 mm (1.37 ± 0.12 mm, n = 9); TVtL: ♂♂ 0.54–0.87 mm (0.68 ± 0.10 mm, n = 13), ♀♀ 0.44–0.79 mm (0.63 ± 0.11 mm, n = 9); LPrL: 0.29–0.35 mm (0.31 ± 0.02 mm, n = 14); RPrL: 0.22–0.26 mm (0.24 ± 0.01 mm, n = 14); St8L: ♂♂ 0.57–0.63 mm (n = 2); St8W: ♂♂ 0.38–0.40 mm (n = 2).
Habitus illustrated in Fig.
Head moderately convex dorsally, wider than long, widest before middle, HW/HL ratio: ♂♂ 1.10–1.23 (1.17 ± 0.04, n = 14), ♀♀ 1.13–1.23 (1.17 ± 0.03, n = 9). Dorsal surface with microreticulation and small round punctures bearing short setae; ventral surface with transverse microreticulation and sparse, small punctures bearing short setae; small medial triangular part before gula without punctures. Occipital margin rounded in dorsal aspect, straight or slightly concave if seen from behind. Eyes oval, finely faceted with short interfacetal setae. Anterior margin of clypeus straight. Labrum transverse, approximately two times as wide as long, anterior margin straight; surface with microreticulation and small, round punctures bearing short setae. Antennae rather long, slightly serrate (Fig.
Pronotum moderately convex, approximately as long as wide, widest just behind middle, PW/PL ratio: ♂♂ 1.00–1.09 (1.05 ± 0.03, n = 14), ♀♀ 1.02–1.07 (1.06 ± 0.02, n = 9). Surface finely microreticulate, with small, rasp-like punctures bearing flat seta. Anterior margin rounded, slightly produced mesally, anterior angles broadly rounded; lateral carinae emarginated in lateral aspect; posterior margin forming short mesal lobe, emarginated before posterior angles; posterior angles rectangular in lateral aspect. Posterior marginal bead interrupted before posterior angles. Hypomeron triangular with round concavity posteriorly. Prosternum in front of procoxae narrow, expanded laterally; prosternal process incomplete, narrow, slightly constricted in the middle. Scutellar shield small, triangular, covered with small, round punctures bearing short setae. Mesoventral process ~0.50× as wide as mesofemur, parallel-sided, truncate at apex. Metaventrite strongly convex in the middle; surface weakly microreticulated with small, transversally confluent, rasp-like punctures; posterior margin in the produced mesally; discrimen rather indistinct. Metanepisternum trapezoidal, narrowed posteriorly, dorsal margin emarginated, ventral margin straight.
Elytra long, narrow, widest in anterior 1/3, EL/EW ratio: ♂♂ 2.02–2.26 (2.12 ± 0.08, n = 14), ♀♀ 1.88–2.07 (2.01 ± 0.05, n = 9). Surface with weak transverse microreticulation and rasp-like punctures bearing flat setae. Lateral margins regularly rounded, apices separately rounded.
Protibiae in males expanded basally, bearing fringe of long setae in basal 1/3; PTiL/PTrL ratio: ♂♂ 1.02–1.17 (1.08 ± 0.05, n = 11), ♀♀ 0.95–1.12 (1.03 ± 0.05, n = 7). Protarsomere I as long as two following tarsomeres combined; protarsomere IV simple, parallel-sided, shallowly emarginate at apex. Claws on protarsi with three, on meso and metatarsi with four denticles. Mesotibiae slightly bent inwards; mesotarsus longer than tibia, MsTiL/MsTrL ratio: ♂♂ 0.78–0.89 (0.82 ± 0.03, n = 11), ♀♀ 0.79–0.90 (0.83 ± 0.03, n = 9). Metacoxae large, anterior margin straight, posterior margin broadly rounded. Metatibiae bearing short subapical ridge and 3–4 lateral ridges parallel with apical margin of tibia, reaching 1/3 of tibial width. Metatibial spurs black, inner one ~1.30× as long as outer one. Metatarsomere I bearing 4–5 short ridges, metatarsomere II bearing 2–3 ridges, metatarsomeres III and IV without ridges. Metatarsus ~2.00× as long as metatibia, MtTrL/MtTiL ratio: ♂♂ 1.97–2.18 (2.07 ± 0.06, n = 10), ♀♀ 1.89–2.11 (1.98 ± 0.06, n = 9).
Pygidium long, slender, narrowly truncate at apex, PygL/TVtL ratio: ♂♂ 2.00–3.04 (2.36 ± 0.26, n = 13), ♀♀ 1.76–3.14 (2.22 ± 0.37, n = 9). Apical margin of terminal abdominal ventrite arcuate.
Male genitalia: sternite VIII with long setae in apical part, apical margin produced and weakly bilobed mesally (Fig.
Female genitalia: sternite VIII with apical protuberance and long setae alongside apical and lateral margins, spiculum ventrale short, broadly clavate (Fig.
Females are usually more robust; with shorter antennae. Maxillary palpomere II is not expanded in females and without long setae on ventral side. Terminal maxillary palpomere is shorter in females, with angles more rounded. Protibiae are not expanded in females, without long setae in basal portion.
Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Spain, Syria, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine. Mordellistena hirtipes is reported here for the first time from Croatia, Montenegro, and Spain.
Adults were found on the flowers of Daucus sp. (Apiaceae) and Helichrysum sp. (Asteraceae) on dry grasslands and in urban environment.
In
Mordellistena pseudohirtipes
Ermisch, 1965: 268 (original description);
Mordellistena fageli
Ermisch, 1969: 112 syn. nov. (original description);
Mordellistena pseudohirtipes krotosensis
Czető, 1990: 28 syn. nov. (original description);
Nessebar env., Bulgaria.
M. pseudohirtipes pseudohirtipes: HOLOTYPE: 1 ♂, SNSD: “♂ / Genitalpräparat / Bulgaria Umg. Nessebar Juli 1961 leg. BECH / Holotypus [red label] / MORDELLISTENA pseudohirtipes Erm. K Ermisch det. 19 / Coll. ERMISCH Leipzig Ankauf 1970 / Staatl. Museum für Tierkunde Dresden”; PARATYPE: 1 ♀, SNSD: “♀ / Bulgaria Umg. Nessebar Juli 1961 leg. BECH / Allotypus [red label] / MORDELLISTENA pseudohirtipes Erm. K Ermisch det. 19 / Coll. ERMISCH Leipzig Ankauf 1970 / Staatl. Museum für Tierkunde Dresden”. M. pseudohirtipes krotosensis: HOLOTYPE: 1 ♂,
Algeria. 1 ♂, SNSD: “Algérie: Algérois, Kaddous 3–V–1954 G. Fagel / R. I. Sc. N. B. I. G. 19.867 / coll. ERMISCH, Leipzig, Ankauf 1970 / Staatl. Museum für Tierkunde Dresden / “Mordellistena (s. str.) pseudohirtipes Ermisch, 1965 D. Selnekovič det. 2017” [in collection as M. fageli]. Bulgaria. 1 ♂, SNSD: “♂ / Nessebar, Bulgaria 28. 5. – 10. 6. 1963 Karl Bleyl / MORDELLISTENA pseudohirtipes Erm. K. Ermisch det. 19”; 1 ♂, CSB: “Bulgaria mer. occ. Sandanski (→ Liljanovo) 5. – 10. 1976 Karel Majer lgt. / Mordellistena (s. str.) pseudohirtipes Ermisch, 1965 D. Selnekovič det. 2016”. France. 2 ♂♂, SNSD: “♂ / Genitalpräparat / France Basses Alpes St. Michel l’Observat. 24. 7 – 10. 8. 63 Rudkjöb. / MORDELLISTENA pseudohirtipes Erm. K. Ermisch det. 19”; 1 ♂, SNSD: “♂ / Ardêche 10. 7. 65 Banne Balazuc / MORDELLISTENA pseudohirtipes Erm. K. Ermisch det. 19; 1 ♂ SNSD: “♂ / Genitalpräparat / Südfrankreich Camargue, 13. 6. 1952, leg. Freude / Mordellistena Lopezi Ermisch det. K. Ermisch 63” [in collection as M. lopezi]; 1 ♂, SNSD: “♂ / Genitalpräparat / Pyrenées or. Umg. Banyuls 30. 5.–10. 6. 53 / Mordellistena Lopezi Ermisch det. K. Ermisch 63” [in collection as M. lopezi]; 1 ♂, SNSD: “Banyuls Pyr. or. VI. 53 J. u. B. Bechyne / Museum Frey München” [in collection as M. lopezi]; 1 ♂, SNSD: “♂ / Gall. mer. Agay (Var) 18. 7. 58 W. Liebmann / Genitalpräparat” [in collection as M. lopezi]; 1 ♂, SNSD: “♂ / Genitalpräparat / Fr. Ardêche Bois de Paiolive 1. 7. 66 Balazuc [hand written] / Paratypus / Staatl. Museum für Tierkunde Dresden / PARATYPUS Mordellistena (s. str.) geronensis Ermisch, 1977, Selnekovič labelled 2017 [red label] / Mordellistena (s. str.) pseudohirtipes Ermisch, 1965 D. Selnekovič det. 2017” [in collection as M. geronensis]. Georgia. 1 ♂, SNSD: “♂ / Genitalpräparat / SSSR–Gruzie Tbilisi 7.57 R. Dvořák / MORDELLISTENA pseudohirtipes Erm. K. Ermisch det. 19 / Coll. ERMISCH Leipzig Ankauf 1970 / Staatl. Museum für Tierkunde Dresden”; 2 ♂♂, SNSD: “♂ / SSSR–Gruzie Tbilisi 7.57 R. Dvořák / MORDELLISTENA pseudohirtipes Erm. K. Ermisch det. 19”. Greece. 1 ♂, SNSD: “♂ / Genitalpräparat / Athos Daphni A. Schatzmayr / MORDELLISTENA pseudohirtipes Erm. K Ermisch det. 19”; 1 ♂, SNSD: “♂ / Genitalpräparat / Ephesus / J. Sahlb. / MORDELLISTENA pseudohirtipes Erm. K. Ermisch det. 19”; 1 ♂,
From M. purpurascens it differs in shorter parameres (EL/LPrL ratio: M. pseudohirtipes: 4.65–7.17 (5.89 ± 0.71, n = 25), M. purpurascens: 4.42–5.84 (4.98 ± 0.35, n = 19); EL/RPrL ratio: M. pseudohirtipes: 5.91–8.63 (7.42 ± 0.72, n = 25), M. purpurascens: 5.57–6.94 (6.19 ± 0.41 n = 19)). Basal part of the left paramere (Fig.
Mordellistena pseudohirtipes Ermisch, 1965: A antenna, male B antenna, female C maxillary palpus, male D maxillary palpus, female E parameres, holotype F parameres, holotype of M. pseudohirtipes ssp. krotosensis G parameres, holotype of M. fageli H parameres, France I aedeagal median lobe J sternite VIII, male.
Measurements: TL: ♂♂ 2.47–4.05 mm (3.20 ± 0.43 mm, n = 25) ♀♀ 3.26–4.47 mm (3.68 ± 0.56 mm, n = 3); HL: ♂♂ 0.64–0.93 mm (0.75 ± 0.09 mm, n = 25), ♀♀ 0.77–1.04 mm (0.87 ± 0.12 mm, n = 3); HW: ♂♂ 0.70–1.06 mm (0.87 ± 0.11 mm, n = 29), ♀♀ 0.87–1.20 mm (0.99 ± 0.15 mm, n = 3); PL: ♂♂ 0.83–1.29 mm (1.05 ± 0.14 mm, n = 25), ♀♀ 1.06–1.42 mm (1.19 ± 0.16 mm, n = 3); PW: ♂♂ 0.83–1.39 mm (1.07 ± 0.17 mm, n = 29), ♀♀ 1.12–1.67 mm (1.31 ± 0.25 mm, n = 3); EL: ♂♂ 1.88–3.02 mm (2.37 ± 0.31 mm, n = 25), ♀♀ 2.44–3.35 mm (2.75 ± 0.42 mm, n = 3); EW: ♂♂ 0.81–1.46 mm (1.09 ± 0.18 mm, n = 25), ♀♀ 1.17–1.69 mm (1.35 ± 0.24 mm, n = 6); PTiL: ♂♂ 0.57–0.91 mm (0.70 ± 0.10 mm, n = 25), ♀♀ 0.65–0.90 mm (0.74 ± 0.11 mm, n = 6); PTrL: ♂♂ 0.52–0.84 mm (0.63 ± 0.08 mm, n = 24), ♀♀ 0.60–0.80 mm (0.68 ± 0.09, n = 3); MsTiL: 0.71–1.17 mm (0.87 ± 0.12 mm, n = 25), ♀♀ 0.86–1.25 mm (0.99 ± 0.18 mm, n = 3); MsTrL: ♂♂ 0.83–1.34 mm (1.02 ± 0.15 mm, n = 13), ♀♀ 1.04–1.35 mm (n = 2); MtTiL: ♂♂ 0.60–0.92 mm (0.74 ± 0.09 mm, n = 25), ♀♀ 0.74–1.04 mm (0.84 ± 0.14 mm, n = 3); MtTrL: ♂♂ 1.27–1.98 mm (1.59 ± 0.20 mm, n = 17), ♀♀ 1.51–2.05 mm (n = 2); PygL: ♂♂ 1.29–1.96 mm (1.54 ± 0.18 mm, n = 29), ♀♀ 1.39–1.75 mm (1.57 ± 0.14 mm, n = 3); TVtL: ♂♂ 0.56–1.25 mm (0.73 ± 0.13 mm, n = 25), ♀♀ 0.50–0.71 mm (0.64 ± 0.10 mm, n = 3); LPrL: 0.33–0.46 mm (0.40 ± 0.03 mm, n = 25); RPrL: 0.26–0.37 mm (0.32 ± 0.03 mm, n = 25); St8L: ♂ 0.47 mm (n = 1); St8W: ♂ 0.31 mm (n = 1).
Habitus given in Fig.
Head moderately convex dorsally, wider than long, widest just before middle, HW/HL ratio: ♂♂ 1.08–1.23 (1.15 ± 0.03, n = 25), ♀♀ 1.11–1.16 (1.13 ± 0.02, n = 3). Dorsal surface weakly microreticulated with small, round punctures bearing short setae. Occipital margin rounded in dorsal aspect, straight, or slightly concave seen from behind. Eyes oval, completely reaching occiput, not expanded onto ventral surface, finely faceted, with short interfacetal setae. Anterior margin of clypeus straight. Labrum transverse, anterior margin straight or very slightly emarginate; surface microreticulation with small, round punctures and setae. Antennae slightly serrate (Fig.
Pronotum moderately convex, approximately as long as wide, PW/PL ratio: ♂♂ 0.97–1.12 (1.02 ± 0.03, n = 25), ♀♀ 1.04–1.18 (1.10 ± 0.06, n = 3). Surface finely transversally microreticulate, covered with rasp-like punctures, distance between punctures 2.00–4.00 times as long as the diameter, each puncture bears flat, pointed seta. Anterior margin rounded, slightly produced mesally, anterior angles broadly rounded; lateral carinae emarginated in lateral aspect; posterior margin forming short mesal lobe, emarginated before posterior angles; posterior angles in lateral aspect rectangular, acute. Posterior marginal bead interrupted before posterior angles. Scutellar shield small, triangular, with small, rasp-like punctures bearing setae. Metanepisternum trapezoidal, narrowed posteriorly, ventral margin straight, dorsal margin emarginate.
Elytra long and narrow, moderately convex, widest at the end of anterior 1/4, EL/EW ratio: ♂♂ 2.02–2.40 (2.18 ± 0.10, n = 25), ♀♀ 1.99–2.08 (2.04 ± 0.04, n = 3). Surface with weak transverse microreticulation and rasp-like punctures, these are larger and more densely arranged than those on pronotum, each puncture bears flat seta. Lateral margins rather strongly convergent, regularly rounded; apices separately rounded.
Profemora slender, in males somewhat stouter than in females. Protibiae straight, in males distinctly expanded in basal half, here with fringe of long, thick setae; PTiL/PTrL ratio: ♂♂ 1.02–1.24 (1.11 ± 0.05, n = 25), ♀♀ 1.02–1.13 (1.09 ± 0.05, n = 3). Protarsomere I in females as long as two following tarsomeres combined, in males slightly longer; protarsomere IV simple, slightly shorter than previous one, shallowly emarginate at apex; terminal protarsomere slightly shorter than previous two tarsomeres combined. Claws on protarsi with three denticles, on meso- and metatarsi with four denticles. Mesotibiae slightly bent medially; mesotarsus longer than tibia, MsTiL/MsTrL ratio: ♂♂ 0.79–0.90 (0.83 ± 0.03, n = 13), ♀♀ 0.85–0.92 (n = 2). Metacoxae large, anterior margin slightly emarginated, posterior margin broadly rounded. Metatibiae bearing short subapical ridge and 3–4 lateral ridges parallel to apical margin of tibia, reaching 1/3 of tibial width. Metatibial spurs black, long, inner one ~1.30× as long as outer one. Metatarsomere I bearing 3–5 short ridges, metatarsomere II bearing 2–3 ridges, metatarsomere III without ridges. Metatarsus ~2.00× as long as metatibia, MtTrL/MtTiL ratio: ♂♂ 2.02–2.32 (2.18 ± 0.07, n = 17), ♀♀ 1.98–2.00 (n = 2).
Pygidium long and slender, PygL/TVtL ratio: ♂♂ 1.82–2.47 (2.19 ± 0.15, n = 23), ♀♀ 1.88–2.79 (2.22 ± 0.32, n = 6). Apical margin of terminal ventrite arcuate.
Male genitalia: sternite VIII rather short, setae present in apical 1/3, apical protuberance short, slightly bilobed at apex (Fig.
Females are more robust than males, their protibiae are not expanded in basal 1/3 and without fringe of long setae. Maxillary palpomere II is not expanded in females and without long setae on ventral side. Terminal maxillary palpomere is slenderer in females and its inner angle is situated more distally than in males. Antennae are somewhat shorter in females.
Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Georgia, Greece, Israel, Italy, Macedonia, Montenegro, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine. Mordellistena pseudohirtipes is reported here for the first time from Israel and Montenegro.
Adults were collected on the flowers of Apiaceae plants on dry grasslands.
Mordellistena fageli was placed in the pentas–group in the original description, based on the dark pubescence and three ridges on the metatarsomere II. In fact, as
In Ermisch’s collection, there is a series of specimens named Mordellistena lopezi. Such species has not been described, and in fact, all the specimens belong to M. pseudohirtipes, except the one labelled as “Type”, which belongs to M. purpurascens.
Mordellistena purpurascens
Costa, 1854: 17 + Plate XXI (original description, figure);
Mordellistena geronensis
Ermisch, 1977: 169 syn. nov. (original description in the key);
Mordellistena istrica
Ermisch, 1977: 169 syn. nov. (original description in the key);
Naples, Italy.
M. purpurascens: LECTOTYPE, here designated, glued, genitalia in separate microvial, right metatarsus missing: 1 ♂,
Greece: 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀, CSB: “Greece N, Corfu – Kavos, 39°24'16"N, 20°05'53"E, F. Repta leg., 28. VIII. 2011 / Mordellistena purpurascens Costa, 1854, D. Selnekovič det. 2019”. Italy: 1 ♂, CSB: “IT–Sicilia, Madonia, Termini, Sciara, M San Calogero, ex. l, 2.–3. 6. 2011, M. Šárovec, 3. 8 / Mordellistena purpurascens Costa, 1854, D. Selnekovič det. 2019”; 1 ♂, SNSD: “♂ / Gavoi Sard. 750m 21.–26. 8. 55 J. Kless 78 / Mordellistena Lopezi Ermisch det. K. Ermisch / Mordellistena (s. str.) purpurascens Costa, 1854 D. Selnekovič det. 2019” [in collection as M. lopezi]; 1 ♂, SNSD: “♂ / Genitalpräparat / ITALIA mer. Capaccio Hüdepohl VI. 64 / Mordellistena (s. str.) purpurascens Costa, 1854 D. Selnekovič det. 2019” [in collection as M. lopezi]. Montenegro: 4 ♂♂, 4 ♀♀ CSB: “Montenegro SE, 42°06'N, 19°06'E, Bar–centrum, on Daucus sp., D. Selnekovič 19. VI. 2011 / Mordellistena purpurascens Costa, 1854, D. Selnekovič det. 2019”; 1 ♀ CSB: “Montenegro SE, BAR env., 42°07'56"N, 19°07'33"E, 22. VI. 2011 / Mordellistena (s. str.) purpurascens Costa, 1854, D. Selnekovič det. 2019”; 1 ♂
M. purpurascens closely resembles M. hirtipes and M. pseudohirtipes. The differences are described under these species.
Measurements: TL: ♂♂ 3.10–4.42 mm (3.75 ± 0.35 mm, n = 19), ♀♀ 3.31–4.42 mm (3.82 ± 0.36 mm, n = 14); HL: ♂♂ 0.77–0.97 mm (0.85 ± 0.06 mm, n = 19), ♀♀ 0.78–0.96 mm (0.86 ± 0.06 mm, n = 14); HW: ♂♂ 0.91–1.17 mm (1.01 ± 0.07 mm, n = 19), ♀♀ 0.84–1.12 mm (0.98 ± 0.09 mm, n = 14); PL: ♂♂ 1.06–1.44 mm (1.23 ± 0.10 mm, n = 19), ♀♀ 1.04–1.44 mm (1.25 ± 0.11 mm, n = 14); PW: 1.10–1.56 mm (1.30 ± 0.13 mm, n = 19), ♀♀ 1.13–1.58 mm (1.35 ± 0.14 mm, n = 13); EL: ♂♂ 2.44–3.35 mm (2.81 ± 0.27 mm, n = 19), ♀♀ 2.50–3.38 mm (2.88 ± 0.27 mm, n = 14); EW: ♂♂ 1.15–1.59 mm (1.35 ± 0.13 mm, n = 19), ♀♀ 1.19–1.66 mm (1.43 ± 0.15 mm, n = 14); ATiL: ♂♂ 0.71–0.93 mm (0.81 ± 0.07 mm, n = 19), ♀♀ 0.65–0.91 mm (0.75 ± 0.08 mm, n = 14); ATrL: ♂♂ 0.64–0.84 mm (0.72 ± 0.07 mm, n = 15), ♀♀ 0.62–0.80 mm (0.69 ± 0.06 mm, n = 13); ITiL: ♂♂ 0.91–1.23 mm (1.03 ± 0.10 mm, n = 19), ♀♀ 0.86–1.23 mm (1.01 ± 0.12 mm, n = 14); ITrL: ♂♂ 1.12–1.64 mm (1.27 ± 0.15 mm, n = 9), ♀♀ 1.02–1.34 mm (1.16 ± 0.10 mm, n = 14); PTiL: 0.78–1.08 mm (0.88 ± 0.08 mm, n = 19), ♀♀ 0.75–1.05 mm (0.88 ± 0.08 mm, n = 14); PTrL: 1.64–2.18 mm (1.87 ± 0.19 mm, n = 9), ♀♀ 1.48–2.16 mm (1.77 ± 0.21 mm, n = 11); PygL: ♂♂ 1.50–2.12 mm (1.86 ± 0.18 mm, n = 19), ♀♀ 1.35–1.98 mm (1.67 ± 0.20 mm, n = 14); TVtL: ♂♂ 0.58–0.87 mm (0.77 ± 0.10 mm, n = 18), ♀♀ 0.60–0.92 mm (0.77 ± 0.08 mm, n = 14); RPrL: 0.52–0.64 mm (0.56 ± 0.03 mm, n = 19); LPrL: 0.41–0.51 mm (0.45 ± 0.03 mm, n = 19); St8L: ♂♂ 0.65–0.80 mm (0.70 ± 0.07 mm, n = 3); St8W: ♂♂ 0.49–0.52 mm (0.50 ± 0.01 mm, n = 3).
Habitus illustrated in Fig.
Head convex dorsally, wider than long, widest about middle, HW/HL ratio: ♂♂ 1.11–1.23 (1.19 ± 0.03, n = 19), ♀♀ 1.06–1.19 (1.14 ± 0.03, n = 14). Dorsal surface weakly microreticulated, with small, round punctures, each bearing short seta. Ventral surface with weak transverse microreticulation and sparsely arranged, round punctures, each bearing short seta. Occipital margin rounded in dorsal aspect, straight if seen from behind. Eyes oval, completely reaching occiput, not expanded onto ventral surface, finely faceted, with short interfacetal setae. Anterior margin of clypeus straight. Labrum transverse, LabW/LabL: ♂♂ 2.04–2.27 (2.15 ± 0.10, n = 5), ♀♀ 1.88–2.38 (2.21 ± 0.20, n = 5), anterior margin straight or very shallowly emarginate mesally; surface covered with small, round punctures, each bearing seta. Antennae slightly serrate, expanded from antennomere V (Fig.
Pronotum moderately convex, slightly wider than long, PW/PL ratio: ♂♂ 0.97–1.10 (1.05 ± 0.03, n = 19), ♀♀ 1.00–1.15 (1.07 ± 0.04, n = 13). Surface weakly microreticulated with small, rasp-like punctures, distance between punctures 1.50–2.00× as long as puncture diameter, each puncture bearing flat seta. Anterior margin rounded, slightly produced mesally, anterior angles broadly rounded; lateral carinae rounded in dorsal aspect, shallowly but distinctly emarginate in lateral aspect; posterior margin forming short mesal lobe, emarginated laterally before posterior angles; posterior angles rectangular, pointed in lateral aspect. Posterior marginal bead interrupted before posterior angles. Prosternum in front of procoxae narrow, laterally expanded. Scutellar shield small, triangular, with small punctures bearing short setae. Mesoventral process ca. half as wide as mesofemora. Metaventrite large, posterior margin produced mesally between metacoxae; longitudinal discrimen rather indistinct. Metanepisternum trapezoidal, slightly narrowed posteriorly, dorsal margin emarginate, ventral margin straight.
Elytra long, narrow, widest at end of anterior 1/4, EL/EW ratio: ♂♂ 1.97–2.23 (2.08 ± 0.07, n = 19), ♀♀ 1.83–2.15 (2.02 ± 0.07, n = 14). Dorsal surface covered with weak transverse microreticulation and rasp-like punctures, distance between punctures ~1,50× as long as puncture diameter; each puncture bearing flat seta. Lateral margins regularly rounded, apices separately rounded.
Protibiae straight, basal part in males slightly expanded and bearing distinct fringe of long setae; PTiL/PTrL ratio: ♂♂ 0.98–1.24 (1.13 ± 0.06, n = 15), ♀♀ 0.98–1.17 (1.10 ± 0.05, n = 13). Protarsomere I in females as long as two following tarsomeres combined, in males slightly longer; protarsomere IV simple, parallel-sided, very shallowly emarginated at apex. Claws on protarsi rather long, slender, with three denticles, on meso- and metatarsi with four denticles. Mesotibiae slightly bent medially; mesotarsus longer than tibia, MsTiL/MsTrL ratio: ♂♂ 0.75–0.90 (0.84 ± 0.04, n = 9), ♀♀ 0.82–0.95 (0.88 ± 0.04, n = 14). Metacoxae large, anterior margin straight, posterior margin broadly rounded. Metatibiae bearing short subapical ridge and 3–4 lateral ridges parallel to apical tibial margin, reaching 1/3 of tibial width. Metatibial spurs black, inner one ~1.30× as long as outer one. Metatarsomere I bearing in males 5, in females 3–4 short lateral ridges; metatarsomere II bearing 2–3 ridges; metatarsomeres III and IV without ridges. Metatarsus ~2.00× as long as metatibia, MtTrL/MtTiL ratio: ♂♂ 2.00–2.33 (2.13 ± 0.10, n = 10), ♀♀ 1.90–2.18 (2.01 ± 0.07, n = 11).
Pygidium long, slender, PygL/TVtL ratio: ♂♂ 1.88–3.32 (2.43 ± 0.35, n = 18), ♀♀ 1.88–2.64 (2.18 ± 0.17, n = 14). Apical margin of terminal abdominal ventrite arcuate.
Male genitalia: sternite VIII rather short, with long setae in apical part, apical protuberance rather short, slightly bilobed at apex (Fig.
Female genitalia: sternite VIII (Fig.
Females are more robust, with protibiae not expanded and without fringe of long setae in basal part. Maxillary palpomere II not expanded in females and without long setae on ventral side. Terminal maxillary palpomere is wider in males, with its inner angle situated approximately in the middle (Fig.
Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Morocco, Spain. Mordellistena purpurascens is reported here for the first time from Greece and Montenegro.
Adults were collected by the first author in Montenegro, in urban environment of Bar on the flowers of Daucus sp. (Apiaceae).
Mordellistena purpurascens was described by
Type series of M. istrica includes a female paratype (Pola, Croatia), which we were not able to assign to M. purpurascens or M. pseudohirtipes. Type series of M. geronensis includes a male paratype (Bois de Paiolive, Ardêche, France), which in fact belongs to M. pseudohirtipes, and three paratypes (Tossa de mar, Spain; Costa Brava, Spain), which belong to M. hirtipes. In Ermisch’s collection, there is a series of specimens named Mordellistena lopezi. Such species has not been described. Specimen labelled as “Typus”, in fact, belongs to M. purpurascens, the rest of the specimens belongs to M. pseudohirtipes.
Mordellistena purpurascens Costa, 1845: A antenna, male B antenna, female C maxillary palpus, male D maxillary palpus, female E sternite VIII, male F sternite VIII, female G parameres, lectotype H parameres, holotype of M. geronensis I parameres, holotype of M. istrica J parameres, France K aedeagal median lobe, holotype.
Mordellistena balearica
Compte, 1985: 63–64 (original description);
Palma de Mallorca, Majorca.
According to the original description (
Mordellistena balearica was described based on a single male specimen from Mallorca. According to the original description, this species closely resembles M. pseudohirtipes and can be distinguished from this species by longer antennae (antennomeres V–X two times longer than wide) and different shape of parameres (Fig.
Known only from type locality.
Mordellistena irritans
Franciscolo, 1991: 168–173 (original description);
Lampedusa Is., Italy.
Museo d’Aumale, Terrasini, Palermo, Italy: 1 ♀ holotype, 1 ♂ paratype (
Mordellistena irritans can be assigned to M. hirtipes complex based on the expanded maxillary palpomere II in males and the shape of parameres. This species can be distinguished from all other species in the complex by the characteristic shape of the left paramere with dorsal branch parallel-sided and rounded at apex (Fig.
1 | Dorsal branch of the left paramere not expanded, parallel-sided, rounded at apex (Fig. |
M. irritans |
– | Dorsal branch of left paramere expanded apically, obliquely truncate at apex | 2 |
2 | Parameres shorter, EL/LPrL ratio: 7.87–9.17 (8.48 ± 0.40, n = 14); EL/RPrL ratio: 10.07–11.89 (11.10 ± 0.50, n = 14); basal part of left paramere short; ventral branch of the right paramere usually distinctly shorter than the dorsal one (Fig. |
M. hirtipes |
– | Parameres longer, EL/LPrL ratio: 4.42–7.17, EL/RPrL ratio: 5.57–8.63; basal part of left paramere longer; ventral branch of right paramere equally long or longer than the right one (Figs |
3 |
3 | Parameres shorter, EL/LPrL ratio: 4.65–7.17 (5.89 ± 0.71, n = 25), EL/RPrL ratio: 5.91–8.63 (7.42 ± 0.72, n = 25); basal part of left paramere shorter (Fig. |
M. pseudohirtipes |
– | Parameres longer, EL/LPrL ratio: 4.42–5.84 (4.98 ± 0.35, n = 19), EL/RPrL ratio: 5.57–6.94 (6.19 ± 0.41 n = 19); basal part of left paramere longer (Fig. |
M. purpurascens |
Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was conducted based on following morphometric characters: HL, HW, PL, PW, EL, EW, PTiL, MsTiL, MtTiL, RPrL, BRPr, and LPrL. Characters were measured in 59 male specimens, including holotypes / lectotype of every taxon. The first two principal components describe 91.03% (PC 1) and 6.32% (PC 2) of variation. PC 1 correlates mostly with elytral length (loading 0.66), elytral width (loading 0.37) and pronotal width (loading 0.35); PC 2 correlates with characters measured on parameres: left paramere length (loading 0.68), right paramere length (loading 0.56), basal part of left paramere length (loading 0.43).
Visualisation of the results of PCA analysis (Fig.
Length of elytra and length of parameres are characters, that reach the highest loadings in PCA analyses. Ratios of these characters (EL/RPrL, EL/LPrL) are useful for identification and are used in diagnoses. Differences in values of selected ratios are presented in Fig.
The family Mordellidae is taxonomically very challenging and thus rather poorly known. Most of the original descriptions are insufficient for proper identification and differentiation of the species, especially those published before the 1950s (before K Ermisch provided a more precise method of description). There are still some species which were described as several different taxa, sometimes even by the same author (e.g., M. pseudohirtipes Ermisch, 1965 = M. fageli Ermisch, 1969). Characters used for the differentiation of these taxa were usually misinterpreted (e.g., the shape of the median lobe in M. geronensis Ermisch, 1977 and M. istrica Ermisch, 1977) or they are subjects of the intraspecific variability (e.g., the dark coloration of the pubescence in M. fageli Ermisch, 1969). In other cases, the insufficient descriptions in combination with overlooking of the type specimens led to a misinterpretation of the taxa. It can be seen for example in some species described by Achille
We live in the era of the global biodiversity crisis caused by the anthropogenic interventions in the natural ecosystems. But how does these changes affect the diversity and distribution patterns of Mordellidae beetles is not known. Despite of the great effort of the authors such as Ermisch (e.g.,
We wish to thank Olaf Jäger (SNSD), Ottó Merkl (