Phylogenetic revision of Minyomerus Horn, 1876 sec. Jansen & Franz, 2015 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) using taxonomic concept annotations and alignments

Abstract This contribution adopts the taxonomic concept annotation and alignment approach. Accordingly, and where indicated, previous and newly inferred meanings of taxonomic names are individuated according to one specific source. Articulations among these concepts and pairwise, logically consistent alignments of original and revisionary classifications are also provided, in addition to conventional nomenclatural provenance information. A phylogenetic revision of the broad-nosed weevil genera Minyomerus Horn, 1876 sec. O’Brien & Wibmer (1982), and Piscatopus Sleeper, 1960 sec. O’Brien & Wibmer (1982) (Curculionidae [non-focal]: Entiminae [non-focal]: Tanymecini [non-focal]) is presented. Prior to this study, Minyomerus sec. O’Brien & Wibmer (1982) contained seven species, whereas the monotypic Piscatopus sec. O’Brien & Wibmer (1982) was comprised solely of Piscatopus griseus Sleeper, 1960 sec. O’Brien & Wibmer (1982). We thoroughly redescribe these recognized species-level entities and furthermore describe ten species as new to science: Minyomerus bulbifrons sec. Jansen & Franz (2015) (henceforth: [JF2015]), sp. n., Minyomerus aeriballux [JF2015], sp. n., Minyomerus cracens [JF2015], sp. n., Minyomerus gravivultus [JF2015], sp. n., Minyomerus imberbus [JF2015], sp. n., Minyomerus reburrus [JF2015], sp. n., Minyomerus politus [JF2015], sp. n., Minyomerus puticulatus [JF2015], sp. n., Minyomerus rutellirostris [JF2015], sp. n., and Minyomerus trisetosus [JF2015], sp. n. A cladistic analysis using 46 morphological characters of 22 terminal taxa (5/17 outgroup/ingroup) yielded a single most-parsimonious cladogram (L = 82, CI = 65, RI = 82). The analysis strongly supports the monophyly of Minyomerus [JF2015] with eight unreversed synapomorphies, and places Piscatopus griseus sec. O’Brien & Wibmer (1982) within the genus as sister to Minyomerus rutellirostris [JF2015]. Accordingly, Piscatopus sec. Sleeper (1960), syn. n. is changed to junior synonymy of Minyomerus [JF2015], and its sole member Piscatopus griseus sec. Sleeper (1960) is moved to Minyomerus [JF2015] as Minyomerus griseus [JF2015], comb. n. In addition, the formerly designated type Minyomerus innocuus Horn, 1876 sec. Pierce (1913), syn. n. is changed to junior synonymy of Minyomerus microps (Say, 1831) [JF2015] which has priority. The genus is widespread throughout western North America, ranging from Canada to Mexico and Baja California. Apparent patterns of interspecific diversity of exterior and genitalic morphology, varying host plant ranges, overlapping and widely extending species distributions, suggest an early origin for Minyomerus [JF2015], with a diversification that likely followed the development of North American desert biomes. Three species in the genus – i.e., Minyomerus languidus Horn, 1876 [JF2015], Minyomerus microps [JF2015], and Minyomerus trisetosus [JF2015] – are putatively considered parthenogenetic.

1. Taxonomic concept labels (name sec. author [year]; Berendsohn 1995) are used whenever we identify one specific usage of the taxonomic name. This convention is also used (where appropriate) to represent nomenclatural (type) relationships. Example: Minyomerus Horn, 1876 sec. Jansen & Franz (2015). 2. Solely the taxonomic name (without the sec. annotation) is used to refer to the cumulative history (origin to present) of taxonomic concepts associated with that name. Example: Minyomerus Horn, 1876. 3. The annotation [non-focal] is added to taxonomic names whose meanings are not under scrutiny in the present context; such as names for higher-level weevil groups and associated plants (exempting common names). Example: Tanymecini Lacordaire, 1863 [non-focal].
For ease of legibility, we abbreviate the often appearing name usage specifier "sec. Jansen & Franz (2015)" with . This approach allows us to differentiate 14 previous and current taxonomic perspectives authored in 1831, and to produce 13 logically inferred, pairwise alignments among the respective sets of taxonomic concepts that are directly interpretable by machines (Figs 3,4). We acknowledge that these conventions may be unfamiliar to some readers. However, because this contribution is of an empirical nature, we defer to other publications that explain the benefits and practice of using the taxonomic concept approach (Franz and Peet 2009;Franz and Cardona-Duque 2013;Franz et al. 2015aFranz et al. , 2015b.  -9 (1831-1920) representing relevant prior Taxonomies (concepts and parent/child is_a relationships) for the Minyomerus [JF2015] revision, generated with the Euler/× toolkit for concept taxonomy alignment. Annotation and representation conventions are in accordance with Franz et al. (2015aFranz et al. ( , 2015b. In particular, taxonomic concept labels such as Thylacites microps sec. Say (1831) are abbreviated as "1831.Thylacites_microps". The succeeding taxonomies are represented cumulatively, i.e., all concepts explicitly and implicitly endorsed at the time of publication are represented. For further detail see Suppl. material 1. A sec. Say (1831) B sec. Boheman (1833) C sec. LeConte (1859) D sec. Horn (1876) e sec. Casey (1888) F sec. Sharp (1891) G sec. Pierce (1909) H sec. Pierce (1913) i sec. Green (1920 Lyal 1999 andBouchard et al. 2011). Member species of the genus are primarily distributed throughout the desert and grassland regions of southwestern North America, ranging as far north as Alberta, Canada, and as far south as San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Adult specimens of Minyomerus [JF2015] have a short, broad rostrum and dehiscent mandibular process and therefore belong to the broad-nosed weevils, subfamily Entiminae [non-focal] (Marvaldi 1997;Anderson 2002;Oberprieler et al. 2007;Franz 2012;Marvaldi et al. 2014). They are covered in appressed, circular scales, with rows of sub-recumbent to erect, interspersed setiform  10-14 (1948-2015) representing relevant prior taxonomies for the Minyomerus [JF2015] revision. See Fig. 1 and Suppl. material 1 for further explanation. A sec. Blackwelder & Blackwelder (1948) B sec. Sleeper (1960) C sec. Kissinger (1964) Fig. 1. The alignments and visualizations were produced using the Euler/X toolkit for concept Taxonomy, as detailed in Franz et al. (2015aFranz et al. ( , 2015b. For each pairwise alignment, congruent concept regions (originating in T 2 and/or T 1 ) are shown as grey rectangles, concepts regions unique to the later taxonomy (T 2 ) are shown as green rectangles, and concept regions unique to the earlier taxonomy (T 1 ) are shown as yellow octagons. Articulations of inverse proper inclusion (<) and overlap (><) are also shown. For further detail see Suppl. material 2. A alignment of Boheman (1833) and Say (1831) B alignment of LeConte (1859) and Boheman (1833) C alignment of  and LeConte (1859) D alignment of Casey (1888) and  e alignment of Sharp (1891) and Casey (1888) F alignment of Pierce (1909) and Sharp (1891) G alignment of Pierce (1913) and Pierce (1909) H alignment of Boheman (1920) and Say (1913).  Blackwelder and Blackwelder (1948) and Green (1920) B alignment of Sleeper (1960) and Blackwelder and Blackwelder (1948) C alignment of Kissinger (1964) and Sleeper (1960) D alignment of O'Brien andWibmer (1982) and Kissinger (1964) e alignment of Jansen and Franz (2015) and O'Brien and Wibmer (1982). scales ('setae'), and can range in length from 2.8 to 6.0 mm. The genus shares with other taxa assigned to the tribe Tanymecini [non-focal] the presence of post-ocular vibrissae that project from the anterior prothoracic margin (Howden 1959(Howden , 1970(Howden , 1982. Members of Minyomerus [JF2015] have traditionally been differentiated from other genera of tanymecines [non-focal] based on the following traits: rounded elytral humeri; apparently contiguous procoxae; presence of stout, spiniform, ventral setae on all tarsi; profemora that are not dilated and lack spines; and the distinct scrobe channel that is directed ventrad of the eye (van Emden 1944;Kissinger 1964; Anderson 2002).
Prior taxonomic treatments of Minyomerus and close relatives have failed to fully recognize the North American species-level diversity, and are thus inadequate for separating many of the entailed species. Critical morphological character systems such as mouthparts or genitalia were not examined. The classificatory history also contains numerous synonymies. Lastly, the life history of species of Minyomerus [JF2015] was poorly known, and some authors speculated that the genus was "subaquatic" even though species exclusively occur in arid environments , Casey 1888.
The relatively complicated nomenclatural and taxonomic history of Minyomerus is herein recognized to entail 14 relevant stages (Figs 1, 2). The history begins with the description of Thylacites microps sec. Say (1831) by Say (1831: 9) (Fig. 1A). Two years later the type and taxonomic entity were redescribed by Boheman (in Schoenherr 1833: 523) -who was evidently not aware of Say's preceding treatment -as Thylacites microsus sec. Boheman (1833) (Fig. 1B). LeConte (1859: 268) recognized the homotypic synonymy and thus also established the priority of T. microps sec. LeConte (1859) (Fig. 1C). However, the latter, priority-carrying name has not been in regular use from that time until the present revision.
Prior and newly conducted field and museum research efforts have made available extensive specimen material, encompassing ten new species of Minyomerus [JF2015] which are herein described and integrated into a comprehensive phylogenetic revision of this group of North American weevils (Fig. 2E). Many existing type specimens were available for study through either loans or shared, well-resolved images, including types of taxa newly placed into synonymy. Based on this material we provide detailed morphological re-/descriptions of all previously recognized and new taxa, a phylogenetic analysis using morphological evidence pertaining to 22 terminals (5 outgroup, 17 ingroup), and an amended classification and identification key consistent with these insights. Our revision has implications for the status of Piscatopus , which is phylogenetically entailed within Minyomerus  in the sense of the present treatment. The validity of M. innocuus  and M. microps  as names of the types of Minyomerus [JF2015] is also resolved. We furthermore provide new information on species distributions, historical biogeographic relationships, habitat preferences, life history traits, and host plant records for members of Minyomerus [JF2015], as well as some indications concerning their reproductive strategies and the timing of their evolutionary radiation.  recognized in this revision were delimited through application of the phylogenetic species concept sensu Wheeler and Platnick (2000). Species descriptions follow the inferred phylogenetic sequence (see details below). The genus-level description for Minyomerus  highlights characters present in all members and accounts for their apparent variability. Consequently, the species descriptions represent unique and complementary accounts of the character states observed in each species, including their variability, and excepting characters that are invariate within the genus as specified in the higher-level description of Minyomerus . Likewise, descriptions of males in the genus-and species-level accounts emphasize characters that are variable and sufficiently different from those of the females to merit recognition. Some redundancy occurs between genus and species descriptions when discussing characters that vary widely within single species, and also between species descriptions where a character exhibits considerable variation in some species yet is invariant in others.

Species of Minyomerus
The key to identifying species of Minyomerus [JF2015] is arranged with emphasis being placed on the most readily observable diagnostic characters. The revision is arranged with the species descriptions appearing first, followed by the key to species, and then by the phylogenetic results.
Phylogenetic analysis. The morphological cladistic analysis includes 22 terminal taxa; with 17 ingroup and 5 outgroup terminals. Following resolution of species identities and boundaries, the ingroup terminals were represented by six species previously assigned to Minyomerus sec. O'Brien & Wibmer (1982), Piscatopus griseus sec. Sleeper (1960), and ten newly recognized species. The lack of prior phylogenetic analyses of Minyomerus and closely related lineages made it necessary to sample outgroups fairly broadly while remaining focused on North American lineages that are are putative close relatives of the ingroup (Nixon and Carpenter 1993). The tribe Tanymecini [non-focal] is cosmopolitan, with the subtribe Tanymecina [non-focal] containing the majority of New World species diversity in the tribe (Alonzo-Zarazaga and Lyal 1999). Accordingly, four outgroup terminals are represented by species belonging to separate genera in the Tanymecina [non-focal]; viz. Pandeleteius cinereus  [non-focal], Pandeleteinus subcancer Howden, 1969 [non-focal], Isodrusus debilis Sharp, 1911 [non-focal], and Isodacrys buchanani Howden, 1961 [non-focal]. Because generic relationships in the Tanymecini [non-focal] remain unresolved, it was deemed prudent to find a relatively far removed taxon to root the cladogram that would nevertheless display states that are applicable to the ingroup for all characters under consideration (Rieppel 2007;Franz 2014). For this purpose we select the North American species Sitona californicus (Fahraeus, 1840) [non-focal], representing the tribe Sitonini Gistel, 1856 [non-focal].
The character matrix was edited and phylogenetic results reviewed and reconnected to the input using the WinDada and WinClados interfaces of WinClada (Nixon 2002). The character sequence follows that of the taxonomic descriptions. The most parsimonious tree and character state optimizations were inferred under parsimony using NONA (Goloboff 1999). An unconstrained heuristic search of tree space for the 22-terminal matrix was conducted using the commands: hold 100001, mult*1000, hold/100, with mult*max* selected. Bootstrap support was inferred in WinClada using the parameters of 1000 replications, hold 1000, hold/100, mult*10, "Don't do max*", and "Save consensus". Finally, Bremer support values (Bremer 1994) were calculated in NONA using the commands hold 20000, suboptimal 20, and bsupport 20.
Nomenclatural and taxonomic provenance. In accordance with Franz and Peet (2009), we use the symbol "=" to indicate nomenclatural synonymy (homo-/heterotypic); and "==" (congruence) and ">" (proper inclusion) to indicate taxonomic concept articulations. The annotations (INT) and (OST) indicate intensional and ostensive readings of articulations, and AND is used to connect multiple simultaneously recognized provenance relationships. The corresponding taxonomic provenance analysis input/output files  have been placed in the Dryad Digital Reposistory (see Suppl. material 1). For further information on taxonomic provenance methods see Franz and Cardona-Duque (2013) and Franz et al. (2015a).
Species habitat modeling. We used the modeling program Maxent, Version 3.3, to generate habitat models for the species of Minyomerus [JF 2015] (Figs 50-52) based on the documented occurrence records (Phillips et al. 2004(Phillips et al. , 2006Elith et al. 2011). The default settings "Max number background points", set to 100,000, and "Iterations" set to 10 and with cross-validation, were applied to leverage all available locality data. However, no models could be created for three species with single documented localities; and only a single-iteration habitat model could be generated for a fourth species due to limited information data.
We selected 19 bioclimatic variables and elevation as Environmental Layers in Maxent, obtained from WorldClim (see Hijmans et al. 2005 and the associated website for further detail on variables). The layers were downloaded by tile (zones 11-13 and 21-23), with a 30 arc-second resolution (projected using WSG 84) to provide adequate coverage of the full distribution of Minyomerus . These tiles were assembled, by layer, into composite maps of six tiles each, using QGIS, Version 2.8.1 'Wien', prior to species distribution modeling (Quantum GIS Development Team 2015).
After modeling, the raster files of the predictive probabilities were imported into QGIS. Each file was designated a specific color, and each pixel in the raster grid was assigned a linearly interpolated saturation of that color, with increasing saturation denoting an increased probability of successful prediction of species presence at that point. Pixels with a value below 0.50 were rendered transparent so that the model only shows regions with a greater than 50% chance of successful prediction. The raster files were clipped to remove extraneous predicted regions based on: (1) predictive probability (i.e., removing large areas with only transparent pixels) and (2) geographic extent (accounting for endemicity). For instance, species endemic to Baja California Sur, Mexico, do not require a predictive model for bioclimatically similar habitats in Canada. The actual (documented) occurrence records are laid over the modeled habitat ranges as colored circles on the respetiv maps , along with vector layers of country and state borders (Hijmans et al. 2012).  Sleeper, 1960: 84 sec. Sleeper (1960, syn. n. (Say, 1831: 9) sec. Jansen & Franz (2015), stat. n. == (INT) AND > (OST) AND = Thylacites microps Say, 1831: 9 sec. Say (1831) (transferred to Minyomerus sec. Blackwelder & Blackwelder [1948] on the authority of Buchanan in litt. by Blackwelder and Blackwelder 1948: 46) == ( Diagnosis. Minyomerus [JF2015] is diagnosed by a unique combination of synapomorphic traits; specifically, the integument is covered by appressed scales that are sub-circular and overlap posteriorly; the nasal plate is present as a broad, scale-covered, chevron-shaped ridge demarcating the epistoma; a sulcus posteriad of nasal plate is present; the scrobe is subequal in length to the funicle and club combined; the head is directed slightly ventrally; the metatibial apex lacks setiform bristles yet displays bristles that are shorter to subequal in length to the surrounding setae and conical to lamelliform; the mesotarsi are slightly shorter than the mesotibiae, and all tarsi lack pads of setiform setae but have stout, spiniform setae. The following additional characters are useful for identifying members of Minyomerus [JF2015], especially when differentiating the former from other genera of Tanymecini [non-focal] such as Isodrusus Sharp, 1911 [non-focal], Isodacrys Sharp, 1911 [non-focal], andPandeleteinus Champion, 1911 [non-focal] (see also Anderson 2002): the intercoxal process of the prosternum is medially divided into two halves (with the procoxae apparently contiguous in most); the elytral humeri are rounded rather than angled and protruding; the profemora are not dilated and lack spines; the protibiae are ventrally excavated by a longitudinal groove or concavity; and a distinct scrobe is present and directed ventrad of the eye, with a more or less apparent tooth formed by an overhang of the dorsal margin.
Maxillae (Fig. 10B). Cardo as long as distance from base of palpomere I to base of palpiger, wider than palpomere III, bifurcate at base with an inner angle typically between 90-120°, arms of variable length, inner (mesal) arm thicker than outer arm in most species, apical end strongly curved outward (laterally) at a 90° angle, one or both arms of bifurcation equal in length to apically outcurved arm, glabrous. Stipes short, sub-quadrate to sub-rectangular, roughly equal in length to one or both bifurcations of cardo, glabrous or with a single lateral seta. Galeo-lacinial complex not extending to apex of maxillary palpomere I, apically rounded; complex membranous and setose in posterior 1/2-3/4, sclerotized and somewhat emarginate anteriorly; dorsally with 5-9 apicomesal lacinial teeth; ventrally with 1-5 reduced lacinial teeth. Palpiger with a transverse row or patch of setae; anterior portion variably membranous, posteriorly sclerotized. Maxillary palps three-segmented; I longer than II, I apically oblique, apical end facing mesally and forming 30-60° angle with base, I and II with variably inserted setae; II shorter than III; III elongate, with parallel sulci and apical sensilla.
Rostrum. Length 0.38-0.83 mm, appearing markedly reduced in length, anterior portion variably broader than long, sub-equal in width to head, rostrum/pronotum length ratio 0.41-0.75, rostrum length/width ratio 0.73-1.43; shape in cross section sub-rectangular for most species. Separation of rostrum from head generally obscure; rostrum sub-divided into a short, planar, transverse, anterior section, and a larger, convex, posterior section with a seamless transition into rest of head. Dorsal outline of rostrum square to trapezoidal, anterior half of dorsal surface mesally planar, posterior half convex and rugoso-punctate. Rostrum in lateral view nearly elongate-rectangular to square; basal half of dorsolateral margins converging anteriorly, anterior half subparallel; apical margin emarginate and bisinuate, with 2-6 large vibrissae, each inserted laterad of each sinuation. In frontal view, nasal plate defined by V-shaped or Y-shaped, impressed lines, concave to convex, integument covered with non-overlapping sub-circular white or opalescent scales, and with interspersed apically directed setae. Margins of mandibular incision straight, slightly diverging dorsally in frontal view, bounded by same type of scales as those on nasal plate. Ventrolateral sulci variably defined as a deep notch or sulcus dorsad of insertion point of mandibles, running parallel to the scrobe. Dorsal surface of rostrum with median fovea at posterior end of nasal plate; ventro-lateral margins sub-parallel. Rostrum ventrally with a median fovea and 2 sub-parallel sulci beginning at corners of oral cavity and continuing as small foveae towards base of rostrum; with 2 foveae laterad of former and roughly in line with insertion point of mandibles; these sulci and foveae can be variably expressed. Oral cavity with lateral margins nearly straight (Fig. 6A).
Antennae. Antennal insertion near apical 1/3 of rostrum, dorsal to posterior margin of mandibular insertion point. Scrobe lateral, strongly curved, with parallel edges nearly continuing to anterior margin of eye; dorsal margin of scrobe overhanging slightly and forming a minute tooth, variably located relative to eye. Antennae apparently 12-segmented, segment 11 with annulus that lacks an inner phragm. Scape slender, clavate; directed ventrad of eye in idealized position; covered with appressed, squamiform scales with interspersed setae on clubbed section of scape. Funicle 7-segmented; sub-equal in length to scape; funicular antennomeres progressing from elongate to equilateral, clavate, covered with appressed scales and apically directed, interspersed setae; segments becoming less clavate and shorter with increasing proximity to club, except for terminal segment, which is longer and wider than preceding segment; where noted, some species without scales on terminal segment, clothed as antennal club. Club appearing 4-segmented, terminal segment with annulus that lacks an inner phragm; similar in length to funicular antennomeres III-VII, 2.5-3.0 × as long as wide, with a covering of apically-directed pubescence with interspersed sub-erect setae.
Head. Eyes small, laterally positioned, globular, coarsely facetted, protruding, anterodorsal margin of each eye impressed, posterior margin elevated from lateral surface of head; eyes separated in dorsal view by 3-6 × their anterior-posterior length, set off from anterior prothoracic margin by up to 1/2 of their anterior-posterior length. Head between eyes rugose and bulging. Head typically with a broad, transverse post-ocular impression.
Thorax. Pronotum. Variously equilateral (with dimensions of dorsal, lateral, and ventral surfaces equal, or nearly so), length/width ratio 0.68-1.06, surface transversely convex, sub-cylindrical; widest near midpoint; shape varying slightly from typical form in some species; surface punctate, punctures often obscured by scales; median sulcus present, sometimes not visible, beginning just beyond anterior constriction continuing to just anteriad of posterior margin. Anterior margin ranging from straight and even to slightly curved and somewhat produced dorsally, lateral margins evenly curved and widening into a bulge near midpoint, anteriorly constricted (sometimes subtly so); posterior margin straight to incurved. Pronotum in lateral view sub-cylindrical, narrower ventrally, with transverse ventrolateral sulci running sub-parallel to anterior and posterior margins, respectively; sometimes with scales forming a whitish stripe that continues along each elytron; with evenly spaced, anteriorly directed, sub-recumbent setae variously inserted near anterior margin; antero-and posterolateral margins with a fringe of appressed scales, with plumose setae beneath. Anterolateral margin with a full or reduced tuft of post-ocular vibrissae present, emerging near eye; vibrissae achieving a maximum length up to anterior-posterior length of eye.
Legs. Prothoracic legs longer than mesothoracic legs; scale colors variously interspersed, setation generally similar to that of remainder of body surface; tibiae ventrally with rows of longer sub-erect setae, tibiae and trochanters of all legs with a single, hair-like, brown seta positioned on mesal surface, approximately 3× length of adjacent setae. Profemur/pronotum length ratio 0.08-1.15; profemur moderately stout, slightly incurved, in cross section elliptical; proximal 4/5 of profemur gradually widening, then abruptly constricted with distal 1/5 produced ventrally as an obliquely rounded to semicircular projection covering tibial joint; condyle of tibial articulation occupying 4/5 of distal surface and 1/5 length of femur. Protibia/profemur length ratio 0.81-1.01; protibia typically moderately long and slender, straight, in cross section elliptical, apically expanded; protibial apex obliquely truncate, ventral setal comb situated on a flat surface, setal comb broken posteriorly, and becoming thinner and sparser anteriorly, setae also becoming shorter and more stout anteriorly; mucro present as a laterally projected tooth of variable size, triangular. Protarsus with tarsomere I nearly 2 × as long as II, elongate-conical; II and III similar in length, III wider than II; II conical, III bifid, jointly similar in length to V; IV mostly hidden by III; claw paired, separate, simple. Meso-and metathoracic legs slightly shorter and longer than prothoracic legs, respectively, all legs generally sub-equal in length with differences relatively small; mesotibiae with a pecten surrounding condylar surface, ring posteriorly interrupted; metatibial apex entirely scale covered, with strong outer bevel and inner flange ("corbel closed"; see Thompson 1992), outer bevel longer than inner flange, terminating in an oblique, almond-shaped convex ity ringed by a number of short, spiniform setae. Meso-and metatarsi similar to protarsi. All tarsi ventrally with spiniform setae.
Elytra. Length/width ratio 2.58-3.54; widest at anterior 1/5-2/5; anterior margins jointly 3/4-2 × wider than posterior margin of pronotum, curved posteriorly; humeri broadly rounded, not strongly projected; lateral margins slightly converging posteriorly, becoming more strongly rounded and converging apically; posterior margins constricted and narrower ventrally, posteriorly narrowly truncated. Elytra in lateral view convex, widening slightly posteriorly; posterior declivity broadly arcuate dorsally, nearly straight thereafter, angled at 45-80° to main body axis. Elytra with 10 complete striae; striae distinctly punctate, covered with scales, sub-equal in width to intervals; stria 10 and lateral margin sinuate; strial punctures distinct, variably separated by several times their diameter; intervals elevated and impunctate; scales completely covering integument, colors variously interspersed, most species have some specimens with a white stripe laterally continuing from pronotum, these stripes more or less defined on some specimens; each interval medially with a row of sub-erect to sub-recumbent setae.
Wings. Apterous. Abdomen. Sterna. Ventrites III and IV jointed, V-VII free; scales similar to elytra, though generally of a lighter color, including rows of sub-erect setae; III longer than IV, midregion planar, posterior margin somewhat emarginate mesally, elevated and set off from IV along lateral 1/4-1/3s of its length, somewhat concave anteriorly; IV medially longer than V and VI jointly, laterally sub-equal in length; V and VI similar in length, margins straight. Sternum VII mesally 1/2-1× as long as wide, sub-triangular; setae lengthening slightly and becoming darker and more erect posteriorly; anterior margin straight to broadly curved; posterior margin broadly arcuate, emarginate, and rimmed with short, posteriorly directed setae.
Spermatheca. Comma-shaped; collum short, apically with a large, hood-shaped projection perpendicular to ramus, length and alignment with curvature of bulb of ramus variable, some species ante-apically with a long, perpendicular, cylindrical projection; collum short, cylindrical, sub-contiguous with, and typically angled at 90° to ramus; ramus elongate, bulbous, sometimes stalked, generally equal in thickness to corpus; corpus swollen or not; cornu elongate, apically, gradually narrowed, strongly recurved along its length.
Description -male. Males are generally similar to females in appearance, and in many species are difficult to separate from female specimens. Variation within males can often exceed intersexual boundaries, further complicating their identification as male specimens. The description of males is therefore limited to characters and states that are sufficiently and consistently different between the sexes.
Mouthparts. As in female, mentum slightly more angular, broader, and produced laterally, overall with slightly straighter margins.
Elytra. Generally narrower relative to pronotum, elytral declivity slightly more angulate with regard to main body axis, but otherwise as in female.
Aedeagus. Pedon length/width ratio 2.83-7.82; antero-ventral margin membranous, mesally curved; lateral margins gradually, evenly converging posteriorly to an acute point; in lateral view evenly curved; width becoming gradually narrower posteriorly, ventral margins in region of ostium sinuate; dorsally with sparsely arranged, short, fine setae laterally, becoming slightly more densely arranged meso-posteriorly; apex angulate. Ostium elongate-ovate, laterally emarginate, basal and apical edges each with a recurved invagination. Internal sac variously plicate, membranous except for 2 sclerotized, sinuate-uncinate rami; gonopore projecting as a flagellum, anteriorly extending along aedeagal apodemes, with an apical sclerite, sclerite highly variable in form within the genus. Aedeagal apodemes (temones) slightly longer than pedon, each posteriorly embedded in a lateral fold of pedon, sclerotized throughout, becoming wider and less sclerotized anteriorly. Diagnosis. Minyomerus imberbus [JF2015] is best distinguished from other congenerics by a combination of characters, as follows. The interspersed setae on the body are minute and white. The anterior margin of the pronotum bears a reduced tuft of postocular vibrissae. The head is barely elevated between the eyes and head appears bare and smooth due to the small size of the setae. The spermatheca is distinct and has an elongate, cylindrical ramus, which is slightly thinner than corpus. Finally, the cornu is strongly recurved in the basal half, giving it a uniquely sinuate appearance.
Rostrum. Length 0.45-0.61 mm, anterior portion ca. 2.5 × broader than long, rostrum/pronotum length ratio 0.41-0.52, rostrum length/width ratio 1. 21-1.24. Dorsal outline of rostrum square, anterior half of dorsal surface mesally concave, posterior half slightly convex. Rostrum in lateral view sub-rectangular; apical margin with 2 large vibrissae. Nasal plate defined by V-shaped, impressed lines, convex, integument covered with white scales. Margins of mandibular incision directed 20° outward dor- sally in frontal view. Ventrolateral sulci strongly defined, beginning as a narrow sulcus posteriad of insertion point of mandibles, running parallel to scrobe, terminating in a ventral fovea. Ventrolateral margins slightly converging anteriorly. Antennae. Dorsal margin of scrobe overhanging broadly (not forming a minute tooth). Funicle slightly longer than scape. Club similar in length to funicular antennomeres IV-VII, ca. 2.5 × as long as wide.
Head. Eyes separated in dorsal view by 4-5 × their anterior-posterior length, set off from anterior prothoracic margin by ca. 1/2 of their anterior-posterior length. Head between eyes slightly convex and rugoso-punctate.
Pronotum. Wider than long, length/width ratio 0.89-0.96, somewhat globular; median sulcus not apparent. Anterior margin arcuate, subtly incurved mesally, and somewhat produced dorsally; anterior constriction broad, posterior margin slightly arcuate. Pronotum in lateral view with minute setae inserted 2 × their length from anterior margin. Anterolateral margin with a reduced tuft of post-ocular vibrissae present, consisting of 3-5 setae, emerging near ventral 1/4 of eye; vibrissae achieving a maximum length sub-equal to anterior-posterior length of eye.
Abdominal sterna. Ventrite III elevated and set off from IV along lateral 1/3s of its length, somewhat concave anteriorly. Sternum VII mesally 3/5 as long as wide; anterior margin straight.
Spermatheca. S-shaped; collum short, apically with a large, hood-shaped projection perpendicular to ramus, nearly equal in length and contiously aligned with curvature of bulb of ramus and ante-apically with a short, cylindrical projection, angled at ca. 45° to collum, nearly equal in length to collum and 1/3 length of ramus; collum short, obliquely rounded, sub-contiguous with, and angled at 90° to ramus; ramus elongate, cylindrical, slightly thinner than corpus; corpus not swollen, slightly thicker than ramus; cornu elongate, apically, gradually narrowed, strongly recurved and arched in basal 1/2, forming an inner angle of ca. 40°, with apical 1/2 perpendicular to collum and corpus, feebly sinuate.
Male. Not available or known.
Comments. Due to the limited number of specimens of this species, dissections of mouthparts could not be performed.
Etymology. Named in reference to the relative lack of setae on the head; imberbus = beardless; Latin adjective (Brown 1956 is most readily distinguished from other congenerics by the strong anterior "constriction" of the pronotum. The elytral setae are also very thin and setiform, especially on the disk, with setae apically tapering to a fine point, rather than being broadly rounded. The ocular vibrissae are well-developed in this species, and the eye is relatively large compared to other species. The spermatheca has the ramus bulbous, but tapered basally. The aedeagus is abruptly constricted apically. Redescription -female. Habitus. Length 3.33-4.17 mm, width 1.44-1.74 mm, length/width ratio 2.31-2.47, widest at anterior 1/3 of elytra. Integument black on tagmata and elytra, light to dark orange-brown on other appendages. Scales with variously interspersed colors ranging from white to manila/beige to coffee brown, in some specimens appearing semi-translucent (in others opaque) or with an opalescent sheen; scales on most specimens becoming lighter ventrally, but some specimens with venter of same coloration as dorsum. Setae very short, fine, white or translucent, becoming longer, thicker, and more erect on lateral margins of head and prothorax, humeri, and venter.
Rostrum in lateral view sub-rectangular; basal half of dorsolateral margins strongly converging anteriorly, anterior half slightly divergent; apical margin with sinuations meeting mesally to form a small point, with 2 large vibrissae. Nasal plate defined by Y-shaped lines, concave mesally, covered white scales and with interspersed, erect, laterally directed setae. Margins of mandibular incision curved, directed 10-15° outward dorsally in frontal view. Ventrolateral sulci weakly defined as a broad concavity dorsad of insertion point of mandibles, running parallel to scrobe, becoming flatter posteriorly and disappearing ventrally. Dorsal surface of rostrum with median sulcus running from fovea at posterior end of anterior half rostrum to midpoint of posterior half of rostrum. Rostrum ventrally without median fovea. Oral cavity with lateral margins straight, diverging.
Antennae. Small tooth formed by overhanging dorsal margin of scrobe anterior to margin of eye by 1/2 of length of eye. Club nearly 3 × as long as wide.
Head. Eyes strongly impressed, posterior margin level with lateral surface of head; eyes separated in dorsal view by 3-4 × their anterior-posterior length, set off from anterior prothoracic margin by 1/4 of their anterior-posterior length.
Pronotum. Length/width ratio 0.80-0.93, globular; surface finely punctate; median sulcus absent. Anterior margin straight, lateral margins curved and widening into a bulge near anterior 2/5 of pronotum, thence curved towards posterior margin, posterior margin incurved. Pronotum in lateral view sub-cylindrical to slightly globular, with setae that just reach beyond anterior margin. Anterolateral margin with a tuft of post-ocular vibrissae present, emerging near dorsal 1/4 of eye, becoming gradually, evenly longer ventrally, stopping just above ventral 1/4 of eye; vibrissae achieving a maximum length 2/3 × anterior-posterior length of eye.
Scutellum. Equilateral to slightly longer than wide. Pleurites. Metepisternum covered by elytron near anterior 1/5 of metasternum; a deep fovea present just basad of triangular projection of metepisternum.
Legs. Profemur/pronotum length ratio 1.04-1.15. Protibia/profemur length ratio 0.87-0.94; protibia with ventral setal comb situated on a mesally incurved edge; mucro reduced to a very small apically projected tooth. Protarsus with tarsomere III equilateral; II broadly conical, III bifid; I and III jointly similar in length to V. Metatibial apex with almond shaped convex ity with a row of 5 short, widely separated, spiniform setae.
Abdominal sterna. Scales similar to elytra, in some specimens of a lighter color; III with midregion planar posteriorly, anteriorly incurved to a mesal fovea on anterior margin, elevated and set off from IV along lateral 1/3 of its length. Sternum VII mesally 2/5 × as long as wide; setae darkening, lengthening, and becoming more erect in mesal 1/3; anterior margin weakly curved.
Ovipositor. Coxites in dorsal view nearly as long as broad; styli as long as coxites, glabrous.
Elytra. Generally narrower relative to pronotum, but otherwise as female.
Aedeagus. Length/width ratio 3.54-3.76; lateral margins very slightly converging posteriorly, abruptly constricted and more strongly converging in region of ostium. In lateral view, width of pedon becoming gradually narrower posteriorly in anterior 3/4, ventral margins in posterior 1/4 becoming straight towards apex, then abruptly curving to meet dorsal margins at a sharp apical point; apex acutely angulate. Flagellum apically with a large, narrowly elongate, tortuous, ampullate sclerite, sclerite anteriorly gradually widened, constricted in anterior 1/4 and slightly widening anteriorly to form a small bulb.
Material examined. Distribution. This species has been found in the desert and arid regions of Arizona and California (USA). It is likely that its range also includes Nevada (USA), northern Baja California and Sonora (Mexico), based on similarity in habitat to the currently known distribution (Fig. 50 Diagnosis. Minyomerus laticeps [JF2015] is most easily distinguished from other congenerics by the unique shape of the head, which is very wide and only somewhat swollen between the eyes. The rostrum is also much wider than long, and the nasal plate is weakly impressed. Additionally, the anterior margin of the prothorax is larger than the posterior margin and bears a well-developed tuft of post-ocular vibrissae. The spermatheca is unique in having the ramus stalked, with the apical bulb abruptly constricted, not tapering, at the point of connection with the stalk. The small, subrecumbent setae and lack of separation of the procoxae help to distinguish this species from Minyomerus griseus [JF2015] and Minyomerus rutellirostris . Redescription -female. Habitus. Length 3.90-5.74 mm, width 1.51-2.22 mm, length/width ratio 2.37-2.63, widest at anterior 1/4 of elytra. Integument tan, orangebrown to dark brown. Scales with variously interspersed colors ranging from slightly off-white to manila/tan to dark coffee brown, in some specimens appearing semi-translucent (in others opaque). Setae sparse throughout, short, sub-recumbent.
Mandibles. Covered with opalescent scales, with 4 longer setae, and a number of shorter interspersed setae.
Maxillae. Cardo bifurcate at base with an inner angle of ca. 90°, arms of equal length, inner (mesal) arm 1.5 × thicker than outer arm, both arms of bifurcation equal in length to apically outcurved arm. Stipes sub-quadrate, slightly longer than wide, roughly equal in length to each bifurcation of cardo, glabrous. Galeo-lacinial complex mesally membranous, laterally sclerotized, with sharp demarcation of sclerotized region separating palpi- ger from galeo-lacinial complex; setose in membranous area just adjacent to sclerotized region, setae covering half of dorsal surface area; dorsally with 8 apicomesal lacinial teeth; ventrally with 5 reduced lacinial teeth. Palpiger with a row of setae extending laterally along basal 1/2, thereafter becoming abruptly transverse; anterior 1/2 membranous.
Maxillary palps. I and II both apically oblique, apical ends forming a 45° angle with base, I and II each with 2 apical setae; II with 1 mesoventral seta in addition to 2 apical setae.
Rostrum. Length 0.52-0.73 mm, anterior portion 3-4 × broader than long, rostrum/pronotum length ratio 0.53-0.61, rostrum length/width ratio 0.73-0.89; shape in cross section elongate-rectangular. Dorsal outline of rostrum sub-rectangular, posterior half of dorsal surface strongly rugose. Rostrum in lateral view nearly square; apical margin with 2 large vibrissae. Nasal plate weakly defined by V-shaped, impressed lines, slightly convex, with opalescent scales. Margins of mandibular incision directed 15° outward dorsally in frontal view; ventrolateral sulci usually weakly defined or obscure, if strongly defined then only as a notch dorsad of insertion point of mandibles. Dorsal surface of rostrum transversely impressed (strongly or weakly in some specimens), with median sulcus running from fovea at posterior end of rostrum to imaginary transverse line between anterior margins of eyes. Oral cavity with lateral margins feebly curved.
Antennae. Scrobe continuing to anterior 1/2 of eye; small tooth formed by overhanging dorsal margin of scrobe ventrad of anterior 1/3 of eye. Scape nearly extending to posterior margin of eye. Terminal funicular antennomere lacking appressed scales, having instead a covering of apically-directed pubescence with interspersed sub-erect setae. Club nearly 3 × as long as wide, with setation and pubescence as in final segment of funicle.
Head. Eyes with posterior margin slightly elevated from lateral surface of head; eyes separated in dorsal view by 4 × their anterior-posterior length, set off from anterior prothoracic margin by 1/3 of their anterior-posterior length. Head between eyes rugose and slightly bulging, appearing flat in some specimens. Head without any transverse post-ocular impression.
Pronotum. Length/width ratio 0.75-0.89, sub-cylindrical to slightly globular; widest after midpoint before anterior constriction. Anterior margin nearly straight, subtly incurving mesally, lateral margins feebly curved, posterior margin incurved. Pronotum in lateral view with setae that barely reach beyond anterior margin. Anterolateral margin with a tuft of post-ocular vibrissae present, emerging near dorsal margin of eye, becoming gradually, evenly longer ventrally, stopping just above ventral margin of eye; vibrissae achieving a maximum length nearly as long as anterior-posterior length of eye.
Elytra. Generally shorter and narrower relative to pronotum, but otherwise as female.
Aedeagus. Length/width ratio 4.25-4.71; lateral margins very slightly converging posteriorly, diverging in region of ostium, then converging into a large, spadiform projection that is roughly the size of the ostium. In lateral view, width of pedon becoming gradually narrower posteriorly in anterior 2/3, ventral margins in posterior 1/3 becoming straight towards apex; apex acutely angulate. Flagellum apically with a small, sub-cylindrical sclerite, sclerite posteriorly with two small, lateral flanges. Comments. Specimens can vary somewhat in color, from dark brown to beige. Some specimens exhibit a relatively narrower prothorax, depending on the locality. The bulging of the head and form of the rostrum can also vary slightly, with some specimens exhibiting a smaller rostrum and more bulbous head.
Material examined. Holotype -female " Distribution. This species has been found in the desert and arid regions of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas (USA), Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, and Baja California Sur (Mexico). It is likely that its range also includes southern California (USA), Baja California, northern Chihuahua, and Sonora (Mexico), based on similarity in habitat to the currently known distribution (Fig. 50 Figs 12, 13, 14, 15 == Minyomerus conicollis Green, 1920: 194 sec. Green (1920 Diagnosis. Minyomerus conicollis [JF2015] is readily distinguished from other congenerics by the highly convex elytra, and by the pronotum, in which the posterior margin is distinctly shorter than the anterior margin. The spermatheca is uniquely comma-shaped, with the ramus reduced, apically flattened and sub-contiguous with the collum. The aedeagus is unique in being membranous ventrally, and not fully sclerotized.
Maxillae. Cardo bifurcate at base with an inner angle of ca. 100°, inner (mesal) arm 2 × longer than outer arm, inner arm of equal width to outer arm, inner arm of bifurcation equal in length to apically outcurved arm. Stipes square, roughly equal in length to inner arm of bifurcation of cardo, with a single lateral seta. Galeo-lacinial complex apically incurved (mesally); complex membranous; setose in basal 2/3; dorsally with 8 apicomesal lacinial teeth; ventrally with 3 reduced lacinial teeth. Palpiger with a transverse row of 3 setae, sclerotized on basal 2/3.
Maxillary palps. Palpomeres I and II with apical ends facing mesally and forming a 45° angle with base, each with 1 apical seta; II with 1 mesoventral seta in addition to apical seta.
Rostrum. Length 0.40-0.48 mm, anterior portion 2-2.25 × broader than long, rostrum/pronotum length ratio 0.56-0.69, rostrum length/width ratio 1.01-1.24. Dorsal outline of rostrum sub-rectangular, anterior half of dorsal surface strongly impressed, posterior half sometimes weakly rugose. Rostrum in lateral view rectangular; apical margin with 2 large vibrissae. Nasal plate strongly defined by V-shaped, impressed lines, convex, integument completely covered with scales similar to those of body. Margins of mandibular incision directed 30° outward dorsally in frontal view; ventrolateral sulci usually undefined or weakly defined, beginning as a broad, shallow sulcus dorsad of insertion point of mandibles, running parallel to scrobe, becoming fainter posteriorly and disappearing ventrally; occasionally with a short, well defined sulcus dursad of insertion point of mandibles. Dorsal surface of rostrum with median sulcus present as a short, linear fovea posteriad of base of nasal plate; ventrolateral margins slightly converging anteriorly. Rostrum ventrally lacking sulci at corners of oral cavity. Oral cavity with lateral margins strongly curved.
Antennae. Dorsal margin of scrobe overhangs slightly (broadly, not forming a sharp tooth) ventrad of anterior margin of eye. Club similar in length to funicular antennomeres IV-VII, nearly 2.5 × as long as wide.
Head. Eyes separated in dorsal view by 4 × their anterior-posterior length, touching anterior prothoracic margin. Pronotum. Slightly, but distinctly, longer than wide, length/width ratio 0.84-0.90, sub-conical; widest just anteriad of midline; median sulcus present, sometimes obscure. Anterior margin arcuate, subtly incurved medially, lateral margins feebly curved and widening into a slight bulge just anteriad of midline, thence straight to posterior margin, posterior margin straight and shorter than anterior margin. Pronotum in lateral view with setae that just reach anterior margin at their maximum length. Anterolateral margin with a reduced tuft of post-ocular vibrissae present, consisting of 5-7 setae, emerging near ventral 1/3 of eye, becoming gradually, evenly longer ventrally, stopping just beneath ventral margin of eye; vibrissae achieving a maximum length 2/3-3/4 × anterior-posterior length of eye.
Legs. Profemur/pronotum length ratio 0.98-1.06; profemur with distal 1/5 produced ventrally as a nearly square projection covering tibial joint. Protibia/profemur length ratio 0.83-0.90; mucro reduced to a small laterally projected tooth. Protarsus with tarsomere I nearly 1.5 × as long as II; I and III similar in length, III equilateral; I-III jointly similar in length to V. Metatibial apex with almond shaped convex ity ringed by 7 short, widely separated, spiniform setae.
Abdominal sterna. Ventrite III elevated and set off from IV along lateral 1/4-1/3s of its length. Sternum VII mesally 1/2 × as long as wide, with a strong medial concavity; anterior margin weakly curved.
Spermatheca. Comma-shaped; collum short, apically with a reduced hood-shaped projection; collum sub-contiguous with, and angled at 90° to ramus; ramus bulbous, slightly larger than collum and corpus; corpus swollen, of nearly equal thickness ramus and cornu; cornu elongate, apically gradually narrowed, strongly recurved in basal 1/4, gently curved along mesal 1/2, and curved and somewhat flattened near apical 1/4 such that apex is sub-parallel to hood-shaped projection of collum.
Elytra. Elytral declivity slightly more angulate, forming a 70° angle to main body axis, but otherwise as female.
Aedeagus. Length/width ratio 3.07-4.62; lateral margins gently converging posteriorly, abruptly more strongly converging posteriad of ostium. Width of pedon in lateral view becoming gradually narrower posteriorly in anterior 5/6, ventral margins in posterior 1/6 curved sharply outwardly to form a lobe, then abruptly curving to meet dorsal margins at a sharp apical point. Ostium elongate, basally open (sclerotized pedon not baso-ventrally entire), laterally emarginate, apical edge with a recurved invagination. Flagellum apically with a large, narrowly elongate, tortuous, ampullate sclerite, sclerite anteriorly gradually widened and recurved to form a small bulb, situated in anterior portion of flagellum.
Comments. This species exhibits some variation in the sculpture of the prothorax, which can be more or less rugose depending on the specimen. Distribution. This species has been found in the Big Bend region of Texas (USA), and is likely also found in Coahuila and Chihuahua (Mexico) (Fig. 51).
Natural history.

Diagnosis. Minyomerus languidus [JF2015]
is most readily discerned from other congenerics by a combination of characters. The elytral setae are very uniform, linear, subrecumbent, and brown, never with interspersed, longer, white setae. The elytral striae are often well defined and impressed, occasionally with punctures evident. The anterior margin of the pronotum has a reduced tuft of ocular vibrissae and is lined with linear setae that are inserted as far as 1/2 their length from the anterior margin. The nasal plate is bounded by a broad, somewhat weakly impressed sulcus. Importantly, the lateral margins of the oral cavity are strongly rounded, never straight, and longer than the posterior margin. Furthermore, the spermatheca has the ramus unconstricted and slightly bulbous. Redescription -female. Habitus. Length 3.28-3.91 mm, width 1.33-1.63 mm, length/width ratio 2.39-2.56, widest at anterior 1/3 of elytra. Integument orangebrown to black. Scales with variously interspersed colors ranging from slightly offwhite to manila/tan to dark coffee brown, in some specimens appearing semi-translucent (in others opaque). Setae sub-recumbent.
Rostrum. Length 0.50-0.64 mm, anterior portion 1.5-2 × broader than long, rostrum/ pronotum length ratio 0.63-0.72, rostrum length/width ratio 1. 37-1.43. Dorsal outline of rostrum sub-rectangular, anterior half of dorsal surface strongly impressed, posterior half strongly rugose. Rostrum in lateral view rectangular; apical margin with 2 large vibrissae. Nasal plate strongly defined by Y-shaped, impressed lines, convex, covered wth whitish scales. Margins of mandibular incision directed 30° outward dorsally in frontal view; ventrolateral sulci usually defined, beginning as a sulcus dorsad of insertion point of mandibles, running parallel to scrobe, becoming fainter posteriorly and disappearing ventrally. Dorsal surface of rostrum with median sulcus running from fovea at posterior end of anterior half rostrum to midpoint of posterior half of rostrum. Rostrum ventrally lacking foveae in line with insertion point of mandibles. Oral cavity with lateral margins strongly curved.
Antennae. Dorsal margin of scrobe overhangs slightly (broadly, not forming a sharp tooth) ventrad of anterior margin of eye. Scape just extending to posterior 1/2 of eye. Funicular antennomeres evenly progressing from elongate to broader than long; terminal segment of equal length but wider than preceding segment and lacking appressed scales, having instead a covering of apically-directed pubescence with interspersed sub-erect setae. Club nearly 2.5 × as long as wide, with setation and pubescence as in final segment of funicle.
Head. Eyes separated in dorsal view by 4-5 × their anterior-posterior length, touching anterior prothoracic margin.
Pronotum. Length/width ratio 0.80-0.93, sub-cylindrical to conical; widest near anterior 1/4. Anterior margin arcuate, lateral margins feebly curved and widening into a slight bulge just past anterior 1/4 of pronotum, thence straight to posterior margin, posterior margin straight. Pronotum in lateral view with setae that reach beyond anterior margin; these setae becoming evenly longer laterally, reaching into anterior 1/2 of eye at their maximum length. Anterolateral margin with a reduced tuft of post-ocular vibrissae present, consisting of 5-7 setae, emerging near dorsal 1/2 of eye, becoming gradually, evenly longer ventrally, stopping just beneath ventral margin of eye; vibrissae achieving a maximum length 1/2-3/5 × anterior-posterior length of eye.
Scutellum. Hidden in some specimens, narrowly exposed in others (visible area approximately equal to length of appressed scales), margins straight.
Abdominal sterna. Ventrite III elevated and set off from IV along lateral 1/4s of its length. Sternum VII mesally 3/5 × as long as wide; setae darker, longer, and becoming more erect and setiform in mesal 1/2 of posterior 2/5; anterior margin weakly curved.
Spermatheca. Comma-shaped; collum short, apically with hood-shaped projection sub-parallel to ramus, 2/3 × length of ramus and contiously aligned with curvature of bulb of ramus; collum sub-contiguous with, and angled at 90° to ramus; ramus bulbous, slightly larger than collum; corpus not swollen, of equal thickness to collum and cornu; cornu elongate, apically gradually narrowed, strongly recurved in basal 1/4, gently curved along mesal 1/2, and curved and somewhat flattened near apical 1/4 such that apex is sub-parallel to hood-shaped projection of collum.  Distribution. This species has been found in the desert and arid regions of eastcentral California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas (USA); O' Brien and Wibmer (1982: 46) also have Baja California listed, but this might be a result of a misidentification and confusion with Minyomerus gravivultus . It is likely that its range also includes northern Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Sonora (Mexico), based on similarity in habitat to the currently known distribution (Fig. 51) [nonfocal]). This species is putatively considered parthenogenetic given the lack of male specimens across a range of sampling events.

Diagnosis. Minyomerus microps [JF2015]
is best differentiated from other congenerics by a combination of characters. The pronotum is anteriorly constricted, and has a reduced tuft of post-ocular vibrissae present on the anterior margin. The elytral setae are small, subrecumbent, and linear. The scales have a unique optical property that gives them a very 'crusty' appearance generally. The elytra and prothorax are often quite bulky compared to other species, and the elytral striae are often roughly and broadly sculpted, but not punctate. The spematheca is also very distinctive in having the ramus and collum appearing as two subcontiguous apically invaginated bulbs.
Redescription -female. Habitus. Length 3.73-4.02 mm, width 1.834-1.557 mm, shape sub-cylindrical to ovate, length/width ratio 2.18-2.40, widest at anterior 1/4 of elytra. Integument dark brown to black. Scales with variously interspersed colors ranging from slightly beige to grey to dark coffee brown, in some specimens appearing semi-translucent (in others opaque) or having blue-green hues, optical effect of scales giving a distinctly 'crusty' appearance. Setae sub-recumbent.
Mandibles. Covered with elliptical, beige scales, with 2 pairs of longer setae, and a 1 shorter seta between these pairs.
Maxillae. Cardo 2 × as long as distance from base of palpomere I to base of palpiger, as wide as palpomere III, bifurcate at base with an inner angle of ca. 135°, inner (mesal) arm 3 × length of outer arm, inner arm as thick as outer arm, inner arm of bifurcation equal in length to apically outcurved arm. Stipes sub-quadrate, slightly longer than wide, roughly equal in length to inner arm of bifurcation of cardo, with 1 lateral seta. Galeo-lacinial complex membranous, with sharp demarcation separating palpiger from galeo-lacinial complex; setose in posterior 2/3; dorsally with 8 apicomesal lacinial teeth; ventrally with 1 reduced lacinial tooth. Palpiger with a transverse row of setae extending laterally just posteriad of palpomere I.
Maxillary palps. Three-segmented; I and II both apically oblique, apical ends facing mesally and forming a 45° angle with base, I and II each with 2 apical setae; II with 1 mesoventral seta in addition to 2 apical setae.
Rostrum. Length 0.46-0.57 mm, anterior portion 1.5-2 × broader than long, rostrum/pronotum length ratio 0.49-0.56, rostrum length/width ratio 1.02-1.26; shape in cross section rectangular to square. Dorsal outline of rostrum sub-rectangular, posterior half of dorsal surface strongly rugose. Rostrum in lateral view sub-rectangular; basal half of dorsolateral margins very strongly converging anteriorly; apical margin with 2 large vibrissae. Nasal plate defined (sometimes weakly) by Y-shaped, impressed lines, slightly convex, weakly elevated from impressed lines, integument posteriorly covered with scales like those of rest of body, anteriorly with elliptical, white to beige colored scales. Margins of mandibular incision ventrally slightly curved, directed 30° outward dorsally in frontal view. Ventrolateral sulci usually weakly defined (in some specimens entirely obscure) except for endpoints, beginning as a notch dorsad of in-  Antennae. Minute tooth formed by overhanging dorsal margin of scrobe anterior to margin of eye by 1/3 of length of eye. Club 3-3.5 × as long as wide.
Head. Eyes separated in dorsal view by 4-5 × their anterior-posterior length, set off from anterior prothoracic margin by 1/3 of their anterior-posterior length. Head between eyes rugose and slightly bulging, appearing nearly flat in some specimens.
Pronotum. Overall slightly wider than long, length/width ratio 0.80-0.91, subcylindrical to slightly globular; median sulcus absent. Anterior margin curved, posterior margin nearly straight. Pronotum in lateral view with setae that reach midpoint between base of seta and anterior margin. Anterolateral margin with a reduced tuft of 3-4 ocular vibrissae present, emerging near ventral 1/2 of eye, becoming longer ventrally, stopping just above ventral margin of eye; vibrissae achieving a maximum length nearly 3/5 × anterior-posterior length of eye.
Male. Not available or known.
Comments. Members of this species exhibit varying degrees of elevation of the elytral intervals and sculpture of the pronotum. Distribution. This species has been found in the grassland and semi-arid regions of Alberta (Canada), Colorado, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming (USA). It is likely that its range also includes other Great Plains states, such as North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, northern Texas, and Saskatchewan (Canada), based on similarity in habitat to the currently known distribution (Fig. 51).
Natural history. Associated with sagebrush (Artemisia [non-focal] sp.; Asteraceae [non-focal]). This species is putatively considered parthenogenetic, given the lack of male specimens across a range of sampling events. Diagnosis. Minyomerus aeriballux [JF2015] is distinct from other congenerics in having irregular rows of setae on the elytra, where the setae do not form regular rows as in most other species. The setae are generally a lighter color, and are arranged in offset rows on the intervals. The elytra are strongly, distinctly punctate. The punctured elytral striae give this species a uniquely 'pin-striped' appearance (see Etymology). The pronotum is medially incurved on both the anterior and posterior margins. The head is distinctly conical in appearance, and is curved medially. The metatibiae are apically strongly convex and covered with setae similar in length to the surrounding setae, somewhat translucent, and slightly lamelliform. The spermatheca has the ramus elongate, annulate, and sub-apically situated on the corpus. The aedeagus is broad, and tapers to the apex. The aedeagal flagellum terminates in an apical sclerite that is irregularly sinuate and tortuous, and is nearly as large as the Aedeagal pedon itself.

Minyomerus aeriballux
Description -female. Habitus. Length 5.25-6.49 mm, width 2.00-2.41 mm, shape sub-cylindrical to pyriform, length/width ratio 2.50-2.69, widest at posterior 1/2-2/5 of elytra. Integument dark reddish-brown to black. Scales with variously interspersed colors ranging from white to gold, in some specimens appearing semitranslucent (in others opaque) or with reddish or golden opalescent reflections; dorsal patterning fairly stable in this species, having alternating gold and white stripes on prothorax and elytra. Setae white.
Rostrum. Length 0.70-0.84 mm, anterior portion 2-2.5× broader than long, rostrum/pronotum length ratio 0.55-0.59, rostrum length/width ratio 1. 16-1.34. Dorsal outline of rostrum sub-conical, posterior half of dorsal surface strongly rugose. Rostrum in lateral view sub-triangular; apical margin with 2 large vibrissae. Nasal plate weakly defined by Y-shaped, impressed lines, slightly convex, integument par- tially covered with white-opalescent scales. Margins of mandibular incision directed 15° outward dorsally in frontal view. Ventrolateral sulci weakly defined as a broad concavity dorsad of insertion point of mandibles, running parallel to scrobe, becoming flatter posteriorly and disappearing ventrally. Dorsal surface of rostrum with median sulcus running dorsally from fovea at posterior end of rostrum, equal in length to anterior-posterior length of nasal plate. Rostrum ventrally with integument between 2 converging sulci (beginning at corners of oral cavity) slightly elevated. Oral cavity with lateral margins feebly curved.
Antennae. Dorsal margin of scrobe overhanging slightly and forming a small tooth, anterior to margin of eye by 2/5 of length of eye. Funicle slightly longer than scape. Club similar in length to funicular antennomeres V-VII, nearly 2.5× as long as wide.
Head. Anterodorsal margin of each eye unimpressed, posterior margin very slightly elevated from lateral surface of head; eyes separated in dorsal view by 4× their anteriorposterior length, set off from anterior prothoracic margin by 1/3 of their anteriorposterior length.
Pronotum. Length/width ratio 0.83-0.89, sub-cylindrical to globular; widest between midpoint and anterior constriction; surface punctate, though punctures somewhat obscured by scales; median sulcus absent. Anterior margin nearly straight, subtly incurving mesally, lateral margins curved and widening into a bulge just anteriad of midpoint of pronotum, posterior margin incurved. Pronotum with scales forming 2 parenthesis-shaped, whitish stripes dorsally, laterally with a whitish stripe that continues onto elytron; in lateral view with setae that barely reach beyond anterior margin. Anterolateral margin with a greatly reduced tuft of 1-3 ocular vibrissae present, usually not emerging much beyond fringe of appressed scales, sometimes not apparent.
Legs. Tibiae and trochanters of all legs with a single, hair-like, brown seta positioned on mesal surface, approximately 1.5-2× length of adjacent setae. Profemur/pronotum length ratio 0.93-1.00; profemur with distal 1/5 produced ventrally as a semicircular projection covering tibial joint. Protibia/profemur length ratio 0.89-0.95; protibia moderately stout, in cross section sub-circular, apically expanded; protibial apex with ventral setal comb recessed in a broadly concave groove, setal comb unbroken, but becoming thinner and sparser anteriorly; mucro present as a laterally projected tooth equal in length to nearby setae, triangular and equilateral. Protarsus with tarsomeres II and III equilateral; I-III jointly similar in length to V. Metatibial apex with almond shaped convex ity ringed by numerous longer, spiniform setae.
Abdominal sterna. Ventrite III anteriorly concave, posterior margin elevated and set off from IV along lateral 1/4s of its length. Sternum VII mesally 1/2 as long as wide; anterior margin weakly curved.
Ovipositor. Coxites 1/2 as broad as long in dorsal view. Spermatheca. Comma-shaped; collum short, apically with a large, hood-shaped projection perpendicular to ramus, nearly equal in length and contiously aligned with curvature of bulb of ramus; collum short, cylindrical, sub-contiguous with, and angled at 90° to ramus; ramus elongate, somewhat bulbous, 2/3× thickness of corpus and collum; corpus swollen, slightly thicker than collum, 2× thickness of cornu; cornu elongate, apically, gradually narrowed, strongly recurved in basal 1/4, straight thereafter, extending nearly to extent of projection of collum, forming an inner angle of ca. 45° to collum and corpus.
Elytra. Elytral declivity more angulate, forming a 75° angle to main body axis, but otherwise as female.
Aedeagus. Length/width ratio 3.09; lateral margins very slightly converging posteriorly, gradually, more strongly converging in region of ostium. Pedon in lateral view becoming gradually narrower posteriorly in anterior 1/2, ventral margins in posterior 1/2 becoming straight towards apex, then curving to meet dorsal margins at a sharp apical point. Flagellum with large, elonage, tortuous apical sclerite, sclerite nearly as long as pedon, with sinuate margins.
Distribution. This species has been found in western Texas as well as southeastern New Mexico (Fig. 51).
Natural history. Associated with sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia Torrey [non-focal]; Asteraceae [non-focal]). Diagnosis. Minyomerus reburrus [JF2015] is distinct from other congenerics in having irregular rows of copious setae on the elytra, where the setae do not form regular rows as in most other species. The setae are generally a lighter color, and are arranged in offset rows on the intervals, particularly near the elytral suture and declivity. The elytra are somewhat pyriform and weakly punctate. The pronotum is medially incurved on both the anterior and posterior margins. The head is distinctly conical in appearance, and is curved medially. The metatibiae are apically strongly convex and covered with setae similar in length to the surrounding setae, somewhat translucent, and slightly lamelliform. The spermatheca has the ramus elongate, somewhat swollen and sub-apically situated on the corpus.

Minyomerus reburrus
Description -female.  mm, width 1.66-1.83 mm, shape greatly elongate and ovate, length/width ratio 2.39-2.52, widest at anterior 1/3 of elytra. Integument dark brown to black. Scales with variously interspersed colors ranging from white to manila/tan to dark coffee brown, in some specimens appearing semi-translucent (in others opaque) or with bluish or yellowish undertones; dorsal patterning fairly stable in this species, having alternating brown and whitish stripes on prothorax and elytra. Setae short, recumbent, off-white to yellow.
Mandibles. Covered with white to yellow scales, with 3 longer setae and 1-2 shorter interspersed setae.
Rostrum. Length 0.50-0.58 mm, anterior portion 1.5-1.75 × broader than long, narrower than head, rostrum/pronotum length ratio 0.62-0.66, rostrum length/width ratio 1. 19-1.37. Dorsal outline of rostrum sub-rectangular, anterior half of dorsal surface strongly impressed. Rostrum in lateral view rectangular; apical margin with 2 groups of 3 large vibrissae, each group inserted just laterad of each sinuation. Nasal plate well defined by V-shaped, impressed lines, mesally planar, integument covered with white scales. Margins of mandibular incision curved, directed 25-30° outward dorsally in frontal view. Ventrolateral sulci defined, beginning as a sulcus dorsad of insertion point of mandibles, running parallel to scrobe, becoming fainter posteriorly and running into a weakly impressed fovea ventrally. Dorsal surface of rostrum with a short, linear, median fovea at posterior end of nasal plate. Rostrum ventrally lacking median fovea and foveae in line with insertion point of mandibles. Oral cavity with lateral margins curved.
Antennae. Dorsal margin of scrobe overhanging slightly and forming a small tooth, anterior to margin of eye by 1/3 of length of eye. Club similar in length to funicular antennomeres IV-VII, 2.25-2.5 × as long as wide.
Head. Eyes with posterior margin not elevated from lateral surface of head; eyes separated in dorsal view by 3.5-4 × their anterior-posterior length, set off from anterior prothoracic margin by 1/3 of their anterior-posterior length. Head between eyes coarsely, deeply punctate and bulging.
Pleurites. Metepisternum exposed only as a minute triangle anteriorly, covered by elytron posteriorly.
Abdominal sterna. Ventrite III with midregion ventrally concave anteriorly, posterior margin elevated and set off from IV along lateral 1/3 of its length. Sternum VII mesally 1/2 × as long as wide, sub-triangular; anterior margin straight; posterior margin arcuate.
Male. Not available or known. Etymology. Named in reference to the highly setose aspect of the dorsum; reburrus = one with bristling hair; Latin noun in apposition, thence invariable (Brown 1956). Distribution. This species has been found in the desert and arid regions of New Mexico and Texas (USA) (Fig. 51).
Natural history. Associated with sagebrush (Artemisia [non-focal] sp.; Asteraceae [non-focal]). This species is putatively considered parthenogenetic, given the lack of male specimens across a range of sampling events. Diagnosis. Minyomerus cracens [JF2015] is best differentiated from other congenerics by virtue of its elytra, which are each 4-5 × as long as broad in dorsal view. The elytral striae are strongly punctate. The elytra are constricted anteriorly, and narrower than the pronotum, widening thereafter near the humeri. This species also has a somewhat protuberant frons. The spermatheca of this species is unusually shaped, with the corpus somewhat bulbous, and the ramus either flattened somewhat or slightly elongate.
Maxillary palps. Three-segmented; I with apical end facing mesally and forming a 45° angle with base, I and II each with 2 apical setae; II with 1 mesoventral seta in addition to 2 apical setae.
Rostrum. Length 0.46-0.73 mm, anterior portion 2-2.5 × broader than long, rostrum/pronotum length ratio 0.41-0.54, rostrum length/width ratio 0.91-1. 19. Dorsal outline of rostrum sub-rectangular, anterior half of dorsal surface strongly impressed, posterior half deeply punctate. Rostrum in lateral view rectangular; anterior half of dorsolateral margins diverging somewhat; apical margin with 2 pairs of large vibrissae, each pair inserted just laterad of apexof each sinuation in a single fovea. Nasal plate well defined by V-shaped, impressed lines, slightly convex, integument partially covered with opalescent scales. Margins of mandibular incision directed 35° outward dorsally in frontal view. Ventrolateral sulci deeply and distinctly defined beginning as a notch dorsad of insertion point of mandibles, continuing parallel to scrobe, and terminating in a fovea ventrad of anterior margin of eye, interrupted and appearing as two sulci; sulci on either side of interruption offset from each other such that posterior portion begins ventrad of end of anterior portion. Dorsal surface of rostrum with short, linear, median fovea. Rostrum ventrally lacking foveae in line with insertion point of mandibles. Oral cavity with lateral margins broadly curved.
Antennae. Dorsal margin of scrobe overhangs slightly (broadly, not forming a sharp tooth) anterior to margin of eye by 1/4 of length of eye. Club similar in length to funicular antennomeres IV-VII, nearly 2.25 × as long as wide.
Head. Eyes separated in dorsal view by 4-5 × their anterior-posterior length, set off from anterior prothoracic margin by 1/3 of their anterior-posterior length. Head between eyes coarsely, deeply punctate and bulging.
Pronotum. Length/width ratio 0.98-1.06; widest between midpoint and anterior constriction. Anterior margin arcuate, lateral margins feebly curved and widening into a slight bulge just past midpoint of pronotum, posterior margin straight. Pronotum in lateral view with anterior sulcus continuing dorsally as a series of impressed punctures, anteriorly constricted region elevated and produced dorsally; with setae inserted 2 × their length from anterior margin. Anterolateral margin with a reduced tuft of 8-10 ocular vibrissae present, emerging below ventral margin of eye at a distance of 1/2 × dorsal-ventral length of eye, dorsal half of tuft with short setae, ventral half with setae 2-3 × longer, stopping just below ventral margin of scrobe; vibrissae achieving a maximum length nearly as long as 1/2-3/5 anterior-posterior length of eye. Scutellum. Lateral margins slightly curved outward. Pleurites. Metepisternum covered by elytron near posterior 1/5 of metasternum. Thoracic sterna. Mesocoxal cavities separated by distance 1/4 × width of mesocoxal cavity. Metasternum with transverse sulcus apparent; metacoxal cavities widely separated by 3-4 × their width.
Spermatheca. Comma-shaped; collum as long as corpus, swollen, equilateral; collum sub-contiguous with, and angled at 90° to ramus; ramus with apical edge straight, nearly equal in length to collum, posterior edge tapering off into cornu at a 45° angle, generally rounded in shape; corpus swollen, of equal thickness to collum, 2 × maximum width of cornu; cornu elongate, apically, gradually narrowed, strongly recurved in basal 1/5, nearly perpendicular to corpus along mesal 3/5, sinuate, and curved near apical 1/5 such that apexis parallel to collum and corpus.
Elytra. Generally shorter, but otherwise as female.
Aedeagus. Length/width ratio 4.24-4.70; lateral margins very slightly converging posteriorly, abruptly constricted and more strongly converging in region of ostium. In lateral view, width of pedon becoming gradually narrower posteriorly in anterior 3/4, ventral margins in posterior 1/4 becoming straight towards apex, then abruptly curving to meet dorsal margins at a sharp apical point; apexacutely angulate. Flagellum apically with a small, annuliform sclerite.
Etymology. Named in reference to to the generally slender and elongate appearance of the elytra; cracens = slender or graceful; Latin invariable adjective (Brown 1956). Distribution. This species has been found in the desert and arid regions of eastern New Mexico and western Texas. It is likely that its range also includes western Oklahoma, based on similarity in habitat to the currently known distribution (Fig. 50) 55, widest at anterior 1/4 of elytra. Integument black on tagmata and elytra, light to dark orange-brown on other appendages. Scales with variously interspersed colors ranging from slightly off-white to manila/tan to dark coffee brown, in some specimens appearing to have opalescent reflections. Setae apically explanate, appearing spatulate, sub-recumbent.
Maxillae. Cardo 2 × as long as distance from base of palpomere I to base of palpiger, bifurcate at base with an inner angle of ca. 90°, inner (mesal) arm 2 × longer than outer arm, inner arm 1.5 × width of outer arm, inner arm of bifurcation equal in length to apically outcurved arm. Stipes sub-quadrate, slightly wider than long, roughly equal in length to inner bifurcation of cardo, glabrous. Galeo-lacinial complexmembranous and setose in posterior 3/4, sclerotized and somewhat emarginate anteriorly; dorsally with 8 apicomesal lacinial teeth; ventrally with 3 reduced lacinial teeth. Palpiger with a row of transverse setae; membranous in anterior 1/3.
Maxillary palps. I and II both apically oblique, apical ends facing mesally and forming a 45° angle with base, I and II each with 2 apical setae; II with 1 mesoventral seta in addition to 2 apical setae.
Rostrum. Length 0.41-0.47 mm, anterior portion 2.5-3.0 × broader than long, rostrum/pronotum length ratio 0.43-0.49, rostrum length/width ratio 0.92-0.98. Separation of rostrum from head generally obscure. Dorsal outline of rostrum subrectangular, anterior half of dorsal surface impressed, posterior half strongly rugose. Rostrum in lateral view nearly square; apical margin broadly bisinuate, with 2 large vibrissae. Nasal plate defined by V-shaped, impressed lines, anteromesally slightly convex, integument partially covered with white scales. Margins of mandibular incision directed 20° outward dorsally in frontal view. Ventrolateral sulci strongly defined as a deep notch or sulcus dorsad of insertion point of mandibles. Dorsal surface of rostrum with short, linear, median fovea. Rostrum ventrally with median fovea near base of rostrum that continuing very shallowly towards posterior margin of head.
Antennae. Small tooth formed by overhanging dorsal margin of scrobe anterior to margin of eye by 1/3 of length of eye. Club similar in length to funicular antennomeres IV-VII, nearly 2.5 × as long as wide.
Head. Eyes globular to ovate, posterior margin level with lateral surface of head, slanted antero-ventrally ca. 45°; eyes separated in dorsal view by 4 × their anterior- Pronotum. Length/width ratio 0.93-0.98; widest between anterior constriction and midpoint. Anterior margin feebly arcuate, lateral margins feebly curved and widening into a slight bulge just anteriad of midpoint of pronotum, posterior margin straight, with a slight mesal incurvature. Pronotum in lateral view with setae that barely reach anterior margin. Anterolateral margin with a reduced tuft of 3-5 ocular vibrissae present, emerging near ventral 1/2 of eye, becoming gradually, evenly longer ventrally, stopping just below ventral margin of eye; vibrissae achieving a maximum length similar to anterior-posterior length of eye.
Scutellum. Minute and not apparent.
Elytra. Generally narrower relative to pronotum, but otherwise as female.
Aedeagus. Length/width ratio 5.61-5.84; lateral margins very slightly converging posteriorly, widening in region of ostium, then narrowing more strongly into a small posterior projection. In lateral view, width of pedon even in anterior 3/4, ventral margins in posterior 1/4 becoming straight towards apex, then abruptly curving to meet dorsal margins at a sharp apical point; apexacutely angulate. Flagellum apically with a large, narrowly elongate, micro-denticulate sclerite. Distribution. This species has been found in San Luis Potosí and Nuevo León (Mexico). It is likely to be found throughout the Chihuahuan Desert and arid regions of south-central Mexico based on habitat similarity (Fig. 50).
Natural history. No host plant associations have been documented. Diagnosis. Minyomerus trisetosus [JF2015] can be differentiated from other congenerics by the presence of long, erect, white setae interspersed among the regular rows of shorter, sub-recumbent, brown setae. Additionaly the procoxae are apparently contiguous, and the margins of the oral cavity are straight and slightly divergent. The anterior margin of the pronotum bears a reduced tuft of post-ocular vibrissae as well as a row of setae inserted 1/2 their length from the anterior margin. The spermatheca has the ramus basally constricted. Description -female. Habitus. Length 3.01-3.87 mm, width 1.24-1.70 mm, length/width ratio 2.28-2.44, widest at anterior 1/4-1/3 of elytra. Integument black on tagmata and elytra, light to dark orange-brown on other appendages. Scales with variously interspersed colors ranging from white to manila/tan to dark coffee brown, occasionally opalescent or with undertones of red or yellow, in some specimens appearing semi-translucent (in others opaque). Three kinds of linear setiform scales ('setae') sparse throughout; first kind short, erect to sub-erect, brown, arranged in rows on elytral intervals, present on dorsum of thorax and head; second sparser and up to 4 × length and ca. 2 × girth of former, longer and thicker on lateral surfaces, erect to sub-erect, white, interspersed among brown setae on dorsum; venter with setae thinner and more setiform than others, of similar length to brown setae, sub-recumbent, translucent white, becoming longer posteriorly and somewhat darker on terminal abdominal segment.

Minyomerus trisetosus
Mandibles. Covered with white to golden scales, with 3 longer setae, and 1 shorter seta ventrad of these.
Maxillae. Cardo 1.5 × as long as distance from base of palpomere I to base of palpiger, bifurcate at base with an inner angle of ca. 90°, inner (mesal) arm longer than outer arm, inner arm of equal width to outer arm, inner arm of bifurcation 2 × length of apically outcurved arm. Stipes sub-quadrate, 0.5 × longer than wide, roughly equal in width to inner arm of bifurcation of cardo, with 1 lateral seta. Galeo-lacinial complexapically incurved (mesally); complex membranous; setose in basal half; dorsally with  roughly trapezoidal; apical margins sinuate, angulate; lateral margins weakly incurved; basal margin arcuate. Labial palps 3-segmented, I with apical 1/2 projecting beyond margin of prementum, reaching apexof ligula; III slightly longer than II.
Rostrum. Length 0.38-0.52 mm, anterior portion 2.5-3.0 × broader than long, rostrum/pronotum length ratio 0.46-0.53, rostrum length/width ratio 0.91-1.10. Dorsal outline of rostrum sub-rectangular, anterior half of dorsal surface strongly impressed, posterior half strongly rugose. Rostrum in lateral view rectangular; apical margin with 2 large vibrissae. Nasal plate strongly defined by Y-shaped, impressed lines, convex, integument covered with white scales. Margins of mandibular incision curved, directed 30° outward dorsally in frontal view; ventrolateral sulci usually weakly defined as a somewhat shallow to moderately deep, but broad, impression dorsad of insertion point of mandibles. Dorsal surface of rostrum with median sulcus running from fovea at posterior end of nasal plate to midpoint of posterior half of rostrum. Rostrum ventrally lacking foveae in line with insertion point of mandibles.
Antennae. Dorsal margin of scrobe overhangs slightly (broadly, not forming a sharp tooth) ventrad of anterior margin of eye. Funicular antennomeres evenly progressing from elongate to broader than long; terminal funicular segment lacking appressed scales, having instead a covering of apically-directed pubescence with interspersed suberect setae. Club nearly 3 × as long as wide.
Head. Eyes strongly impressed; eyes separated in dorsal view by 4-5 × their anterior-posterior length, set off from anterior prothoracic margin by 1/3-1/2 of their anterior-posterior length.
Pronotum. Length/width ratio 0.84-0.91, sub-cylindrical to globular; widest near anterior 2/5; surface rugoso-punctate, though punctures somewhat obscured by scales. Anterior margin slightly arcuate, lateral margins feebly curved and widening into a bulge near anterior 2/5 of pronotum, thence straight to posterior margin, posterior margin incurved mesally. Pronotum in lateral view with sub-erect to erect setae that reach just beyond anterior margin in lateral view, but are inserted less than half their length from anterior margin; these setae becoming evenly longer laterally, attaining a maximum length 3/5 × anterior-posterior length of eye. Anterolateral margin with a reduced tuft of post-ocular vibrissae present, consisting of 3-5 setae, emerging dorsad ventral margin of eye, becoming longer ventrally, stopping just beneath ventral margin of eye; vibrissae achieving a maximum length 2/5-3/5 × anterior-posterior length of eye.
Scutellum. Hidden in some specimens, narrowly exposed in others (visible area less than 2 × length of appressed scales), margins straight.
Elytra. Length/width ratio 2.79-3.23; widest at anterior 1/3; anterior margins jointly 1.5-1.75 × wider than posterior margin of pronotum; lateral margins sub-parallel after anterior 1/4, more strongly rounded and converging in posterior 1/2. Elytra in lateral view sculpted with a depression at anterior 1/4; posterior declivity angled at nearly 80° to main body axis. Elytral striae not well defined, punctures not visible beneath scales, separated by 3-4 × their diameter; elytral suture sometimes slightly elevated; each interval medially with a row of erect to sub-erect setae.
Sternum VIII. Lamina sub-rectangular; anterior edges each incurved forming a 90° angle with lateral margin, not produced to a point anteromedially at connection to spiculum ventrale; less sclerotized medially.
Spermatheca. Comma-shaped; collum short, not readily distinguished, apically with hood-shaped projection sub-parallel to ramus, 2/3 × length of ramus and contiously aligned with curvature of bulb of ramus; collum sub-contiguous with, and angled at 90° to ramus; ramus bulbous, sharply constricted beneath, as long as 1.5 × length of corpus and collum, as wide as length of corpus and collum; corpus not swollen, of equal thickness to cornu; cornu elongate, apically slightly narrowed, strongly recurved in basal 1/4, nearly straight thereafter, forming a nearly 45° angle with corpus and collum.
Male. Not available or known. Etymology. Named in reference to the three distinct types of setae present on the body; tri-= three, setosus = bristly, hence trisetosus = with three kinds of bristles; Latin adjective (Brown 1956).
Material examined. Holotype -female "TEX. Lamb Co. 9 mi. W Littlefield, IV- 21-1971, C.W. O'Brien" (CWOB). Paratypes, same label information as female holotype (CWOB: 4 females); "TEX. Lubbock, 12-18-1970, pitfall  Distribution. This species has been found in the desert and arid regions of New Mexico and Texas (USA). It is likely that its range also includes northern Chihuahua and Coahuila (Mexico), based on similarity in habitat to the currently known distribution (Fig. 50) [non-focal]). This species is putatively considered parthenogenetic, given the lack of male specimens across a range of sampling events. Diagnosis. Minyomerus puticulatus [JF2015] is best distinguished from other congenerics by a combination of characters. The elytral striae are usually strongly punctate, with regu-lar rows of brown setae on the intervals. The elytra appear somewhat flattened in lateral view, and do not project far above or below the pronotum. The pronotum has a reduced tuft of post-ocular vibrissae on the anterior margin. Additionally there is a row of setae that are inserted by approximately their own length from the anterior margin, and never less than 3/4 of their length. The margins of the oral cavity are nearly straight, and usually sub-parallel. The nasal plate is strongly impressed and well defined, and the frons is somewhat bulbous. The spermatheca is quite distinct, with the ramus basally tapered, and the corpus possessing an annulate, cylindrical projection nearly 2/3 × length of the ramus. The aedeagus is uniquely narrow and elongate, and bears a very minute apical flagellar sclerite.
Maxillary palps. Palpomere 1 with apical end facing mesally and forming a 45° angle with base, I and II each with 2 apical setae; II with 1 mesoventral seta in addition to 2 apical setae.
Rostrum. Length 0.48-0.59 mm, anterior portion ca. 2 × broader than long, rostrum/pronotum length ratio 0.56-0.63, rostrum length/width ratio 1.01-1. 19. Dorsal outline of rostrum square, posterior half of dorsal surface strongly rugose. Rostrum in lateral view sub-rectangular; apical margin with 2 large vibrissae. Nasal plate very strongly defined by Y-shaped, impressed lines, convex, integument partially covered with white-opalescent scales. Margins of mandibular incision directed 30° outward dorsally in frontal view. Ventrolateral sulci strongly defined, beginning as a narrow sulcus dorsad of insertion point of mandibles, running parallel to scrobe, terminating in a ventral fovea. Dorsal surface of rostrum with median sulcus running dorsally from fovea at posterior end of nasal plate to midpoint between posterior margins of eyes. Rostrum ventrally lacking foveae in line with insertion point of mandibles. Oral cavity with lateral margins weakly curved. Antennae. Dorsal margin of scrobe overhanging slightly and forming a minute tooth, anterior to margin of eye by 2/5 of length of eye. Terminal funicular segment somewhat oblong in dorsal view, lacking appressed scales, having instead a covering of apically-directed pubescence with interspersed sub-erect setae. Club similar in length to funicular antennomeres IV-VII, 2.25-2.5 × as long as wide.
Head. Eyes separated in dorsal view by 4-5 × their anterior-posterior length, set off from anterior prothoracic margin by 2/5 of their anterior-posterior length.
Pronotum. Length/width ratio 0.83-0.86, sub-cylindrical to conical; widest near anterior 1/4 just before anterior constriction; surface deeply and coarsely punctate. Anterior margin nearly straight, subtly incurving mesally, lateral margins curved anteriorly and widening into a bulge near anterior 1/4, nearly straight to posterior margin thereafter; anterior constriction subtle in some specimens, posterior margin incurved. Pronotum in lateral view with setae that reach beyond anterior margin; these setae becoming evenly longer laterally, nearly reaching posterior margin of eye at their maximum length. Anterolateral margin with a reduced tuft of post-ocular vibrissae present, consisting of 3-6 setae, usually only 1-2 setae emerging beyond fringe of appressed scales near ventral margin of eye; vibrissae achieving a maximum length 3/5-2/3 × anterior-posterior length of eye.
Sternum VIII. Anterior laminar edges each incurved forming a 115° angle with lateral margin; a less sclerotized region present anteriorly with anterior and lateral edges straight, latter diverging anteriorly; sclerotized region with pores throughout, less sclerotized medially; posterior edge strongly incurved and alate.
Elytra. Elytral declivity less angulate, forming a 60° angle to main body axis, but otherwise as female.
Etymology. Named in reference to the deep and distinct punctures covering the dorsum; puteus = pit, puticulus = diminutive of pit (small pit), puticulatus = with little pits; Latin adjective (Brown 1956). Distribution. This species has been found in the Big Bend region of Texas (USA), and is likely also found in Coahuila and Chihuahua (Mexico) (Fig. 52). Diagnosis. Minyomerus bulbifrons [JF2015] is readily differentiated from other congenerics by the heavily protuberant frons (which can extend up to 3 × the length of the eye from the anterior margin of the eye), strongly impressed nasal plate, and punctate elytra. The elytra are angled at their point of contact with the pronotum such that they appear confluent with the posterior margin of the pronotum. The elytral setae are arranged in regular rows, and are small, subrecumbent, and brown. The spermatheca is distinct, with the ramus basally tapered, and the corpus possessing an annulate, cylindrical projection nearly 1/2 × length of the ramus. The aedeagal flagellum is unique in possessing a spiriform apical sclerite that spirals counterclockwise and is as long as the aedeagal pedon.
Description -female. Habitus. Length 3.67-4.10 mm, width 1.41-1.60 mm, length/width ratio 2.49-2.61, widest at anterior 1/5 of elytra. Integument dark reddish-brown to black. Scales slightly off-white to manila/tan to beige, in some specimens appearing semi-translucent (in others opaque) or metallic; occasionally monotonic and off-white, but usually with interspersed colors forming small maculae, bands and other variously scattered patterns; scales generally off-white ventrally, including rows of setae. Setae minute, sub-recumbent, of equal length throughout.
Maxillae. Cardo bifurcate at base with an inner angle of ca. 105°, arms roughly equal in length and width, arms of bifurcation equal in length to apically outcurved arm. Stipes nearly square, equilateral, roughly equal in length to inner arm of bifurcation of cardo, with a single lateral seta. Galeo-lacinial complexmembranous and setose in posterior 2/3, sclerotized and somewhat emarginate anteriorly; dorsally with 9 apicomesal lacinial teeth; ventrally with 4 reduced lacinial teeth. Palpiger with a transverse row of setae; anterior 1/3 membranous, posteriorly sclerotized.
Rostrum. Length 0.53-0.59 mm, anterior portion ca. 2.5 × broader than long, rostrum/pronotum length ratio 0.60-0.75, rostrum length/width ratio 1.00-1.14. Dorsal outline of rostrum square, anterior half of dorsal surface mesally concave, posterior half strongly convex and punctate. Rostrum in lateral view nearly square; anterior half dorsolateral margins slightly diverging; apical margin with 2 groups of 3 large vibrissae, each group inserted just laterad of apexof each sinuation. Nasal plate defined by V-shaped, impressed lines, concave, integument covered with white scales. Margins of mandibular incision only very slightly diverging dorsally in frontal view. Ventrolateral sulci strongly defined as a deep notch dorsad of insertion point of mandibles.
Antennae. Dorsal margin of scrobe overhanging slightly and forming a minute tooth, anterior to margin of eye by 1/3 of length of eye. Club 2.5-3.0 × as long as wide.
Head. Eyes separated in dorsal view by 5-6 × their anterior-posterior length, set off from anterior prothoracic margin by 2/5-1/2 of their anterior-posterior length. Head between eyes punctate and strongly protuberant.
Spermatheca. Comma-shaped; collum short, apically with a large, hood-shaped projection perpendicular to ramus, nearly equal in length and contiously aligned with curvature of bulb of ramus and ante-apically with a long, perpendicular, cylindrical projection, nearly equal in length to collum and 1/2 length of ramus; collum short, cylindrical, sub-contiguous with, and angled at 90° to ramus; ramus elongate, bulbous, equal in thickness to corpus; corpus swollen, slightly thicker than collum, 1.5 × thickness of cornu; cornu elongate, apically, gradually narrowed, strongly recurved in basal 1/2, forming an inner angle of ca. 60° to collum and corpus, abruptly bent outward ca. 30°, then incurved.
Aedeagus. Length/width ratio 2.83-3.29. Flagellum with a large, narrowly elongate, tortuous, spiriform sclerite, sclerite anteriorly gradually widened and more sclerotized, constricted slightly in anterior 1/8 and slightly widening anteriorly to form a small bulb and long counterclockwise-spiraling projection, situated in anterior portion of flagellum, and as long as pedon.
Material examined. Holotype -female "Gila Bend, Ariz. 10m N, July 22, 1924 Distribution. This species has been found in the Mojave and Sonoran Desert regions of Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah (USA). It is likely that this species is also present in Sonora and Baja California (Mexico), based on the availability and proximity of similar habitat (Fig. 52). Diagnosis. Minyomerus politus [JF2015] can be distinguished by the protuberant frons, impressed nasal plate, smooth, unsculpted elytra, and minute, white, elytral setae. The spermatheca is distinct, with the ramus elongate and apically swollen, and the corpus possessing an annulate, cylindrical projection nearly 1/2 × length of the ramus. The aedeagal flagellum is unique in possessing a spiriform apical sclerite that spirals clockwise and is as long as the aedeagal pedon.
Mandibles. Covered with white scales, with 3 long setae.
Rostrum. Length 0.44-0.55 mm, anterior portion 1.75-2 × broader than long, slightly narrower than head, rostrum/pronotum length ratio 0.50-0.58, rostrum length/width ratio 1.08-1.20. Dorsal outline of rostrum sub-rectangular, anterior half of dorsal surface mesally concave and impressed, posterior half strongly convex and rugose. Rostrum in lateral view sub-trapezoidal; anterior half of dorsolateral margins slightly diverging; apical margin roughly bisinuate, with 2 large vibrissae. Nasal plate defined by V-shaped, impressed lines, medially slightly concave, integument covered with white scales. Margins of mandibular incision curved, directed 30° outward dorsally in frontal view, bounded by same type of scales as those on remainder of body surface. Ventrolateral sulci strongly defined, beginning as a narrow sulcus dorsad of insertion point of mandibles, running parallel to scrobe, disappearing ventrally. Ventrolateral margins narrowly converging. Rostrum ventrally lacking foveae in line with insertion point of mandibles.
Antennae. Dorsal margin of scrobe overhanging slightly and forming a minute tooth, ventrad of anterior margin of eye. Club 2.5 × as long as wide.
Head. Eyes separated in dorsal view by 3-4 × their anterior-posterior length, set off from anterior prothoracic margin by 2/5-1/2 of their anterior-posterior length. Head between eyes rugose and strongly bulging.
Pronotum. Wider than long, length/width ratio 0.83-0.88, sub-cylindrical to slightly globular; median sulcus absent. Anterior margin arcuate and somewhat produced dorsally, lateral margins evenly curved and widening into a bulge near midpoint; posterior margin straight. Pronotum in lateral view with setae inserted 2 × their length from anterior margin. Anterolateral margin with a reduced tuft of post-ocular vibrissae present, consisting of 3-5 setae, emerging near ventral 1/4 of eye, stopping just beyond ventral margin of eye; vibrissae achieving a maximum length 1/2-3/5 × anterior-posterior length of eye.
Abdominal sterna. Ventrite III elevated and set off from IV along lateral 1/3 of its length, somewhat concave anteriorly. Sternum VII mesally 1/2 as long as wide; anterior margin straight.
Sternum VIII. Lamina sub-trapezoidal; anterior edges each incurved forming a 105° angle with lateral margin; sclerotized region with pores anteriorly. Ovipositor. Coxites 1/3 as broad as long in dorsal view and with sclerotized regions porose; styli with a patch of pores near base.
Sternum VIII. Dorsal surface with a patch of short, fine setae laterally. Aedeagal pedon. Length/width ratio 3.37. Ventral margins in region of ostium straight. Flagellum with a large, narrowly elongate, tortuous, spiriform sclerite, sclerite anteriorly gradually widened and more sclerotized, constricted slightly in anterior 1/3 and slightly widening anteriorly to form a small bulb and long counterclockwise-spiraling projection, situated in anterior portion of flagellum, and as long as pedon.
Comments. Due to the limited number of specimens of this species, dissections of mouthparts could not be performed.
Etymology. Named in reference to the smooth body surface and imperceptibly minute setae; politus = polished; Latin adjective (Brown 1956).  Distribution. This species is known from a single locality in Clark County, Nevada (Fig 52).
Natural history. Associated with burro-weed (Ambrosia dumosa [A. Gray] W.W. Payne [non-focal]; Asteraceae [non-focal]). in general appearance. The frons is protuberant in this species, and the nasal plate is covered with scales that have a strongly opalescent reflectance. The elytra are lightly sculpted. The ocular vibrissae are as long as the eye, but reduced in number. The oral cavity has weakly curved lateral margins; the posterior margin is at least as long as the lateral margins. The genae are not impressed with a strong ventrolateral suture. The spermatheca has a bulbous, basally tapered ramus. Additionally, the lamina of the spiculum gastrale is mesally membranous between the laminar arms. The aedeagus is acute and evenly curved.

Minyomerus gravivultus
Description -female. Habitus. Length 3.74-4.15 mm, width 1.53-1.64 mm, length/width ratio 2.45-2.53, widest near midpoint of elytra. Integument orangebrown to black. Scales with variously interspersed colors ranging from slightly offwhite to manila/tan to dark coffee brown, in some specimens appearing opalescent or with metallic reflections. Setae brown, becoming longer, white, and more erect on humeri and venter.
Maxillary palps. Palpomeres I and II with apical ends facing mesally and forming a 45° angle with base, with 2 apical setae.
Rostrum. Length 0.56-0.61 mm, anterior portion 1.5-2 × broader than long, rostrum/pronotum length ratio 0.57-0.65, rostrum length/width ratio 1.33-1.39. Dorsal outline of rostrum sub-rectangular, anterior half of dorsal surface strongly impressed, posterior half strongly rugose. Rostrum in lateral view trapezoidal; anterior half of dorsolateral margins somewhat diverging; apical margin with 2 large vibrissae. Nasal plate strongly defined by Y-shaped, impressed lines, medially convex; integument completely covered with strongly opalescent scales. Margins of mandibular incision curved, directed 25° outward dorsally in frontal view, bounded by whitish scales, similar to rest of body; ventrolateral sulci somewhat defined, beginning as a broad, shallow sulcus dorsad of insertion point of mandibles, running parallel to scrobe, becoming fainter posteriorly and disappearing into a fovea ventrally. Dorsal surface of rostrum with median sulcus running from fovea at posterior end of anterior half rostrum to midpoint of posterior half of rostrum; ventrolateral margins slightly converging. Rostrum ventrally lacking foveae in line with insertion point of mandibles. Oral cavity with lateral margins curved.
Antennae. Dorsal margin of scrobe overhangs forming a small tooth antero-ventrad of anterior marginof eye. Funicular antennomeres evenly progressing from elongate to broader than long; terminal segment lacking appressed scales, having instead a covering of apically-directed pubescence with interspersed sub-erect setae. Club similar in length to funicular antennomeres III-VII, nearly 2.5 × as long as wide.
Head. Eyes strongly impressed; eyes separated in dorsal view by 4-5 × their anterior-posterior length, narrowly separated from anterior prothoracic margin.
Pronotum. Length/width ratio 0.91-1.01, sub-cylindrical to conical; widest near anterior 1/4. Anterior margin arcuate, lateral margins feebly curved and widening into a slight bulge near anterior 1/3 of pronotum, thence straight to posterior margin, posterior margin straight. Pronotum in lateral view with setae that reach beyond anterior margin; these setae becoming evenly longer laterally, reaching posterior margin of eye at their maximum length. Anterolateral margin with a reduced tuft of post-ocular vibrissae present, consisting of 3-5 setae, emerging slightly above ventral margin of eye, becoming gradually, evenly longer ventrally, stopping just beneath ventral margin of eye; vibrissae achieving a maximum length nearly equal to anterior-posterior length of eye.
Male. Similar to female, except where noted.
Aedeagus. Length/width ratio 3.41. Pedon in lateral view with ventral margins curving to meet dorsal margins at a sharp apical point; apexacutely angulate. Flagellum with a small tortuous, recurved, ampullate sclerite, situated in anterior portion of flagellum.
Etymology. Named in reference to the enlarged supraorbital ridges, which give the impression of a furrowed brow; gravis = heavy or serious, vultus = countenance or face, gravivultus = serious countenance; Latin noun in apposition (Brown 1956). Distribution. This species has been found in Baja California, near the border of Baja California Sur (Mexico) (Fig. 52).

Minyomerus griseus
Diagnosis. Minyomerus griseus [JF2015] is readily distinguished from other congenerics by the separated procoxae and the size of the rostrum, which is narrower than the head. The eyes are relatively large, and the elytra are not noticeably punctate. The ramus of the spermatheca is cylindrical, somewhat bulbous, and basally constricted. The aedeagus is elongate, acutely angulate, and narrowing towards the apexmore strongly in the region of the ostium.
Redescription -female.  mm, width 1.77-2.03 mm, shape sub-cylindrical to ovate, length/width ratio 2.18-2.58, widest near anterior 1/2 of elytra. Integument dark reddish-brown to black. Scales with variously interspersed colors ranging from grey to white to yellow, in some specimens appearing semi-translucent (in others opaque) or with reddish or greenish opalescent reflections; scale color generally uniform throughout, sometimes with scales becoming lighter ventrally. Setae recumbent.
Maxillary palps. Palpomere I with apical end facing mesally and forming a 55° angle with base, I and II each with 2 apical setae; II with 1 mesoventral seta in addition to 2 apical setae.
Rostrum. Length 0.54-0.63 mm, anterior portion 2-2.5 × broader than long, narrower than head, rostrum/pronotum length ratio 0.51-0.53, rostrum length/width ratio 0.85-0.95. Dorsal outline of rostrum trapezoidal, posterior half of dorsal surface strongly rugose. Rostrum in lateral view nearly square; apical margin bisinuate, sinuations meeting to form a small median projection, and with 2 large vibrissae. Nasal plate very weakly defined by V-shaped, impressed lines, posteriorly planar, anteriorly concave, integument partially covered with opalescent scales. Margins of mandibular incision directed 25° outward dorsally in frontal view. Ventrolateral sulci weakly defined as a broad concavity dorsad of insertion point of mandibles (slightly notched in  integument between 2 converging sulci (beginning at corners of oral cavity) slightly elevated. Oral cavity with lateral margins curved.
Antennae. Dorsal margin of scrobe overhanging slightly and forming a small tooth, anterior to margin of eye by 1/3 of length of eye. Terminal funicular segment lacking appressed scales, having instead a covering of apically-directed pubescence with interspersed sub-erect setae. Club nearly 3 × as long as wide.
Head. Anterodorsal margin of each eye slightly impressed, posterior margin strongly elevated from lateral surface of head; eyes separated in dorsal view by 4-5 × their anterior-posterior length, set off from anterior prothoracic margin by 1/4 of their anterior-posterior length. Head between eyes slightly bulging, appearing flat in some specimens. Head without any transverse post-ocular impression.
Pronotum. Length/width ratio 0.68-0.81, globular; surface finely punctate, though punctures somewhat obscured by scales; median sulcus absent. Anterior margin incurving mesally, posterior margin straight. Pronotum in lateral view with setae inserted 2 × their length from anterior margin. Anterolateral margin with a reduced tuft of 6-7 ocular vibrissae present, emerging near posterior 1/2 of eye, vibrissae longer ventrally, stopping near dorsal margin of scrobe, achieving a maximum length equal to 3/4 × anterior to posterior length of eye.
Legs. Tibiae and trochanters of all legs with a single, hair-like, brown seta positioned on mesal surface, approximately 2 × length of adjacent setae. Profemur/pronotum length ratio 0.92-1.05; proximal 5/6 of profemur gradually widening, then abruptly constricted with distal 1/6 produced ventrally as a semicircular projection covering tibial joint; condyle of tibial articulation occupying 1/6 length of femur. Protibia/profemur length ratio 0.92-1.01; protibia moderately long and stout; protibial apexwith ventral setal comb recessed in a broadly concave groove; mucro present as a laterally projected tooth equal in length to nearby setae, triangular and equilateral. Protarsus with tarsomere I 1.5 × as long as II; II and III equilateral; I-II jointly similar in length to V. Metatibial apexwith almond shaped convex ity ringed by 10-11 short, spiniform setae.
Elytra. Elytral declivity more angulate, forming an 80° angle to main body axis, but otherwise as female.
Aedeagus. Length/width ratio 3.96-4.40; lateral margins slightly converging posteriorly, more strongly converging in region of ostium. In lateral view, width of pedon nearly equal along anterior 3/4, ventral margins in posterior 1/4 becoming straight towards apex, meeting dorsal margins at a sharp apical point; apexacutely angulate. Flagellum with a large, narrowly elongate, tortuous, ampullate, apical sclerite, sclerite anteriorly gradually widened, constricted in anterior 1/4 and slightly widening anteriorly to form a small bulb, situated in anterior portion of flagellum.
Description -female.  mm, width 1.84-2.12 mm, length/width ratio 2.39-2.60, widest at anterior 1/4 of elytra. Integument orangebrown to black. Scales with variously interspersed colors ranging from slightly off-white to manila/tan to dark coffee brown, in some specimens appearing semi-translucent (in others opaque). Setae sub-recumbent, brown; with larger, more erect white setae interspersed throughout on even numbered elytral intervals, shorter setae arranged in rows on all elytral intervals.
Maxillae. Cardo bifurcate at base with an inner angle of ca. 115°, inner (mesal) arm sub-equal in length to outer arm, inner arm of equal width to outer arm, arms of bifurcation equal in length to apically outcurved arm. Stipes sub-quadrate, nearly equilateral, roughly equal in length to inner arm of bifurcation of cardo, with a single lateral seta. Galeo-lacinial complexapically incurved (mesally); complexmembranous; setose in basal 2/3; dorsally with 8 apicomesal lacinial teeth; ventrally with 4 reduced lacinial teeth. Palpiger with a lateral patch of setae, sclerotized on basal 2/3.
Maxillary palps. Palpomeres I and II with apical ends facing mesally and forming a 45° angle with base, each with 2 apical setae; II with 1 mesoventral seta in addition to apical seta.
Rostrum. Length 0.57-0.77 mm, appearing distinctly flattened, anterior portion 2.5-3.0 × broader than long, rostrum/pronotum length ratio 0.46-0.53, rostrum length/width ratio 0.86-1.00; shape in cross section elongate rectangular. Dorsal outline of rostrum sub-rectangular, anterior half of dorsal surface slightly concave and weakly impressed, posterior half strongly rugose. Rostrum in lateral view rectangular; apical margin with 2 large vibrissae. Nasal plate defined by broad, Y-shaped concavities, convex, integument completely covered with scales similar to those of body. Margins of mandibular incision directed 30° outward dorsally in frontal view; ventrolateral sulci well defined, beginning as a sulcus dorsad of insertion point of mandibles, running parallel to scrobe, becoming fainter posteriorly and disappearing ventrally. Integument dorsad of sulcus expanded somewhat laterally. Dorsal surface of rostrum with median sulcus running from fovea at posterior end of anterior half rostrum to midpoint of pos-  Antennae. Dorsal margin of scrobe overhangs forming a small tooth ventrad of anterior margin of eye. Funicular antennomeres evenly progressing from elongate to broader than long; terminal segment lacking appressed scales, having instead a cover- ing of apically-directed pubescence with interspersed sub-erect setae. Club 2.5-3.0 × as long as wide.
Head. Eyes separated in dorsal view by 4-5 × their anterior-posterior length, touching anterior prothoracic margin. Head without transverse post-ocular impression.
Pronotum. Length/width ratio 0.94-0.99, sub-cylindrical to globular; widest near anterior 1/3; median sulcus absent. Anterior margin broadly arcuate, lateral margins curved and widening into a bulge at anterior 1/3 of pronotum, thence straight to posterior margin, posterior margin straight. Pronotum in lateral view setae that reach beyond anterior margin; these setae becoming evenly longer laterally, nearly reaching into anterior 1/2 of eye at their maximum length. Anterolateral margin with a reduced tuft of post-ocular vibrissae present, consisting of 4-6 setae, emerging near ventral margin of eye; vibrissae achieving a maximum length 3/4 × anterior-posterior length of eye.
Abdominal sterna. Ventrite III elevated and set off from IV along lateral 1/4 of its length. Sternum VII mesally 3/5 × as long as wide; anterior margin weakly curved.
Spermatheca. ?-shaped; collum short, apically with a small, hood-shaped projection angled at 90° to ramus, nearly equal in length to stalk of ramus and contiously aligned with curvature of bulb of ramus; collum sub-contiguous with, and angled at 90° to ramus; ramus basally elongate, forming a stalk, equal in length to collum, bulbous apically, 3 × thicker than stalk; corpus not swollen, of equal thickness to collum and cornu; cornu elongate, apically, gradually narrowed, strongly recurved in basal 1/4, straight along mesal 1/2, and curved near apical 1/4 such that apexis parallel to collum and corpus.
Rostrum. Rostrum similar to female, but generally more sculpted. Rostrum dorsally significantly more concave, emarginate, and with margins flared outwardly. Ventrolateral margins expanded laterally, each appearing as a semicircular projection beneath insertion point of scrobe. Scrobe channel less curved than female. Dorso-ventrally thinner than female.
Head. More sculpted than female, and with a more pronounced post-ocular impression. Thorax. More globular than female, but otherwise similar.
Elytra. In lateral view, dorsum flat, declivity significantly sharper, angled at 90° to main body axis. Intervals raised and all of uniform height and setation; lacking any of larger, more erect setae found on female.
Aedeagus. Length/width ratio 4. 36-4.73; lateral margins converging posteriorly, somewhat more strongly converging in region of ostium. Width of pedon in lateral view becoming gradually narrower posteriorly in anterior 1/2, ventral margins in posterior 1/2 becoming straight towards apex, then abruptly curving to meet dorsal margins at a sharp apical point; apexacutely angulate. Flagellum apically with a small conical sclerite.
Etymology. Named in reference to the dilated, concave rostrum of the male, which has the appearance of a shovel; rutellum = shovel, rostrum = beak or nose, rutellirostris = with a shovel-nose; Latin adjective (Brown 1956). Distribution. This species is found in Baja California Sur (Mexico) (Fig. 52)

Phylogenetic analysis of the species of Minyomerus [JF2015]
A matrix of 46 characters was assembled for the 22 terminal taxa (Table 1). Cladistic parsimony analysis returned a single, most-parsimonious cladogram with a length (L) of 82 steps, a consistency index (CI) of 65 and a retention index (RI) of 82 (Farris 1989).
TNT was used to confirm that the shortest tree had been found (Goloboff et al. 2008).
The assessed characters, states, and preferred optimizations will be jointly treated in this section. Due to a lack of prior study establishing generic relationships with Tanymecini, only characters relevant to the delimitation and internal relationships of Minyomerus [JF2015] are discussed in detail. For all characters not resolved as unreversed synapomorphies, both the individual consistency (ci) and retention (ri) indices are provided. Characters are numbered in accordance with descriptive sequence used in the genus/ species accounts. A "-" symbol indicates inapplicable (character, state), whereas a "?" symbol indicates missing information, e.g., due to the unavailability of male specimens or insufficient specimens on hand to permit full dissections. At the reviewers' request, we explored adding three outgroup representatives (one naupactine [non-focal], two tanymecines [non-focal]) to reaffirm that the polarity of characters of the male and fe-male terminalia among the ingroup taxa was robustly inferred. Characters 7,33,38,39,41,and 46 were mapped onto the preferred phylogeny using ACCTRAN optimization, and the remaining characters had an unambiguous optimization.  and select outgroup taxa. All multistate characters coded as additive, except for character 33. The symbol "-" denotes inapplicable character states, whereas "?" denotes missing information (see also text).  (ci = 20; ri = 42). 24. Legs, relative length of mesotarsi to mesotibiae: (0) tarsi much shorter than tibiae; (1) tarsi at least equal in length to tibiae; (2) tarsi slightly shorter than tibiae. Coded as additive due to alignment of character states with preferred phylogeny.
Coding as non-additive in isolation or in unison with other additive multistate characters does not affect polarization of the character/states or alter the phylog- (1) distinctly shortened; (2) highly reduced, appearing minute. Coded as nonadditive, due to strong differences in structure of coxites and styli in state 2; in-  Characters 7,33,38,39,41,43,and 46 are mapped under ACCTRAN optimization; all others are unambiguously optimized. Black squares indicate non-homoplasious character state changes, whereas white squares indicate homoplasious character state changes. The numbers above and below the squares represent character numbers and states, respectively. Bootstrap (upper value) and Bremer support (lower value) values can be found at the left ends of the branches.
also likely homoplasious and often correlated with the secondary loss of the wings in entimine weevils (Franz 2012). Intrageneric relationships. Within Minyomerus [JF2015], several clades are recognized based on variably strong support, as follows (Fig. 49). The M. conicollis-M. rutellirostris clade [JF2015] is supported by two unreversed synapomorphies (bsv = 2; boot = 55); viz. the laminar arms of the spiculum ventrale are not mesally joined, and are clearly bifurcate (chars. 30:1, and 31:1, respectively). These characters reflect The M. languidus-M. rutellirostris clade [JF2015] is supported by a single, unreversed synapomorphy (bsv = 2; boot = 55), viz., the anterolateral margins of the prementum are simple, and not expanded and angular laterad of the ligula (char. 6:1). Additionally, three supporting characters exhibit one or more reversals (chars. 4:1, 5:1, and 46:0). The anterior margin of the ligula is flat and forms a very distinct face, and is strongly ligulate, having a typical pentagonal appearance. This clade roughly corresponds to the genus Pseudelissa sec. Casey (1888), and is further supported by the reduced tuft of post-ocular vibrissae and relatively small eyes. The clade does not include M. conicollis , which was originally placed into Minyomerus sec. Green (1920). The original type of Pseudelissa sec. Casey (1888), P. cinerea sec. Casey (1888) The M. aeriballux-M. rutellirostris clade [JF2015] is supported by an unreversed synapomorphy (bsv = 1; boot = 100); i.e., the nasal plate is bordered by a relatively more strongly defined, punctate sulcus (char. 12:2). The clade is also supported by having the terminal funicular segment at least partially clothed with broad scales (char. is characterized by a single unreversed synapomorphy, namely, the lack of a medial, anteriorly directed, sclerotized process on the coxites of the ovipositor (char. 34:1). This character is phylogenetically significant, given the importance and relatively conserved morphology of the ovipositor within Minyomerus [JF2015]. The M. puticulatus-M. rutellirostris clade [JF2015] is primarily characterized by the sternum VIII which has apically bifurcating arms between which the disc of the lamina is medially less sclerotized than lateral regions (char. 21:1).
Within the M. aeriballux-M. trisetosus clade [JF2015] there is a basal division into (1) the M. aeriballux-M. reburrus clade [JF2015], characterized by three unreversed synapomorphies (chars. 2, 9, and 22; bsv = 2; boot = 56), and (2) the M. caseyi-M. trisetosus clade [JF2015], which is supported by a single unreversed synapomorphy (char. 32; bsv = 3; boot = 68) and five homoplasious characters (chars. 3, 4, 5, 35, and 38). The M. aeriballux-M. reburrus clade [JF2015] is delimited by: (1) having copious setae that are not arranged in even, single-file rows on the elytra; (2) the longitudinally rounded, rather than protuberant frons, which gives the head a uniquely conical appearance; and (3) the setation of the metatibial apexwhich is covered in longer, translucent, lighter colored, and somewhat lamelliform setae, rather than the typical, opaque brown, conical setae present throughout the genus. This clade is further supported by the rather large and protruding eyes, which do not exhibit the degree of impression seen in many other Minyomerus The major M. puticulatus-M. rutellirostris clade [JF2015] is further bifurcated into two multi-species sister clades. First among these, the M. puticulatus-M. politus clade [JF2015] is well delimited by having the spematheca with a cylindrical bulb located apically on the corpus (char. 27:1; bsv = 2; boot = 67). The clade is also characterized by two other synapomorphies; i.e., the anterior margin of tergum VII is sclerotized fully, appearing as an obviously complete band (char. 33:1), and the lamina of the spiculum gastrale is longer than broad and anteriorly extended along the syle (char. 39:1). Both characters are reversed in M. bulbifrons [JF2015], but nevertheless the clade is well supported by the derived and unique bulb on the corpus of the spermatheca. The M. bulbifrons-M. politus clade [JF2015] is sustained by three unreversed synapomorphies (chars. 13:1, 37:1, and 44:1; bsv = 2; boot = 60) and a single homoplasious character (char. 15:1). Characters most indidicative of their close relationship are the very strongly protuberant frons, the elongate-spiriform apical sclerite of the aedeagal flagellum, and the form of the basally broad, evenly tapering aedeagal pedon. The form of the apical sclerite is interesting in that the spiriform sclerites display chirality. The sclerite is a left-handed helix in M. bulbifrons , and a right-handed helix in M. politus . Given their overlapping distributions and similar appearance, the origin of these species may be related to sexual selection, representing the outcome yet their phylogenetic relationships to Minyomerus [JF2015] remain unexplored. The following discussion must therefore remain somewhat speculative.
The Chihuahuan Desert is frequently invoked as the point of origin for modern North American desert taxa, as this region is considered to have been climatically stable since the Middle Miocene (ca. 15 mya; see Wilson and Pitts 2010). This area is central to the distribution of Minyomerus [JF2015] (Figs 50-52). The diversity of phenotypic traits and wide-ranging, overlapping distributions of many species may be indicative of long evolutionary history that followed the development of these desert biomes. Early members of Minyomerus [JF2015] possibly diversified originated following the rise of the Sierra Madre Occidental in the Miocene, 15-7 mya, during the Neogene uplift. This event is thought to have altered the relatively tropical climate of North America by blocking moisture from the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, causing the Great Plains region and the Mexican Plateau to become significantly more arid (Wilson and Pitts 2010). Minyomerus [JF2015] is currently restricted to semi-/arid habitats, and is psammophilic, showing several putative adaptations for sandy habitats such as stout, spiniform setae on the tarsi which are thought to be correlated with sandy substrates (Fet et al. 1998). We therefore consider it most likely that Minyomerus [JF2015] diversified in correlation with shifts from moist to more arid climates and sandy habitats, approximately 15 mya.
The Sonoran Desert is thought to have become steadily more arid between 15-8 mya (van Devender 2000). These developments may correspond to the basal split be- Minyomerus conicollis [JF2015] is found in higher elevations and cooler temperatures, reaching north into Texas, whereas M. languidus [JF2015] occurs more westward, ranging from Texas to Arizona (Fig. 51). The present-day distribution of M. microps [JF2015] (Fig. 51) suggests parallel dispersal northward, with M. imberbus [JF2015] occurring west of the Rocky Mountains and M. microps [JF2015] east. The timing of these radiation events is possibly correlated with the formation of the Llano Estacado during the Neogene uplift (Matthews 1969;Spearing 1991   (1) a widespread ancestor that became separated by the formation of the Baja California Peninsula, followed by subsequent extinctions between the Peninsula and the Big Bend region; or (2) dispersal by the ancestor of M. griseus  from Baja California to mainland Mexico, followed by further dispersal north to match thepresent-day distribution. The latter scenario seems less likely, considering possible barrier effects the Sierra Madre Occidental to the dispersal of these small, flightless weevils.
Evolution of life history traits and parthenogenesis. All species of Minyomerus [JF2015] are flightless, and many have been observed on a wide range of plant hosts. The adults are exclusively leaf-feeding, and found on the branches of their hosts during the day and night. Field work has revealed Minyomerus [JF2015] weevils to frequently occur in patches of relatively high population density. In certain habitats they are found in densities so high that every plant in the vicinity has dozens or more individuals present while in an adjacent region, less than half a mile away, there may be none. This phenomenon was observed at one site in Nevada, northeast of Las Vegas. In the area with abundant Minyomerus [JF2015] populations, the apparent damage to the host (creosote bush [non-focal]) is minor and not noticeably different from other areas. Under such circumstances, selective pressures favoring dispersal may not be high. Conversely, high population density can also result from poor dispersal ability, or a correlate of aggregating behavior, as seen in Sitona [non-focal] (Blight et al. 1984).
Loss of the hindwings is often correlated with an increase in fecundity, presumably due to a reduced expenditure of energy on relatively costly flight structures (Roff 1986(Roff , 1990Wagner and Liebherr 1992). The loss of flight is also correlated with stable environments, such as deserts, where dispersal is not essential to survival and where the benefits of increased fecundity outweigh the costs of reduced dispersal potential. Similarly, the development of parthenogenesis and polyploidy is more frequent among flightless insects than flying insects (Roff 1990). No enrgy is invested into mating rituals. In stable environments, low genetic variability may result in greater success of progeny similar to reproductively successful parents.
According to the inferred phylogeny for Minyomerus [JF2015] (Fig. 49), parthenogenetic reproduction has evolved at least twice independently within the genus. . This scenario is not cytologically very plausible (though not impossible either). It is therefore more likely that the gains of parthenogenetic reproduction observed in M. languidus  and M. microps [JF2015] occurred convergently and in relation to sexually reproducing ancestors (see also Saura et al. 1993;Normark and Lanteri 1998). Saura et al. (1993) list 75 different parthenogenetic lineages of weevils. All of these are known to be apomictic, and the majority are polyploid. Apomictic parthenogenesis occurs when meiosis becomes suppressed, resulting in egg development through mitosis, which may exhibit some vestigial aspects of meiosis. The authors found that development of this form of reproduction varies in origin, but is dependent on polyploidization. The process includes the acquisition of triploidy through hybridization, i.e., the fertilization of a hybrid diploid gamete with a haploid gamete produces triploid offspring, a phenomenon known as autopolyploidization and observed (e.g.) in the bagworm (Psychidae [non-focal]) moth Dahlica triquetrella [non-focal] (Huebner, 1813). Most instances of weevil parthenogenesis are though to be the result of hybridization, resulting in triploidy, and followed by subsequent changes in ploidy number (Saura et al. 1993). It is also possible that the putative parthenogenetic species of Minyomerus [JF2015] are the outcome of hybridization events between closely related species, given the numerous instances of overlapping species distributions (see above). Further studies should focus on understanding the extent and underlying mechanisms of parthenogenesis in different Minyomerus [JF2015] lineages (e.g., via karyotyping of eggs), and on utilizing the findings to attain a deeper understanding of the historical interactions of biogeographic and reproductive factors leading to the present-day diversity and distribution of Minyomerus [JF2015] species.