Homethes emarginatus Chaudoir, 1872:389

Size range – 7.5 mm to 8.0 mm; adults of this genus are active in May (1 ex. CAS) and have been found at lights (Andrewes 1929).

Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Chaudoir (1872) believed his species was close to Stenocheila Laporte de Castelnau; however, Andrewes (1929) followed the advice of Sloane (in litt. or pers. comm.) and left it in the “Anchomenini.” Darlington (1956) followed Andrewes; however, we believe Chaudoir was clearly correct and we have classified it here within the Lachnophorini along with Stenocheila, Diplacanthogaster, and Homethes.

Darlington (1956); Liebherr (1990); Moore et al. (1987).

Amphithasus truncatus Bates, 1871:32

Size range – 3.5 mm to 6.0 mm; adults of this genus are found singly at night on wet leaf litter at the margins of swamps and medium-sized rivers, and on dry trails in primary rainforest.

Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Perú.

Currently, two described species are assigned to this genus, however, there are five species represented in the NMNH collection. There is a need for a taxonomic revision of the group. Anchomenus elegans Dejean, 1831:725, was placed in “Amphithasus” by Lorenz (1998a), but we question his generic placement. Recourse to the type in Paris will solve the problem.

Erwin (1991); Ball and Bousquet (2000); Bousquet (2012).

Platynus elegans Brullé, 1838:25 [=Anchonoderus eximius (Audouin), 1836:34]

Size range – 4.5 mm to 8.5 mm; adults of this genus are found on the muddy banks of rivers and streams where they run in the sun from crack to crack in the baked mud. Other ubiquitous species are found throughout the forest where there is sandy soil and thin dry leaf litter, as well as on upper parts of river banks in thin layers of leaf litter. However, most species occur at stream margins among small stones and gravel and in flood debris along upper stream margins. The fact that only 27 species are described from the Neotropics and 11 occur at a single locality at Pakitza, Perú indicates the identification of species is impossible without recourse to types. A taxonomic revision of the group is need.

Arizona and Texas south to Argentina, including many of the Caribbean islands.

Currently, 27 described species are assigned to this genus.

Ball and Hilchie (1983); Liebherr (1988); Erwin (1991); Ball and Bousquet (2000); Bousquet (2012); Erwin et al. (2012).

Aporesthus anomalus Bates, 1871:103

Size range – 4.0 mm to 5.5 mm; these very interesting small beetles occur on the underside of suspended logs and branches that straddle small to medium sized streams in the rainforest. They run to the top when the underside is splashed with water and when the streams rise due to heavy rainfall. Nothing more has been published about species of this genus.

Bolivia, Brazil, Guyana, Guyane, Ecuador, Paraguay, Perú, Surinam.

Currently, three described species are assigned to this genus; however, ten species are represented in the NMNH collection. A taxonomic revision of the group is needed. Identification of species is impossible without recourse to types.

Ball and Hilchie (1983) as Phaedrusium; Liebherr (1988) as Phaedrusium; Erwin (1991); Ball and Bousquet (2000); Bousquet (2012); Erwin et al. (2012).

Calybe leprieuri Laporte de Castelnau, 1834:92

Size range – 3.1 mm to 4.9 mm; species of this genus not only have color patterns and movements like ants, but also have body constrictions giving them near ant-like proportions. They live near water bodies usually on steep slopes just above the margin on damp clay soils.

Northwestern México south to Argentina.

Currently, eight described species are assigned to this genus; however, many more species are represented in the NMNH collection. There is a need for a taxonomic revision of the group. Identification of species is impossible without recourse to types.

Ball and Hilchie (1983); Liebherr (1983; 1988), Erwin (1991); Ball and Bousquet (2000), Bousquet (2012); Erwin et al. (2012).

Diplacanthogaster bicolor Liebke, 1932

Size range – 7.0 mm to 9.0 mm; the single species of this genus is active in April, July, and August, and probably in proximity of water.

Brazil.

Reichardt (1967) regarded this genus as congeneric with Stenocheila Laporte de Castelnau. However, his study shows he had no male specimens of the latter for comparisons. We have presented in the key to genera above the attributes that justify Liebke’s separation of the two genera and not Reichardt’s synonymy.

Liebke (1932), Reichardt (1967).

Ega formicaria Laporte de Castelnau, 1835: 93

Size range – 2.8 mm to 4.7 mm; species of this genus not only have color patterns and movements like ants, they have body constrictions, giving them ant-like proportions, even more so than their probable adelphotaxon, Calybe. They live near water bodies usually on steep slopes above the water on damp clay soils, in the company of similar-sized ants. They catch small arthropod prey on the run much like tiger beetles. Identification is very difficult without recourse to types; the genus is in need of a taxonomic revision.

Southern USA (CA to GA, FL) south to Argentina. Not known from the Caribbean islands.

Currently, 17 described species are assigned to this genus, some of which are likely Calybe species; however, many more true Ega species are represented in the NMNH collection. A taxonomic revision of the group is needed. Identification of species is impossible without recourse to types.

Liebherr (1983); Erwin (1991); Ball and Bousquet (2000); Bousquet (2012); Erwin et al. (2012).

Eucaerus varicornis LeConte, 1853:387

Size range – 2.4 mm to 5.5 mm; these species are all hygrophilous, occurring in rotting leaf litter in densely shaded wet situations, stream sides, or swamps, and at margins of open marshes. They are common in some places; however, they run fast and it is difficult to obtain series without a lot of work. The opposite is true at other places where 100 or more individuals will flush together from a third of a square meter of wet leaf litter. Their way of life is unknown, but they likely are predatory on small arthropods.

Maryland, USA south through Texas and Florida to Brazil, including the larger Caribbean islands, México, and Central America.

Currently, 10 described species are assigned to this genus; however, several more species are represented in the NMNH collection. A taxonomic revision of the group is needed. Identification of species is impossible without recourse to types.

Ball and Hilchie (1983); Liebherr (1988); Erwin (1991); Ball and Bousquet (2000); Bousquet (2012); Erwin et al. (2012).

Lachnophorus pubescens Dejean, 1831:30

Size range – 4.0 mm to 4.9 mm; these beetles are somewhat ubiquitous. They occur near water or at damp places, on a variety of soil types. Adults of all species are dark, often black, and one new species from Paraguay is vividly metallic. Adults of another new species from Perú was found readily under clumps of cut grass in an open field, as well as on algae covered sandy clay running in the bright sunshine. Adults are attracted to lights.

Southern United States south to southern Brazil, including some Caribbean islands.

Currently, four described species are assigned to this genus; however, two additional new species are represented in the NMNH collection. A taxonomic revision of the group is needed. Identification of species is impossible without recourse to types.

Liebherr (1988); Erwin (1991); Ball and Bousquet (2000); Bousquet (2012); Erwin et al. (2012).

Guatemalteca virgen Erwin, 2004:12

Size range – 4.3 mm to 5.2 mm; these small beetles occur along small rocky streams in the highlands and in wet leaf litter in the lowlands; they take cover in the day time under stones or stream side debris. Many adults have been collected in Guyane with flight intercept traps (FITs).

Costa Rica; Guatemala; Guyane; México; Perú.

Currently, one described species is assigned to this genus; however, two additional new species are represented in the NMNH collection, one from Guyane and another from Perú. A taxonomic revision of the group is needed.

Erwin (2004); Bousquet (2012); Erwin et al. (2012).

Homethes elegans Newman, 1842:402

Size range – 8.5 mm to 9.0 mm; these small beetles, at least in some species, are known to fly. According to Moore et al. (1987) they are predaceous.

Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Nine species are known to occur in Australia (Moore et al. 1987).

Darlington (1956); Moore et al. (1987); Liebherr (1990).

Lachnaces sericeus Bates, 1872:202

Size range – 3.2 mm to 5.4 mm; these small beetles occur in Amazonian inundation forests of the Varzea and Igapó systems. Adults occur in very wet leaf litter and in rotten wood in swampy areas. One adult was found by insecticidal fogging of the suspended fronds of an Astrocaryum palm; no doubt it was seeking refuge from inundation.

Brazil, Perú.

Currently, three described species are assigned to this genus: however, eight species are represented in the NMNH collection. A taxonomic revision of the group is needed.

Ball and Hilchie (1983); Erwin (1991); Ball and Bousquet (2000).

Lachnophorus pilosus Dejean, 1831:29

Size range – 4.0 mm to 6.3 mm; these small beetles are found on bare sandy stream banks in shady forests, or on sand in sunny areas along rivers. Their coloration pattern makes them appear like ants, and movements are ant-like, but they do not necessarily occur with ants. They catch small arthropod prey on the run much like tiger beetles.

Southern United States south to Uruguay, including the larger Caribbean islands.

Currently, 42 described species are assigned to this genus. A taxonomic revision of the genus is needed. Identification is very difficult without recourse to types.

Liebherr (1988); Erwin (1991); Ball and Bousquet (2000); Bousquet (2012); Erwin et al. (2012).

Peruphorticus gulliveri Erwin & Zamorano, sp. n.

Peruvian beauty-bearing beetles.

(Figs 63, 74, 75). With the attributes of Lachnophorini (see above), body form robust, and occiput and pronotum deeply and coarsely punctate, the latter also partly rugose. Ultimate palpomeres elongate and slightly acuminate. Elytral interneurs striatopunctate, deeply engraved; intervals convex and multipunctate and with three shallow fossae in third interval; apex subtruncate, outer angle rounded.

The wings are fully developed, thus it is likely that these beetles are moderate to strong flyers.

As currently recorded, member species are known from Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Perú.

These small beetles are found in dry or wet leaf litter in Amazonian rainforests independent of water bodies, and particularly along dusty trails. In Costa Rica, they occur at higher elevations in cloud forest. At least two species with adults somewhat reddish in color are found only on the lateritic soils pushed up by members of the ant genus Atta during nest building and nest maintenance activities.

Nine species are represented in the NMNH, in addition to the one described herein. It is probable that the nine additional species are new to science; however, types of the genera Lachnophorus and Euphorticus need to be examined to make sure they are rightfully assigned to those genera and not Peruphorticus.

Perú, Madre de Dios, BIOLAT Biological Station, Pakitza, Zone 5, Trocha Aguajal 92, 11.9427°S, 71.2926°W, 324m, 28 October 1990 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: BIOLAT10190, male).

The epithet “gulliveri” is a Latinized eponym, genitive case, based on the name made famous by the Irish writer Jonathan Swift in 1726, namely Gulliver’s Travels. We so name this species because of its very large size in comparison to its congeners, reminding us of Gulliver’s travels on the island of Lilliput.

Gulliver’s beauty-bearing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Pseudophorticus, as described by Erwin (2004) and as noted above, and large-sized for the genus. Adults with fuscous dorsum and venter and shiny throughout, the elytron with fulvous subhumeral and subapical spots, legs and mouthparts testaceous, antennomeres pale to slightly infuscated. Microsculpture absent from head and pronotum, of fine isodiametric sculpticells on most of elytron, surface luster somewhat shiny and slightly aeneous in some specimens. Head multipunctate, setiferous, punctures of occiput large and deep; pronotum multipunctate and rugose, setiferous, punctures large and deep; elytron striatopunctate, striae well-impressed, intervals moderately convex and multipunctate, setiferous. Labial palpomere 3 (Fig. 16) elongate and slightly acuminate (apex narrowly rounded). Pronotum lateral margin narrowly explanate throughout. Males with tarsomeres 1–3 slightly widened each with biserial rows of adhesive vestiture on ventral surface.

(Figs 16, 17, 18). Habitus: (Fig. 16). Size: [See also Appendix 2] Large for the genus; ABL = 5.52–6.86 mm, SBL = 5.21–6.05 mm, TW (total width) 2.30–3.6 mm, LP = 1.10–1.29 mm, WP = 1.52–1.81 mm, LE = 3.37–4.05 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 16): labrum rectangulate, sexsetose, clypeus convex with small tuberculate at middle and clearly demarcation from frons. Frons shallowly convex with moderately depressed lateral sulci, occiput shallowly domed; neck broad. Eyes large, moderately convex, longitudinal diameter coequal with length of antennomere 2 + 3; gena very short and flat. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 16) markedly broad and cordiform, about half as long as head (LP/LH: mean, males 1.51, females 1.49), moderately broader than long (W/L, mean: males, 1.39, females, 1.41); margin narrowly explanate with seta at anterior third and at hind angle; base convex and laterally depressed; hind angle flared laterally, slightly obtusely produced; multipunctate and rugose, setiferous, punctures large and deep. Pterothorax. Normal for tribe. Elytron about same width as pronotum (WP/TW: mean, both sexes, 0.628), moderately convex, intervals moderately convex and slightly more so laterally, interval 3 with very shallow fossae. Hind wings fully developed. Legs (Fig. 16). Overall, normal for subgenus. Male front tarsus with tarsomeres 1–3 slightly dilated and each ventrally with two biserial rows of white articulo-setae. Abdominal sterna. Setation as for genus. Male genitalia (Fig. 17, see Fig. 61 for attribute labels). Median lobe with basal lobe about one-fifth length of shaft, basal opening small. Shaft moderately robust, sinuate ventrally, dorsally membranous except for two short sclerotized strips flanking distal part of long ostial opening; in ventral aspect constricted toward rather small hooked apex, preapically with prominent ridges lateral to a central trough, in lateral aspect, ridges converge in a small but prominently projected point. Parameres broad, apices rounded; left paramere longer than right paramere, about three quarters length of shaft (measured in left lateral aspect). Endophallus with two fields of densely packed spines. Female genitalia (Fig. 18). Ovipositor with broad laterotergite (lt) and two gonocoxites (gc 1, gc 2); gonocoxite 1 spinose (short thick setae); gonocoxite 2 moderately falcate, base (b) large, broad, blade (bl) rather short, with two dorsal ensiform setae (des), ensiform setae short; without ventral preapical nematiform setae. Reproductive tract proximally with short, broad bursa copulatrix (bc), continuous at its distal end with common oviduct (co) and short bulbous bifid spermatheca (sp), latter of three bulb sections; villous canal (vc) extended from near base of spermatheca well up in common oviduct; spermathecal gland (sg) bulbous; spermathecal gland duct (sgd) long, slender, attached to spermatheca at middle bulb.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 79) Currently known from Ecuador and Perú, but likely more widespread.

See Erwin (2004) for a general description under Pseudophorticus; some undescribed species mentioned there belong to the present new genus, not Pseudophorticus, for example, the reddish species present on leaf-cutter ant nests. This present species, Peruphorticus gulliveri, is very common running at night on bare spots on trails and in thin layers of leaf litter.

Ecuador, Napo, 75km E Coca, 16 September 1990 (D.L. Pearson)(NMNH: ADP133803, female paratype). Perú, Loreto, circa Explornapo Camp, Rio Napo, Cocha Shimagai, 3.3563°S, 73.0467°W, 88m, 5 June 1992 (T.L. Erwin, E. Pfuno S., F. Pfuno S.)(NMNH: ADP023768, ADP023788, male paratypes); Explorama Lodge, Rio Sucusari, 3.257°S, 72.916°W, 101m, 6 June 1992 (T.L. Erwin, E. Pfuno, F. Pfuno)(NMNH: ADP053355, ADP053596, female paratypes), 7 June 1992 (T.L. Erwin, E. Pfuno, F. Pfuno)(NMNH: ADP053660, ADP053724, female paratypes); Explornapo Camp, Rio Sucusari, 3.225°S, 72.920°W, 95m, 7 June 1992 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: ADP053719, ADP053739, ADP008283, male paratypes, ADP008277, ADP008281, ADP008284, ADP008266, ADP008263, female paratypes), 18 June 1992 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: ADP009149, ADP009150, male paratypes, ADP009051, female paratype), 19 June 1992 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: ADP009261, ADP009262, ADP009263, ADP009264, ADP009265, ADP009266, ADP009267, male paratypes, ADP009060, female paratype), Rio Sucusari, Caño Yanamono, 3.257°S, 72.916°W, 101m, 30 May 1992 (T.L. Erwin, E. Pfuno, F. Pfuno)(NMNH: ADP051053, ADP051053 male paratypes, ADP051011, female paratype), 31 May 1992 (T.L. Erwin, E. Pfuno, F. Pfuno)(NMNH: ADP050771, female paratype), 22 June 1992 (T.L. Erwin, E. Pfuno, F. Pfuno)(NMNH: ADP010281, ADP010285, ADP010286, ADP010293, ADP010294, ADP010295, ADP010301, ADP010303, ADP010304, ADP010408, male paratypes, ADP010296, ADP010287, female paratypes), 24 June 1992 (T.L. Erwin, E. Pfuno, F. Pfuno)(NMNH: ADP010363, ADP010364, ADP010365, ADP010398, ADP010407, ADP010475, ADP010559, ADP010562, ADP010563, ADP010564, ADP010565, ADP010566, ADP010602, ADP010604, ADP010605, ADP010608, ADP010612, ADP010613, ADP010614, ADP010652, ADP010732, ADP010739, ADP010740, ADP010741, ADP010744, ADP010745, ADP010746, ADP010750, male paratypes, ADP010731, ADP010748, ADP010729, ADP010730, ADP010742, ADP010743, ADP010404, ADP010560, ADP010561, ADP010474, ADP010610, ADP010362, female paratypes); Pithecia, 5.1757°S, 74.655°W, 111m, 14 August 1989 (T.L. Erwin, G. Servat)(NMNH: ADP132743, male paratype, ADP132595, female paratype); Río Samiria, Boca Caño Inglés Camp, 5.1317°S, 75.0617°W, 117m, 20 August 1991 (G.E. Ball, D. Shpeley)(NMNH: ADP133807, male paratype); circa Pithecia, Cocha Shinguito, 5.1775°S, 74.6556°W, 111m, 26–29 August 1991 (G.E. Ball, D. Shpeley)(NMNH: ADP133809, male paratype); Río Samiria, Boca Caño Inglés Camp, 5.2265°S, 75.1058°W, 117m, 20 August 1991 (T.L. Erwin, M. Pogue, C. Reyes)(NMNH: ADP071551, female paratype); circa Pithecia, Cocha Shinguito, 5.1775°S, 76.6556°W, 112m, 25 August 1991 (T.L. Erwin, M. Pogue)(NMNH: ADP071181, female paratype), 26 August 1991 (T.L. Erwin, M. Pogue, C. Reyes)(NMNH: ADP071301, ADP071256, male paratypes); Madre de Dios, BIOLAT Biological Station, Pakitza, Zone 2, 11.9427°S, 71.2926°W, 324m, 5 September 1989 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: BIOLAT001189, BIOLAT008085, BIOLAT008086, BIOLAT008084, BIOLAT001191, BIOLAT007196, BIOLAT- 009090, BIOLAT002651, male paratypes), 5 February 1990 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: BIOLAT006698, BIOLAT006698, BIOLAT006693, BIOLAT007042, male paratypes), 10 February 1990 (NMNH: BIOLAT002650), 11 February 1990)(NMNH: BIOLAT007041), 13 February 1990 (NMNH: BIOLAT007176, male paratype), 18 October 1990 (E. Vega)(NMNH: BIOLAT008767, BIOLAT008769, BIOLAT008771, BIOLAT008788, male paratypes), 29 September 1991 (E. Vega)(NMNH: BIOLAT12607, female paratype), 29 September 1991 (T.L. Erwin, M.G. Pogue)(NMNH: BIOLAT12597, male paratype), 5 October 1991 (NMNH: BIOLAT13107, male paratype, BIOLAT13140, BIOLAT13199, female paratypes), 9 October 1991 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: BIOLAT13435, BIOLAT13436, BIOLAT13443, BIOLAT13445, BIOLAT13447, BIOLAT13446, BIOLAT13428, BIOLAT13471, BIOLAT13440, BIOLAT13444, BIOLAT13442, BIOLAT13449, BIOLAT13448, BIOLAT13473, BIOLAT13474, BIOLAT13441, male paratypes, 8 July 1992 (NMNH: BIOLAT16858, BIOLAT16860, female paratypes), 10 July 1992 (T.L. Erwin, E. Pfuno, F. Pfuno)(NMNH: BIOLAT17000, BIOLAT17001, BIOLAT17002, BIOLAT17004, BIOLAT17007, BIOLAT17008, BIOLAT17009, BIOLAT17005, BIOLAT17010, BIOLAT17011, BIOLAT17015, BIOLAT17018, BIOLAT17020, BIOLAT17021, BIOLAT17022, BIOLAT17023, BIOLAT17024, BIOLAT17028, BIOLAT17030, BIOLAT17019, BIOLAT17031, BIOLAT17033, BIOLAT17036, BIOLAT17037, BIOLAT17038, BIOLAT17043, BIOLAT17044, BIOLAT17045, BIOLAT17046, BIOLAT17049, BIOLAT17050, BIOLAT17051, BIOLAT17052, male paratypes, BIOLAT17003, BIOLAT17006, BIOLAT17012, BIOLAT17014, BIOLAT17016, BIOLAT17017, BIOLAT17026, BIOLAT17029, BIOLAT17032, BIOLAT17034, BIOLAT17035, BIOLAT17039, BIOLAT17041, BIOLAT17042, BIOLAT17053, BIOLAT16979, female paratypes), 12 July 1992 (NMNH: BIOLAT17107, BIOLAT17154, BIOLAT17142, BIOLAT17156, BIOLAT17155, male paratypes, BIOLAT17127, BIOLAT17151, female paratypes), 20 March 1992 (B. Brown, D. Feener)(NMNH: BIOLAT17440, male paratype), 28 October 1990 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: BIOLAT10190, male paratype), 20–30 September 1991 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: BIOLAT12606, male paratype), 7–13 October 1991 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: BIOLAT13238, BIOLAT13248, male paratypes), 24 June 1993 (T.L. Erwin, F. Pfuno)(NMNH: BIOLAT19108, male paratype); Puerto Maldonado, Explorers Inn, 12.819°S, 69.260°W, 207, 23 October 1982 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: ADP133815, male paratype), 31 August 1983 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: ADP133811, female paratype), 3 October - 15 November 1983 (N.E. Stork)(NMNH: ADP134017, ADP134021, ADP134023, ADP134025, ADP134027, male paratypes, ADP133815, female paratype), Rio Tambopata, Culpa de Guacamayos, 300m, October 1995 (A. Forsyth)(NMNH: ADP132491, female paratype).

Pseudophorticus puncticollis Erwin, 2004:8

Size range – 4.7 mm to 6.2 mm; these small beetles occur on the ground in rainforests; they are diurnal and run in clearings and on trails in open spots. Nothing is known about their way of life.

Costa Rica south to Perú and southeastern Brazil.

Currently, one described species is assigned to this genus. Many undescribed species are represented in collections, misidentified as either Euphorticus or Lachnophorus; the genus is in need of a taxonomic revision. In order to do such a revision, one would need to study all the primary types of both Euphorticus and Lachnophorus to discover their correct generic assignments.

Erwin (1991) as incertae sedis; Erwin (2004); Bousquet (2012); Erwin et al. (2012).

Quammenis spectabilis Erwin, 2000:280

Size range – 6.5 mm to 7.0 mm; these beetles occur on steep or vertical wet rocky surfaces with mosses and ferns and other hygrophilous plants in cloud forests (e.g., hygropetric habitats such as vertical waterfalls, seeps, wet rocks, etc. (see Fig. 2)).

Costa Rica.

Currently, one described species is assigned to this genus.

Erwin (2000); Bousquet (2012).

Selina westermanni Motschulsky, 1858:110

Size range – 3.9 mm to 5.0 mm; these small beetles occur on sandy banks of rivers (Lewis, 1882:480).

Africa, India, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.

Currently, six described species are assigned to this genus; names of five of them are listed by Lorenz (2005) as synonyms of Selina westermanni Mots. We believe that a revision is necessary. Selina, Homethes, and Aeolodermus are the only known members of Lachnophorini found in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Erwin (1984); Bousquet (2012); Jeannel (1948).

Stenocheila lacordairei Laporte de Castelnau, 1832:12

Size range – 7.8 mm to 9.3 mm; these beetles have been found on the campus of INPA at Manaus, Brazil. The area was an open managed unnatural habitat among buildings.

Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Guyane, Perú.

This is a monobasic genus with a widespread species. See our notes under Diplacanthogaster Liebke, above.

Reichardt (1967).

Asklepia strandi Liebke, 1938:113.

Asklepius, a Greek God of healing. Why Liebke used this name is unknown. See: http://www.mythologydictionary.com/asclepius-mythology.html

Neat pattern-wing beetles.

Diagnosis (Figs 29–55, 57–75). Size range – ABL = 1.95 mm to 3.74 mm; with the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938). Adults with head and pronotum smooth and shiny; elytron quadrangular, apically truncated, margin slightly oblique, pattern coloration with pale maculae (slightly flavotestaceous in some individuals); labial palpomeres pubescent, ultimate article globose basally and subulate apically; legs testaceous; basal antennomeres fulvous, medial antennomeres infuscated, apical antennomeres white (the number of basal, medial, and apical antennomeres is described for each species below). Abdominal sterna sparsely pubescent.

Species are arrayed across three species groups based mainly on the armature of the male aedeagal endophallus: geminata species group (endophallus without spines, Fig. 57), hilaris species group (endophallus with multiple spines, Figs 58–63), and pulchripennis group (endophallus with two spines, Figs 64–74). In addition, the species of the geminata species group have elytral striae and moderately convex intervals; the hilaris group members have explanate lateral margins on the pronotum while those of the pulchripennis groups are feebly beaded only in the anterior half.

The wings are fully developed in most individuals we have studied, thus it is likely that these beetles are moderate to strong flyers; however, in at least two species there are also brachypterous adults. This is unusual in lowland Amazonian species; for example, see Adis et al. (1997 [1998]) on a species of an odacanthine near Manaus, Brazil.

Geographic

(Figs 76–78). As currently known, the range of this genus extends in cis-Andean South America from southeastern Colombia south to Bolivia and east to Guyana and Belém, Brazil, and from there south to Entre Ríos Province, Argentina.

These species live close to water in wet leaf litter and on aquatic vegetation (macrophytes) of backwashes along rivers, streams, and lakeshores of both Varzea and Igapó forests and among dead leaf accumulations on rocky or sandy stream banks. Immature stages are unknown; however, given the wide variation in adult size within a species as noted in the introduction, it is possible that larvae are ectoparasitoids (cf. Erwin 1967, 1979; Frank et al. 2009).

Not much has been previously published on this genus. We now know there are many undescribed species across the Amazon Basin and on the Guiana Shield and the southern part of the Brazilian Shield; hence it is not monobasic as reported by Reichardt (1974). Bates (1871) actually described four species (assigned herein to Asklepia) placing them in the genus Eucaerus LeConte, none of which were recognized previously as an Asklepia species (cf. Liebke 1938; Reichardt 1974). Since the genus was in need of taxonomic revision, we have provided it here. Many areas of South America have not been sampled for very small water-side beetles; thus, it is likely many more species of this genus will be discovered in the future. As pointed out recently (Erwin et al. 2010), many very tiny-sized carabid clades have gone mostly unnoticed. In the 1930’s, the discovery of Gehringia olympica Darlington served to adjust the search image of carabidologists toward a fractal universe smaller than previously used; however, such search image needs to be focused more in the rainforests of the world.

The species list below, as well as arrangement of descriptions that follows, is ordered alphabetically.

Asklepia geminata (Bates), 1871:78, new combination, Brazil, Perú

Asklepia campbellorum Zamorano & Erwin, sp. n., Brazil

Asklepia demiti Erwin & Zamorano, sp. n., Brazil

Asklepia duofos Zamorano & Erwin, sp. n., Brazil

Asklepia grammechrysea Zamorano & Erwin, sp. n., Perú

Asklepia hilaris (Bates), 1871:79, comb. n., Brazil

Asklepia laetitia Zamorano & Erwin, sp. n., Colombia

Asklepia lebioides (Bates), 1871:79, comb. n., Brazil

Asklepia matomena Zamorano & Erwin, sp. n., Brazil

Asklepia adisi Erwin & Zamorano, sp. n., Brazil, Perú

Asklepia asuncionensis Erwin & Zamorano, sp. n., Paraguay

Asklepia biolat Erwin & Zamorano, sp. n., Perú

Asklepia bracheia Zamorano & Erwin, sp. n., Perú

Asklepia cuiabaensis Erwin & Zamorano, sp. n., Brazil

Asklepia ecuadoriana Erwin & Zamorano, sp. n., Ecuador

Asklepia kathleenae Erwin & Zamorano, sp. n., Brazil

Asklepia macrops Erwin & Zamorano, sp. n., Argentina

Asklepia marchantaria Erwin & Zamorano, sp. n., Brazil

Asklepia marituba Zamorano & Erwin, sp. n., Brazil

Asklepia pakitza Erwin & Zamorano, sp. n., Perú

Asklepia paraguayensis Zamorano & Erwin, sp. n., Paraguay

Asklepia pulchripennis (Bates), 1871:79, comb. n., Brazil

Asklepia samiriaensis Zamorano & Erwin, sp. n., Perú

Asklepia stalametlitos Zamorano & Erwin, sp. n., Bolivia

Asklepia strandi Liebke, 1938:113 Guyana

Asklepia surinamensis Zamorano & Erwin, sp. n., Surinam

Asklepia vigilante Erwin & Zamorano, sp. n., Perú

Note. Because of the variability within species and the marked similarity across some species, only features of the male genitalia provide reliable means for identification of some species. Unfortunately, we did not have at our disposal males of all the species to image.

Brazil, Pará, Santarém, Río Tapajos, 2.4079°S, 54.7969°W, 30m, (H.W.Bates)(MNHP: ADP132513, male). Specimen labeled “Holotype” by George E. Ball in 1972.

The specific epithet, geminata, is a Latin adjective, meaning double (for example, the celestial Gemini, sign of the twins, Romulus and Remus, the mythological founders of Rome), or arranged in pairs as used here by Bates with reference to the two elytral spots.

Twin-spot pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and medium-sized for the genus (SBL = 2.512–2.794 mm). Adult with head and prothorax brunneus, elytral maculae fulvous or aurantiacus in some individuals; elytron brunneus with an elongated oval, horizontally oriented macula crossing basal quadrants and a round flavous macula in the apical proximal quadrant, lateral margin of medial and apical quadrant fulvous; metasternum, abdominal sterna III-VI, and epipleuron brunneus, abdominal sternum VII slightly paler; legs flavotestaceous; antennal scape and pedicel testaceous, antennomeres 3-6 and basal half of 7 deeply infuscated, apical half of 7, 8-11 white. Head and pronotum surface devoid of microsculpture surface luster very shiny; elytra surface with finely impressed isodiametric microsculpture. Pronotum cordiform, narrowly explanate, with medial lobe at base, lateral margin beaded; hind angle moderately prominent; median line well defined. Elytral interneurs striate and continuous along entire length of elytron.

(Figs 29, 57). Habitus: (Fig. 29). Size: [See also Table 1] Medium-size for the genus; ABL = 2.768–2.997 mm, SBL = 2.512–2.794 mm, TW (total width) 1.411–1.440 mm, LP = 0.536–0.603 mm, WP = 0.733–0.820 mm, LE = 1.622–1.849 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 29): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 29) moderately broad, as wide as head across eyes (WH/WP, mean both sexes: 0.964), longer than head (LP/LH, mean both sexes: 1.641), wider than long (W/L, mean both sexes: 1.364); markedly cordiform and explanate, lateral margin beaded with seta at anterior third; anterior angles feebly produced; base markedly constricted with medial lobe at base; hind angle moderately produced and setose; median line well defined, transverse impression punctate, punctures infuscated; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra slightly convex; at apical third twice as long as head across eyes (WH/TW, mean both sexes: 0.524) and pronotum (WP/TW, mean both sexes: 0.544), longer than wide. Elytral interneurs striate and continuous along length of entire elytron. Surface with finely impressed microsculpture, sculpticells isodiametric. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia (Fig. 57, see Fig. 61 for attribute labels). Median lobe with phallobase short about a fourth the length of shaft, basal opening moderately small, oriented parallel to shaft. Shaft narrow, moderately curved ventrally, dorsally sclerotized except for short ostium; in ventral aspect tapered toward rather narrowly rounded apex, in lateral aspect, a rounded apex. Parameres: left very large and broad, right small and triangular, apex of left paramere lobate much longer than right paramere about half the length of shaft (measured in left lateral aspect). Endophallus without preapical spines. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 76). The wide geographical range from near the mouth of the Río Amazon at Belém to the black-waters of Pacaya-Samiria Reserve in Perú on the upper Amazon drainage system is unusual for this genus. But as pointed out in the introduction, very small carabid beetles are not collected by any but carabid specialists, and there have been few of those, working the Amazon Basin.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description of the genus. Adults of this species are active in both the late rainy season and transition to the dry season in lowland rain forest. They occur particularly in wet leaf litter in “aguajales, ” i.e., palm forests (Mauritia flexuosa L. f.) that are present along major waterways throughout the Amazon Basin and along river and stream margins and in open marshes.

Brazil, Pará, Belém, 5m, 1.46°S, 48.42°W, 8 October 1978, (G.E. Ball, K.E. Ball)(UASM: ADP132557, female), Santarém, Río Tapajos, 2.4079°S, 54.7969°W, 30m, no date, (CMNH: ADP133571. male). Perú, Loreto, Rio Samiria, Boca Caño Inglés Camp, 5.1317°S, 75.0617°W, 117m, 23 August 1991, (T.L. Erwin, G.E. Ball, D. Shpeley)(NMNH: ADP109186, male).

Brazil, Amazonas, 20 km SW Manaus, 3.166°S, 60.234°W, 47m, 6 November 1969 (J.M. Campbell, B.A. Campbell)(NMNH: ADP133032, male).

The specific epithet, campbellorum, is an eponym based on the family name of Milt and Beverly Campbell^†, collectors of the type series.

Campbells’ pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and medium to large-sized for the genus (SBL = 2.941–3.198 mm). Adults with head and prothorax brunneus, elytral maculae aurantiacus; elytron fuscous with a small rounded aurantiacus macula in the lateral apical quadrant and proximal apical quadrant and an oval aurantiacus macula in the proximal apical quadrant, maculae reach the sutural area. Color pattern variable, maculae in the apical quadrants are connected, forming a single macula or completely absent in some individuals. Metasternum, abdominal sterna III-VI, and epipleuron brunneus, abdominal sternum VII paler; legs testaceous; antennal scape and pedicel testaceous, antennomeres 3-7 deeply infuscated, 8-11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum cordiform, narrowly explanate, with medial lobe at base, lateral margin beaded; anterior angles markedly produced, hind angle angulate, very prominent; median line moderately defined. Elytral interneurs evident as rows of continuous closely spaced fine punctures.

(Figs 30, 58). Habitus: (Fig. 30). Size: [See also Table 2] Small-size to large-size for the genus; ABL = 3.17–3.61 mm, SBL = 2.182–3.198 mm, TW (total width) 1.106–1.824 mm, LP = 0.467–0.691 mm, WP = 0.611–0.956 mm, LE = 1.386–2.069 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 30): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 30) moderately broad, slightly wider than head across eyes (WH/WP, both sexes: 0.966), longer than head (LP/LH, mean both sexes: 1.414), wider than long (W/L, mean both sexes: 1.395); markedly cordiform and explanate, lateral margin beaded with seta at anterior third; base markedly constricted and lobed medially; anterior angles markedly produced, hind angle markedly prominent, produced and setose; median line moderately defined, apical transverse impression punctate, punctures infuscated; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra slightly convex; at apical third twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW, mean both sexes: 0.492) and pronotum (WP/TW, mean both sexes: 0.510). Elytral interneurs evident as rows of continuous closely spaced fine punctures; punctures homogeneous. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia (Fig. 58, see Fig. 61 for attribute labels). Median lobe with phallobase short about a fourth the length of shaft, basal opening small, oriented parallel to shaft. Shaft broad, slightly curved ventrally, dorsally sclerotized except for short ostium; in ventral aspect tapered toward rather narrowly acute apex, in lateral aspect, a rounded apex. Parameres: left very large and broad, right small and triangular; apex of left paramere lobate much longer than right paramere about half the length of shaft (measured in left lateral aspect). Endophallus with 7 preapical spines. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 77). This species has been found at only one location on the shore of a small lake near the middle of the Amazon River drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its actual distribution: As has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description. Adults of this species are active in lowland rainforest in the transition from rainy to dry seasons.

Brazil, Amazonas, 20 km SW Manaus, 3.166°S, 60.234°W, 47m, 6 November 1969 (J.M. Campbell, B.A. Campbell)(NMNH: ADP132693, ADP133141, ADP133167, ADP132734, ADP133165, ADP133155, ADP132705, ADP133064, ADP109196, female paratypes, ADP133177, ADP132685, ADP133113, ADP133127, ADP133157, ADP132727, ADP133119, ADP133010, ADP133004, ADP133135, ADP132723, ADP133137, ADP133191, ADP133147, male paratypes), (ADP133137, male, forebody missing).

Brazil, Amazonas, circa Rio Demiti, 0.5748°N, 66.6869°W, 116m, 13 September 1978 (G.E Ball, K.E. Ball) (NMNH: ADP132539, male).

The specific epithet, demiti, is a singular Latinized feminine noun in apposition, based on the name of the river along which these beetles are found.

Río Demiti pattern-wing beetles.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and medium to large-sized for the genus (SBL = 2.590–3.131 mm). Adults with head and prothorax fuscous, elytral maculae fulvous or aurantiacus in some individuals; elytron fuscous with rounded aurantiacus macula in the lower left corner of apical proximal quadrant and in the upper right corner of medial lateral quadrant; maculae are connected forming a single macula in some individuals, apical proximal quadrant with a rounded aurantiacus macula in the upper left corner and sutural area aurantiacus; metasternum, abdominal sterna III-VI, and epipleuron brunneus, abdominal sternum VII slightly paler; legs flavotestaceous; antennal scape and pedicel testaceous, antennomeres 3-7 infuscated (less so in the holotype), 8-11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum cordiform, narrowly explanate, with medial lobe at base, lateral margin beaded; anterior angle feebly produced, hind angle angulate, very prominent; median line moderately defined. Elytral interneurs evident as short discontinuous rows of fine punctures.

(Figs 31, 59, 75). Habitus: (Fig. 31). Size: [See also Table 3] Medium to large-size for the genus; ABL = 2.089–3.071 mm, SBL = 2.590–3.131 mm, TW (total width) 1.491–1.815 mm, LP = 0.545–0.642 mm, WP = 0.762–0.888 mm, LE = 1.721–2.036 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 31): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 31) moderately broad, as wide as head across eyes (WP/WH, both sexes: 1.025), longer than head (LP/LH, mean both sexes: 1.471), wider than long (W/L, mean both sexes: 1.380); markedly cordiform and explanate, lateral margin beaded with seta at anterior third; apical margin straight, base markedly constricted with medial lobe at base; anterior angle feebly produced, hind angle markedly prominent and setose; median line moderately defined, apical transverse impression punctate, punctures coarse and infuscated; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra slightly convex; at apical third twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW, mean both sexes: 0.492) and pronotum (WP/TW, mean both sexes: 0.504). Elytral interneurs evident as short discontinuous rows of fine punctures; punctures with a fuscous halo at basal and apical proximal quadrant of elytron. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia (Fig. 59, see Fig. 61 for attribute labels). Median lobe with phallobase short about a fifth the length of shaft, basal opening small, oriented parallel to shaft. Shaft broad, slightly curved ventrally, dorsally sclerotized except for short ostium; in ventral aspect tapered toward rather narrowly rounded apex, in lateral aspect, a broadly rounded apex. Left paramere very large and broad, right small and triangular, apex of left paramere lobate much longer than right paramere about half the length of shaft (measured in left lateral aspect). Endophallus with 10 small medial spines and one large distal spine. Female genitalia. (Fig. 75A and B) Ovipositor with broad laterotergite (lt) and two narrow gonocoxites (gc 1, gc 2); gonocoxite 1 apico-laterally not setose; gonocoxite 2 shallowly falcate, base (b) medium-size much broader than narrow blade (bl) which is elongate, with two dorsal ensiform setae (des), ventral ensiform seta absent, ensiform setae moderately short and robust; without ventral preapical nematiform setae. Reproductive tract proximally with moderately short, broad bursa copulatrix (bc), continuous at its distal end with common oviduct (co) and long robust bipartite spermatheca (sp) distal to broad short villous canal (vc), one lobe slightly narrowed distally; spermathecal gland not found in dissection; spermathecal gland duct (sgd) robust, heavily sclerotized, attached to oviduct at base of its broadened portion. Defense gland (Fig. 75C) with an annulated sausage-shaped accessory gland (cc) and large reservoir (gldr) distal to a long efferent duct (ed).

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 77). This species has been found at only two locations on second-order white-water streams of the Río Negro drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description of the genus. Adults of this species are active in lowland Varzea rainforest in the late rainy season. It seems from the known samples that this species is found on white-water systems.

Brazil, Amazonas, circa Rio Demiti, 0.5748°N, 66.6869°W, 116m, 13 September 1978 (G.E Ball, K.E. Ball)(NMNH: ADP132585, female paratype, ADP132483, ADP132501, male paratypes). Venezuela, Amazonas, 29 km S Puerto Ayacucho, Río Paria Chico, 5.4694N, 67.6029W, 71m, (J.T. Polhemus)(NMNH: ADP132605, male paratype).

Brazil, Amazonas, 20 km SW Manaus, 3.166°S, 60.234°W, 47m, 6 November 1969 (J.M. Campbell, B.A. Campbell)(NMNH: ADP132555, male).

The specific epithet, derived from the Greek duofos, δυο (duo) = two, fɸσ (fos) = lights) is a noun used in apposition referring to the two bright spots on the elytra.

Two-lights pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and small to medium-sized for the genus (SBL = 2.248–2.941 mm). Adults with head and prothorax brunneus, elytral maculae aurantiacus; elytron fuscous with small rounded aurantiacus macula in the lower left corner of proximal basal quadrant, a small rounded aurantiacus macula in the upper left corner of proximal basal quadrant, maculae about the size of ¼ of the quadrant, a semicircular aurantiacus macula in the proximal apical quadrant, macula does not reach the apical margin; proximal quadrants slightly paler compared with lateral quadrants; metasternum, abdominal sterna III-VI, and epipleuron brunneus, abdominal sternum VII paler; legs testaceous; antennal scape and pedicel testaceous, antennomeres 3-6 and basal half of 7 deeply infuscated, apical half of 7, 8-11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum cordiform, narrowly explanate, lateral margin beaded; anterior angles feebly produced, hind angle markedly prominent; median line moderately defined. Elytral interneurs evident as short discontinuous rows of widely spaced coarse punctures.

Habitus (Fig. 32). Size: [See also Table 4] Small-sized for the genus; ABL = 2.433 mm, SBL = 2.248 mm, TW (total width) 1.124 mm, LP = 0.495 mm, WP = 0.666 mm, LE = 1.407 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 32): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 32) moderately broad, as wide as head across eyes (WH/WP: 0.939), longer than head (LP/LH: 1.423), wider than long (PW/PL: 1.397); markedly cordiform and explanate, lateral margin beaded with seta at anterior third; base markedly constricted; anterior angles feebly produced, hind angle markedly prominent, produced and setose; median line markedly defined, apical transverse impressions punctate, punctures infuscated; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra slightly convex; at apical third twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/MW: 0.489) and pronotum (WP/MW: 0.521), longer than wide. Elytral interneurs evident as short rows of discontinuous widely spaced coarse punctures. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia. The male paratype was dissected for illustrating the male aedeagus; however, it was damaged in the process and we were hesitant to dissect the holotype at this time. We do note the presence of multiple spines on the endophallus. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 77). This species has been found at only one location on the shore of a small lake near the middle Amazon River drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description. Adults of this species are active in lowland rainforest during the transition from rainy to dry seasons

None.

Perú, LORETO, circa Pithecia, Cocha Shinguito, 5.1757°S, 74.655°W, 111m, 16 August 1989 (T.L. Erwin, G.P. Servat)(MUSM: ADP133151).

The specific epithet, grammechrysea derived from the Greek γραμμή (grammae) = line, κριχισηα (chrysea) = golden), is a noun in apposition referring to the yellow (flavous) line on the pronotum.

Golden-line pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis. Individuals of this species present a wide range of sizes from small to large for the genus (SBL = 2.265–3.736 mm). Adults with head fuscous, pronotum bicolored, its lateral areas fuscous, medial area aurantiacus; elytral maculae aurantiacus, elytron fuscous with an elongated horizontally oriented flavous macula crossing basal lateral and proximal quadrant, sutural area fuscous, and with a semicircular flavous macula in the apical proximal quadrant, sutural area fulvous, lateral margin of medial and apical quadrants fulvous; metasternum, abdominal sterna III-VI, basal half of sternum VII and epipleuron brunneus, apical half of abdominal sternum VII paler; legs fulvous; antennal scape and pedicel testaceous, antennomeres 3-7 deeply infuscated, 8-11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum cordiform, narrowly explanate, with medial lobe at base, apical margin slightly concave lateral margin beaded; hind angle markedly prominent; median line markedly defined. Elytral interneurs evident as continuous rows of fine closely spaced punctures; punctures fuscous; basal and apical punctures each with infuscated halo.

(Figs 33, 60). Habitus: (Fig. 33). Size: [See also Table 5] Small to large-sized for the genus; ABL = 2.336–3.78 mm, SBL = 2.265–3.736 mm, TW (total width) 1.382–2.216 mm, LP = 0.481–1.016 mm, WP = 0.659–1.065 mm, LE = 1.440–2.381 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 33): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 33) moderately broad, as wide as head across eyes (WH/WP, mean both sexes: 1.002), larger than head (LP/LH, mean both sexes: 1.512), about as wider than long (WP/LP, mean both sexes: 1.381); markedly cordiform and explanate, lateral margin beaded and fuscous with seta at anterior third; base markedly constricted and lobed medially; anterior angles moderately produced, hind angle markedly produced and setose; median line markedly defined, basal and apical transverse impressions punctate, punctures fuscous; surface smooth throughout.

Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra slightly convex; at apical third twice as width as head across eyes (WH/TW, mean both sexes: 0.481) and pronotum (WP/TW, mean both sexes: 0.493), longer than wide. Elytral interneurs evident as continuous rows of fine closely spaced punctures; punctures each with a fuscous halo in the basal and apical proximal quadrant of elytron. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia (Fig. 60, see Fig. 61 for attribute labels). Median lobe with phallobase short about a fourth the length of shaft, basal opening small, oriented parallel to shaft. Shaft broad, slightly curved ventrally, dorsally sclerotized except for short ostium; in ventral aspect tapered toward rather narrowly rounded apex, in lateral aspect, a rounded apex. Parameres: left very large and broad, right small and triangular; apex of left paramere lobate much longer than right paramere about half the length of shaft (measured in left lateral aspect). Endophallus with 7 preapical spines. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 77). This species has been found at locations on black-water systems across the northern and western areas of the Amazon River drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general

Adults of this species are active in lowland Igapó rainforest during the rainy season. They have been found in wet leaf litter at the edge of small streams and lake shores as well as in old levee forests of Attalea palms near a black water river; they also occur on mud with grasses and among crumbly clods of yellowish clay at salt licks, as well as near rotting tree trunks at the water’s edge in low lying inundation forest at the edge of a black water lake and on sandy shorelines with matted rhizomes and dry leaf litter.

Perú, Loreto, circa Pithecia, Cocha Shinguito, 5.1757°S, 74.655°W, 111m, 16 August 1989 (T.L. Erwin, G.P. Servat)(NMNH: ADP132980, ADP132709, ADP132741, ADP133197, ADP132717, ADP133161, ADP133163, ADP- 132739, ADP133187, ADP133053, ADP133185, ADP132697, ADP133123, ADP133101, ADP133099, ADP133111, ADP132978, ADP133143, ADP133153, ADP132465, ADP132537, ADP132591, ADP132471, ADP132533, ADP132579, ADP132517, ADP132522, ADP132559, ADP132497, ADP132526, ADP132511, ADP132573, ADP132459, female paratypes, ADP013271, ADP132753, ADP133183, ADP- 133173, ADP132721, ADP133107, ADP133095, ADP133060, ADP132703, ADP109204, ADP133129, ADP132715, ADP133139, ADP133117, ADP133175, ADP133179, ADP132683, ADP132725, ADP133079, ADP132735, ADP133072, ADP132747, ADP133105, ADP132730, ADP133125, ADP132488, ADP132462, ADP132479, ADP132516, ADP132461, ADP132498, ADP132504, ADP132514, ADP132486, ADP132502, ADP132577, ADP132472, ADP132473, ADP132567, ADP132599, male paratypes; Cocha Shinguito, south side, 5.19543°S, 74.640°W, 121m, 17 May 1990 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: ADP093477, ADP094131, ADP071242, ADP066673, ADP093475, ADP093474, ADP093453 ADP093457, ADP093431, ADP071517, female paratypes, ADP071518, ADP071516, ADP094133, ADP093458, ADP093430, ADP093456, ADP093436, male paratypes); 25 August 1991 (T.L. Erwin, M.G. Pogue)(NMNH: ADP071240, ADP071201, female paratypes, ADP071249, ADP071247, ADP- 071239, ADP071240, ADP071241, ADP071225, ADP071226, ADP071243, ADP071244, ADP071217, ADP071224, ADP071198, ADP071218, ADP071202, ADP071588, male paratypes); Cocha Shinguito, 5.1757°S, 74.655°W, 111m, 14 June 1990 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: ADP094139, female paratypes, ADP094109, ADP094109, ADP094117, ADP094111, ADP094135, ADP094136, ADP094140, male paratypes); 25 August 1991 (G.E. Ball, D. Shpeley)(NMNH: ADP132551, female paratype, ADP132593, ADP132563, male paratypes); Cocha Shinguito, 5.1746°S, 74.6581°W, 119m, 26 August 1991 (T.L. Erwin, M.G. Pogue)(NMNH: ADP071520, ADP071521, female paratypes, ADP071519, male paratype); Cocha Shinguito, margin of Río Samiria, 5.1867°S, 74.6187°W, 124m, 17 May 1990 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: ADP066600, ADP066669, female paratypes, ADP066581, ADP066597, ADP066625, ADP066647, male paratypes); Río Samiria, Camp Terry, 5.4883°S, 75.1927°W, 132m, 14 May 1990 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: ADP094434, ADP094362, ADP094318, ADP094374, ADP094323, ADP094322, ADP132528, ADP132464, ADP094321, female paratypes ADP094348, ADP094342, ADP094345, ADP094349, ADP094344, ADP094324, ADP132510, ADP094341, ADP094346, ADP132541, ADP132549, ADP094365, ADP132523, male paratypes); Hamburgo, Boca Caño Inglés Camp, 5.1317°S, 75.0617°W, 117m, 20 August 1991 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: ADP071046, female paratypes, ADP071633, male paratype); Explornapo Camp, Río Napo, Río Sucusari, 3.2494°S, 72.9205°W, 101m, 4 June 1992 (T.L. Erwin, E. Pfuno S., F. Pfuno S.)(NMNH: ADP023587, ADP023593, female paratypes, ADP023587, ADP091311, male paratypes); 14 June 1992 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: ADP052649, ADP052564, ADP052650, female paratypes, ADP052548, ADP052548, male paratypes); 19 June 1992 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: ADP009175, ADP009123, ADP052565, female paratypes, ADP009173, ADP052563, ADP009176, ADP009174, male paratypes); circa Explornapo Camp, Río Napo, Cocha Shimagai, 3.3563°S, 73.0467°W, 88m, 13 June 1992 (T.L. Erwin, E. Pfuno S., F. Pfuno S.)(NMNH: ADP008129, ADP008114, ADP008128, ADP094109, female paratypes, ADP008122, ADP008124, ADP008127, ADP008118, ADP008115, ADP008116, ADP008119, male paratypes).

Brazil, Amazonas, São Paulo de Olivença, 3.4622°S, 68.9499°W, 77m, (H.W. Bates)(BMNH: ADP132543, male). This specimen labeled “Holotype” by George E. Ball in 1972.

The specific epithet, hilaris, is a Latin adjective that adequately describes this species with gaily colorful elytra.

Cheerful pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and small-sized for the genus (SBL = 2.336 mm). Adults with head and prothorax brunneus, elytral maculae fulvous or aurantiacus in some individuals; elytron brunneus with a rectangular flavous macula crossing basal lateral and proximal quadrants, macula not extended to lateral margin or sutural area, and a rounded flavous macula in the apical proximal quadrant, sutural area fulvous; metasternum, abdominal sterna III-VI, and epipleuron testaceous, abdominal sternum VII paler; legs testaceous; antennal scape and pedicel testaceous, antennomeres 3-6 deeply infuscated, 7-11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum cordiform, narrowly explanate; anterior angles feebly produced; lateral margin beaded; hind angle angulate, moderately prominent; median line moderately defined. Elytral interneurs evident as rows of discontinuous, coarse punctures widely spaced.

Habitus (Fig. 34). Size: [See also Table 6] Small in size for the genus; ABL = 2.464 mm, SBL = 2.336 mm, TW (total width) 1.233 mm, LP = 0.483 mm, WP = 0.617 mm, LE = 1.495 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 34): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 34) moderately broad, as wide as head across eyes (WH/WP: 1.085), longer than head (LP/LH: 1.346), wider than long (W/L: 1.294); markedly cordiform and explanate, lateral margin beaded with seta at anterior third; apical margin straight; base markedly constricted; hind angle moderately produced and setose; median line moderately well defined, apical transverse impression punctate, punctures infuscated; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra slightly convex; at apical third about same width as head across eyes (WH/TW: 1.099) and pronotum (WP/TW: 1.013). Elytral interneurs evident as rows of discontinuous, widely spaced, coarse punctures. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia. Dissected by G.E. Ball in 1972 at the BMNH, but the genitalia are missing from the microvial pinned under the holotype. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 77). This species has been found at only one location on the white-water system of the Río Amazonas drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description of the genus. No way of life information is available for this species other than that they occur in lowland Amazonia along the “Rio Amazon.”

None.

The holotype and only specimen seen by us is glued to a card and is somewhat damaged.

Colombia, Amazonas, Leticia, 4.1896°S, 69.9711°W, 72m, no date, (F.M. Oliveira, P. Wygodzinsky)(AMNH: ADP109190, male).

The specific epithet, laetitia, from the Latin greeting laetitia used in the nominative case, is a singular feminine noun in apposition, based on the name of the town near which these beetles were found, and meaning happiness, joy, gladness, and delight.

Colombian pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and small in size for the genus (SBL = 2.494 mm). Adults with head fuscous, prothorax brunneus, elytral maculae aurantiacus; elytron brunneus with a broad rectangular-shaped aurantiacus macula crossing basal and medial lateral and proximal quadrants, macula not extended to lateral margin or sutural area and, a rounded flavous macula in the apical proximal quadrant, sutural area fulvous; metasternum, abdominal sterna III-VI, and epipleuron testaceous, abdominal sternum VII paler; legs testaceous; antennal scape, pedicel, and antennomere 3 testaceous, antennomeres 4-7 deeply infuscated, 8-11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum cordiform, narrowly explanate; anterior angles feebly produced; lateral margin beaded; hind angle angulate, moderately prominent; median line well defined; basal and apical transverse impression punctate, punctures infuscated. Elytral interneurs evident as rows of continuous coarse punctures closely spaced.

(Fig. 35, 61). Habitus: (Fig. 35). Size: [See also Table 7] Small-size for the genus; ABL = 2.99 mm, SBL = 2.494 mm, TW (total width) 1.463 mm, LP = 0.489 mm, WP = 0.706 mm, LE = 1.633 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 35): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 35) moderately broad, as wide as head across eyes (WH/WP: 1.032), longer than head (LP/LH: 1.316), wider than long (W/L: 1.444); markedly cordiform and explanate, lateral margin beaded with seta at anterior third; apical margin straight; base markedly constricted; hind angle moderately produced and setose; median line well defined, basal and apical transverse impression punctate, punctures infuscated; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra slightly convex; at apical third markedly wider than head across eyes (WH/TW: 0.468) and twice as wide as pronotum (WP/TW: 0.504). Elytral interneurs evident as rows of continuous, coarse punctures widely spaced, coarse punctures with infuscated halo in the proximal basal and apical quadrants. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia (Fig. 61). Median lobe (ml) with phallobase (pb) of moderate length about a fourth the length of shaft (ps), basal opening (bo) large, oriented parallel to shaft’s apical third. Shaft broad, moderately curved ventrally, dorsally sclerotized except for short ostium (oo, om); in ventral aspect tapered toward rather rounded apex (a), in lateral aspect, a narrowly rounded apex. Left paramere (lp) very large and broad, right (rp) small and triangular, apex of left paramere lobate and much longer than right paramere, about half the length of shaft (measured in left lateral aspect). Endophallus with 5 medial spines (ms), and one very large distal spine (ds). Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 77). This species has been found at only one location on the white-water system of the Amazon River drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its actual distribution, as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description of the genus. No way of life information is available for this species other than they occur in lowland Amazonian rainforest.

None.

Brazil, Pará, Santarém, Río Tapajos, 2.4079°S, 54.7969°W, 30m, (H.W. Bates)(MNHP: ADP132553, female). This specimen was labeled “Lectotype” by George E. Ball in 1972.

The specific epithet, lebioides, is a Latin adjective that adequately describes this species with adults resembling (-oides) some adults in the lebiine genus, Lebia.

Lebia-like pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and medium to large-sized for the genus (SBL = 2.692–3.142). Adults with head and prothorax fuscous, elytral maculae aurantiacus; elytron fuscous with a slender aurantiacus macula crossing apical lateral and proximal quadrants, macula does not reach the lateral margin and the sutural area, and a rounded aurantiacus macula in the proximal apical quadrant, macula reaches the sutural area; metasternum, abdominal sterna III-VI, and epipleuron brunneus, abdominal sternum VII paler; legs testaceous; antennal scape and pedicel testaceous, antennomeres 3–7 deeply infuscated, 8–11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum cordiform, narrowly explanate; apical margin concave, lateral margin explanate; anterior angles markedly produced, hind angle markedly produced; median line moderately defined. Elytral interneurs evident as continuous rows of coarse punctures; punctures of the apical margin each with a halo.

(Fig. 36, 62). Habitus: (Fig. 36). Size: [See also Table 8] Medium to large-size for the genus; ABL = 2.605–3.064 mm, SBL = 2.692–3.142 mm, TW (total width) 1.504–1.790 mm, LP = 0.551–0.647 mm, WP = 0.747–0.869 mm, LE = 1.698–2.023 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 36): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 36) moderately broad, as wide as head across eyes (WH/WP, mean both sexes: 0.973) longer than head (LP/LH, mean both sexes: 1.349), wider than long (W/L: mean both sexes: 1.824); markedly cordiform and explanate, lateral margin beaded with seta at anterior third; base markedly constricted and lobed; anterior angles moderately produced, hind angle markedly acutely produced and setose; median line moderately defined, basal and apical transverse impressions punctate, punctures infuscated; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra slightly convex; at apical third twice as wide as the head across eyes (WH/TW: mean, 0.487) and pronotum (WP/TW: mean, 0.5). Elytral interneurs evident as rows of continuous fine closely spaced coarse punctures; punctures of the apical margin each with a halo. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia (Fig. 62, see Fig. 61 for attribute labels). Median lobe with phallobase short about a fifth the length of shaft, basal opening small, oriented parallel to shaft’s apical third. Shaft broad, moderately curved ventrally, dorsally sclerotized except for short ostium; in ventral aspect tapered toward rather broadly rounded apex, in lateral aspect, a narrowly rounded apex. Left paramere very large and broad, right small and triangular, apex of left paramere lobate much longer than right paramere, about half the length of shaft (measured in left lateral aspect). Endophallus with 11 medial spines, and one large distal spine. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 77). This species has been found at locations on both the clear-water and white-water systems of the Amazon River drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description of the genus. Adults of this species are active in lowland Varzea rainforest in the late rainy season.

Brazil, Brazil, Pará, Santarém, Río Tapajos, 2.4079°S, 54.7969°W, 30m, (H.W. Bates)(BMNH: ADP109194, male paralectotype); Amazonas, circa Rio Demiti, 0.5748°N, 66.6869°W, 116m, 22 August 1978 (G.E. Ball, K.E. Ball)(UASM: ADP109208, ADP130048, ADP130052, ADP130050, males), 13 September 1978 (G.E. Ball, K.E. Ball)(NMNH: ADP109202, ADP132689, ADP133133, ADP132506, ADP132731, females, ADP132687, ADP133181, ADP133145, ADP132751, ADP133159, ADP132691, ADP132719, ADP132729, ADP132733, ADP133131, ADP133026, ADP132499, ADP133103, circa Cucui, Rio Negro, 1.1972°N, 66.8382°W, 79m, 17 September 1978 (G.E Ball, K.E. Ball)(NMNH: ADP132701, male).

Bates (1871) mentions having three specimens. We have studied the lectotype from Paris (MNHP) and a paralectotype from London (BMNH), but we did not see Bates’ third specimen and its location is unknown.

Brazil, Amazonas, 20 km SW Manaus, 3.166°S, 60.234°W, 47m, 6 November 1969 (J.M. Campbell, B.A. Campbell)(NMNH: ADP132519, male).

The specific epithet, matomena, is derived from the Greek ματωμενα (bleeding) and used as an adjective in reference to the blood-red color of the head and elytra of these beetles.

Reddish pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and small to medium-sized for the genus (SBL = 2.189–2.551 mm). Adults with head and prothorax fuscous, elytral maculae if present aurantiacus; elytron fuscous with a small semicircular aurantiacus macula in the proximal apical quadrant, macula does not reach the apical margin; metasternum, abdominal sterna III-VI, and epipleuron brunneus, abdominal sternum VII paler; legs testaceous; antennal scape and pedicel testaceous, antennomeres 3-7 deeply infuscated, 8-11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum cordiform, narrowly explanate, with medial lobe at base, lateral margin beaded; anterior angles feebly produced, hind angle angulated, very prominent; median line moderately defined. Elytral interneurs evident as continuous rows of fine closely spaced punctures.

(Figs 37, 63). Habitus: (Fig. 37). Size: [See also Table 9] Small to medium-sized for the genus; ABL = 2.476–2.961 mm, SBL = 2.189–2.551 mm, TW (total width) 0.575–0.726 mm, LP = 0.447–0.546 mm, WP = 0.603–0.730 mm, LE = 1.411–1.622 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 37): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 37) moderately broad, as wide as head across eyes (WH/WP, mean males: 1.011), longer than head (LP/LH, mean males: 1.387), wider than long (W/L, mean males 1.345); markedly cordiform and explanate, lateral margin beaded with seta at anterior third; base markedly constricted and lobed medially; anterior angles feebly produced, hind angle markedly prominent, produced and setose; median line moderately defined, apical transverse impression punctate, punctures infuscated; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra slightly convex; at apical third twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW: mean males, 0.520) and pronotum (WP/TW: mean males, 0.514), longer than wide. Elytral interneurs evident as rows of continuous fine punctures closely spaced; punctures homogeneous. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia (Fig. 63, see Fig. 61 for attribute labels). Median lobe with phallobase short about a fourth the length of shaft, basal opening small, oriented parallel to shaft. Shaft broad, slightly curved ventrally, dorsally sclerotized except for short ostium; in ventral aspect tapered toward rather narrowly acute apex, in lateral aspect, a rounded apex. Parameres: left very large and broad, right small and triangular; apex of left paramere lobate much longer than right paramere about half the length of shaft (measured in left lateral aspect). Endophallus with 7 preapical spines. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 77). This species has been found at only one location on the shore of a small lake near the middle Amazon River drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description. Adults of this species are active in lowland rainforest in the transition from rainy to dry seasons.

Brazil, Amazonas, 20 km SW Manaus, 3.166°S, 60.234°W, 47m, 6 November 1969 (J.M. Campbell, B.A. Campbell)(NMNH: ADP133527, ADP133097, male paratypes).

Brazil, Amazonas, Rio Solimões, Ilha de Marchantaria, Lago Camaleão, 3.2488°S, 59.9556°W, 7m, 11 April 1981 (NMNH: ADIS # 000691, female).

The specific epithet, adisi, is an eponym, masculine, genitive case, based on the family name of Joachim Adis^† who collected the type series.

Adis’ pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and medium-sized for the genus (SBL = 2.542–2.688 mm). Adults with head brunneus, prothorax aurantiacus, elytral maculae aurantiacus; elytron fuscous with a broad triangular aurantiacus macula entirely covering proximal basal quadrant and humeral area of lateral basal quadrant, medial quadrants largely aurantiacus, sutural area fuscous, lateral margin, apical margin and sutural area aurantiacus; metasternum fulvous, abdominal sterna with III–VI, and epipleuron fulvous, abdominal sternum VII fuscous; legs flavotestaceous; antennal scape, pedicel, antennomere 3 and basal half of 4 testaceous, apical half of antennomere 4, 5–6 deeply infuscated, 7–11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum markedly convex with lateral margin effaced except just anterior to hind angle and there a simple bead; hind angle moderately prominent; median line feebly defined. Elytral interneurs evident as short discontinuous rows of widely spaced coarse punctures.

(Fig. 38, 64). Habitus: (Fig. 38) Size: [See also Table 10] Medium-size for the genus; ABL = 2.582–3.199 mm, SBL = 2.542–2.688 mm, TW (total width) 1.341–1.473 mm, LP = 0.513–0.591 mm, WP = 0.660–0.717 mm, LE = 1.578–1.712 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 38): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 38) moderately broad, slightly narrower than head across eyes (WH/WP, mean both sexes: 1.103), longer than head (LP/LH, mean both sexes: 1.327), wider than longer (WP/LP, mean both sexes: 1.226); markedly cordiform and convex, lateral margin effaced with seta at anterior third on slightly raised area; apex markedly constricted; anterior angle feebly produced, hind angle slightly produced and setose; median line feebly define as an infuscate line, transverse impressions punctate, punctures infuscate; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra markedly convex; at apical third twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW, mean both sexes: 0.535) and pronotum (WP/TW, mean both sexes: 0.520), longer than wide. Elytral interneurs evident as short discontinuous rows of widely spaced coarse punctures. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia (Fig. 64, see Fig. 61 for attribute labels). Median lobe with phallobase moderate in length, about a fourth the length of shaft, basal opening large, oriented parallel to the central part of the shaft. Shaft broad, slightly twisted ventrally, dorsally sclerotized except for short ostium; in ventral aspect tapered toward rather broad apex, in lateral aspect, a thick rounded apex. Left paramere very large and broad, right small and triangular; apex of left paramere lobate much longer than right paramere, about two-thirds the length of shaft (measured in left lateral aspect). Endophallus with one median spine, and one large distal spine. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and capable of flight as they have been captured at lights. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 78). This species has been found at locations on both the clear-water and black-water systems of the upper and middle Amazon River drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description. Adults of this species are active in the rainy season in the Varzea rainforest along the main course of the Rio Solimões. They occur at the Varzea forest edge on the floating macrophyte, Eichornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms and on culms of the creeping river grass, Echinochloa polystachya (Kunth) Hitchc. In addition, they are climbers and have been found in Varzea forest, some 3.6 m above ground, on Macrolobium acaciifolium (Benth.) Benth., a small tree in the Fabaceae. In Perú, one individual was found on a black water river (Igapó) and was attracted to lights on our boat.

Brazil, Amazonas, Rio Solimões, Ilha de Marchantaria, Lago Camaleão, 3.2488°S, 59.9556°W, 7m, 11 April 1981 (NMNH: ADIS # 001149, female paratype), 28 July 1981 (NMNH: ADIS # 001650, female); 14 September 1981 (NMNH: ADIS # 000356, female paratype); 1 October 1981 (J. Adis)(NMNH: ADIS # 000662, ADIS # 000621, ADIS # 000667, ADIS # 000664, ADIS # 000666, ADIS # 000233, ADIS # 000239, ADIS # 000236, ADIS # 000241, ADIS # 000231, female paratypes, ADIS # 000670, ADIS # 000622, ADIS # 000659, ADIS # 000226, ADIS # 000232, ADIS # 000238, ADIS # 000240, ADIS # 000228, ADIS # 000265, ADIS # 000653, male paratypes), 1 October 1981 (NMNH: Adis # 000656, male, not paratype, damaged, Adis # 000185, female, not paratype, damaged), 20 October 1981 (NMNH: ADIS # 000750, ADIS # 000727, female paratypes, ADIS # 001335, ADIS # 001106, ADIS # 001623, ADIS # 001344, ADIS # 001418, male paratypes) 4 November 1981 (NMNH: ADIS # 001106, females); 13–17 September 1991 (C. Martius, A. Rebello)(NMNH: ADIS # 000849, male paratype); Pará, Santarém, Río Tapajos, 2.4079°S, 54.7969°W, 30m, 27-28 December 1967 (H. Reichardt)(MZUSP: ADP132811, ADP132817, ADP132809, male paratypes, ADP132807, ADP132805, ADP133655, ADP132819, ADP132813, female paratypes, Pacoval, Rio Curuá, 1.7733°S, 54.9971°W, 12m, 16 February 1968 (H. Reichardt)(MZUSP: ADP132815, female paratype). Perú, Loreto, Boca del Río Samiria, 1 km SW Vigilante post No. 1, 4.5005°S, 74.0659°W, 99m, 6 May 1990 (T.L. Erwin)(MUSM: ADP093365, female).

Paraguay, Central, Asunción, Rio Paraguay, 25.320°S, 57.668°W, 54m, June (unknown)(CMNH: ADP130036, female).

The specific epithet, asuncionensis, is a singular Latinized feminine noun in apposition, based on the name of the place near where these beetles are found.

Asunción pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and small-size for the genus (SBL = 2.477 mm). Adults with head aurantiacus, prothorax fulvous, elytral maculae fulvous or aurantiacus; elytron brownish with a broad triangular flavous macula covering most of proximal apical quadrant and lower half of lateral apical quadrant, broad flavous macula ending in hook crossing from medial lateral quadrant to right half of medial proximal quadrant and almost reaching the proximal margin, small rectangular flavous macula in the upper right corner of basal proximal quadrant, apical, basal, and lateral margin broadly fulvous; metasternum fulvous, abdominal sterna with III-VI, and epipleuron fulvous, abdominal sternum VII fuscous; legs flavotestaceous; antennal scape, pedicel and antennomere 3 testaceous, antennomeres 4-6 infuscated, 7-11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum markedly convex with lateral margin effaced except just anterior to hind angle and there a simple bead; hind angle moderately prominent; anterior angles feebly produced; median line moderately defined. Elytral interneurs evident as continuous rows of subsurface dots in the substantially transparent elytron.

Habitus (Fig. 39). Size: [See also Table 11] Small-size for the genus; ABL = 2.70 mm, SBL = 2, 477 mm, TW (total width) 1.270 mm, LP = 0.533 mm, WP = 0.648 mm, LE = 1.566 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 39): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 39) moderately broad, as wide as head across eyes (WH/WP, 1.035 mm), longer than head (LP/LH, mean both sexes: 1.410), wider than long (W/L, mean both sexes: 1.714); markedly cordiform and rounded, lateral margin effaced with seta at anterior third on slightly raised area; apex markedly constricted; anterior angle feebly produced, hind angle slightly produced and setose; median line moderately defined, apical transverse impressions punctate, punctures infuscated; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra moderate convex; at apical third twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW, mean both sexes: 1.071) and pronotum (WP/TW, mean both sexes: 1.018). Elytral interneurs evident as short discontinuous rows of widely spaced coarse punctures, interneurs effaced in the medial quadrants. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male unknown. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 78). This species has been found at only one location on white-water of the middle Río Paraguay drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description.

None.

Perú, Madre de Dios, BIOLAT Biological Station, Pakitza, Zone 9, 11.8931°S, 71.2564°W, 382m, 1 October 1989 (T.L. Erwin)(MUSM: ADP132509, male).

The specific epithet, biolat, is used as a noun in apposition based on the acronym of the Smithsonian Institution’s past program “Biodiversity in Latin America” (BIOLAT) which sought to field-train young Latin American biology students in biodiversity techniques and did so for more than 200 of them between 1987 and 1991 in Perú and Bolivia. These beetles were collected under the auspices of the BIOLAT Program.

Biolat pattern-wing beetles.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and medium to large-sized for the genus (SBL = 2.787–3.247 mm). Adults with head, prothorax, and elytral maculae (slightly fulvous in some individuals); elytron fuscous with scutellar area, basal third of disc, and apical sutural area aurantiacus; metasternum, abdominal sterna III-VI, and epipleuron flavotestaceous, abdominal sternum VII infuscated; legs testaceous; antennal scape and pedicel testaceous, antennomeres 3-6 and base of 7 deeply infuscated, apical half of 7 and 8–11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum markedly convex with lateral margin effaced except just anterior to hind angle and there a simple bead; hind angle acute, not very prominent. Elytral interneurs evident as rows of subsurface dots in the substantially transparent elytron.

(Fig. 40, 65). Habitus: (Fig. 40). Size: [See also Table 12] Large-size for the genus; ABL = 3.127–3.421 mm, SBL = 2.787–3.247 mm, TW (total width) 0.694–0.908 mm, LP = 0.637–0.746 mm, WP = 0.747–0.935 mm, LE = 1.750–2.035 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 40): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 40) moderately broad, not quite as wide as head across eyes (WH/WP, mean both sexes: 1.007), longer than head (LP/LH, mean both sexes: 1.603), slightly wider than long (WP/LP, mean both sexes: 1.244); markedly cordiform, lateral margin effaced with seta at anterior third on slightly raised area; base markedly constricted; hind angle slightly acutely produced and setose; surface markedly smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytron twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW: mean, both sexes, 0.522), and pronotum (WP/TW, mean both sexes: 0.518), longer than wide, moderately convex, intervals and interneurs effaced (see diagnosis above), interneur 2 with 7 setae, interneur 5 with two setae. Hind wings dimorphic; most specimens studied are brachypterous. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia (Fig. 65, see Fig. 61 for attribute labels). Median lobe with phallobase moderate in length, about a fifth the length of shaft, basal opening large, oblique to shaft. Shaft broad, slightly curved ventrally at distal sixth, dorsally sclerotized except for short ostium; in ventral aspect tapered toward rather moderately rounded apex, in lateral aspect, a rounded blunt apex. Left paramere very large and broad, right small and triangular; apex of left paramere lobate much longer than right paramere about half the length of shaft (measured in left lateral aspect). Endophallus with one very large preapical spine. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 78). This species has been found at locations on the white-water system of the upper Amazon River drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description of the genus. Adults of this species are active in all seasons in lowland rainforest along small stony stream margins in wet leaf litter on sand and are active at night. They also inhabit wet leaf litter lying on half submerged tree trunks and branches. In addition, they climb culms of Paspalum grasses at river edges.

Perú, Madre de Dios, BIOLAT Biological Station, Pakitza, Zone 9, 11.8931°S, 71.2564°W, 382m, 1 October 1989 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: ADP132525, ADP132524, ADP132490, ADP132505, ADP132492, ADP132508, female paratypes, ADP132509, ADP132467, ADP132474, ADP132481, ADP132487, ADP132489, ADP132484, ADP132469, ADP132475, ADP132463, ADP132478, male paratypes), Río Manu, 11.9350°S, 71.3032°W, 329m, 18 & 21 February 1990 (T.L. Erwin, E. Pfuno S., F. Pfuno S.)(NMNH: ADP132575, ADP132480, male paratypes); Río Manu, Pakitza, 11.5647°S, 71.1700°W, 356m, 11 July 1992 (T.L. Erwin, E. Pfuno S., F. Pfuno S.)(NMNH: ADP109198, ADP132996, female paratypes); 11.9350°S, 71.3032°W, 329m, 13 July 1992 (T.L. Erwin, E. Pfuno S., F. Pfuno S.)(NMNH: ADP132988, female paratype, ADP133195, male paratype); 11.9099°S, 71.2717°W, 395m, 24 June 1993 (T.L. Erwin, F. Pfuno S.)(NMNH: ADP133189, female paratype, ADP133193, ADP133149, ADP132707, ADP133171, male paratypes).

See Erwin (1990) and Venable & Erwin (1996) for detailed trail maps of the BIOLAT Biodiversity Station.

Perú, Loreto, circa Explornapo Camp, Río Napo, Cocha Shimagai, 3.3563°S, 73.0467°W, 88m, 13 June 1992 (T.L. Erwin, E. Pfuno S., F. Pfuno S.)(NMNH: ADP08121, female).

The specific epithet, bracheia, is derived from the Greek βραχεια (small) and used as an adjective in reference to the small size of the elytra of these beetles.

Short pattern-wing beetles.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and small-sized for the genus (SBL = 1.952–2.345 mm). Adults with head aurantiacus, prothorax and elytral maculae fulvous or aurantiacus in some individuals; elytron fuscous with basal proximal quadrant, medial lateral quadrant and apical proximal quadrant fulvous, lateral margin in all the quadrants fulvous; metasternum, abdominal sterna III-VI, and epipleuron fulvous, abdominal sternum VII fuscous; legs fulvous; antennal scape, pedicel and apical half of antennomere 3 testaceous, antennomeres 4-7 and basal half of 3 deeply infuscated, apical half of 7 and 8-11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum markedly convex with lateral margin effaced except just anterior to hind angle and there a simple bead; hind angle not very prominent. Elytral interneurs evident as short discontinuous rows of widely spaced punctures, rows effaced at medial quadrants of elytron, punctures fuscous; elytron substantially transparent.

(Figs 41, 66). Habitus: (Fig. 41). Size: [See also Table 13] Medium-size for the genus; ABL = 2.343–2.537 mm, SBL = 1.952–2.344 mm, TW (total width) 1.074–1.274 mm, LP = 0.457–0.558 mm, WP = 0.557–0.701 mm, LE = 1.275–1.424 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 41): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 41) slightly broad, about as wide as head across eyes (WH/WP, mean both sexes: 1.042), longer than head (LP/LH, mean both sexes: 1.590), wider than long (WP/LP: mean both sexes: 1.205); markedly cordiform, lateral margin effaced with seta at anterior third on slightly raised area; base markedly constricted; anterior angles feebly produced, hind angle slightly produced and setose; median line feebly defined, basal and apical transverse impressions evident as infuscated dots in the surface, surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra moderately convex; at apical third twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW, mean both sexes: 0.529) and pronotum (WP/TW, mean both sexes: 0.507), longer than wide. Elytral interneurs evident as discontinuous rows of widely spaced punctures, rows effaced at lateral area of medial third and apical third, punctures present fuscous; elytron substantially transparent. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia (Fig. 66, see Fig. 61 for attribute labels). Median lobe with phallobase long about a third the length of shaft, basal opening large, oriented parallel to shaft at apical third. Shaft narrow, slightly curved ventrally, dorsally sclerotized except for short ostium; in ventral aspect tapered toward rather moderately narrow rounded apex, in lateral aspect, a rounded apex. Parameres: left very large and broad, right small and triangular; apex of left paramere lobate much longer than right paramere about half the length of shaft (measured in left lateral aspect). Endophallus with 2 preapical spines. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 78). This species has been found at locations on the black-water systems of the upper Amazon River drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description. Adults of this species are active in the rainy season at the edges of streams and lakes in wet leaf litter and in muddy swales left by inundation of high river levels.

Perú, Loreto, 1 km SW Boca del Río Samiria, Vigilante post No. 1, 4.5005°S, 74.0659°W, 99m, 14 & 15 August 1991 (T.L. Erwin, G.E. Ball, D. Shpeley)(NMNH: ADP133028, female paratype, ADP133169, male paratype), 5 May 1990 (T.L. Erwin, G.E. Ball, D. Shpeley)(NMNH: ADP086696, female paratype, ADP086682, ADP086742, ADP067305, ADP067304, male paratypes); circa Explornapo Camp, Río Napo, Cocha Shimagai, 3.3563°S, 73.0467°W, 88m, 13 June 1992 (T.L. Erwin, E. Pfuno S., F. Pfuno S.)(NMNH: ADP008125, female paratype, ADP008072, ADP008120, male paratypes).

Brazil, Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, 15.6416°S, 56.0732°W, 149m, August (unknown)(CMNH: ADP130044, female).

The specific epithet, cuiabaensis, is a singular Latinized feminine noun in apposition, based on the name of the place near where these beetles are found.

Cuiabá pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and small-sized for the genus (SBL = 2.191 mm). Adults with head fuscous, prothorax fulvous, elytral maculae fulvous; elytron fuscous with a small and slender triangular flavous macula in the lower right corner of the proximal apical quadrant, narrow flavous macula ending in hook crossing from medial lateral quadrant to right half of apical proximal quadrant, slender quadrangular flavous macula in the upper right corner of basal proximal quadrant, apical and lateral margins fulvous; metasternum fulvous, abdominal sterna with III-VI, and epipleuron fulvous, abdominal sternum VII fuscous; legs flavotestaceous; antennal scape and pedicel testaceous, antennomeres 3-6 and basal half of 7 deeply infuscated, apical half of 7 and 8-11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum moderately convex with lateral margin effaced except just anterior to hind angle and there a simple bead; hind angle moderately prominent; anterior angles feebly produced; median line feebly defined. Elytral interneurs evident as continuous rows of widely spaced coarse punctures, punctures fuscous.

Habitus (Fig. 42). Size: [See also Table 14] Medium-size to large for the genus; ABL = 2.610 mm, SBL = 2.191 mm, TW (total width) 1.270 mm, LP = 0.46 mm, WP = 0.592 mm, LE = 1.372 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 42): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 42) moderately broad, as wide as head across eyes (WH/WP, 1, 062) longer than head (LP/LH, mean both sexes: 1.388), wider than long (W/L, mean both sexes: 1.726); slightly cordiform and rounded, lateral margin effaced with seta at anterior third on slightly raised area; apex markedly constricted; anterior angle feebly produced, hind angle slightly produced and setose; median line feebly defined, apical transverse impressions punctate, surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra moderate convex; at apical third twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW, mean both sexes: 0, 495) and pronotum (WP/TW, mean both sexes: 0, 495). Elytral interneurs evident as continuous rows of widely spaced coarse punctures, interneurs continuous along length of entire elytron. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia. Male unknown. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 78). This species has been found at only one location on the middle Rio Cuiabá. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description. Adults of this species are active in August in these tropical savannah habitats with mild dry winter season; in August the air temperatures reach maxima between 30° to lower 40°C.

None.

Ecuador, Sucumbíos, Limoncocha, 0.4088°S, 76.6176°W, 233m, 11 June 1977 (W.E Steiner)(NMNH: ADP132485, male).

The specific epithet, ecuadoriana, is a singular Latinized feminine noun in apposition, based on the name of the country in which these beetles are found.

Ecuadorian pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and medium to large-sized for the genus (SBL = 2.590–3.131 mm). Adults with head aurantiacus and prothorax flavotestaceous, elytral maculae fulvous or aurantiacus in some individuals; elytron flavotestaceous with a triangular flavous macula in the basal proximal quadrant, macula covering half of the quadrant, and elongated, longitudinally oriented flavous macula in the medial proximal quadrant, a flavous macula in the medial lateral quadrant and a triangular flavous macula in the apical proximal quadrant; metasternum, abdominal sterna III-VI, and epipleuron flavotestaceous, abdominal sternum VII infuscated; legs testaceous; antennal scape, pedicel and antennomere 3 testaceous, antennomeres 4-6 and basal half of 7 deeply infuscated, apical half of 7, 8-11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum markedly convex with lateral margin effaced except just anterior to hind angle and there a simple bead; hind angle feebly produced; median line feebly defined. Elytral interneurs effaced from most of the elytron surface, only evident as short discontinuous rows of course punctures in the basal proximal quadrant and upper right corner of basal lateral quadrant.

(Figs 43, 67, 68). Habitus: (Fig. 43). Size: [See also Table 15] Medium-size for the genus; ABL = 2.894–2.995 mm, SBL = 2.501–2.598 mm, TW (total width) 1.325–1.490 mm, LP = 0.555–0.595 mm, WP = 0.638–0.691 mm, LE = 1.607–1.632 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 43): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 43) moderately broad, slightly narrower than head across eyes (WH/WP, mean both sexes: 1.140), longer than head (LP/LH, mean both sexes: 1.586), about as longer than wide (WP/LP, mean both sexes: 1.157); markedly cordiform and convex lateral margin effaced with seta at anterior third on slightly raised area; apex markedly constricted; anterior angles feebly produced, hind angle slightly acutely produced and setose; median line feebly defined, basal transverse impressions punctate, punctures infuscated; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra moderately convex; at apical third twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW, mean both sexes: 0.535) and pronotum (WP/TW, mean both sexes: 0.469), longer than wide. Elytral interneurs effaced from most of the elytron surface, only evident as short discontinuous rows of coarse punctures, punctures with fuscous halo. Scattered fuscous punctures in the medial and apical quadrants present in some individuals. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia (Figs 67, 68, see Fig. 61 for attribute labels). Median lobe with phallobase short about a fourth the length of shaft, basal opening small, oriented parallel to shaft. Shaft broad, slightly curved ventrally then curved dorsally near apex, dorsally sclerotized except for short ostium; in ventral aspect tapered toward rather broadly rounded apex, in lateral aspect, a narrowly rounded apex. Parameres: left very large and broad, right small and triangular; apex of left paramere narrowly rounded much longer than right paramere about half the length of shaft (measured in left lateral aspect). Endophallus with 2 preapical spines; we have illustrated an everted endophallus to demonstrate the location of the spines in a median field and an apical field. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 78). This species has been found at only one location on a lake shore near the white-water system of the Río Napo drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description of the genus. Adults of this species are active in the rainy season on the shore of a small lake in lowland rainforest.

Ecuador, Orellana, Limoncocha, 0.4088°S, 76.6176°W, 233m, 11 June 1977 (W.E Steiner)(NMNH: ADP132500, female paratype, ADP109192, ADP132468, male paratypes).

Brazil, Pará, Belém, 5m, 1.46°S, 48.42°W, 5-8 October 1978 (G.E Ball, K.E. Ball)(NMNH: ADP132460, male).

The specific epithet, kathleenae, is an eponym, feminine singular, genitive case, based on the given name of Kathleen E. Ball, who along with her husband, George E. Ball, collected the holotype.

Kathleen’s pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and small-sized for the genus (SBL = 2.167 mm). Adults with head brunneus, prothorax testaceous, elytral maculae testaceous; elytron brunneus with a small triangular macula in the basal proximal quadrant, an arc-shaped, horizontally oriented macula crossing medial lateral and proximal quadrants, sutural area of apical quadrant testaceous; metasternum, abdominal sterna III-VI, and epipleuron flavotestaceous, abdominal sternum VII slightly infuscated; legs testaceous; antennal scape and pedicel testaceous, antennomeres 3-6 deeply infuscated, 7-11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum markedly convex with lateral margin effaced except just anterior to hind angle and there a simple bead; hind angle acute, slightly prominent; median line feebly defined. Elytral interneurs evident as continuous rows of widely spaced coarse punctures.

(Figs 44, 69). Habitus: (Fig. 44). Size: [See also Table 16] Medium-size for the genus; ABL = 2.428 mm, SBL = 2.167 mm, TW (total width) 1.241 mm, LP = 0.484 mm, WP = 0.569 mm, LE = 1.341 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 44): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 44) slightly broad, narrower than head across eyes (WH/WP: 1.135), longer than head (LP/LH: 1.414), longer than wide (WP/LP: 1.176); surface markedly cordiform, lateral margin effaced with seta at anterior third on slightly raised area; base markedly constricted; anterior angle feebly produced, hind angle slightly produced and setose, median line feebly defined, apical transverse impression punctate, punctures infuscated; smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra slightly convex; twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW: 0.520) and pronotum (WP/TW: 0.459), longer than wide. Elytral interneurs evident as continuous rows of widely spaced coarse punctures; punctures infuscated; elytron substantially transparent. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia (Fig. 69, see Fig. 61 for attribute labels). Median lobe with phallobase moderately long about a fourth the length of shaft, basal opening moderately large, oriented parallel to shaft at apical third. Shaft moderately broad, abruptly curved ventrally, dorsally sclerotized except for short ostium; in ventral aspect tapered toward rather narrowly acute apex, in lateral aspect, a moderately broad rounded apex. Parameres: left very large and broad, right small and triangular; apex of left paramere lobate much longer than right paramere about two-thirds the length of shaft (measured in left lateral aspect). Endophallus with 2 preapical spines. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 78). This species has been found at two nearby locations in open grassy swamps along the shore of the lower Río Amazonas. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description of the genus. Adults of this species are active in the transition from wet to dry seasons and occur in open grassy marshes.

Brazil, Pará, Belém, 5m, 1.46°S, 48.42°W, 5–8 October 1978 (G.E Ball, K.E. Ball)(NMNH: ADP132529, male paratype).

Argentina, Entre Ríos, Concordia, Río Uruguay, 31.368°S, 57.993°W, 9m, (M.A. Cazier)(AMNH: ADP132496, female).

The specific epithet, macrops, is a Latin adjective descriptive of the eyes of adults of this species, which are bigger than those of congeners.

Argentina pattern-wing beetles.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and large-sized for the genus (SBL = 3.054 mm). Adults with head brunneus, prothorax aurantiacus, elytral maculae aurantiacus; elytron fuscous with a broad triangular aurantiacus macula covering most of proximal basal quadrant and humeral area of lateral basal quadrant, a narrow elongated aurantiacus macula vertically oriented in the medial lateral and proximal quadrant, sutural area fuscous, lateral margin, apical margin and sutural area aurantiacus; metasternum fulvous, abdominal sterna with III-VI, and epipleuron fulvous, abdominal sternum VII fuscous; legs flavotestaceous; antennal scape, pedicel, antennomere 3 and basal half of 4 testaceous, apical half of antennomere 4, 5-6 deeply infuscated, 7-11 white. Similar to Asklepia adisi and Asklepia marchantaria, but with very large eyes in which the lateral convexity of eye from head margin slightly more than length of antennomere 3, whereas in the other species it is less than the length of antennomere 3. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum markedly convex with lateral margin effaced except just anterior to hind angle and there a simple bead; hind angle moderately prominent; median line barely defined. Elytral interneurs effaced from the greater part of elytron, only evident as scattered infuscated punctures.

Habitus (Fig. 45). Size: [See also Table 17] Medium-size to large-size for the genus; ABL = 3.141 mm, SBL = 3.054 mm, TW (total width) 1.648 mm, LP = 0.621 mm, WP = 0.779 mm, LE = 1.942 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 45): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 45) moderately broad, slightly narrower than head across eyes (WH/WP: 1.119), longer than head (LP/LH: 1.267), wider than longer (W/L: 1.254); markedly cordiform and convex, apical margin straight, lateral margin effaced with seta at anterior third on slightly raised area; apex markedly constricted; hind angle slightly produced and setose; median line feebly define as an infuscated line, transverse impressions punctate, punctures infuscated; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra markedly convex; at apical third twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW: 0.529) and pronotum (WP/TW: 0.472), longer than wide. Elytral interneurs evident as short rows of discontinuous, coarse and spaced punctures. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia. Male unknown. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 78). This species has been found at only one location on the Río Uruguay drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description of the genus. Nothing specific about the way of life is known about this species.

None.

The single known specimen is damaged, i.e., missing some appendages; however, there is the entire body with enough physical attributes and enough antennomeres to determine it represents a distinct species.

Brazil, Amazonas, Rio Solimões, Ilha de Marchantaria, Lago Camaleão, 3.2488°S, 59.9556°W, 7m, 20 October 1981 (NMNH: ADIS # 000727, female).

The specific epithet, marchantaria, is a singular Latinized feminine noun in apposition, based on the name of the island on which these beetles are found.

Marchantaria pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and medium-size for the genus (SBL = 2.599–2.828 mm). Adults with head brunneus, prothorax aurantiacus, elytral maculae aurantiacus; elytron brunneus with a triangular aurantiacus macula covering the left half of the apical proximal quadrant, a narrow aurantiacus macula vertically oriented in the medial proximal quadrant, a broad aurantiacus macula in the medial lateral quadrant, lateral and apical margins aurantiacus; metasternum and metasternum flavotestaceous, abdominal sterna with III-VI, and epipleuron flavotestaceous, abdominal sternum VII fuscous; legs flavotestaceous; antennal scape, pedicel and antennomere 3 testaceous, antennomeres 4-6 and basal half of 7 deeply infuscated, apical half of 7, 8–11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum markedly convex with lateral margin effaced except just anterior to hind angle and there a simple bead; hind angle barely prominent; median line feebly defined. Elytral interneurs effaced from greater part of the elytron surface, only evident as short discontinuous rows of scattered, coarse punctures unevenly spaced in the medial quadrants and along interneur 1.

(Fig. 46, 70). Habitus: (Fig. 46). Size: [See also Table 18] Medium-size for the genus; ABL = 2.80–3.41 mm, SBL = 2.599–2.828 mm, TW (total width) 1.324–1.582 mm, LP = 0.542–0.619 mm, WP = 0.670–0717 mm, LE = 1.613–1.809 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 46): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 46) slightly broad, narrower than head across eyes (WH/WP, mean both sexes: 1.109), longer than head (LP/LH, mean both sexes: 1.382), wider than long (WP/LP, mean both sexes: 1.185); markedly cordiform and convex, lateral margin effaced with seta at anterior third on slightly raised area; apex markedly constricted; anterior angle feebly produced, hind angle slightly prominent and setose; median line feebly defined, transverse impressions punctate, punctures infuscated; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra moderately convex; at apical third twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW, mean both sexes: 0.529) and pronotum (WP/TW, mean both sexes: 0.476), longer than wide. Elytral interneur effaced from greater part of the elytron surface, only evident as short discontinuous rows of scattered, coarse punctures unevenly spaced in the medial quadrants and along interneur 1. Hind wings fully developed.

Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia (Fig. 70, see Fig. 61 for attribute labels). Median lobe with phallobase short about a fourth the length of shaft, basal opening moderately large, oriented slightly oblique to shaft. Shaft broad, moderately curved ventrally, dorsally sclerotized except moderate-length ostium; in ventral aspect tapered toward narrowly rounded apex, in lateral aspect, a broadly rounded apex. Parameres missing. Endophallus with 2 preapical spines. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 78). This species has been found at only one location on a white-water lake shore within the Amazon River drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description. Adults of this species are active in the rainy season in the Varzea rainforest along the main course of the Rio Solimões. They occur at the Varzea forest edge on the floating macrophyte, Eichornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms.

Brazil, Amazonas, Rio Solimões, Ilha de Marchantaria, Lago Camaleão, 3.2488°S, 59.9556°W, 7m, 1 October 1981 (J. Adis)(NMNH: ADIS # 000235, female paratype, ADIS # 000654, male paratype), 20 October 1981 (NMNH: ADIS # 001459, ADIS # 001429, ADIS # 001897, female paratypes; 4 November 1981 (NMNH: ADIS # 000864, ADIS # 001041, female paratypes). Non-paratypes and damaged: Brazil, Amazonas, Rio Solimões, Ilha de Marchantaria, Lago Camaleão, 3.2488°S, 59.9556°W, 7m, ADIS # 000780, ADIS # 001103, males, ADIS # 001282, ADIS # 001034, females, 14 August 1981 (NMNH: ADIS # 001663, female).

Brazil, Pará, Marituba, Ananindeua, 1.3712 °S, 48.3689°W, 10m, (F.M. Oliveira, P. Wygodzinsky)(AMNH: ADP132494, female).

The specific epithet, marituba, is a singular Latinized feminine noun in apposition, based on the name of the place where these beetles are found.

Marituba pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and medium-size for the genus (SBL = 2.732 mm). Adults with head and prothorax aurantiacus, elytral maculae fulvous; elytron brunneus with scutellar area flavous, a broad flavous macula transversely oriented in the medial lateral quadrant, barely prolonged into the medial proximal quadrant, and a narrow oval flavous macula in the proximal apical quadrant, macula extended to the sutural area; metasternum, abdominal sterna III-VI, and epipleuron flavotestaceous, abdominal sternum VII infuscated; legs testaceous; antennal scape and pedicel fulvous, antennomeres 3–7 infuscated, 8–11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum markedly convex with lateral margin effaced except just anterior to hind angle and there a simple bead; hind angle slightly prominent; median line feebly defined. Elytral interneurs effaced from the greater part of the elytron, only visible as scattered coarse punctures.

(Habitus, Fig. 47). Size: [See also Table 19] Medium-size for the genus; ABL = 2.924 mm, SBL = 2.732 mm, TW (total width) = 0.820 mm, LP = 0.605 mm, WP = 0.768 mm, LE = 1.694 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 47): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 47) moderately broad, as wide as head across eyes, (WH/WP: 1.069), longer than head (LP/LH: 1.398), slightly wider than long (WP/LP: 1.268); markedly cordiform and explanate, lateral margin beaded with seta at anterior third; base markedly constricted with medial lobe at base; anterior angles moderately produced, hind angle slightly produced, a right angle, and setose; median line markedly defined, basal and apical transverse impressions punctate, punctures infuscated; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra slightly convex; at apical third twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW: 0.521) and pronotum (WP/TW: 0.488), longer than wide. Elytral interneurs evident as rows of continuous punctures; punctures homogeneous. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia. Male unknown. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight; they are attracted to lights. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 78). This species has been found at only one location on a white-water system on the lower Río Amazonas. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description. Nothing is known about the way of life of this species.

None.

Perú, Madre de Dios, BIOLAT Biological Station, Pakitza, Rio Manu, 11.9350°S, 71.3032°W, 329m, 18 & 21 February 1990 (T.L. Erwin, E. Pfuno S., F. Pfuno S.)(MUSM, ADP132466, male).

The specific epithet, pakitza, is a singular Latinized feminine noun in apposition, based on the name of the area in which these beetles are found. These beetles were collected under the auspices of the BIOLAT Program (see above under Asklepia biolat sp. n.).

Pakitza pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and medium-sized for the genus (SBL = 2.635–2.683 mm). Adults with head and fuscous, prothorax aurantiacus, elytral maculae aurantiacus in some individuals; elytron brunneus with a narrow rectangular-shaped aurantiacus macula horizontally oriented in the lower half of medial lateral quadrant, scutellar area aurantiacus, sutural area of apical quadrant aurantiacus except for apical margin; metasternum, abdominal sterna III-VI, and epipleuron flavotestaceous, abdominal sternum VII infuscated; legs testaceous; antennal scape and pedicel testaceous, antennomeres 3-6 markedly infuscated, 8-11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum cordiform, feebly explanate, with medial lobe at base, lateral margin beaded; hind angle feebly prominent; median line markedly defined. Elytral interneurs effaced from greater part of the elytron surface, only evident as scattered punctures in the medial quadrants, as well as along interneur 1.

(Fig. 48, 71). Habitus: (Fig. 48). Size: [See also Table 20] Medium-size for the genus; ABL = 3.080–2.873 mm, SBL = 2.635–2.683 mm, TW (total width) 1.399–1.430 mm, LP = 0.564–0.572 mm, WP = 0.748–0.772 mm, LE = 1.701–1.743 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 48): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 48) moderately broad, as wide as head across eyes (WH/WP, mean both sexes: 1.009), longer than head (LP/LH, mean both sexes: 1.539), wider than long (WP/LP, mean both sexes: 1.338); markedly cordiform and feebly explanate, lateral margin beaded with seta at anterior third; base markedly constricted with medial lobe at base; anterior angles feebly produced, hind angle markedly produced and setose; median line markedly define, apical transverse impressions punctate, punctures infuscated; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra slightly convex; at apical third twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW, mean both sexes: 0.542) and pronotum (WP/TW, mean both sexes: 0.538), longer than wide. Elytral interneurs effaced from greater part of the elytron surface, only evident as scattered punctures in the medial quadrants, as well as along interneur 1; elytron substantially transparent. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia (Fig. 71, see Fig. 61 for attribute labels). Median lobe with phallobase very short about a fifth the length of shaft, basal opening small, oriented parallel to shaft. Shaft swollen at middle, slightly sinuate ventrally, dorsally sclerotized except for moderate-length ostium; in ventral aspect tapered toward rather rounded apex, in lateral aspect, a rounded apex. Parameres: left large and broad, right small and lobed; apex of left paramere lobate much longer than right paramere, about two-thirds the length of shaft (measured in left lateral aspect). Endophallus with one preapical spine. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 78). This species has been found at only one location on the shore of an isolated black-water of the Río Manu a part of the upper Amazon River drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description of the genus. Adults of this species are active in the dry season in wet leaf litter at the edge of a small lake.

Perú, Madre de Dios, BIOLAT Biological Station, Pakitza, Rio Manu, 11.9350°S, 71.3032°W, 329m, 18 & 21 February 1990 (T.L. Erwin, E. Pfuno S., F. Pfuno S.) (NMNH, ADP132575, female paratype).

See Erwin (1990) and Venable & Erwin (1997) for detailed trail maps of the BIOLAT Biodiversity Station. Adults of this species have a slightly explanate pronotal margin; however, they have the male endophallus of the pulchripennis group, thus the placement we suggest here. We have a specimen, in poor condition, that represents an undescribed species from Posto Jacaré, Brazil that also has a slightly explanate pronotal margin; however, it has the male endophallus of the hilaris group. With additional collecting and more specimens in the future, there may be an additional species group that we cannot, at present, define.

Paraguay, Central, San Lorenzo, Rio Paraguay, 25.385°S, 57.621°W, 52m, 23–24 November 1986 (J. Kochalka)(CMNH: ADP130038, male).

The specific epithet, paraguayensis, is a singular Latinized feminine noun in apposition, based on the name of the country in which these beetles are found.

Paraguayan pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and small to medium-size for the genus (SBL = 2.478–2.769 mm). Adults with head fuscous, prothorax fulvous, elytral maculae fulvous or slightly aurantiacus in some individuals; elytron fuscous with a slender triangular flavous macula in the lower right corner of the proximal apical quadrant, broad flavous macula ending in hook crossing from medial lateral quadrant to right half of medial proximal quadrant, small triangular flavous macula in the upper right corner of basal proximal quadrant, apical and lateral margin fulvous, macula does not reach the humerus; metasternum fulvous, abdominal sterna III-VI, and epipleuron fulvous, abdominal sternum VII fuscous; legs flavotestaceous; antennal scape and pedicel testaceous, antennomeres 3-6 deeply infuscated, 7-11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum markedly convex and globose with lateral margin effaced except just anterior to hind angle and there a feeble bead; hind angle moderately prominent; anterior angles feebly produced; median line moderately defined. Elytral interneurs effaced from most of the elytron surface, only evident as short discontinuous rows of widely spaced coarse punctures.

(Fig. 49, 72). Habitus: (Fig. 49). Size: [See also Table 21] Medium-size to large for the genus; ABL = 3.002–3.372 mm, SBL = 2.478–2.769 mm, TW (total width) 1.397–1.598 mm, LP = 0.556–0.751 mm, WP = 0.703–0.861 mm, LE = 1.623–2.024 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 49): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 49) moderately broad, as wide as head across eyes (WH/WP, mean both sexes: 1.072), longer than head (LP/LH, mean both sexes: 1.397), wider than long (W/L, mean both sexes: 1.693); markedly cordiform and rounded, lateral margin effaced with seta at anterior third on slightly raised area; apex markedly constricted; anterior angle feebly produced, hind angle slightly produced and setose; median line moderately defined, apical transverse impressions punctate, punctures infuscated; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra moderate convex; at apical third twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW, mean both sexes: 0.526) and pronotum (WP/TW, mean both sexes: 0.491). Elytral interneurs effaced from most of the elytron surface, only evident as short discontinuous rows of widely spaced coarse punctures. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia (Fig. 72, see Fig. 61 for attribute labels). Median lobe with phallobase moderate, about a fourth the length of shaft, basal opening large, oriented oblique to shaft. Shaft broad, slightly curved ventrally, dorsally sclerotized except for short ostium; in ventral aspect tapered toward rather narrowly acute apex, in lateral aspect, a slightly rounded apex. Left paramere (missing) (lp), probably very large and broad, right small and triangular; apex of left paramere probably lobate and much longer than right paramere (rp). Internal sac with one median spine, one long distal spine. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and capable of flight; they are attracted to lights. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 78). This species has been found at only one location along the white-water river of the middle Río Paraguay drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description. Adults of this species are active in the rainy season on margins of large rivers. They likely occur in wet leaf litter on wet soil in swales off to the side of the main river course.

Paraguay, Central, San Lorenzo, Rio Paraguay, 25.385°S, 57.621°W, 52m, 23–24 November 1986 (J. Kochalka) (CMNH: ADP132769, ADP132767, male paratypes; ADP132765, female paratype).

Brazil, Pará, Santarém, Rio Tapajos, 2.4079°S, 54.7969°W, 30m, (H.W.Bates) (MNHP: ADP132531, female). Specimen labeled “Holotype” by George E. Ball in 1972.

The specific epithet, pulchripennis, is a noun in apposition that adequately describes this species with pretty (pulchri-) patterned elytra (-pennis) contrasted with shiny aurantiacus head and pronotum.

Beautiful pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and medium-sized for the genus (SBL = 2.718 mm). Adults with head and prothorax fulvous, elytral maculae fuscous; elytron fulvous with a fuscous macula in the basal lateral quadrant barely trespassing proximal quadrant and a fuscous macula in the apical lateral quadrant extending to the upper half of apical proximal quadrant; lower half of basal and medial quadrant’s sutural area fuscous; metasternum, abdominal sterna III-VI, and epipleuron flavous, abdominal sternum VII fuscous; legs testaceous; antennal scape, pedicel, and antennomere 3 testaceous, antennomeres 4-6 deeply infuscated, 7-11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum markedly convex with lateral margin effaced except just anterior to hind angle and there a simple bead; anterior angles feebly produced, hind angle slightly prominent, median line markedly defined. Elytral interneurs effaced from the greater part of the elytron surface, only evident as pale coarse punctures in the apical proximal quadrant and with scattered punctures in the medial quadrants, as well as along entire interneurs 1 and 2.

(Habitus, Fig. 50). Size: [See also Table 22] Medium-size for the genus; ABL = 3.019 mm, SBL = 2.718 mm, TW (total width) 1.366 mm, LP = 0.584 mm, WP = 0.700 mm, LE = 1.732 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 50): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 50) moderately broad, as wide as head across eyes (WH/WP: 1.0987), longer than head (LP/LH: 1.454), about as longer than wide (WP/LP: 1.198); markedly cordiform and convex, lateral margin effaced with seta at anterior third on slightly raised area; apex markedly constricted; anterior angles feebly produced, hind angle slightly produced and setose; median line feebly defined, basal and apical transverse impressions punctate, punctures infuscated; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra slightly convex; at apical third twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW: 0.563) and pronotum (WP/TW: 0.512), longer than wide. Elytral interneurs effaced from the greater part of the elytron surface, only evident as pale coarse punctures of the apical proximal quadrant and scattered punctures on medial quadrants, as well as along entire interneurs 1 and 2. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia. Unknown. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 78). This species has been found at only one location on a clear-water system of the middle Amazon River drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description. Bates reported finding the holotype on the shore of the Rio Tapajos, a gravelly clear water tributary of the Rio Amazonas.

None.

Perú, Loreto, Boca del Río Samiria, 1 km SW Vigilante post No. 1, 4.5005°S, 74.0659°W, 99m, 16 August 1991 (T.L. Erwin, M.G. Pogue)(MUSM: ADP051663, male).

The specific epithet, samiriaensis, is a singular Latinized feminine noun in apposition, based on the name of the river near which these beetles were found.

Samiria pattern-wing beetles.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and small-sized for the genus (SBL = 2.436 mm). Adults with head brunneus, prothorax flavotestaceous, elytral maculae fulvous; elytron fuscous with a small triangular flavous macula in the basal proximal quadrant reaching the sutural area, medial lateral quadrant fulvous, an enclosed ocellate flavous macula in the middle of medial proximal quadrant, a triangular flavous macula in the apical proximal quadrant, lateral and apical margins fulvous; abdominal sterna III-VI, and epipleuron fulvous, abdominal sternum VII fuscous; legs fulvous; antennal scape, pedicel and antennomere 3 testaceous, antennomeres 4-6 and basal half of 7 deeply infuscated, apical half of 7 and 8-11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum markedly convex with lateral margin effaced except just anterior to hind angle and there a simple bead; hind angle feebly produced, median line feebly defined. Elytral interneurs effaced from greater part of elytron surface, only evident as short discontinuous rows of spaced punctures at apical and basal sutural area, punctures fuscous.

(Habitus, Fig. 51). Size: [See also Table 23] Medium-size for the genus; ABL = 2.853 mm, SBL = 2.436 mm, TW (total width) 1.274 mm, LP = 0.537 mm, WP = 0.613 mm, LE =1.503 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 51): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 51) slightly broad, slightly narrower than head across eyes (WH/WP: 1.188), longer than head (LP/LH: 1.357), about as wide as long (W/L: 1.141); markedly cordiform and rounded, lateral margin effaced with seta at anterior third on slightly raised area; apex markedly constricted; anterior angles feebly produced, hind angle slightly produced and setose, median line feebly defined, basal margin fuscous; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra moderately convex; twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW: 0.571) and pronotum (WP/TW: 0.481), longer than wide. Elytral interneurs effaced from greater part of the elytron surface, only evident as short discontinuous rows of spaced punctures at apical and basal sutural area, punctures fuscous; elytron substantially transparent. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia. Not investigated due to the fragile nature of the holotype. Female genitalia. Unknown.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 78). This species has been found at only one location on a black-water system of the upper Amazon River drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description. Adults of this species are active in the rainy season and occur in open grassy marshes.

None.

Bolivia, Beni, Guayamer, Rio Mamoré, 10.8033°S, 65.3476°W, 118m, 24 August 1964 (J.K. Bouseman, L. Lussenhop)(AMNH: ADP132535, female).

The specific epithet, stalametlitos, is derived from the Greek, σταλα (stalas) = drop, μηλλιτοσ (melitos) = of honey, drop of honey, and used as a noun in apposition in reference to the golden color of the elytra of these beetles.

Honey-drop pattern-wing beetles.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and medium-sized for the genus (SBL = 2.815 mm). Adults with head and prothorax flavous, elytral maculae flavous; elytron (cf. Fig. 30) fuscous with triangular flavous macula on proximal basal quadrant, maculae reach the sutural area, medial quadrants largely fulvous, medial sutural area fuscous, proximal apical quadrant with triangular macula flavous macula on proximal basal quadrant reaching the sutural area, medial quadrants largely fulvous without reaching the sutural area, proximal apical quadrant with triangular flavous macula, testaceous, antennomere 3 aurantiacus, antennomeres 4-6 and basal half of 7 deeply infuscated, apical half of 7, 8-11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum markedly convex with lateral margin effaced except just anterior to hind angle and there a simple bead; hind angle moderately prominent. Elytral interneurs effaced from the greater part of the elytron surface, only evident as pale spots on apical proximal quadrant and scattered punctures on medial quadrants; elytron substantially transparent.

(Habitus, Fig. 52). Size: [See also Table 24] Medium-size for the genus; ABL = 3.043 mm, SBL = 2.815 mm, TW (total width) 1.467 mm, LP = 0.597 mm, WP = 0.751 mm, LE = 1.788 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 52): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 52) moderately broad, as wide as head across eyes (WH/WP: 1.089), longer than head (LP/LH: 1.388), wider than longer (W/L: 1.024); markedly cordiform and convex, lateral margin effaced with seta at anterior third on slightly raised area; apex markedly constricted; anterior angle feebly produced, hind angle slightly produced and setose; devoid of median line and transverse impression; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra moderately convex; twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW: 0.557) and pronotum (WP/TW: 0.512), longer than wide. Elytral interneurs effaced from the greater part of the elytron surface, only evident as pale spots on apical proximal quadrant and scattered punctures on medial quadrants. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia. Male unknown. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 78). This species has been found at only one location on a white-water system of the upper Amazon River drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description. Adults of this species are active in the rainy season along a large river.

None.

Guyana (not seen by us, not listed by Mroczkowski (1960) as being in the collections of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw; it was probably lost during World War II).

The specific epithet, strandi, is an eponym, noun in apposition, genitive case, based on the family name of Professor Dr. Embrik Strand, Norwegian Arachnologist, who spent his later years as a Professor in Germany.

Strand’s pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and large-sized for the genus (ABL = 3.0). The following is Liebke’s original description.

“Asklepia Strandi n. sp. (Fig. 113).

Hellgelbbraun, Kopf dunkelbraun. Spitze des vierten Fühlerglie-

Des, fünftes und sechstes Glied vollständig dunkelbraun, siebentes

bis elftes Glied gelblichweiss. Flügeldecken zum grössten Teil dun-

kelgelbbraun, ein grosser Skutellarfleck. 2 Scheibenflecke, der Spit-

zenrand in breitem Umfange und der Seitenrand bis fast zur Schulter

hinauf schmal blassgelb. Der vordere Teil der Epipleuren, die Hin-

terbrust und die Rückenringe des Hinterleibes sind dunkelbraun.

Kopf rundlich, kurz, stark gewölbt, mit sehr grossen, stark ge-

wölbten, stark vorstehenden Augen, dieselben sind ungewöhnlich

grob fazettiert. Schläfen sehr kurz, leicht verengt. Kopfschild voll-

kommen glatt und unpunktiert. Hals sehr kurz und sehr dick. Hals-

schild stark herzförmig, etwa ¹/₆ breiter als lang, kaum merklich

schmäler als der Kopf, stark gewölbt: Vorderrand gerade, Vorder-

winkel breit abgerundet. Seiten vor der Mitte stark gerundet erwei-

tert, sodann stark verengt, kurz vor der Basis am stärksten einge-

schnürt; Basalwinkel spitz, etwas vorspringend; Basalrand gerade.

Seiten undeutlich gerandet, Rand im Vorderdrittel vollkommen ver-

loschen. Mittellängslinie schwach eingedrückt. Ganze Oberseite

vollkommen glatt, unpunktiert. Am Seitenrand kurz vor der Mitte

eine lange Borste. Flügeldecken kurzviereckig, stark gewölbt, nach

hinten stark verbreitert, etwa ein Viertel länger als der Vorderkör-

per, an der breitesten Stelle (im zweiten Drittel) kaum schmäler

als lang; Schultern schräg abfallend. Schulterwinkel abgerundet, an

der Spitze gerade abgestutzt, Spitzenrand gerade, Spitzenaussen-

winkel breit abgerundet. Epipleuren der Flügeldecken an der Schul-

ter sehr breit, dann aber, in etwa ¹/₃ der Länge, verschmälern sie

sich plötzlich sehr stark, behalten höchstens noch ¹/₅ der vorderen

Breite, um dann allmählich spitz auszulaufen. Punktstreifen nicht

erkennbar, wohl aber sind schwach gewölbte Zwischenräume er-

kennbar, diese sind g1att und unpunktiert, jedoch im Grunde äusserst

fein netzmaschig gerunzelt; auf dem 3., 5. und 7. stehen je 3-4 lange

aufrechte Borstecn. Länge 3 mm.

Ein Stück. bezettelt «Guyana », in meiner Sammlung.

Dem Jubilar, Professor Dr. Embrik Strand gewidmet.”

From Liebke’s drawing, enhanced here (Fig. 53), we can classify this species in the pulchripennis species group because the pronotum is not laterally explanate, an attribute that is always associated with an aedeagal endophallus having only two spines. We have seen no specimens from Guyana, nor any specimens matching this illustration from anywhere. The distinguishing attribute is the pale elytral margin extended from the apex into quadrant A (Fig. 53). A neotype will be needed upon discovery of more specimens from Guyana that match Liebke’s description and illustration.

Surinam, Paramaribo, l’Hermitage, Surinam River, 5.8182°N, 55.1639°W, 2m, 14 July 1969 (N. Nieser)(CMNH: ADP130040, male).

The specific epithet, surinamensis, is a singular Latinized feminine noun in apposition, based on the name of the country in which these beetles are found.

Surinam pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and medium-size to large-size for the genus (SBL = 2.841–2.99 mm). Adults with head fuscous, prothorax fulvous, elytral maculae fulvous or slightly aurantiacus in some individuals; elytron fuscous with a triangular flavous macula in the upper right corner of the proximal basal quadrant, broad flavous macula ending in hook crossing from medial lateral quadrant to left half of medial proximal quadrant, triangular flavous macula crossing from the lower right corner of apical proximal quadrant to lower half of apical lateral quadrant, apical and lateral margin fulvous; metepisternum fuscous, metasternum fuscous laterally flavous medially, abdominal sterna with III-VI, and epipleuron fulvous, abdominal sternum VII fuscous; legs flavotestaceous; antennal scape, pedicel and antennomere 3 testaceous, antennomeres 4-6 deeply infuscated, 7-11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum markedly convex and globose with lateral margin effaced except just anterior to hind angle and there a feeble bead; hind angle moderately prominent; anterior angles feebly produced; median line feebly defined. Elytral interneurs evident as continuous rows of widely spaced coarse punctures.

(Fig. 54, 73). Habitus: Fig. 54). Size: [See also Table 25] Medium-size to large for the genus; ABL = 3.002–3.372 mm, SBL = 2.841–2.992 mm, TW (total width) 1.420–1.584 mm, LP = 0.575–0.626 mm, WP = 0.795–0.836 mm, LE = 1.709–1.803 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 54): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 54) slightly broad, as wide as head across eyes (WH/WP, mean both sexes: 1.101), length about the same (LP/LH, mean both sexes: 1.093), wider than long (W/L, mean both sexes: 1.367); markedly cordiform and rounded, lateral margin effaced with seta at anterior third on slightly raised area; apex markedly constricted; anterior angle feebly produced, hind angle slightly produced and setose; median line feebly defined, apical transverse impressions punctate, punctures infuscated; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra moderate convex; at apical third twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW, mean both sexes: 0.542) and pronotum (WP/TW, mean both sexes: 0.4923). Elytral interneurs evident as continuous rows of widely spaced coarse punctures, punctures infuscated, interneurs continuous along length of entire elytron. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia (Fig. 73, see Fig. 61 for attribute labels). Median lobe with phallobase moderate in length, about a fifth the length of shaft, basal opening moderate, oriented oblique to shaft. Shaft broad, slightly curved ventrally, dorsally sclerotized except for short ostium; in ventral aspect tapered toward broadly rounded apex, in lateral aspect, a rounded blunt apex. Left paramere very large and broad, right paramere moderately large and triangular; apex of left paramere lobate much, longer than right paramere about two-thirds the length of shaft (measured in left lateral aspect). Endophallus with one small median spine, and one very large distal spine. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and capable of flight; they are attracted to lights. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 78). This species has been found at only one location on the white-water system of the middle Surinam River drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description. Adults of this species are active in July.

Surinam, Paramaribo, l’Hermitage, Surinam River, 5.8182°N, 55.1639°W, 2m, 10 July 1969 (N. Nieser)(CMNH: ADP130042, ADP132761, female paratypes; ADP132763, ADP132759, ADP132757, ADP133569 male paratypes).

Perú, Loreto, Boca del Río Samiria, 1 km SW Vigilante post No. 1, 4.5005°S, 74.0659°W, 99m, 16 August 1991 (T.L. Erwin, M.G. Pogue)(MUSM: ADP051642, female).

The specific epithet, vigilante, is a singular Latinized feminine noun in apposition, based on the name of the place near which these beetles are found.

Vigilante pattern-wing beetle.

With the attributes of the genus Asklepia as described by Liebke (1938) and as noted above under the generic diagnosis, and medium-size to large-size for the genus (SBL = 2.589–3.259 mm). Adults with head aurantiacus, prothorax fulvous, elytral maculae fulvous or aurantiacus in some individuals; elytron fuscous with a triangular flavous macula in the lower right corner of the proximal apical quadrant, broad flavous macula ending in hook crossing from medial lateral quadrant to right half of medial proximal quadrant, triangular flavous macula in the upper right corner of apical proximal quadrant, apical and lateral margin fulvous; metasternum fulvous, abdominal sterna with III-VI, and epipleuron fulvous, abdominal sternum VII fuscous; legs flavotestaceous; antennal scape and pedicel testaceous, antennomeres 3-6 and basal half of 7 deeply infuscated, apical half of 7 and 8-11 white. Dorsal surface devoid of microsculpture, surface luster very shiny. Pronotum markedly convex with lateral margin effaced except just anterior to hind angle and there a simple bead; hind angle moderately prominent; anterior angles feebly produced; median line feebly defined. Elytral interneurs evident as short discontinuous rows of widely spaced coarse punctures, interneurs effaced in the medial quadrants.

(Fig. 55, 74). Habitus: (Fig. 55). Size: [See also Table 26] Medium-size to large for the genus; ABL = 3.002–3.372 mm, SBL = 2.589–3.259 mm, TW (total width) 1.397–1.598 mm, LP = 0.556–0.751 mm, WP = 0.703–0.861 mm, LE = 1.623–2.024 mm. Color: See diagnosis above. Luster: See diagnosis above. Head (Fig. 55): as in description for genus above. Prothorax. Pronotum (Fig. 55) slightly broad, about as wide as head across eyes (WH/WP, mean both sexes: 1.051), longer than head (LP/LH, mean both sexes: 1.436), about as wide as long (WP/LP, mean both sexes: 1.209); markedly cordiform and rounded, lateral margin effaced with seta at anterior third on slightly raised area; apex markedly constricted; anterior angle feebly produced, hind angle slightly produced and setose; median line feebly defined, apical transverse impressions punctate, punctures infuscated; surface smooth throughout. Pterothorax. Normal for genus, see description for genus above. Elytra moderate convex; at apical third twice as wide as head across eyes (WH/TW, mean both sexes: 0.534) and pronotum (WP/TW, mean both sexes: 0.508), longer than wide. Elytral interneurs evident as short discontinuous rows of widely spaced coarse punctures, interneurs effaced in the medial quadrants. Hind wings fully developed. Legs. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Abdominal sterna. Overall, normal for genus, see description for genus above. Male genitalia (Fig. 74, see Fig. 61 for attribute labels). Median lobe with phallobase short about a fourth the length of shaft, basal opening large, oriented parallel to shaft. Shaft broad, moderately curved ventrally, dorsally sclerotized except for short ostium; in ventral aspect tapered toward rather broadly acute apex, in lateral aspect, a rounded apex. Left paramere very large and broad, right small and triangular; apex of left paramere lobate much longer than right paramere, about half the length of shaft (measured in left lateral aspect). Endophallus with 2 preapical spines, distal one very large. Female genitalia. Not investigated, presumably similar to that of Asklepia demiti sp. n.

These beetles are macropterous and probably capable of flight. They are moderately swift and agile runners.

(Fig. 78). This species has been found at only one location on the black-water system of the upper Amazon River drainage system. But that does not at all indicate its real distribution: as has been pointed out above, very small beetles are inadequately sampled, especially in the Neotropics.

See Erwin (1991) for a general description. Adults of this species are active in the rainy season in Igapó rainforest. They occur in wet leaf litter on wet soil in swales off to the side of the main river course and in open grassy marshes with some standing water.

Perú, Loreto, 1 km SW Boca del Rio Samiria, Vigilante post No. 1, 4.5005°S, 74.0659°W, 99m, 5 May 1990 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: ADP132520, female paratype), 14 August 1991 (T.L. Erwin)(NMNH: ADP067302, female paratype, ADP067301, male paratype), 16 August 1991 (T.L. Erwin, M.G. Pogue) (NMNH: ADP051665, male paratype).