71^17,9 83
DAVIS, Jerry Collins, 1943- REVISION OF THE GENUS BLAPSTINUS STURM OF AMERICA NORTH OF MEXICO WITH NOTES ON EXTRALIMITAL SPECIES (COLEOPTERA: TENEBRIONIDAE).
The Ohio State University, Ph.D., 1970 Entomology
University Microfilms, A XEROX Company, Ann Arbor, Michigan REVISION OF THE GENUS BLAPSTINUS STURM OF AMERICA NORTH
OF MEXICO WITH NOTES ON EXTRALIMITAL SPECIES (COLEOPTERA: TENEBRIONIDAE)
DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University
By Jerry Collins Davis, B.S., M.S
The Ohio State University
1970
Approved by
Adviser Department of Entomology ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The following institutions and individuals deserve thanks for loan of material (see page 6 for key to abbreviations): AMNH - Dr. Lee H. Herman ANSP - Dr. H. R. Roberts
ASUT - Dr. Frank F. Hasbrouck
BDUN - Dr. Ira La Rivers
3MNH - Dr. C. M. F. von Hayek CASC - Dr. Hugh B. Leech CISC - Dr. Jerry A. Powell
CNCI - Dr. J. M. Campbell CUIC - Dr. L. L. Pechuman DEFW - Dr. Phillip J. Clausen EMUS - Dr. George F. Knowlton
ESUW - Dr. R. J. Lavigne INHS - Dr. John D. Unzicker
MCZC - Dr. John F. Lawrence
NAUF - Dr. C. D. Johnson
ODAC - Dr. Richard L. 77estcott OSUC - Dr. C. A. Triplehorn
OSUO - Dr. Paul Oman PURC - Dr. Ross H. Arnett
SEMC - Dr. George W. Byers
* • XI SJSC - Dr. J. Gordon Edwards TAMU - Dr. Horace R. Burke
LIAIC - Dr. Floyd G. Werner UCDC - Dr. R. 0. Schuster
UCRC - Dr. Saul Frommer UICM - Dr. W. F. Barr
USNM - T. J. Spilman Thanks is expressed to the following persons for the loan of material from their private collections: Henry H.
Howden, Frank J. Moore, Richard L. Berry, Pamela Petrovic and William Rosenberg.
Dr. Barry D. Valentine deserves thanks for the use of his personal library. Dr. A. Zheloc'noutsev (Soviet Union) and Dr. P. Ardoin
(France) deserve special thanks for making comparisons of specimens in their respective countries with specimens sent to them. Special thanks to T. J. Spilman, United States Depart ment of Agriculture, for consultations and considerations extended to me during my visits to Washington. His excellent knowledge of the literature was most helpful.
I am most grateful to Dr. Charles A. Triplehorn for serving as my adviser. His guidance and help with the many technical problems encountered in this study was of the highest caliber. Above all, his encouragement and personal interest contributed greatly to making my doctoral pro gram pleasant. The excellent photographic skill of Glenn Berkey,
Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, is gratefully acknowledged. The assistance of the taxonomists in Room 373 has been most helpful, especially Dr. W. T. Schultz and Eric
H. Smith. Special thanks to Eric for his advice and help in preparing the illustrations. This study was supported in part by a Grant-in-Aid of
Research of the Sigma Xi Research Foundation, Mew Haven,
Connecticut, an Ohio State University Dissertation Fellow ship and the Osburn Fund of The Ohio State University.
It is indeed appropriate that I acknowledge and thank several persons who have contributed significantly in recent years, both financially and otherwise, to my educa tion. To the following persons, I extend my sincere appreciation: Rev. S Mrs. E. B. Collins, Hartwell, Georgia Mr. £ Mrs. W. K. Weeks, Black Mountain, North Carolina
Mr. 6 Mrs. W. H. Dunn, Franklin, Kentucky
My wife, Shirley and son, Jeff VITA
1943...... Born, Richland, Georgia
19 61...... Graduated, Berry Academy, Mount Berry, Georgia
196 5...... B.S., Mars Hill College, Mars Hill, North Carolina 1965-67 ...... Graduate Teaching Assistant, Zoology and Entomology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 196 6...... Married, Sept. 6; Shirley Ann Dunn, Franklin, Kentucky 196 7...... M.S., The University of Tennessee
1967-6 8 ...... Faculty, Instructor of Biology, Cumberland College, Williamsburg, Kentucky
196 8...... Son born, Dec. 14; Jeffrey Collins Davis 1968-69 ...... Graduate Teaching Associate, Zoology and Entomology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 1970...... Ph.D. candidate, The'Ohio State University, Adviser: Dr, C. A. Triplehom 19 70...... Grant-in-Aid of Research; Sigma Xi Research Foundation, New Haven, Connecticut 1970...... Ohio State University Dissertation Fellowship
v TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...... ii
VITA...... v LIST OF F I GURES...... vii
INTRODUCTION...... 1 MATERIALS AND METHODS ...... 6
MORPHOLOGY...... 16 BIONOMICS...... 32
TRIBE PEDININI...... ' ...... 37 KEY TO NORTH AMERICAN GENERA OF THE TRIBE PEDININI...... 3 8
GENUS BLAPSTINUS STURM...... 41 CATALOG OF BLAPSTINUS STURM IN AMERICA
NORTH OF MEXICO...... 46 KEY TO SPECIES OF BLAPSTINUS STURM IN
AMERICA NORTH OF MEXICO...... 50 KEY TO MALES OF SPECIES OF BLAPSTINUS STURM
IN AMERICA NORTH OF MEXICO ...... 72 SPECIES TREATMENT...... 90
SUMMARY...... 329 LITERATURE CITED...... 3 31 LIST OF FIGURES
1. Blapstinus sp. (semi-diagrammatic), tegmen and spicule apparatus, lateral view.
2. Same, aedeagus, ventral view. 3. Same, penis (removed), ventral view.
4. Blapstinus sp. (semi-diagrammatic), ovipositor extended, ventral view. 5. Same, ovipositor extended, dorsal view.
6. Blapstinus fortis LeConte, metathoracic wing. 7. Blapstinus fortis LeConte, labrum, dorsal view.
8. Same, left mandible, ventral view. 9. Same, left maxilla, ventral view.
10. Same, labium, ventral view. 11. Blapstinus sulcatus LeConte, antenna, dorsal view.
12. Blapstinus pratensis LeConte, antenna, dorsal view. 13. Blapstinus pubescens LeConte, antenna, dorsal view.
14. Blapstinus debilis Casey, antenna, dorsal view. 15. Blapstinus lobatus n. sp., profemur, lateral view.
16. Blapstinus validus Casey, profemur, lateral view.
17. Ulus sp., protibia, anterior view. 18. Blapstinus sp., protibia, anterior view. 19. Trichoton sp., protibia, anterior view. 20. Blapstinus dilatatus LeConte, subgenital sternite, ventral view. 21. Blapstinus lobatus n. sp., subgenital sternite, ventral view.
V I• 1 * 22. Blapstinus validus Casey, subgenital sternite, ventral view. 23. Hecysmus sp., pronotum, dorsal view.
2 4. Blapstinus alutaceus Casey, pronotum, dorsal view. 25. Blapstinus dispar Casey, pronotum, dorsal view.
26. Blapstinus pubescens LeConte, pronotum, dorsal view. 27. Blapstinus sulcatus LeConte, pronotum, dorsal view. 2 8. Blapstinus fortis LeConte, pronotum, dorsal view. 29. 31apstinus dilatatus LeConte, pronotum, dorsal view.
30. Blapstinus brevicollis LeConte, pronotum, dorsal view.
31. Blapstinus auripilis Horn, pronotum, dorsal view.
32. Blapstinus magnipunctatus n. sp., pronotum, dorsal view’i 33. Blapstinus metallicus (Fabricius), pronotum, dorsal view.
34. Blapstinus pinorum Casey, pronotum, dorsal view. 35. 31apstinus moestus Melsheimer, pronotum, dorsal view. 36. Blapstinus pratensis LeConte, pronotum, dorsal view. 37. Blapstinus vestitus LeConte, pronotum, dorsal view. 38. Blapstinus barri Boddy, pronotum, dorsal view. 39. Blapstinus debilis Casey, pronotum, dorsal view. 40. Blapstinus aoiculus Blatchley, pronotum, dorsal view. 41. Blapstinus fuscus Casey, pronotum, dorsal view. 42. Blapstinus histricus Casey, pronotum, dorsal view. 43. Blapstinus intermixtus Casey, pronotum, dorsal view.
44. Blapstinus vandykei Blaisdell, pronotum, dorsal view.
• m * V I 1 1 45. Blapstinus lobatus n. sp., pronotum, dorsal view. 46. Blapstinus validus Casey, pronotum, dorsal view.
47. Blapstinus castaneus Casey, pronotum, dorsal view.
48. Blapstinus substriatus Champion, pronotum, dorsal view.
49. Same, pronotum, dorsal view. 50. Blapstinus pulverulentus Mannerheim, pronotum, dorsal viewI 51. Blapstinus discolor Horn, pronotum, dorsal view.
52. Blapstinus pimalis Casey, pronotum, dorsal view. 53. Blapstinus oculonotus n. sp., pronotum, dorsal view.
54. Blapstinus longulus LeConte, pronotum, dorsal view. 55. Blapstinus brevicollis LeConte, metathoracic wing. 56. Blapstinus auripilis Horn, metathoracic wing.
57. Same, metathoracic wing. 58. Blapstinus moestus Melsheimer, metathoracic wing.
59. Same, metathoracic wing. 60. Blapstinus pratensis LeConte, metathoracic wing.
61. Blapstinus pulverulentus Mannerheim, metathoracic wing.
52. Same, metathoracic wing. 63. Same, metathoracic wing. 64. Same, metathoracic wing. 65. Same, metathoracic wing.
66. Same, metathoracic wing. 67. Same, metathoracic wing.
ix 6 8. Sane, metathoracic wing.
69. Blapstinus alutaceus Casey, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral'View"; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
70. Blapstinus dispar Casey, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view. 71. Blapstinus pubescens LeConte, Left: apical portion of "tegmen, ventFaTView; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
72. Blapstinus sulcatus LeConte, Left: apical portion of 'tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
73. Blapstinus fortis LeConte, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view. 74. Blapstinus dilatatus LeConte, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
75. Blapstinus brevicollis LeConte, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Fight: left paramere, lateral view.
76. Blapstinus auripilis Horn, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view: Right: left paramere, lateral view,
77. Blapstinus magnipunctatus n. sp., Left: apical por tion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
78. Blapstinus metallicus (Fabricius), Left: apical por tion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view. 79. Blapstinus pinorum Casey, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
80. Blapstinus moestus Melsheimer, Left: apical half of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
x 81. Blapstinus pratensis LeConte, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view. 82. Blapstinus vestitus LeConte, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
83. Blapstinus barri Boddy, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral' "view; Right: left paramere, lateral view. 84. Blapstinus debilis Casey, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventraf vTew; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
85. Blapstinus aciculus Blatchley, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
86. Blapstinus fuscus Casey, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
87. Blapstinus histricus Casey, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
88. Blapstinus intermixtus Casey, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view. 89. Blapstinus vandykei Blaisdell, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view. 90. Blapstinus lobatus n. sp., Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral’’’view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
91. Blapstinus validus Casey, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral "view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
92. Blapstinus castaneus Casey, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
xi 93. Blapstinus substriatus Champion, Left: apical portion oi tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
94. Blapstinus pulverulentus Mannerheim, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left para mere, lateral view. / 95. Blapstinus discolor Horn, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
96. Blapstinus pimalis Casey, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
97. Blapstinus oculonotus n. sp., Left: apical portion oi tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
98. Blapstinus longulus LeConte, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
99. Blapstinus alutaceus Casey, dorsal view.
100. Blapstinus dispar Casey, dorsal view, 101. Blapstinus pubescens LeConte, dorsal view. 102. Blapstinus sulcatus LeConte, dorsal view. 103. Blapstinus fortis LeConte, dorsal view. 104. Blapstinus dilatatus LeConte, dorsal view.
105. Blapstinus brevicollis LeConte, dorsal view. 106. Blapstinus auripilis Horn, dorsal view. 107. Blapstinus magnipunctatus n. sp., dorsal view. 108. Blapstinus metallicus (Fabricius), dorsal view. 109. Blapstinus pinorum Casey, dorsal view. 110. Blapstinus moestus Melsheimer, dorsal view. 111. Blapstinus pratensis LeConte, dorsal view.
xii 112. Blapstinus vestitus LeConte, dorsal view.
113. Blapstinus barri Boddy, dorsal view.
114. Blapstinus debilis Casey, dorsal view. 115. Blapstinus aciculus 31atchley, dorsal view.
116. Blapstinus fuscus Casey, dorsal view. 117. Blapstinus histricus Casey, dorsal view.
118. Blapstinus intermixtus Casey, dorsal view. 119. Blapstinus vandykei Blaisdell, dorsal view.
120. Blapstinus lobatus n. sp., dorsal view.
121. 31apstinus validus Casey, dorsal view.
122. 31apstinus castaneus Casey, dorsal view. 12 3. Blapstinus substriatus Champion, dorsal view.
124. Blapstinus pulverulentus Mannerheim, dorsal view.
125. Blapstinus discolor Horn, dorsal view. 126. Blapstinus pimalis, dorsal view.
127. Blapstinus oculonotus n. sp.-j dorsal view.
12 8. Blapstinus longulus LeConte, dorsal view. 129. Blapstinus sulcatus LeConte, head and pronotum, dorsal view,
130. Blapstinus histricus Casey, head and pronotum, dorsal view. 131. Same, head and pronotum, ventral.view. 132. Blapstinus substriatus Champion, head and pronotum, dors al view,
133. Same, head and pronotum, ventral view.
134. Blapstinus dispar Casey, head and pronotum, dorsal view.
• • « x l i i 135. Blapstinus discolor Horn, left elytron removed, dorsal view. 136. Same, left elytron removed, dorsal view.
137. Distribution of Blapstinus alutaceus Casey. 138. Distribution of 31apstinus dispar Casey.
139. Distribution of Blapstinus pubescens LeConte. 140. Distribution of Blapstinus sulcatus LeConte.
141. Distribution of Blapstinus fortis LeConte,
142. Distribution of Blapstinus dilatatus LeConte.
143. Distribution of Blapstinus brevicollis LeConte. 144. Distribution of Blapstinus auripilis Horn.
145. Distribution of Blapstinus magnipunctatus n. sp. 146. Distribution of Blapstinus metallicus (Fabricius).
147. Distribution of Blapstinus pinorum Casey. 148. Distribution of Blapstinus moestus Melsheimer.
149. Distribution of Blapstinus pratensis LeConte. 150. Distribution of Blapstinus vestitus LeConte.
151. Distribution of Blapstinus barri Boddy. 152. Distribution of Blapstinus debilis Casey.
15 3. Distribution of Blapstinus aciculus Blatchley. 154. Distribution of Blapstinus fuscus Casey.
155. Distribution of Blapstinus histricus Casey. 156. Distribution of Blapstinus intermixtus Casey.
157. Distribution of Blapstinus vandykei Blaisdell. 15 8. Distribution of Blapstinus lobatus n. sp.
xiv 159. Distribution of Blapstinus validus Casey.
160. Distribution of Blapstinus castaneus Casey.
161. Distribution of Blapstinus substriatus Champion.
162. Distribution of Blapstinus pulverulentus Manner heim. 16 3. Distribution of Blapstinus discolor Horn.
164. Distribution of Blapstinus pimalis Casey.
165. Distribution of Blapstinus oculonotus n. sp. 166._ Distribution of Blapstinus longulus LeConte.
xv INTRODUCTION
The genus Blapstinus Sturm has been in a state of taxonomic confusion for over three-fourths of a century.
The difficulty workers have had in dealing with this genus has been clearly demonstrated by the material used in this study. Less than one-third of the more than 20,000 North, Central and South American specimens received had been determined to species, and of these at least 50 percent were incorrectly identified. Clearly, a revision of this genus has been long overdue. Approximately 90 species have been assigned to the genus Blapstinus at one time or another. Blapstinus is a New World genus and is distributed from Canada through
Argentina. Gebien (19 37) lists 5 3 species for North
America, 20 for Central America and 15 for South America.
The main objective of this study was a complete taxo nomic revision of the genus Blapstinus north of Mexico.
Some information is given on extralimital species. At the start of this research, some 5 2 species were listed by Arnett (1962) as occurring north of Mexico, and Blapstinus was the third largest North American genus within the family Tenebrionidae. The genus belongs to the tribe Pedinini, in which Arnett (1962) included 13 genera and 92
North American species. At the start of this study
1 Blapstinus accounted for over half of the species included in the tribe Pedinini. The earliest attempt to monograph the genus was made by Horn (1870), who presented a key to 14 North American species and included descriptions of two new species.
Horn's key makes considerable use of characters which have made these beetles very difficult to identify - color, pubescence and lustre of the integument. Characters of this nature are difficult for the taxonomist to describe and even more difficult for someone else to interpret. Horn's key was probably used extensively before the publi cation of Casey's monograph in 1890. The most extensive revision of the genus Blapstinus was made by Colonel Thomas Casey (1890). He presented a key to 44 North American species, along with detailed descriptions of each species. Of the 44 species, Casey described 27 as new. Most problems encountered by recent investigators have stemmed from trying to interpret this key. Not only did Casey use extenisvely such characters as color, pubescence and lustre of the integument, but he introduced other characters that require even greater experience and perception to understand. Probably the most confusing character used in this key concerns the degree of dilation of the anterior tarsi of the males, a character which Casey used to split in half the 44 species he recognized. Couplets such as "anterior tarsi strongly
dilated" or "anterior tarsi feebly dilated, or undilated"
require a considerable amount of experience to interpret and use effectively. Other characters used in this key, such as metathoracic wing length and pronotal, elytral and
abdominal punctation, are subject to variation that Casey
apparently did not know existed. Taxonomists since Casey's time have had a difficult time interpreting such characters. The beetles themselves are probably more to blame than the
authors of previous keys. Host characters show gradients
and therefore are difficult to use in an "either, or" situation. It will become evident in progressing through this study that many of the mistakes made by early workers were due to the lack of extensive material, slow communica tion, and poor transportation. For example, many of Casey's species described as new in 1890 have been reduced to synonymy, not because he misrepresented what he observed, but because of natural variation that he did not have a chance to observe.
No workers other than Horn and Casey have attempted a
detailed study on Blapstinus, but several species were described by LeConte and Blaisdell. As far as valid species
are concerned, the work of LeConte far surpasses that of
any other investigator of the genus. Other workers who contributed one or two North American species to the genus were Blatchley, Boddy, Champion, Fabricius, Fall, Melsheimer,
Mannerheim and Say. It has been my intention to produce keys that will enable other workers to identify species of Blapstinus with a degree of certainty. In order to do this, I have written two keys, one for males and one for both males and females.
Extensive use has been made of illustrations and photo graphs. New characters were constantly sought and have been included in the keys. Perhaps the newest characters are those concerning the male genitalia which have not been previously described. A section on morphology has been included to explain the characters used; this section con siders the general morphology of the beetles as well as characters of taxonomic importance. A secondary objective of this research was to bring together present knowledge concerning the bionomics of the genus Blapstinus. Only one extensive paper has been pub lished concerning the life history and habits of any species. This paper, concerning Blapstinus substriatus
Champion, is treated in detail in a section devoted to bionomics. Many reports are encountered in the literature which indicate that several species of Blapstinus are (or may be) pests of many crops including corn and wheat. The manner in which damage is inflicted and the methods used to control these beetles are discussed in the section on bionomics, as well as under each species treatment. The present study contributes much to the systematics of the genus Blapstinus north of Mexico, but much remains to be done with the Central and South American species.
The systematics of the Mexican fauna is particularly impor tant as this appears to be the center of the entire
Blapstinus complex. No attempt has been made to rear species in the laboratory but this would prove helpful in understanding the true relationships of morphologically similar species. Future plans include a revision of Central and South American species along with studies on the bio logy of Blapstinus. MATERIALS AND METHODS
More than two-thirds of the more than 20,000 speci mens examined were from localities north of Mexico. These
specimens were borrowed from collections of over thirty institutions and individuals from across the United States,
Canada and abroad. Type material was borrowed from the following museums: British Museum of Natural History,
London; California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco; Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Philadelphia;
United States National Museum, Washington, D.C,; and Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Boston.
Two trips were made to the United States National Museum to study the Casey collection and material not ordinarily loaned, and one trip was made to the Museum of Comparative
Zoology to study the LeConte, Fall and Melsheimer Collec tions which are not loaned.
SOURCES OF MATERIAL EXAMINED The following is a list of institutions and individuals from whom material was borrowed. The abbreviations for the institutions are those used throughout this paper and are standardized according to Arnett (1969).
Institutions and Collections
AMNH...... American Museum of Natural History ANSP...... Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia
ASUT...... Arizona State University, Tempe
BDUN...... Biology Department, University of Nevada
BMNH...... British Museum of Natural History, London CASC...... California Academy of Sciences Collection
CISC...... California Insect Survey Collection,
University of California, Berkeley
CNCI...... Canadian National Collection of Insects,
Ottawa CUIC. .... Cornell University Insect Collection DEFW...... Department of Entomology, Fisheries and
Wildlife, University of Minnesota EMUS...... Entomological Museum, Utah State University
ESUW...... Entomological Museum, University of 'Wyoming HHIC...... Henry Hcwden Insect Collection
INHS...... Illinois Natural History Survey JCDC...... Jerry C. Davis Collection
MCZC...... Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University
NAUF...... Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff
ODAC...... Oregon Department of Agriculture OSUC...... Ohio State University Collection of Insects
and Spiders
OSUO...... Oregon State University PPIC. .... Pamela Petrovic Insect Collection PURC...... Purdue University Research Collection
RLBC...... Richard L. Berry Collection
SEMC...... Snow Entomological Museum Collection, University of Kansas
SJSC...... San Jose State University
TAMU...... Texas A S M University
UAIC...... University of Arizona Insect Collection UCDC...... University of California, Davis Collection
UCRC...... University of California, Riverside
Collection UICM...... University of Idaho Collection, Moscow USNM...... United States National Museum
WRIC...... William Rosenberg Insect Collection
MEASUREMENTS All measurements and ratios were made with an ocular micrometer using an American Optical Spencer binocular microscope. The measurements and ratios were made in the following manner: Head: maximum width was measured in anterior view. Eyes: interocular distance, or space between the dor sal lobes, was measured in dorsal view; maximum dorsal lobe diameter was measured with the head adjusted so that the eye lobe was horizontal; the dorsal ocular correlation expresses a ratio of the interocular distance over the maximum dorsal lobe diameter; measurements for the ventral lobes were made in the same manner.
Pronotum: apical width was measured in anterior view and expresses the distance between the two apical angles; basal width was measured in dorsal view and expresses the width across the base of the pronotum; the lateral length was measured between the apical and basal angles on one side; medial length was measured in dorsal view along the mid-line of the pronotum. Elytra: width was measured across the widest portion of the elytra in dorsal view, which is the widest part of the beetle; length was measured in lateral view from the humeral angle of the elytron to the apex. Total length: measured in lateral view as the dis tance from the anterior most portion of the head to the tip of the elytra.
Genitalia: length of the parameres was measured in ventral view along the mid-line from the tip of the para meres to their fused basal piece; basal width was measured in ventral view as the maximum distance across the fused basal portion of the parameres.; ratios used in describing the relative length of the parameres express a ratio of their length over their basal width. The following ex pressions are commonly used: "parameres of aedeagus short, their length equal to distinctly less than twice their basal width," "parameres of aedeagus moderate in length, 10 their length equal to approximately twice their basal width," "parameres of aedeagus elongate, their length equal to much more than twice their basal width."
DISSECTIONS
Genitalia: relaxation of the beetle was accomplished by placing it in a 20 ml. beaker of hot water for several minutes. The be.aker was placed on a screen with an asbestos center which was placed on a tripod above an alcohol burner. The water was kept hot but was not allowed to boil. The genitalia of larger specimens were removed by grasping the last tergite and sternite with a pair of jeweler's forceps and pulling gently. This proce dure removed the tergite and sternite containing the aedeagus. The entire abdomen was removed in smaller specimens before any of the terminal structures were re moved; the abdomen was removed by inserting a pin between the junction of the thorax and first abdominal segment and was then placed in hot water. The relaxed abdomen was transferred to a wax-bottomed petri dish which was used as a dissection dish. Since the dorsal tergites are very soft, it is not too difficult to scoop out the genitalia and pull off the last tergite and sternite. The method used for smaller specimens is much easier and was the more frequently used procedure. Upon their removal from the beetle the genitalia were placed in an approximately ten 11 percent KOH solution. The length of time the structures were left in the KOH was determined by their hardness and the length of time required for clearing. This clearing process was speeded up by the gentle heating of the KOH. After clearing the structures were placed in glycerine for further study. If the abdomen had been removed, it was glued on the point along side of the specimen. The geni talia were eventually stored in plastic genitalia vials containing glycerine. This vial was pinned thru its stopper beneath the last tag on the pin on which the speci men was mounted.
Wings: specimens in which a metathoracic wing was to be removed were relaxed in the manner described above.
After relaxation, the beetle was cross pinned with the dorsal side up. The elytra were lifted and a wing was re moved by grasping the base of the wing with a pair of jeweler’s forceps and pulling gently. This procedure is sometimes difficult in that a relaxed beetle is hard to pin in such a way that the elytra can be lifted. After removal the wing was placed in a petri dish of hot water and unfolded, if necessary, by the use of two camel hair brushes. The wing was then placed between two ordinary microscope slides, secured with tape and labelled. 12
ILLUSTRATIONS
Drawings of most body parts (except wings) were made with the aid of a grid in the eyepiece of the binocular microscope; the wing drawings were made by projection.
The photographs were made with a Leica Camera and adapter,
a bellows factor of 23, 50 mm lens and Kodak 35 mm Pan X film.
DISTRIBUTION HAPS Localities were initially plotted on large 11 x 17 inch maps of the United States and parts of Canada and Mexico. These maps included counties and made plotting more accurate. The maps included in this dissertation were redrawn from the originals and do not include counties.
Each locality is usually represented by a solid dot. Smaller dots were used in plotting species with extensive locality data. Specimens for which only the county was known are represented by a solid dot in approximately the center of the county. Specimens with no data or none beyond that of state were not plotted. These maps show general distributions. The specimens examined section should be consulted for accuracy.
SYSTEMATIC FORMAT Each species is treated in the same manner throughout this paper. A concerted effort has been made to use consistent 13 terminology. The following is an explanation of the seven different sections included for each species:
1. Nomenclature: included in this section are references to original descriptions, synonymies, other literature references and the type locality of each species.
The following sequence is followed for each species: Genus, species, author and date; abbreviated reference to the original description; any synonymies, nomina nuda etc. placed in parentheses, if synonymy is being proposed it is not placed in parentheses but is given as "NEW SYNONYMY;" other taxonomic references to the particular species are cited by author, year and page; type locality that has been ascertained by type specimen or literature.
2. Diagnosis: a section including characters which are either peculiar to this particular species or charac ters which would aid in its identification. Most charac ters that would be encountered in running the species through the keys are usually listed here. References are given to any figure(s) that would aid in identifying the species. 3. Description: a somewhat detailed description is given for the species under consideration. The following characters are considered, in the sequence given, for each species: Body size, shape, convexity, coloration, texture and 14 pubescence; head shape, epistomal sinuation, upper and lower eye lobes, antennae and punctation; pronotal shape and punctation; elytral shape, intervals and punctation, striae and punctation; metathoracic wings; abdominal punctation and impression of fifth segment; male charac ters, such as, anterior tarsal dilation, shape of sub genital sternite and genitalia; measurements.
4. Type Material: information regarding the type material examined is given systematically as follows:
Genus, species and author; type designation (i.e., holotype, lectotype etc.), if proposed then followed by "here designated" placed in parentheses, sex Cif deter mined), collection and/or museum; complete label data, numbered consecutively with Tag 1 being the first tag beneath the specimen; complete measurements; condition of the specimen, reference to characters to be emphasized; other type material (paratypes), number and sex if deter mined, collection and/or museum, locality; significant non-type material.
5. Bionomics: a section including information re garding the times of the year in which species was collec ted and was most abundant, a brief discussion of reports in the literature regarding the hosts and habits of the species and any new data recorded from the specimens ex amined in this study. This section is usually quite short 15 but is detailed in species of economical significance.
6. Discussion: a section including the discussion of characters in which significant variation is found.
Even though this information is included in the descrip tion of the species, its significance has not been cited.
Also included in this section are any comparisons of this species to other species with which it may be confused or which are morphologically similar. Any proposed synonymy is usually discussed here. An effort was made to explain, by using quotes and examples, why a certain species is valid or invalid. Extralimital species are discussed, if pertinent. 7. Specimens Examined: includes the total number of specimens examined (subject to modification as additional specimens are seen). The format followed in listing specimens is as follows: State (Canadian last); County; City or locality, number of specimens and museums; City undetermined, number of specimens and museums; County undetermined, number of specimens and museums; City and County undetermined, number of specimens and museums.
States, counties and localities are listed alpha betically. MORPHOLOGY
Most species in the genus -31apstinus are quite con sistent in their general morphology. This makes generic recognition relatively simple, but it does little to simplify the taxonomy of the group. The following is a discussion of the morphology of these beetles with empha sis on characters of taxonomic significance.
GENERAL APPEARANCE Most species are 5.0 - 6.5 mm. in total length; a few species such as B. debilis Casey and a form of 13, metallicus (Fabricius) are consistently less than four millimeters in length, and several, for example B. dilatatus LeConte and jB. validus Casey, are usually longer than 6.5 mm. The females are often more robust than the males.
Most species are oblong-oval in shape. Several species such as B. alutaceus Casey (Fig. 99) and B; auripilis Horn (Fig. 106) are broadly oval, 13. longulus
LeConte (Fig. 12 8) and 33. oculonotus n. sp. (Fig. 127) are very elongate in shape, and B. debilis Casey (Fig. 114) is somewhat aciculate in shape. Color is quite variable, both within and among the species. Some species are relatively uniform in coloration.
16 17
At one extreme is B. intermixtus Casey which is usually reddish-brown. At the other extreme are species like 13. pratensis LeConte, B. moestus Melsheimer and.B, pulveru- lentus Mannerheim which are usually black throughout with the ventral surface and legs sometimes lighter or piceous.
Most species show gradients between brown and black. The most common color is a very dark reddish-brown. Often the head and pronotum are darker than the elytra. The ventral surface, legs and antennae are often lighter than the head, pronotum or elytra. The anterior margin of the pro notum is often reddish in many species. A rare color combination occurs in a form of B. discolor Horn in which the head, pronotum, ventral surface and legs are bright orange, while the elytra are dark or black. Other forms of £.. discolor have the legs bright orange or red-brown with the remainder much darker. In general,' color is not a good primary character. The integument is usually shining. A few species, such as B. magnipunctatus n. sp. (Fig. 107), a form of B. metallicus (Fabricius) (Fig. 108), 13. pulverulentus Mannerheim (Fig. 12H) and B. longulus LeConte (Fig. 128), are often aeneous or very strongly shining. B. alutaceus Casey (Fig. 99), and B. oculonotus n. sp. (Fig. 127), are very dull or alutaceous in texture. 18
Pubescence is highly variable in some species while in others it may be used as a primary taxonomic character. In species such as B. intermixtus Casey (Fig. 118) and B. auripilis Horn (Fig. 106), the vestiture is consis tently heterogeneous, while in such species as 13. histricus Casey (Fig. 117) it may be heterogeneous or homogeneous. The color of the pubescence is of considerable importance in recognizing species such as 13. vestitus LeConte (Fig.
112), B. barri Boddy (Fig. 113), B, pubescens LeConte (Fig. 101) and B. magnipunctatus n. sp. (Fig. 107) which have a conspicuous cinereous pubescence. The vestiture is usually very thin but may be very coarse or thick as in B. sulcatus LeConte (Fig. 102) and B. magnipunctatus n. sp. (Fig. 107).
HEAD The head is usually moderately convex. The angles of the face or anterior portion of the head are usually evenly rounded (Fig. 132), but in B. sulcatus LeConte the anterior angles of the head are very prominent, giving the head a hexagonal appearance (Fig. 129). This charac ter easily separates B. sulcatus from other members of the genus. A clypeal suture is often visible on the epistoma in species in which the head is not black. The visi bility of this suture in 13. histricus Casey aids in separa ting it from B. fuscus Casey in which the suture is very 19 difficult to see. Epistomal sinuation can sometimes be used at the ■lower taxon level. In B. alutaceus Casey, B. dispar Casey, 3. dilatatus LeConte and 3_. fortis LeConte, the sinuation is usually deep and often narrow (Fig. 134)*, whereas in species such as B, sulcatus LeConte (Fig. 129) and 33, substriatus Champion (Fig. 132), the sinuation is usually very feeble and broad. Considerable use is made of the relative size of the compound eyes. The eyes are completely divided into dorsal and ventral portions, a character which makes generic determination relatively easy. Most species fall into either of two groups based on the size of the eye lobes. ' One group, including such species as 33. dilatatus LeConte, B. validus Casey and B. histricus Casey (Figs. 130, 131), can be described as having "large" eyes, with the upper lobes usually separated by approximately three times their maximum diameter and the lower lobes usually separated by distinctly less than three times their maximum diameter. Another group, including such species as B. discolor Horn, 13. pulverulentus Mannerheim and B. subs tria tus Champion (Figs, 132, 133), can be described as having "small" eyes, with the upper lobes usually separated by much more than three times (usually four or five) their maximum diameter and the lower lobes usually separated by 20 more than three times their maximum diameter. All species with large eyes have fully developed metathoracic wings, except B. magnipunctatus n. sp., in which case the wings are approximately two-thirds the abdominal length.
Punctation of the head is subject to considerable variation. Punctures are generally very coarse and dense, often larger between the eyes and smaller and crowded along the epistoma. The punctures in a few species are very fine and are of some taxonomic value. Examples of species with fine punctation are 3. alutaceus Casey, B.
dispar Casey, B. acicuius Blatchley and ES. debilis Casey.
The antennae are 11 segmented and usually gradually enlarging from base to apex. Variation in several seg ments provide some good taxonomic characters. The second segment is usually very short while the third is usually longer than segment four and less than segments four and
five combined. Variation in the third segment is useful in recognizing a few species. The general condition is
for the third segment to be cylindrical, but in 13. sulcatus LeConte (Figs. 11, 129) the third segment is distinctly
clavate and much longer than segments four and five com bined. Segment three is somewhat longer than usual and equal to the lengths of segments four and five combined in pubescens LeConte (Fig. 13). The third segment is unusually short, being subequal in length to the fourth 21
segment in B. debilis Casey (Fig. 1*0. The mouth parts are of the typical chewing type and have not been found to be of taxonomic significance, but are worthy of being described. The mouth parts of 13.
fortis LeConte are typical of the genus and have been drawn and labelled (Figs. 7-10).
The labrum (Fig. 7) is a broad flap with the apical margin feebly sinuate and lined with setae. A mandible
(Fig. 8) is a heavily sclerotized structure and well adapted for chewing. The most obvious features of a .
mandible are the apical teeth and the articulatory condyle.
A maxilla (Fig. 9) consists of several sclerites and a
four-segmented maxillary palp. The labium (Fig. 10) con sists of a submentum which has become part of the head
capsule, the mentum, prementum and a four-segmented labial palp. The mentum in Blapstinus is somewhat heart-shaped.
The prementum is reduced to a medial sclerite and two lateral palpigers which support a three-segmented labial palp. The ligula is thinly sclerotized and consists of the fused glassae and paraglossae from which several groups
of setae protrude from the ventral and apical portion.
PRONOTUM
Taxonomic characters of the pronotum are numerous and
include variation in convexity, general shape, angles, and punctation. 22 The pronotum in nearly all species is to some degree
convex, however in B. sulcatus LeConte, the lateral mar
gins of the pronotum are flat. Though in the majority of
species the convexity of the pronotum is quite variable,
it does reach extremes. At one extreme is 13. vandykei
Blaisdell, B. barri Boddy, B. vestitus LeConte etc., in which the pronotum is very strongly convex and a very use
ful character. At the other extreme is 13. brevicollis
LeConte, in which the pronotum is feebly convex and diffi cult to use as a taxonomic character. The pronotal con vexity in most species lies variably in between the two extremes.
Three major variations occur in the relative shape
of the pronotum and are referred to in this paper as being "transverse," "rectangular" or "quadrate." Very few species have a promotum that could be described as being
"transverse" , or about twice as wide as long. 13. brevi collis LeConte provides the best example of this condition
of the pronotum (Fig. 30). Most species have the pronotum
"rectangular" or "subrectangular," usually much less than
twice as wide as long. A few species such as 13. longulus LeConte (Fig. 54) have a pronotum that is almost equal
sided or "quadrate." The shape of the pronotum is usually one of the more stable characters which may be used taxo-
nomically. 23 The apical and basal angles of the pronotum provide
taxonomic characters that are among the easiest to recog nize. The apical angles are very prominent in several
species, such as 13. metallicus (Fabricius) (Fig. 33) and 13. fortis LeConte (Fig. 2 8).
The basal angles are sometimes quite prominent, for example, in 3. pratensis LeConte (Fig. 36), B. vestitus
LeConte (Fig. 37) and B_. moestus Melsheimer (Fig. 35). The apical curvature of the pronotum provides some
taxonomic help. The apex is almost truncate in species such as 13. vandykei Blaisdell (Figs. 44, 119), but species
with prominent apical angles usually have a very strongly emarginate apical curvature.
The basal curvature is usually of no help taxonomi- cally, but is quite distinct in B. auripilis Horn (Fig. 31)
and B. brevicollis LeConte (Fig. 30) because of the un usually prominent basal lobe. This bisinuate basal curva
ture is important in generic recognition. Considerable taxonomic use has been made of the
lateral curvature of the pronotum, especially in the species with large eyes. The curvature is very feeble in B. histricus Casey (Figs. 42, 117), becoming straight in basal half, but in species such as 13. validus Casey (Figs. 46,
121) it is quite even from base to apex. Pronotal punctation varies considerably throughout the 24 genus but is useful in recognizing some species. It is especially useful as a secondary character. The punctures are coarse in most species, but in a few species (previous ly cited as having fine head punctation) the punctures are unusually fine. Another character of the punctation that is difficult to describe but easier to recognize is the tendency in some species for the punctures to coalesce longitudinally. The punctures are usually very strongly longitudinally confluent in species such as B. substriatus
Champion and j3. dilatatus LeConte.
ELYTRA
The elytra are usually broadly rounded apically and widest in apical third. The elytra are subconnate in a few species, but this character has not been used taxo- nomically. The elytra in B. debilis Casey taper apically.
Characters involving the elytral intervals are i numerous. The relative width varies considerably. At one extreme is B. alutaceus Casey (Fig. 99), in which the intervals are very wide, their width being equal to seven or eight times the diameter of a strial puncture. At the opposite extreme is B. longulus LeConte (Fig. 128), in which the intervals are very narrow, their width being equal to less than twice the diameter of a strial puncture.
Extremes are also found in the texture of the intervals. The intervals are alutaceous or smooth and dull in B. 25 dispar Casey (Fig. 100), whereas the intervals are aeneous or very strongly shining in 3 . magnipunctatus n. sp. (Fig. 107). The intervals are sometimes granulate*, for example,
13. pimalis Casey (Fig. 126). Interval punctation is also significant at the lower taxon levels but varies consider ably. The punctures are very fine or minute in 13. alu- taceus Casey (Fig. 99), whereas in B_. substriatus Champion
(Fig. 123) and 13. pulverulentus Mannerheim (Fig. 124), the punctures are very coarse or large, often becoming con fusedly intermingled with the strial punctures. The rela tive convexity of the intervals is apparent in some species and has been used as a secondary character. Elytral strial characters' are also of considerable taxonomic importance. Extremes are found concerning the depth of the striae. At one extreme is B. pimalis Casey
(Fig. 126) and 13. alutaceus Casey (Fig. 99), in which the striae are very shallow or not impressed. At the other extreme is B. sulcatus LeConte (Fig. 102) and EJ. longulus LeConte (Fig. 128), in which the striae are very deeply impressed. The majority of species fall in between the two extreme examples given, often varying within a species.
The size of the strial punctures is subject to extreme variation both within and among species. The strial punctures are very fine in B. pimalis Casey (Fig. 126), B. vestitus LeConte (Fig. 112) and others, whereas in B. sulcatus LeConte (Fig. 102) and 13. magnipunctatus n. sp.
(Fig. 107), the strial punctures are very deep. The spacing of the strial punctures is subject to considerable variation in most species but can be used in a few. Sets of punctures are often missing in 13. metallicus (Fabricius)
(Fig, 108), and the strial punctures become much more widely spaced laterally in 13. fuscus Casey (Fig. 116). The strial punctures are very closely spaced in 13. longulus LeConte (Fig. 12 8) and B. dispar Casey (Fig. 100), but are
very widely spaced in B. alutaceus Casey (Fig. 99).
METATHORACIC WINGS Considerable variation exists in wing length within and among many species of Blapstinus. The misuse of this
variable character is responsible for many of the synonymies proposed in this paper. The wing length is relatively con
sistent in a few species. Many dissections were made to determine the consistency of the wing character. The
following phrases have been used throughout this study to describe the various consistent wing lengths: "wings fully
developed, fully as long as abdomen," "wings reduced, distinctly longer than half the abdominal length" and "wings rudimentary, distinctly less than half the abdominal length." Some species, especially 13. discolor Horn, show
considerable variation in wing length and many gradients may be found within a population (Figs. 135, 136). Characters 27
such as wing length have been avoided as primary charac ters because of the possibility of variation not observed. Venation is not a particularly good character in species with fully developed wings, but the development of the wedge cell serves to separate 53. auripilis Horn (Figs. 56 , 5 7) from 13. brevicollis LeConte (Fig. 55). The terminology used is mostly that of Doyen (1966), who used a combination of Forbes (1922) and Huntermark (1935) terminologies, A fully labeled wing is provided for
reference (Fig. 6). Other variation occurs, such as the spur of the recurrent radius often projecting posteriorly
past the radial cross vein and an extra cross vein in the wedge cell, but extensive variation prohibits the use of such characters.
ABDOMEN Few variations in abdominal characters are of any
taxonomic use. Punctation has rarely been used as a secondary character. The most significant character con
cerns the presence or absence of the basal abdominal impression which is often used in determining the sex of an individual. A narrow or broad impression on the basal two or three segments is present in most males. This impression is completely lacking in 13. brevicollis LeConte, 13. auripilis Horn and 13. magnipunctatus n. sp. The basal
abdominal impression is never present in a female. 28
An impression near the apex of the fifth visible abdominal segment is present in most species, but this impression is not peculiar to either sex. The sixth visible sternite is of taxonomic use in a few species. This sternite is referred to throughout this paper as the subgenital sternite. This sternite is feebly or not at all emarginate in most species ; for example, B, validus Casey (Fig. 22). The subgenital sternite is very strongly emarginate or bilobed in B_. fortis LeConte, IJ. dilatatus LeConte and B. lobatus n. sp. The lobes are pointed in the former two species (Fig. 20) and rounded in the latter (Fig. 21).
LEGS Leg characters are significant at the generic level
(Figs, 17-19), but are not frequently useful' at the species level. The profemora are often strongly swollen apically
(Fig. 15).' Tarsal characters have been used as secondary charac ters rather sparingly. The dilation of the anterior tarsi (males) is more useful in determining the sex of an indivi dual than determining the species. Phrases such as "strong ly dilated, the segments subequal in width to the protibial apex" versus "feebly dilated, the segments much narrower in width than the protibial apex" have been used to des cribe the extremes of anterior tarsal dilation. Unfortunately, 29 most species do not fall strictly into either category. The anterior tarsi of males in species such as B. magni punctatus n. sp. (Fig. 107) are not at all dilated. Sex determination is very difficult in such species since the basal abdominal impression is also not evident. The anterior tarsal dilation is quite distinct in many species^ for example, 3, substriatus Champion (Figs. 132, 133).
GENITALIA
Preliminary studies were made on the genitalia of both male and female specimens of several different species. I These studies indicated that male genitalia offered good characters usable at the species level, but female geni talia were not found to provide taxonomic characters. Male genitalia are described for each species while only an example is given of the female genitalia. Many workers have attempted to standardize and clarify the terminology applied to the- various parts of the genitalia of both sexes, but little agreement has been reached. The termi nology of the genitalia used in this study is taken from Doyen (1966), in which all previous work was evaluated.
Doyen accepts the terminology of Lindroth (195 7) for the male and that of Tanner (1927) for the female.
For illustrative purposes, semi-diagrammatic drawings have been made of the female genitalia (Figs. U-5) and male genitalia (Figs. 1-3). Frequent reference to these 30 figures will aid in understanding the following discussion.
Female. The ovipositor is attached to the last abdominal segment by a long connecting membrane which allows for telescoping. The sclerites of the ovipositor may be divided into an anterior pair of first valvifers and a posterior pair of second valvifers. The baculus is a thickened area which apparently provides an articulation surface for the two valvifers. A dorsal sclerite called the proctiger, situated mostly between the first valvifers, may represent the tenth tergite. The posterior pair of sclerites, the second valvifers, are well sclerotized. Toward the apex, each second valvifer bears a gonostylus which bears several setae. A pleated membrane forms the dorsal and ventral walls of the vagina. The opening of the vagina is termed the vulva. Hale. Some good taxonomic characters are provided by the male genitalia and are useful in separating about one- third of the recognized species. Some species may be recognized by their genitalia alone. Posterior to the last abdominal segment is a pair of ventrolateral sclerites, the spicule plates. Long anterior arms, the spicules, extend anteriorly. These structures are believed to repre sent the ninth sternite (Jeannel and Paulian, 1944), and apparently provide for muscle attachment; they have not been used taxonomically. The aedeagus is composed of two pairs of sclerites. The anterior sclerites may be subdivided 31 into the proximal basal pieces, which are fused dorsally
and partially ventrally, and the distal parameres, which are fused dorsally and ventrally to form a sclerotized
ring through which the penis apparently moves. The basal piece and parameres constitute the tegmen. The penis is
a tube ensheathed by the tegmen at rest. The sclerites of the penis are called lateral penis rods and appear to be
fused proximally. The ejaculatory duct enters the penis proximally and extends to the gonopore.
The chief taxonomic characters concern the relative shape and length of the parameres. The parameres are
triangular in most species in ventral view, but may be enlarged apically (13. alutaceus Casey, Fig. 69) or nipple
shaped (13. dilat at us LeConte, Fig. 74). The length of the parameres is subject to considerable variation - from very elongate as in B. sulcatus LeConte (Fig, 72) and B. pubescens LeConte (Fig. 71) to unusually short as in J3. pratensis LeConte (Fig. 81). The parameres in most species
are moderate in length, being somewhere between the two extremes cited. Other characters are used which express some variation in the shape of the parameres in ventral or lateral view; for example, the parameres are strongly bent downward at the apex in B. brevicollis LeConte (Fig. 75). BIONOMICS
Frequent references to Blapstinus are found in the economic literature, but relatively little is known about
the biology of these beetles. References to a particular species have been cited under each species treatment, but
many references refer to Blapstinus spp. andthese are covered at the end of this section.
Mail (19 37) published the only detailed study on the biology of a species of Blapstinus. The following dis
cussion on the life cycle is taken mostly from laboratory investigations conducted by Mail and concerns Blapstinus
substriatus Champion (Fig. 123). Data from specimens examined in this study indicate the life cycle to be
somewhat generalized, so the discussion would probably apply to most species within the genus.
Oviposition of adults collected during June was variable. The egg was bluntly ovoid and slightly pitted
on the surface; it was translucent when laid and quickly became opaque as the embryo grew. The average egg size was .48 - .76 mm. Egg laying continued to .the end of July and the eggs hatched in three to six days. Larval
development at room temperature was rapid. Egg hatch to pupation was approximately forty-two days. Rootlets of
32 33 various adult foods were used as food for the larvae. Unlike the adults, the early instar larvae required moist soil to develop as those kept in dry soil died quickly. Mail observed two molts, one at seven days and one at twenty days. Growth speeded up after the second molt and measurements indicated at least three additional molts.
The average size reported for the first larval instar was 1.96 mm., the second 2.87 mm. and a mature larva just before pupation, 10.00 mm. The average pupal duration was eight days, bringing the total number of days from egg to adult to fifty. Data from specimens examined in this study suggest the possibility of a second generation. In some species, large numbers of adults appeared in April and May, fewer were collected in mid-summer and large numbers appeared again in August and September. The above described cycle could be completed twice if oviposition occurred in early spring. The adult is apparently the overwintering stage.
The adults often overwinter in field debris, slightly be neath the soil surface. Most species have been collected during every month. The time of appearance of the adults in the spring is apparently dependent to some extent upon the weather. Hail (1937) reported that beetles were present in maximum numbers in dry weather. With regard to B. substriatus, he reports that up to the last week in May, when the beetles were first studied in the field, there had been no rain in the county in Montana in which the beetles were numerous. The ground was dry and dusty. By late June, the beetles'were relatively few and after heavy rains in early July, the beetles had practically dis appeared. Many dead beetles were found under stones, in debris, etc. These observations by Mail are verified by specimens examined in this study which indicate that many specimens were collected "in flood-debris"under rocks," etc.
The habits of these beetles appear to be varied. These beetles occur at very high altitudes (13. substri at us Champion), along beaches (J3. metallicus (Fabricius)) , in desert areas (B. histricus. Casey) etc. Mail (1931) re ported having observed the adults of B. substriatus Champion "playing dead." Many species are attracted to light. They are commonly found under logs, stones, boards and in the first few inches of soil. Species of Blapstinus feed on many different things. They are particularly fond of wheat, cotton and many gar den crops. 'Mail (19 37) reported that damage to spring wheat in Montana appeared to show typical western cutworm damage since the shoots were nipped off an inch beneath the soil surface. He reported that many plants were nibbled at the soil surface and that the beetles also climbed up 35 the shoots, the leaves showing frayed or serrated edges.
Mail speculated that individual beetles do not do a great deal of damage but large numbers in a field can cause serious damage in a relatively short period of time. He also reported a somewhat unusual habit of 13. substriatus
Champion. Shoots would be nipped off and blades would be dragged down into the soil and there eaten by a group of beetles. B. histricus Casey is presently doing consider able damage to cotton in Arizona but I do not know the exact nature of the damage. The beetles are well adapted for chewing on almost any crop due to their large, heavily sclerotized mandibles. Control for various species of Blapstinus has consis ted mostly of standard poison bran mixtures. Essig (1929) recommended wrapping the stems of young tomato plants with tissue paper for protection in garden conditions. Roberts (19U7) concluded that both benzene hexachloride and DDT, when mixed with the soil, will kill the larvae of Blapstinus. Simmons (1961) evaluated malathion sprays for reducing dried-fruit packing house infestations of various beetles, including Blapstinus. Reynolds (1957) suggested seed treatment of field crops with systemic insecticides, and reported that phorate (Thimet) showed considerable promise for protection against species of Blapstinus. The following is a list of references to hosts and 36 habits of Blapstinus spp. not listed elsewhere in this study: Vaile (1913) reported damage to beans in California;
Graf (1914) reported a species ocurring with the sugar-
J beet wireworm in California; De Ong (1919) reported a species of Blapstinus feeding on young castor bean plants and tomatoes in California; Wade (1921) reported larval damage to newly sown wheat and other grains; Adams (1926) reported sugar beet damage; Mail (19 31) listed the follow ing hosts: the weed, Malvastrum coccineum, tumble mustard, Sysimbrium altissimum, wiregrass, Stipa comata, and
Russian thistle, Salsola pestifer; Essig (1936) reported damage to tomatoes; Lebert (1940) reported damage to cante- loups in Arizona; Wilcox and Howland (1942) reported dam age to strawberries in California; Lange, Bailey and
Underhill (195 8) reported damage to asparagus. TRIBE PEDININI
Body oval, oblong-oval or elongate-oval; eyes usually transverse and completely divided into dorsal and ventral lobes; antennae perfoliate, third segment usually elongate; epistoma emarginate, without a membranous margin or band between it and the labrum and covering base of mandibles; labrum prominent; apical segment of maxillary palps tri angular or securiform; mentum usually trilobed anteriorly; metathoracic wings well developed, reduced, rudimentary or absent; epipleural fold reaching sutural angle; ab dominal sternites with a visible membrane along hind mar gin of visible segments three and four; mesepimera reach ing mesocoxal cavities; mesotrochantin distinct; metaster num very short; metepimera distinct; procoxae subtrans- verse; metacoxae transverse, never oblique, widely separa ted; apical spurs of tibiae small, distinct; first segment of tarsi usually elongate, never very short; penultimate segment of tarsi not bilobed; pro- and mesotarsi usually distinctly dilated; tarsi spongy, spinose or setose ven- trally.
Arnett (196 2) gives a key to the tribes of the sub family Tenebrioninae of the United States.
37 KEY TO NORTH AMERICAN GENERA OF THE TRIBE PEDININI
1. Scutellum triangular; metathoracic wings often well developed; protars of
male usually distinctly dilated (Fig. 123)...... 2 lf. Scutellum very broad and short; meta thoracic wings absent; protars
of male not dilated...... 7
2 (I1). Base of pronotum usually distinctly bisinuate (Figs. 24-54) ...... 3
2'. Base of pronotum not bisinuate
(Fig. 2 3 ) ...... 5
3 (2). Protibiae bent (Fig. 19) . . . .Trichoton Hope 3*. Protibiae straight (Fig. 18) ...... 4
4 (3*). Protibiae produced externally at apex (Fig. 17); body generally oval,
laterally fimbriate ...... Ulus Horn 4'. Protibiae not produced externally at
apex (Fig. 18) ; body oval, oblong-
oval or elongate-oval; not laterally fimbriate Blapstinus Sturm
38 39
5 (2f). Base of pronotum evenly arcuate Aconobius Casey
5*. Base of pronotum straight...... 6
6 (5T). Basal width of pronotum equal to basal
width of elytra; body broadly oval
and strongly convex Cybotus Casey 6*. Basal width of pronotum less than
basal width of elytra; body elongate and subdepressed . . Wecysmus Horn
7 (1*). Prothorax densely fimbriate laterally. . . . 8 7*. Prothorax not fimbriate laterally...... 9
8 (7). Protibiae narrow; body narrow and
parallel...... Conibiosoma Casey 8f. Protibiae broad; body stout and
oblong-oval...... Hotibius LeConte
9 (7*). Elytra sulcate...... 10
9'. Elytra not sulcate...... Conibius LeConte
10 (9*). Elytral intervals acutely ribbed. Tonibiastes Casey 10*. Elytral intervals c o n v e x ...... 11 <+0
11 (10'). Last three antennal segments abruptly clubbed I'locibiotes Casey
11*. Last three anetnnal segments freely differentiated...... Tonibius Casey GENUS BLAPSTINUS STURM
Blapstinus Sturm, 1826. Cat. Insecten-Sammulung, p. 101; Dejean, 1821:66; Latreille, 1829:21; Dejean, 1837:213; Waterhouse, 1845:34; Solier, 1851:2 32; Lacordaire,
1859:250; Mulsant and Rey, 1859a:180, 1859b:116; Horn, 1870a:351; Casey, 1890:416, 1895:616. Type species: Blaps punctatus Fabricius, 1792:109;
here designated. Type locality: South America Heteropus LaPorte, 1840. Hist. Nat., p. 221. (Junior synonym of Blapstinus, Gebien, 1910 :297) Aspidius Mulsant and Rey, 1859a. Ann. Agric. Lyon, p. 187,
1859b:123« (Junior synonym of Blapstinus, Gebien, 1910:297) Lodinus Mulsant and Rey, 1859a. Ann. Agric. Lyon, p. 195, 1859b:131. (Junior synonym of Blapstinus, Gebien, 1910:297)
DIAGNOSIS Base of pronotum usually distinctly bisinuate; scutel lum triangular; metathoracic wings usually well developed; protibiae straight and not produced externally at their apeces; protarsi of the male usually distinctly dilated.
41 42 DESCRIPTION Length 3.5 - 9.5 mm.; oval; convex; reddish-brown to
Mack; integument usually shining; vestiture usually distinct. Head convex; facial angles usually rounded, rarely prominent; epistoma sinuate; eyes completely divided into dorsal and ventral lobes; antennae 11 segmented, slender, widest apically, third antennal segment usually cylindrical and distinctly longer than segment four but distinctly shorter than segments four and five combined; head punctate, the punctures sparse dorsally. Lateral curvature of pronotum usually distinct, base usually distinctly bisinuate; pronotum punctate. Elytra rounded at apex; intervals punctate; strial punctures usually distinct. Metathoracic wings usually well developed, fully as long as the abdomen. Abdomen punctate; an impression usually present toward the apex of the fifth visible segment. Male with basal abdominal impression usually present; anterior tarsi usually distinctly dilated; subgenital sternite usually feebly or not at all emarginate at the apex; tegmen of aedeagus strongly curved in lateral view (Fig. 1); parameres fused dorsally and ventrally to form a sclerotized ring, basal piece fused dorsally and ventrally. 43
DISCUSSION
The early history of the generic name is confusing and open to various interpretations. The following ex planation is mostly that of T. J. Spilman of the Depart ment of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. Several authors have been credited with the author ship of the genus Blapstinus, but only three merit serious consideration, Dejean (1821), Sturm (1826) and Latreille (1829). Latreille has been most often credited with the genus, but Sturm (1826) is here credited with the genus Blapstinus for reasons outlined below. Dejean (1821), in his catalog of Coleoptera, lists
"BLAPSTINUS, Dej." without generic description. Immediate ly beneath the generic name is listed "(BLAPS ? Fabr.) followed by three species names without description. Two of these species, "Striato-punctatus. Dej. id." and- "Piceus. Dej. N....", are credited to Dejean and are nomina nuda. The third name is "Punctatus. Sch. Fabr. ? Amer. ins.11 The question mark puts the name in a state of species inquirenda, thereby excluding the name from being the type-species. The generic name is therefore a nomen nudum and Dejean is not credited with the genus even though he apparently used the generic name first.
Sturm (1826), in his catalog of Coleoptera, lists "Blapstinus, Dej" without generic description. Included in 44 this genus are two species, "punctato-striatus. Billb. Amer. Ins." and "punctatus. Schonh. (Blaps. F. ?) Amer. Ins." The former name is a nomen nudum, but the latter is of significance. The question mark clearly refers to the old genus "Blaps," and Sturm was not indicating doubt about "punctatus. Schonh." but was referring to Schonherr (1806), who, under the name "BLAPS Punctatus," referred to Fabricius (179 2) which was the original description of the species. In essence, Sturm is citing Blaps punctatus Fabricius, 1792. This Fabrician species is interpreted as the monobasic type-species of Blapstinus and the genus is credited to Sturm. Latreille (1829) lists "Blapstine (Blapstinus, Dej.)" !>■ with a short generic description. The spelling of the name was obviously in error. The only species he listed was
"Blaps tibidens Schoenh.", a species originally described as "Blaps tibidens Quensel" in Schonherr (1806) and now in the genus Sellio Mulsant and Rey (1859a). If Latreille is given credit for the genus Blapstinus, the name Blapstinus would have to be synonymized with Sellio, and the genus now called Blapstinus would take the name of the oldest synonym, Heteropus LaPorte (1840). Blapstinus Sturm is most often confused with the genera Trichoton Hope, Ulus Horn and Mecysmus Horn. Tricho- ton may be distinguished from Blapstinus by the distinctly bent protibiae (Fig. 19). Ulus differs from Blapstinus in having the protibiae produced externally at the apex (Fig. 17). Blapstinus longulus LeConte is the species most commonly confused with the genus Mecysmus. The base of the pronotum is bisinuate and about as wide as the base of the elytra in B. longulus; the base of the prono tum in Mecysmus is not bisinuate and'is much narrower than the base of the elytra. CATALOG OF BLAPSTINUS STURM IN
AMERICA NORTH OF MEXICO
Blapstinus Sturm, 1826. Heteropus LaPorte, 1840. Aspidius Mulsant and Rey, 1859a.
Lodinus Mulsant and Rey, 1859a.
Blapstinus alutaceus Casey, 1890. B. opacus LeConte, 1878.
Blapstinus dispar Casey, 1890.
Blapstinus pubescens LeConte, 1851. Lecontei Mulsant and Rey, 1859a. B. cinerascens Fall, 1929.
Blapstinus sulcatus LeConte, 1851. B. hydropicus Casey, 1890.
Blapstinus fortis, LeConte, 1878.
Opatrinus punctulatus DuVal , 1857. 13. interstitialis Champion, 1885.
Blapstinus dilatatus LeConte, 1851.
Blapstinus brevicollis LeConte, 1851. sonorae Casey, 1890. Blapstinus auripilis Horn, 1870a.
46 1+7 Blapstinus magnipunctatus , new species
Blapstinus metallicus (Fabricius), 1801.
Blaps metallica Fabricius, 1801. Opatrum interruptus Say, 1823.
13. metallicus aeneolus Melsheimer, 1846.
B. luridus Mulsant and Rey, 1859a. B. interruptus, LeConte, 1869.
Blapstinus pinorum Casey, 1914.
Blapstinus moestus Melsheimer, 1846.
Blapstinus pratensis LeConte, 1859. arenarius Casey, 1890.
Blapstinus vestitus LeConte, 1859.
B. hospes Casey, 1890.
Blapstinus barri Boddy, 1957.
Blapstinus debilis Casey, 1890.
Blapstinus aciculus Blatchley, 1917.
Blapstinus fuscus Casey, 1890.
B. humilis Casey, 1890.
Blapstinus histricus Casey, 1890 B. brunneus Casey, 1890. B_. coronadensis Blaisdell, 1892.
Blapstinus intermixtus Casey, 1890. 13. hesperius Casey, 1890.
Blapstinus vandykei Blaisdell, 1942.
Blapstinus lobatus, new species
Blapstinus validus Casey, 1890.
Blapstinus castaneus Casey, 1890. B. falii Blaisdell, 1929.
Blapstinus substriatus Champion, 1885. 13. anthracinus Sturm, 184 3. B. gregalis Casey, 1890.
Blapstinus pulverulentus I-Iannerheim, 1843. B. pulverulentus Escholtz, 1837. B. californicus Motchulsky, 1845.
Blapstinus discolor Horn, 1870a. B. oregonensis Casey, 1890. B. fuliginosus Casey, 1890. B. rufipes Casey, 1890. B. crassicornis Casey, 1890. B. elongatus Casey, 1890. B_. lepidus Casey, 1890. 13. aequalis Casey, 1890. B. funebris Casey, 1890. B. parallelus Casey, 1890. B. inquisitus Casey, 1890.
Blapstinus pimalis Casey, 1884. B. umbrosus Champion, 1885.
niger Casey, 1890. B. cribricollis Casey, 1890.
Blapstinus oculonotus, new species
Blapstinus longulus LeConte, 1851. KEY TO SPECIES OF BLAPSTINUS STURM IN AMERICA NORTH OF MEXICO
Epistomal sinuation very deep and
narrow (Fig. 13M0 ; pronotal puncta- tion finej pubescence absent; integu
ment evenly alutaceous; wings rudi mentary , much less than half abdomi nal length; parameres of aedeagus
enlarged apically and strongly
sinuate in lateral view (Figs. 69, 70)...... Epistomal sinuation variable, usually shallow and broad (Fig. 132); pronotal punctation vari
able, usually distinct; pubescence usually present; integument vari able , usually shining; wings vari
able, often well developed; para meres of aedeagus not enlarged apically, usually not sinuate in
lateral view ......
Punctures of elytral striae very small, shallow and scarcely visi
ble, striae not distinctly im pressed, intervals flat or feebly 51
convex , wide , their width equal
to approximately seven or eight times diameter of a strial punc
ture (Fig. 99) ...... • .... alutaceus Casey (p. 90)
2*. Punctures of elytral striae large,
deep and distinct, striae dis tinctly impressed, intervals distinctly convex, wide, their width equal to approximately four to six times the diameter of a strial puncture (Fig. 100)...... dispar Casey (p. 96)
3 (1'). Facial angles prominent (Fig. 129); third antennal segment clavate and distinctly longer than seg
ments four and five combined
(Figs. 11, 129); pronotum usually
explanate laterally...... sulcatus LeConte (p. 106 )
3'. Facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded (Fig. 132) ; third an tennal segment subcylindrical
and equal to or less than segments four and five combined (Figs.
12-14); pronotum convex. . .
Elytral strial punctation usually
interrupted, sets of punctures pften absent; usually both basal and apical angles of pronotum distinctly prominent (Fig. 33); integument often aeneous; wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen. . metallicus (Fabricius) (p. Elytral strial punctation usually not
interrupted, sets of punctures
very rarely missing; basal and apical angles of pronotum usually
not prominent, if so, wings are
reduced; integument alutaceous to
aeneous; wings variable, usually well developed......
Third antennal segment elongate, as
long as segments four and five combined (Fig. 13); body covered
with conspicuous cinereous pube scence ; elytral strial punctures large and closely spaced; wings
well developed, fully as long as 53
abdomen...... pubescens LeConte (p. 10 0 )
Third antennal segment usually
distinctly shorter than seg ments four and five combined
(Fig. 12); pubescence variable, if cinereous, wings are reduced
or rudimentary; elytral strial punctures variable in size and
spacing; wings variable, some times reduced or rudimentary...... 6
Pronotum usually transverse, median basal lobe usually prominent (Figs. 30, 31); body broad and
oval; elytral strial punctation
fine; wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen; basal
abdominal impression absent in male; protarsi of male not at
all dilated; parameres of aedea gus strongly curved downward at apex (Figs. 75 , 76)...... 7
Pronotum variable, usually not
transverse, median basal lobe usually not prominent; body oval,
oblong-oval or elongate oval; 54
elytral strial punctation fine or coarse; wings variable, some
times reduced or rudimentary; basal abdominal impression usually present in male; protarsi of male usually distinctly dilated; para
meres of aedeagus not strongly curved downward at a p e x ...... 8
7 (6). Pronotum slightly to moderately
convex; vestiture inconspicuous and consisting of yellowish- brown hairs; wedge cell normal,
fork of 2A distinctly proximad of 2a-3a cross vien (Fig. 55) ....
...... brevicollis LeConte (p. 131)
7*. Pronotum strongly convex; vesti ture conspicuous and hetero geneous, consisting of yellow
ish and dark brown hairs inter
mingled; wedge cell reduced or
absent, fork of 2A either opposite or distad of 2a-3a cross vein (Figs. 56, 57)...... auripilis Horn (p. 140) 55
8 (S'). 3asal angles of pronotum dis tinctly prominent posteriorly
(Figs. 35-37); wings reduced
or rudimentary, always dis
tinctly less than abdominal
length...... 9
8'. Basal angles of pronotum not prominent posteriorly; wings variable, often well develop ed...... 12
9 (8). Pubescence usually cinereous and conspicuous; elytral striae
feebly or not impressed, punc tures fine; intervals very
finely punctate; protarsi of male dilated or not; parameres
of aedeagus short or slightly elongate (Figs. 81, 8 2 ) ...... 10
Pubescence usually golden and very inconspicuous; elytral striae
usually distinctly impressed, punctures usually coarse; inter vals usually coarsely punctate; protarsi of male distinctly di
lated; parameres short, their 56
length distinctly less than twice their basal width (Figs.
80, 81) 11
10 (9) Length over 5 mm.; moderately con
vex! elytral striae becoming
distinctly impressed laterally; intervals becoming convex lateral ly; protarsi of male distinctly
dilated, subequal in width to protibial apex; parameres of.
aedeagus short, their length dis tinctly less than twice their
basal width (Fig. 81')...... pratensis LeConte (p. 177)
1 0 ’. Length less than 5 mm.; strongly convex; elytral striae not im
pressed; intervals not convex; protarsi of male feebly dilated,
width much less than protibial apex; parameres of aedeagus slightly elongate, their length slightly more than twice their basal width (Fig. 82)...... vestitus LeConte (p. 187) 11 C 9 1 Wings rudimentary, distinctly less than half abdominal length; lateral rods of penis parallel
(Fig. 3); west of Mississippi
River...... Dratensis LeConte (p. 177) - _ _ _ * 11'. 'Wings reduced, distinctly longer than half abdominal length;
lateral rods of penis not paral lel; east of Mississippi River ....
...... moestus Melsheimer (p. I6 9 )
12 C 8' Eyes large, upper lobes usually separated by approximately three times their maximum diame
ter (Fig. 130), lower lobes sepa rated by less than three times
their maximum diameter (Fig. 131). . . . 13 12 1 . Eyes small to moderate, upper lobes usually separated by approximately four to six times
their maximum diameter (Fig. 132), lower lobes separated by more than three times their maximum diame ter (Fig. 133)...... 27 58
13 (12). Pubescence very conspicuous, con
sisting of long, very stout cinereous hairs; both strial
and abdominal punctures larger than pronotal punctures; wings
reduced, approximately two- thirds abdominal length......
...... magnipunctatus n. sp. (p. 146)
13*. Pubescence not as above; strial
and abdominal punctures not
larger than pronotal punctures;
wings well developed, fully as
long as abdomen...... 14
14 (13'). Length 6.8 - 9.6 mm.; body broad and oval; lateral curvature of
pronotum usually strong (Figs. 28, 29); subgenital sternite of
male deeply emarginate, bilobed, lobes pointed (Fig. 20); para
meres of aedeagus strongly taper ing in apical half (Figs. 73, 74). . . . 15
14*. Length 3.6 - 7.5 mm.; body oblong-
oval or elongate-oval; lateral
curvature of pronotum strong or 59 weak; subgenital sternite of
male usually feebly or not at all emarginate, if deeply emar
ginate, lobes are rounded (Figs. 21, 22); parameres of aedeagus
not strongly tapering in apical h a l f ...... 16
15 (14). Lateral curvature of pronotum
strong and usually even from base to apex (Fig. 29); prono
tal punctures elongate and
tending to coalesce longi
tudinally, often strongly con fluent; strial punctures small; intervals wide, width equal to four to six time the diameter
of a strial puncture......
dilatatus LeConte .12 3) 15*. Lateral curvature of pronotum
strong and usually uneven, widest in basal half (Fig. 28);
pronotal punctures round and not tending to coalesce longitudi
nally; strial punctures large; 60
intervals usually narrow, width equal to two or three
times the diameter of a strial puncture...... fortis LeConte Cp. 114 )
16 (14f). Pronotum subquadrate, appearing elongate, apical and basal
widths approximately equal,
lateral curvature slight,
usually widest in apical half (Figs. 53, 54); subdepressed;
vestiture short and sparse ...... 17 16*. Pronotum usually subrectangular,
apex usually much narrower than base, lateral curvature weak or
strong; convex; vestiture variable...... 18
17 (16). Elytral strial punctures very large, deep and closely spaced,
separated by much less than half their diameters; intervals narrow,
width equal to one or two times
the diameter of a strial punc
ture; shining to aeneous...... longulus LeConte (p. 322) 61
17*. Elytral strial punctures small, shallow and not closely spaced,
separated by much more than their diameters; intervals wide, width
equal to three to five times the diameter of a strial puncture;
usually very dull...... oculonotus n. sp, Cp. 317)
18 (16*). Lateral curvature of pronotum
usually strong and even from
base to apex (Figs. 43-47); apex of pronotum usually distinctly
emarginate, rarely truncate; pronotal punctures longitudi
nally confluent or not...... 19 18*. Lateral curvature of pronotum
weak, usually becoming straight in basal half (Figs. 39-43);
apex of pronotum usually feebly emarginate; pronotal punctures
not longitudinally confluent 2 3
19 (18). Vestiture heterogeneous, consist
ing of yellowish and dark brown
hairs intermingled; protarsi 62
male very feebly dilated;
parameres of aedeagus very
elongate, their length equal to distinctly more than twice
their basal width (Fig. 88)...... intermixtus Casey (p. 232 )
19f. Vestiture homogeneous, yellowish or orangish; protarsi of male
distinctly dilated; parameres of aedeagus moderate in length,
their length equal to approxi mately twice their basal width
(Fig. 89)...... 20
2 0 (19r). Pronotum very strongly convex, apex usually truncate (Fig. 44);
vestiture often conspicuous,
consisting of bright orangish hairs; parameres of aedeagus
distinctly tapering in apical
half (Fig. 89)...... vandykei Blaisdell (p. 239 )
20*. Pronotum slight to moderately
convex, apex usually distinctly emarginate (Figs. 45-47); vesti
ture inconspicuous and usually 63
golden; parameres of aedeagus
not distinctly tapering- in apical
half (Figs. 90-92)...... 21
21 (20 ). Interval punctures coarse; pro
femora of male strongly swollen
apically (Fig. 15); subgenital sternite of male deeply emargi
nate, bilobed, lobes rounded (Fig. 21); parameres of aedeagus
divided (Fig, 90) ...... * ...... lobatus n. s d . (p.245)
21' . Interval punctures fine or coarse; profemora of male not strongly swollen apically (Fig. 16); sub genital sternite of male feebly
or not at all emarginate (Fig. 22);
parameres of aedeagus not divided
(Figs. 91, 92)...... 22
22 (21 ). Pronotal punctures round, not tend
ing to coalesce longitudinally; upper lobes of eyes unusually
large; Arizona. . . . validus Casey (p.251) 64
22'. Pronotal punctures elongate, tending to coalesce longitudi
nally, often strongly so; upper lobes of eyes not unusually
large; widespread...... castaneus Casey Cp. 2 5 7)
2 3 (18*). Vestiture heterogeneous, consist ing of yellowish and dark brown hairs intermingles; protarsi of male very feebly dilated; para-
meres of aedeagus very elongate, their length equal to distinctly more than twice their basal width (Fig. 88). . . . intermixtus Casey (p. 232)
23*. Vestiture heterogeneous or homo geneous, usually golden or gray; protarsi of male usually dis tinctly dilated; parameres of aedeagus not elongate (Figs. 84-87)...... 24
24 (2 3'). Pronotum finely and sparsely punc tate, punctures usually separated by more than their diameters; head
finely and sparsely punctate, 65
punctures often separated by
two or three times their diame
ters. between the eyeis ; Gulf' C o a s t ...... 25
24*. Pronotum coarsely and moderately
to densely punctate, punctures
usually separated by their di ameters or less; head coarsely
and densely punctate, punctures
usually separated by their
diameters or less between the eyes ; widespread...... 26
25 C24). Third and fourth antennal segments
short, subequal in length (Fig.
i 14); parameres of aedeagus not
strongly tapering in apical fourth (Fig. 84); Texas......
...... debilis Casey (p. 200) 251. Third antennal segment distinctly
longer than fourth; parameres
of aedeagus abruptly tapering in apical fourth (Fig. 85); Flori
da...... aciculus Blatchley (p. 205) 66
26 (24’) Clypeal suture rarely visible; elytral strial punctures deeply
impressed and becoming widely spaced laterally; vestiture
usually sparse and grayish; in
tervals often alutaceous; para meres of aedeagus moderate in
length, their length equal to approximately twice their basal width (Fig. 86). . . . fuscus Casey (p.211)
26*. Clypeal suture usually visible; elytral strial punctures usual
ly not deeply impressed, not be
coming widely spaced laterally;
vestiture usually dense and
golden; intervals usually shin ing; parameres of aedeagus
usually short, their length dis tinctly less than twice their basal width (Fig. 87)...... histricus Casey (p. 220)
2 7 (12*) Elytral interval and abdominal
punctures coarse; wings rudi mentary, distinctly less than 67 half abdominal length; east of
Mississippi River (Morth Carolina)..
...... pin or urn Casey Cp. 16 3 ) 271. Elytral intervals and abdominal punctures fine or coarse; wings
variable, well developed, re duced or rudimentary; west of
Mississippi River...... 2 8
28 (2 71). Very strongly convex; vestiture
usually conspicuous, dense and
bright yellowish-orange or
cinereous; apex of pronotum usually truncate, lateral curva
ture usually strong and even from base to apex (Figs. 38, 44). . . . 29
28*, Usually moderately convex; vesti ture inconspicuous, sparse and
usually golden; apex of pronotum subtruncate to moderately emar
ginate , lateral curvature evenly curved or becoming straight basal-
ly (Figs. 48-52)...... 30 68
29 (2 8). Vestiture usually bright yellowish-
orange; elytral strial punctures
distinct and closely spaced;
wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen; parameres of
aedeagus strongly tapering in apical half (Fig. 8 9 ) ......
...... vandykei Blaisdell (p. 239)
29*. Vestiture usually cinereous;
elytral strial punctures indis tinct and usually widely spaced;
wings rudimentary, distinctly
less than half abdominal length;
parameres of aedeagus not strongly tapering in apical half (Fig. 83)...... barri Boddy (p. 193)
30 (28*). Elytral interval punctures coarse,
often crowded basally and con fusedly intermingled with strial
punctures; lateral curvature of
,k pronotum usually even from base to apex (Figs. 48, 49); pronotal punctures tending to coalesce
longitudinally, often strongly 69
confluent; wings well developed
or slightly reduced, distinctly
longer than half abdominal length. .
...... substriatus Champion (p. 26^) 30T. Elytral interval punctures fine or
coarse, usually not crowded basally or confusedly intermingl
ed with strial punctures, if coarse, wings are distinctly less
than half abdominal length and sides of pronotum are straight
basally; lateral curvature of pro-
notum evenly curved from base to
apex or becoming straight in basal half (Figs. 50-52); pronotal punc
tures longitudinally confluent or not; wings variable, well develop
ed, reduced or rudimentary...... 31
31 (30?). Lateral curvature of pronotum
usually even from base to apex, apex usually truncate (Fig. 52);
pronotal punctures sometimes tending to coalesce longitudi
nally; elytral intervals often 70
granulate; protarsi of male
dilated or not. . . .pimalis Casey (j . 305)
31*• Lateral curvature of pronotum
usually straight in basal half, apex slightly to moderately
emarginate (Figs. 50, 51); pro
notal punctures not tending to
coalesce longitudinally; elytral intervals usually not granulate;
protarsi of male very strongly
dilated, width usually equal to
protibial apex or wider...... 32
32 (311). Elytral interval punctures usually
very coarse; integument usually strongly shining, usually black
or piceous; wings rudimentary,
distinctly less than half
abdominal length ...... pulverulentus Mannerheim (j . 278)
32*. Elytral interval punctures usually fine; integument shining or not,
usually black or dark reddish- brown above, legs often reddish
or orangish-brown; wings variable, 71 well developed, reduced or rudimentary...... discolor Horn (p. 2 85 ) KEY TO MALES OF SPECIES OF 3LAPSTINUS STURM IN AMERICA NORTH OF MEXICO
1. Subgenital sternite deeply emargi
nate, bilobed, lobes rounded or pointed (Figs. 20, 21); para
meres of aedeagus either di vided or very strongly tapering
in apical half (Figs. 73, 74, 90); wings well developed, fully as
long as abdomen ......
1'. Subgenital sternite feebly or not
emarginate, not bilobed (Fig. 22); parameres of aedeagus not
divided and usually not taper ing in apical half; wings vari
able, well developed, reduced or rudimentary ......
2 (1). Lobes of subgenital sternite
rounded (Fig. 21); each para-
mere of aedeagus divided (Fig. 90)...... lobatus n. sp. (p. 245)
2'. Lobes of subgenital sternite
pointed (Fig. 20); parameres of aedeagus not divided ...... 3
72 73
3 (21). Lateral curvature of pronotum
strong and usually even from base to apex (Fig. 29); prono
tal punctures elongate and tending to coalesce longitudi
nally, often strongly confluent; strial punctures small; elytral
intervals wide, width equal to
four to six times the diameter of a strial puncture ...... dilatatus LeConte (p. 12 3)
3f. Lateral curvature of pronotum
strong and usually uneven, widest in basal half (Fig. 28);
pronotal punctures round and
not tending to coalesce longi tudinally; strial punctures large; elytral intervals usually
narrow, width equal to two or three times the diameter of a
strial puncture ...... fortis LeConte (p. 114)
4 (1*). Parameres of aedeagus enlarged
apically and strongly sinuate in lateral view (Figs. 69, 70); 74 epistomal sinuation very deep
and narrow (Fig. 134); prono tal punctation fine; pubescence absent; integument evenly alu- taceous; wings rudimentary, dis tinctly less than half abdominal length ...... 5 Parameres of aedeagus not enlarged apically and usually not strong
ly sinuate in ventral and lateral view; epistomal sinuation usually shallow and broad (Fig. 132); pro notal punctation usually distinct; pubescence usually present; inte gument usually shining; wings vari
able, well developed, reduced or rudimentary ...... 6
5 (4). Punctures of elytral striae very small, shallow and scarcely visible; striae not distinctly impressed; elytral intervals flat or feebly convex, wide, their widths equal
to approximately seven or eight times the diameter of a strial punc ture...... alutaceus Casey (p. 90) 75
5*. Punctures of elytral striae large, deep and distinct; striae dis
tinctly impressed; elytral inter vals distinctly convex, wide,
their width equal to approxi mately four to six times the di
ameter of a strial puncture ......
...... dispar Casey (p. 96 )
6 (4f). Parameres of aedeagus very narrow and pointed apically, strongly
bent downward at the apex (Figs, 75, 76); protarsi not at all
dilated, segments subequal in width but much narrower than
protibial a p e x ...... 7 6*. Parameres of aedeagus not very
narrow and not pointed api cally, apex not strongly bent
downward; protarsi often strong ly dilated, segments often sub
equal to protibial apex or w i d e r ...... 8 76
7 (6). Pronotum slightly to moderately convex; vestiture inconspicuous
and consisting of homogeneous yellowish-brown hairs; wedge
cell normal, fork of 2A dis tinctly proximad of 2a-3a cross
vein (Fig. 55) . . * ...... brevicollis LeConte (j . 131)
7f. Pronotum strongly convex; vestiture conspicuous and heterogeneous,
consisting of yellowish and dark brown hairs intermingled; wedge
cell reduced or absent, fork of
2A either opposite or distad of
2a-3a cross vein (Figs. 56, 57). . . ♦ ...... auripilis Horn (j . 140)
8 (61). Parameres of aedeagus very elongate, their length usually two and one-
half to three times their basal
width (Figs. 71, 72, 78, 88);
wings well developed, fully as
long as abdomen ...... Parameres of aedeagus short to
moderate in length, their length usually approximately twice
their basal width or less; wings
variable, well developed, reduced
or rudimentary ...... 12
Facial angles prominent (Fig. 129);
third antennal segment clavate and distinctly longer than seg
ments four and five combined- (Figs. 11, 129); pronotum
usually explanate laterally...... sulcatus LeConte (p. 106)
Facial angles not prominent (Fig.
132); third antennal segment cylindrical and equal to or less than segments four and
five combined (Figs. 12-14); pronotum usually distinctly con
vex laterally...... 10
Elytral strial punctation usually
interrupted, sets of punctures
often absent; usually both basal 78
and apical angles of pronotum
distinctly prominent (Fig. 33); integument often aeneous ...... metallicus (Fabricius) (p. 152) 10*. Elytral strial punctation not in
terrupted; basal and apical angles of pronotum not promi
nent; integument dull to shining...... 11
11 (10'). Third antennal segment elongate, as long as segments four and five combined (Fig. 13); body covered
with conspicuous, homogeneous, cinereous pubescence ......
...... pubescens LeConte (p. 100) 11*. Third antennal segment not elong ate, shorter than segments four and five combined (Fig.
12); body covered with con spicuous heterogeneous, yellow
ish and dark brown hairs inter mingled...... intermixtus Casey (p. 232) 79
12 (8'). Parameres of aedeagus short,
their length distinctly less than twice their basal width (Figs. 80, 81, 83, 87); wings
often reduced or rudimentary...... 13 12*. Parameres of aedeagus moderate
in length, their length approximately twice their basal width or slightly longer; wings well developed,
reduced or rudimentary ...... 16
13 (12). Eyes unusually large, upper and
lower lobes separated by approxi mately two and one-half times
their maximum diameter; wings well developed, full as long
as abdomen. . . . histricus Casey (p. 22 0) 13*, Eyes small to moderate, upper
and lower lobes separated by distinctly more than two and
one-half times their maximum diameter; wings rudimentary,
distinctly less than half abdominal length ...... 14 80
14 (13'). Lateral curvature of pronotum usually even from base to apex, basal angles rounded (Fig. 38); pubescence cinereous and con spicuous...... barri Boddy (p. 193) 14'. Lateral- curvature of pronotum un even, becoming straight in basal half, basal angles dis tinctly prominent posteriorly
(Figs. 35, 36); pubescence dark golden and inconspicuous ...... 15
15 (14f.) Wings rudimentary, distinctly less than half abdominal length;
lateral rods of penis parallel (Fig. 60); west of Mississippi
River...... pratensis LeConte (p. 177) 15'. Wings reduced, distinctly longer than half abdominal length; lateral rods of penis not parallel (Figs. 58, 59); east of Mississippi River...... moestus Melsheimer (p. 16 9) 81 16 C121). Parameres of aedeagus distinctly
widest in apical half (Fig. 77);
vestiture very coarse ......
magnipunctatus n. sp. (p. 146) 16*. Parameres of aedeagus narrowest in
apical half; vestiture thin ...... 17
17 (16*). Parameres of aedeagus very abrupt
ly tapering in apical fourth (Fig. 85); head and pronotal
punctation fine...... acicuius Blatchley (p. 205)
17*. Parameres of aedeagus not abruptly tapering in apical .
fourth; head and pronotal punc tation fine or c o a r s e...... 18
18 (17'). Parameres of aedeagus distinctly tapering in apical half (Fig.
89); vestiture usually consist
ing of dense, bright yellowish- orange h a i r s ......
...... vandykei Blaisdell (p. 239)
18'. Parameres of aedeagus gradually tapering.from base to apex;
vestiture variable, cinereous or gol d e n...... 19 82
19 (181). Basal angles of pronotum dis tinctly prominent posteriorly (Fig. 37); strongly convex;
vestiture cinereous; protarsi
very feebly dilated; wings
rudimentary, distinctly less
than abdominal length ...... vestitus LeConte (p. 187)
19' . Basal angles of pronotum not prominent posteriorly; feebly to strongly convex; vestiture
■variable, usually golden; p.v
tarsi usually distinctly dilated,
width often equal to protibial apex or wider; wings well developed,
reduced or rudimentary ...... 20
20 (19'). Eyes large, upper lobes usually separated by approximately
three times their maximum diame ter (Fig. 130), lower lobes
separated by less than three times their maximum diameter
(Fig. 131)...... 21 Eyes small to moderate, upper
lobes usually separated by approximately four to six times
their maximum diameter (Fig. 132), lower lobes separated by more
than three times their maximum diameter (Fig. 133)......
Pronotum subquadrate, appearing
elongate, apical and basal widths approximately equal,
lateral curvature slight, usually widest in apical half
(Figs. 53, 54); subdepressed; vestiture short and sparse. . . .
Pronotum usually subrectangular, apex usually distinctly narrower than base, lateral
curvature weax or strong; con vex; vestiture variable ......
Elytral strial punctures very
large, deep and closely spaced, separated by much less than half
their diameters; elytral inter vals narrow, their width equal to 84
one or two times the diameter
of a strial puncture; shining to aeneous. . . . longulus LeConte (p. 322 )
22*. Elytral strial punctures small,
shallow and not closely spaced,
separated by much more than
their diameters; elytral inter vals wide, their width equal to
three to five times the diameter of a strial puncture; usually very
dull...... oculonotus n. sp. (p. 317)
23 (21'). Lateral curvature of pronotum usual
ly strong and even from base to apex (Figs. 46, 47); apex of
pronotum usually distinctly emarginate, rarely truncate; pronotal punctures longitudi
nally confluent or n o t ...... 2 4
23*. Lateral curvature of pronotum weak, usually becoming straight
in basal half (Figs. 39, 41, 42); apex of pronotum usually feebly
emarginate; pronotal punctures
not longitudinally confluent ...... 25 85
24 (23). Pronotal punctures round, not
tending to coalesce longitudi nally; upper lobes of eyes un
usually large; Arizona ...... validus Casey (p. 251)
241. Pronotal punctures elongate., tending to coalesce longi
tudinally, often strongly con fluent; upper lobes of eyes not
unusually large; widespread...... castaneus Casey (p. 257)
25 (23f). Pronotum finely and sparsely punctate, punctures usually
separated by more than their diameters; head finely and sparsely punctate, punctures often separated by two or three
times their diameters between the eyes; third and fourth seg
ments subequal'in length (Fig. 14)...... debilis Casey (p. 200) 25’. Pronotum coarsely and moderately
to densely punctate, punctures
usually separated by their di ameters or less ; head coarsely 86
and densely punctate, punc tures usually separated by
their diameters or less be tween the eyes; third anten-
nal segment distinctly longer than fourth (Fig. 12) ...... 26
26 (25* ). Clypeal suture rarely visible; elytral strial punctures deeply impressed and becom ing widely spaced laterally;
vestiture usually sparse and grayish; elytral intervals
often alutaceous ...... fuscus Casey (p. 211)
26* . Clypeal suture usually visible; strial punctures usually not
deeply impressed, not becom ing widely spaced laterally;
vestiture usually dense and golden; elytral intervals
usually shining ...... histricus Casey (p. 220 ) 87
27 (201) Elytral interval and abdominal punctures coarse; wings rudi
mentary, distinctly less than
half abdominal length; east of
Mississippi River (North Caro lina)...... pinorum Casey (p. 163)
27'. Elytral interval ‘ and' abdominal punctures fine or coarse;
wings well developed, reduced
or rudimentary . 2 8
28 (27*) Elytral interval punctures coarse, often crowded basally and con
fusedly intermingled with strial punctures; lateral curvature of
pronotum usually even from base to apex (Figs. 48, 49); prono
tal punctures tending to coalesce longitudinally, often strongly
confluent; wings well developed or slightly reduced, distinctly longer
than half abdominal length ...... substriatus Champion (p. 264)
28'. Elytral interval punctures fine or coarse, usually not crowded basal
ly or confusedly intermingled with 88
strial punctures, if coarse,
wings are distinctly less than half abdominal length and sides of pronotum are straight basally;
lateral curvature of pronotum evenly curved from base to apex
or becoming straight in basal
half (Figs. 50-52); pronotal
punctures longitudinally con fluent or not; wings well develop
ed, reduced or rudimentary...... 29
29 (28 ). Lateral curvature of pronotum usual ly even from base to apex, apex
usually truncate (Fig. 52); prono tal punctures sometimes tending
to coalesce longitudinally; elytral intervals often granu- i late; protarsi dilated or not ....
...... pimalis Casey (p, 305)
29'. Lateral curvature of pronotum usually straight in basal half,
apex slightly to moderately emarginate (Figs. 50, 51); prono
tal punctures not tending to coalesce longitudinally; elytral 89
intervals usually not granu late; protarsi very strongly
dilated, width usually equal to protibial apex or w i d e r ...... 30
30 (29'). Elytral interval punctures usually very coarse; integument usually
strongly shining, usually black
or piceous; wings rudimentary,
distinctly less than half abdominal length ......
pulverulentus Mannerheim Cp. 278)
30*. Elytral interval punctures usually
fine; integument shining or not, usually black or dark reddish-
brown above, legs often reddish or orangish-brown; wings well
developed, reduced or rudimen tary...... discolor Horn Cp. 285 ) SPECIES TREATMENT
Blapstinus alutaceus Casey (Figs. 24, 69, 99, 137)
Blapstinus opacus LeConte, 1878. Proc. American Philos.
Soc. , 27:420. (Name preoccupied, Casey, 1890 :423) Type locality: "Southern Florida"
Blapstinus alutaceus Casey, 1890. Ann. New York Acad. Sci., 5 :423-424.
Type locality: "Key Nest, Florida"
DIAGNOSIS Length 6.3 - 6.7 mm.; strongly convex; vestiture visible only under high magnification; integument smooth and evenly alutaceous; epistomal sinuation deep and narrow (Fig, 134); pronotal punctures very fine, usually separated by three to five times their diameters; elytral strial punctures very small, shallow and un evenly spaced (Fig. 99); elytral intervals flat, wide, their width equal to approximately eight to ten times the diameter of a strial puncture (Fig, 99); metathoracic wings rudimentary, distinctly less than half the abdominal length; parameres of aedeagus enlarged apically and strongly curved in lateral view (Fig. 69).
90 91
DESCRIPTION Length 6.3 - 6.7 nun.; oval; strongly convex; color variable, usually black or reddish-brown throughout, ventral surface and legs sometimes lighter; integument smooth and evenly alutaceous; vestiture visible only under very high magnification. Head slightly convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation deep and narrow (Fig. 134); upper lobe of eyes large, round and separated by approximately three to three and one-half times their maximum diameter, lower lobes moderate, oval and separated by three and one-half to four times their maximum diame ter; antennae gradually enlarging apically, third seg ment cylindrical, longer than the fourth segment but shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures very fine and sparse becoming slightly crowded distally. Pronotum subrectangular, distinctly wider than long
(Fig. 24); apical angles not prominent, broadly rounded, basal angles broadly rounded, usually much more than ninety degrees, apex strongly emarginate in anterior and dorsal view, basal curvature strong laterally, lateral curvature strong, widest in basal half, narrowing strongly in apical third; punctures very fine, round and sparse, usually separated by three to five times their diameter, becoming slightly larger laterally. 92
Elytra broad, connate apically; intervals flat or very slightly convex, very wide, their widths approxi mately eight to ten times the diameter of a strial puncture, interval punctures minute; striae not impressed, punctures very small, round, shallow and unevenly distri buted, usually separated by four to eight times their diameters.
Metathoracic wings rudimentary, distinctly less than half the abdominal length.
Abdominal punctation small and sparse; impression of fifth visible segment usually distinct in apical third.
Male. Basal abdominal impression feeble in basal two segments; protarsi very strongly dilated, segments sub equal in width to protibial apex and spongy beneath; mesotarsi usually slightly dilated and spongy beneath; sub genital sternite feebly or not at all emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus enlarged apically and strongly curved in lateral view (Fig. 69).
Measurements. Head: width, 1.4 - 1.6 mm. Eyes: maxi mum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.27 - 0.30 mm., dorsal inter- ocular distance, 0.83 - 0.90 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.0 - 3.4; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0,2 7 - 0.30 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.96 - 1.1 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.6 - 4.0. Pronotum: apical width, 1.6 - 1.8 mm., basal width, 2.6 - 3.1 mm., lateral length, 93 1.6 - 1.8 mm., medial length, 1.6 - 1.8 mm. Elytra: width, 3.1 - 3.5 mm., length, 4.0 - 4.6 mm.; total length: 6.3 -
6.7 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL Blapstinus opacus LeConte: Holotype, male CLeConte Collection, MCZC) ; Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Fla," Tag 2, red, "Type 466 8," Tag 3, white, "3. opacus LeC." Measure ments - head: width, 1.5 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.2 7 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.87 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.1; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.27 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.93 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.5; pronotum: apical width, 1.7 mm., basal width, 2,7 mm., lateral length, 1.6 mm., medial length, 1.6 mm.; elytra: width, 3.1 mm., length, 4.4 mm.; total length: 6.5 mm. Specimen is in
fair condition, all appendages present, part of right elytron appears to have been chewed off by another insect; a very typical specimen.
Blapstinus alutaceus Casey: Lectotype (here desig nated) , male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Key West, Fla Tag 2, white, "LECTOTYPE B. alutaceus Casey BY J. C. Davis '70". Measurements - head: width, 1.4 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.27 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.80 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.0; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.2 7 mm., 1
9 4 ventral interocular distance, 1.0 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.8; pronotum: apical width, 1.7 mm., basal width, 2.6 mm., lateral length, 1.7 mm., medial length,
1.7 mm.; elytra: width, 3.1 mm., length, U.O mm.; total length: 6.3 mm. Specimen is in fair condition, half of left antennae is absent; specimen is same as B_. opacus LeC., all characters comparing favorably. Paralectotype
(here designated), 1, male (Casey Collection, USNM), "Texas”.
BIONOMICS
Adults have been collected during June.
DISTRIBUTION
Mostly in Florida (Fig. 137).
DISCUSSION
Blapstinus alutaceus Casey is one of the largest and most easily identified species of the genus. Most charac ters appear quite stable. The lateral curvature is con sistently strong, but pronotal shape in females tends to be more quadrate. Male genitalia show little variation; their shape is similar to that in B. dispar Casey (Fig. 70).
alutaceus is very similar to B. dispar. I was at first dubious of the separation, but the limited number of specimens examined show no gradation in the characters used to separate the two. These two species should not be 95 confused with other members of the genus since they are somewhat isolated by the following characters: deeply sinuate epistoma, unusually alutaceous integument, very fine punctation and their genitalia. B. alutaceus may be distinguished from B. dispar by the smaller elytral strial punctures and much wider elytral intervals.
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (41)
FLORIDA: Dade Co., Dry Tortugas Island (4:CASC, 2-.UCRC, l-.AMNH), Key West (5-.CASC, 1:DEFW>; Duval Co. , Jacksonville (2:USNM); Osceola Co., Kissimmee (3:AMNH): Co. undet.: Garden Key (6:CASC, 2:USNM, 2:CUIC, 2:SEMC,
1:CNCI, 6:MCZC); City and Co. undet. (3:CASC). TEXAS: City and Co. undet. (1:USNM). 96
Blapstinus dispar Casey (Figs. 25, 70, 100, 134, 138)
Blapstinus dispar Casey, 1890. Ann. New York Acad. Sci., 5 : 424-425.
Type locality: "Biscayne, Florida"
DIAGNOSIS Very similar to B. alutaceus Casey except: elytral strial punctures are moderate in size and deep, elytral intervals are narrow, their widths usually being four to seven times the diameter of a strial puncture (Fig. 100).
DESCRIPTION Length 6.5 - 7.7 mm.; oval; strongly convex; color variable, usually black or reddish-brown throughout, ven tral surface and legs sometimes lighter; integument smooth and evenly alutaceous; vestiture visible only under very high magnification. Head slightly convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; upper lobe of eyes large, round and separated by approximately three to four times their maxi mum diameter, lower lobes moderate, oval and separated by three to four times their maximum diameter; antennae slender and gradually enlarging from base to apex, third segment cylindrical, longer than segment four but shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures very fine and sparse, becoming slightly crowded distally. Pronotum subrectangular, distinctly wider than long (Fig. 25); apical angles not prominent, broadly rounded, basal angles broadly rounded, usually much more than ninety degrees , apex strongly emarginate in anterior and dorsal views, basal curvature strong laterally, lateral curva ture strong, widest in basal half, narrowing strongly in apical third; punctures very fine, round and sparse, usually separated by three to five times their diameters, becoming slightly larger laterally. Elytra broad, connate apically; intervals distinctly convex, their widths approximately four to seven times the diameter of a strial puncture, interval punctures minute; striae distinctly impressed, punctures moderate in size, round, deep and usually separated by two to four times their diameters. Metathoracic wings rudimentary, distinctly less than half the abdominal length. Abdominal punctation small and sparse; impression of fifth visible segment usually feebly and indistinct. Male. Basal abdominal impression very feeble and flat in middle of basal two segments; protarsi very strongly dilated, segments subequal in width to protibial apex and spongy beneath; mesotarsi usually moderately 98 dilated and spongy beneath; subgenital sternite feebly or not at all emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus en larged apically and strongly curved in lateral view (Fig. 70) . Measurements. Head: width, 1.4 -1.6 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.27 - 0.30 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.87 - 1.3 mm., dorsal ocular corre lation, 3.4 - 3.7; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.27 - 0.33 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.92 - 1.3 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.2 - 3.7. Pronotum: apical width, 1.7 - 1.9 mm., basal width, 2.5 - 3.0 mm., lateral length, 1.5 - 1.8 mm., medial length, 1.5 - 1.7 mm.
Elytra: width, 2.8 - 3.3 mm., length, 4.0 - 5.2 mm.; total length: 6.5 - 7.7 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL Blapstinus dispar Casey: Lectotype (here designated), male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Biscayne, Fla," Tag 2, white, " Tag 3, white, "CASEY bequest 1925," Tag 4, red, "TYPE USNM 37148," Tag 5, white, 11B. dispar Casey," Tag 6, white, "LECTOTYPE B. dispar Casey BY J . C. Davis *70." Measurements - head: width, 1.6 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.30 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 1.0 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.3; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.30 mm., ventral interocular distance, 1.1 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.4; pronotum: apical width, 1.9 mm., basal width, 2.8 mm., lateral length, 1.7 mm., medial length, 1.6 ram.; elytra: width, 3.2 mm., length, 4.9 mm.; total length: 7.0 mm. Specimen is in fair condition, left antenna with apical seven segments absent, other appen dages intact; a typical specimen, very convex elytral intervals, strial punctures deep. Paralectotype (here designated), 1, female ("PARATYPE USNM 37148"), same locality as type.
* BIONOMICS
Adults were collected during May, June and November.
DISTRIBUTION
Florida (Fig. 134).
DISCUSSION
See remarks under B. alutaceus Casey (page 90).
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (37) FLORIDA: Dade Co., Biscayne (3:CISC, 2:USNM),
Miami Beach (2:CISC); Palm Beach Co., Boynton (10:CASC, 3:CISC), Lake Worth (3:CISC, 7:MCZC), Palm Beach (6: CASC); City and Co. undet. (1:CASC). 100
Blapstinus pubescens LeConte (Figs. 13, 26, 71, 101, 139)
Blapstinus pubescens LeConte, 1851. Ann. Lyc. Nat. Hist. New York, 147; Casey, 1890:459.
Type locality: "Colorado and Vallecitas"
Blapstinus Lecontei Mulsant S Rey, 18 59 . Ann. Soc. Agr. Lyon, 19 2; Opusc. Ent., 9:128 (Jr. synonym of 13. pubescens , Casey, 1890 :459). Type locality: "California"
Blapstinus cinerascens Fall, 1929. Can.' Ent., 61:
5 8-59. NEW SYNONYMY Type locality: "San Pedro, California" r
DIAGNOSIS Vestiture usually conspicuous, dense and cinereous; third antennal segment elongate, subcylindrical and as long as segments four and five combined (Fig. 13); lateral curvature of pronotum usually strongly and evenly curved from base to apex; elytral strial punc tures deep and closely placed, usually separated by less than their own diameters; metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen; parameres of aedeagus elongate with the sides parallel for most of their distance, their length distinctly longer than twice their basal width (Fig. 71). 101
DESCRIPTION Length 5.9 - 7.0 nun.; oblong-oval; distinctly con vex; color variable, usually black, occasionally reddish- brown, ventral surface and legs sometimes lighter; in tegument moderately shining, intervals sometimes alu- taceous; vestiture usually quite conspicuous, dense, recumbent and cinereous in color. Head broad and moderately convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal margin broadly sinuate; upper lobe of eyes small to moderate in size, separated by four to six times their maximum diameter, lower lobes small to moderate and separated by approxi mately four to six times their diameter; eyes often larger in the female; antennae gradually enlarging from base to apex, third segment subcylindrical, elongate and as long as segments four and five combined; punc tures coarse, elongate-oval and usually quite dense, often smaller and less dense on the epistoma, inter spaces very narrow and granulate. Pronotum subrectangular (Fig. 26); apical angle indistinct, basal angles not prominent, obtusely rounded, apical curvature moderately emarginate in anterior and dorsal view, basal curvature feeble, lateral curvature rather strongly and evenly arcuate from base to apex; punctures moderate in depth, elongate-oval and dense, 102 interspaces small and granulate.
Elytra subparallel; intervals flat, their widths
approximately three to four times the diameter of a
strial puncture, interval punctures small, dense and
evenly distributed; striae impressed, punctures round,
deeply impressed and closely placed, usually separated by less than their own diameters. Metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as the abdomen and usually folded apically. Abdominal punctures fine and moderately distributed;
impression of fifth visible segment variable, usually very feeble. Male. Basal abdominal impression broad, feeble in basal three segments; protarsi very feebly dilated and setose beneath; mesotari not dilated; subgenital sternite
feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus elongate with the sides parallel for most of their dis tance , their length distinctly longer than twice their basal width (Fig. 71). Measurements. Head: width, 1.4 - 1.7 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.18 - 0.22 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.93 - 1.10 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 4.3 - 5.8; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.20 - 0.27 mm., ventral interocular distance, 1.0 - 1.1 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.8 - 5.6. Pronotum: 103 apical width, 1.6 - 1.8 mm., basal width, 2.2 - 2.7 mm., lateral length, 1.4 - 1.7 mm., medial length, 1.4 - 1.7 mm. Elytra: width, 2.6 - 3.0 mm., length, 4.0 - 4.5 mm.; total length: 5.9 - 7.0 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL
Blapstinus pubescens LeConte; Lectotype (here desig nated), female (LeConte Collection, MCZC); Label Data - Tag 1, round gold (California), Tag 2, red, "TYPE 4656,"
Tag 3, white, "lecontei Muls. pubescens LeC," Tag 4, white, "LECTOTYPE B. pubescens LeC. BY J . C. Davis '70." Measurements - head: width, 1.5 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 1.0 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 5.0; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.2 3 mm., ventral interocular distance, 1.0 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 4.3; pronotum: apical width, 1.6 mm., basal width, 2.2 mm., lateral length, 1.4, medial length, 1.45 mm; elytra: width, 2.5 mm., length, 4.0 mm.; total length: 6.0 mm. Specimen is in extremely poor con dition; fourth and fifth segments of right protarsus absent, right and left mesotarsi completely gone. Speci men was caked in yellowish mud and had to be cleaned several times in an ultrasonic cleaner before being examined. Color is black above, anterior margin of pronotum, face and antennae a little reddish, legs reddish-black; lateral curvature of pronotum moderate, tending to straighten in 104 basal half; pronotal punctures oval or polygonal; vesti
ture conspicuous and cinereous after cleaning. Paralecto- types , 2, 1 male and 1 female (LeConte Collection, MCZC), same data as type.
Blapstinus cinerascens Fall: Holotype, female (Fall Collection, MCZC); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "San Pedro,
Cal.", Tag 2, white, " Tag 3, white, "TYPE cinerascens,"
Tag 4, red, "MCZ TYPE 24605." Measurements - head: width, 1.5 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.20 mm.,
dorsal interocular distance, 1.0 mm,, dorsal ocular corre lation, 5.0; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.27 mm., ven tral interocular distance, 1.0 mm., ventral ocular corre lation, 3.9; pronotum: apical width, 1.7 mm., basal width, 2.2 mm., lateral length, 1.5 mm., medial length, 1.5 mm.; elytra: width, 2.6 mm., length, 4.1 mm.; total length: 6.1 mm. Specimen is in excellent condition, all appendages in place. Vestiture conspicuous, cinereous. Very little difference can be seen in this specimen and the type specimen of 13. pubescens. They appear to be the same. Paratypes, 4, 3 male and 1 female (Fall Collection, MCZC), a female from Barstow, California, one male from Long Beach,
California, one male from San Pedro, California and one male from Dead Man's Island, San Pedro, California. 105 BIONOMICS Adults were collected during February, March, April, May, June and September. These beetles have been collected at light.
DISTRIBUTION California (Fig. 139).
DISCUSSION
Blapstinus pubescens is a rare species but is not difficult to identify. Some variation exists in the extent of the pubescence, but the unusually elongate third antennal segment and the form of the male genitalia (Fig. 71) render the species quite obvious. Casey (1890) judged B. pubescens to be intermediate between the ordinary types of the genus and B. sulcatus LeConte. In this regard, Casey writes: "It (B. pubescens) is a well marked species, forming an easy transition from the ordinary types of the genus to sulcatus and hydropicus (synonymized with sulcatus, page 106), possess ing the elongate third antenna1 joint of the latter, with the normal structure of the head. The punctures of the elytra have nearly the same coarse perforate appearance as in sulcatus, but are scarcely more than one-half as large, etc." These comments on the similarity of characters between B. pubescens and B. sulcatus are certainly correct but B. sulca tus is so distinctly different from any species of Blapstinus that its true relationship with any other species is diffi cult to ascertain. 106 Blapstinus cinerascens Fall is being placed in synonymy with B. pubescens LeConte. The condition of the type series of B. pubescens (described under TYPE MATERIAL, page 10 3) is probably responsible for Fall's description of B. cinerascens. Male paratypes of B_. pubescens and B. cinerascens were dissected and the form of the genitalia are the same.
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (21) CALIFORNIA: Alameda Co., Colton (1:CASC); Imperial Co., Calexico, 15 mi. E. (1:CNCI), Potholes (1:USNM), Westmoreland (1:CISC); San Bernardino Co., Barstow (1:MCZC) San Diego Co., San Diego (3:CUIC, 7:CASC); City undet.: Los Angeles Co. (2:USNM); City and Co. undet. (1:MCZC, 1 :CUIC, 2 :USNM).
Blapstinus sulcatus LeConte (Figs. 11, 27, 72, 102, 129, 140)
Blapstinus sulcatus LeConte, 1851. Ann. Lyc. Nat. Hist. New York, 5:147, Type locality: "Vallecitas" Blapstinus hydropicus Casey, 1890. Ann. New York Acad. Sci., 5:461-462. NEW SYNONYMY 107 Type locality: ’’Arizona"
DIAGNOSIS
Vestiture usually conspicuous, squamiform; face subhexagonal, angles prominent, epistomal sinuation very
feeble (Fig. 129); third antennal segment elongate, cla- vate and much longer than segments four and five combined (Fig. 11); pronotum usually rectangular, explanate lateral
ly; elytral striae deep, punctures large, deep and very closely spaced, separated by half their diameters or less; metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen; protarsi of male very feebly dilated; parameres of aedeagus very elongate, their length distinctly more than twice their basal width (Fig. 72).
DESCRIPTION Length 4.8 - 6.5 mm.; oblong-oval; strongly convex;
color variable, usually brown or reddish-brown, sometimes black or reddish-black; integument dull; vestiture usually ( conspicuous, usually consisting of arcuate, scale-like
hairs which are suberect or subrecumbent and usually
yellowish-brown or dark brown in color.
Head slightly convex; face subhexagonal, angles pro minent, epistomal sinuation very weak and broad (Fig. 129); upper lobe of eyes small, oval and separated by four to
five times their maximum diameter, lower lobes moderate, 108 elongate-oval and separated by three to four times their maximum diameter; antennae gradually enlarging apically, third segment elongate, clavate and much longer than segments four and five combined; punctures coarse, poly gonal and dense, intervals granulate.
Pronotum subrectangular, laterally explanate (Fig. 27); apical angles slightly prominent, basal angles not prominent, narrowly rounded, apex emarginate in anterior view, subtruncate in dorsal view, basal curvature slight and broad, lateral curvature moderate, much stronger in apical third; punctures large, coarse, polygonal and dense, interspaces granulate. Elytra bluntly rounded apically; intervals flat, granulate and narrow, their widths approximately two or three times the diameter of a strial puncture; striae very deeply impressed, punctures very large, round, deep and closely spaced, usually separated by much less than their diameters.
Metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen.
Abdominal punctation coarse and dense; impression of fifth visible segment usually distinct in apical half. Male. Basal abdominal impression feeble, broad and flat; protarsi feebly dilated, segments much narrower than protibial apex, setose beneath; mesotarsi not dilated, 109 setose beneath; subgenital sternite feebly or not at all emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus very elongate, their length more than two and one-half times their basal width (Fig. 72).
Measurements. Head: width, 1.1 - 1.2 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 - 0.23 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.73 - 0.97 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 4.3 - 4.6; maximum ventral lobe diameter,
0.20 - 0.23 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.66 - 1.00 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.3 - 4.0. Pronotum:. apical width, 1.1 - 1.6 mm., basal width, 1.6 - 2.1 mm., lateral length, 1.1 - 1.4 mm., medial length, 1.0 - 1.4 mm. Elytra: width, 2.1 - 3.0 mm., length, 3.1 - 4.1 mm.; total length, 4.8 - 6.5 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL Blapstinus sulcatus LeConte: Lectotype (here designat ed) , sex undet. (LeConte Collection, MCZC); Label Data - Tag 1, round gold circle (California), Tag 2, red "TYPE 4652," Tag 3, white, "B. ? sulcatus LeC S. Felipe," Tag 4, white, "LECTOTYPE B. sulcatus LeC. BY J . C. Davis ’70." Measurements - head: width, 1.4 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.80 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 4.0; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.2 3 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.7 3 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.4; pronotum: apical width, 1.3 mm., basal width, 2.0 mm., lateral length, 1.3 mm., medial length, 1.3 mm.; elytra: width, 3.0 mm., length, 3.8mm.; total length: 5.6 mm. Specimen is in fair condition, right antenna is absent. Specimen is very typical of the species, character of the third antennal segment is distinct; typical head shape, vestiture, strial punctation etc. Paralectotypes (here designated), 2, sex undetermined (LeConte Collection, MCZC) , same data as type.
Blapstinus hydropicus Casey: Lectotype (here desig nated), male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Ari.", Tag 2, white, "CASEY bequest 192 5," Tag 3, red, "TYPE USNM 37171," Tag 4, white, "B. hydropicus Casey, Tag 5, white, "LECTOTYPE B. hydropicus Casey BY J. C. Davis '.70." Measurements - head: width, 1.5 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.2 3 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.97 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 4.1; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.27 mm., ventral interocular dis tance, 0.90 mm., ventral ocular' correlation, 3.4; pronotum: apical width, 1.5 mm., basal width, 2.3 mm., lateral length 1.2 mm., medial length, 1.2 mm.; elytra: width, 2.7 mm., length, 4.0 mm.; total length: 6.2 mm. Specimen is very similar to the B. sulcatus LeConte type specimen. The vestiture is very short and the specimen is more robust and larger than B. sulcatus. Paralectotypes (here designated), 3, 1 male and 2 females ("PARATYPE USNM 37171," Casey
Collection, USNM), same data as type. Ill BIONOMICS
Adults of B. sulcatus were collected during every month except September. They were in greatest numbers during March, April, May and June.
Adults have been found in decaying fallen dates in Indio, Californiaj under Lupinus, San Jacinto Mts.,
California. They are commonly found under rocks, bark and at higher elevations.
DISTRIBUTION Southwestern United States, mostly in Southern California, rarely as far east as Kansas (Fig. 140).
DISCUSSION Blapstinus sulcatus is the most distinct and easily recognized species of the genus. Significant variation exists in the size and degree of pubescence. The setae are usually long and conspicuous but sometimes are very short. Pubescence may be either dense or sparse. Male genitalia show very little variation. The parameres are very elongate, their length approximately two and one-half times their basal width (Fig. 72). This species is quite distinct, differing from other members of the genus by its hexagonal face with strongly prominent angles, deeply excavated elytral striae and elongate, clavate third antennal segment which is distinctly longer than segments four and five combined. These 112 characters practically isolate the species from any other member of the group. In describing B. hydropicus, Casey had before him several specimens which possessed very short vestiture. He did not recognize the variation that occurs in this charac ter. I have observed considerable variation in the length of the vestiture.
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (385) ARIZONA: Navajo Co., Holbrook (1:USNM); Pima Co., Tucson (1:CASC, 2 :USNM); Pinal Co., Oracle (4:CASC); Santa Cruz Co.3 Patagonia (1:CASC); City and Co., undet. (6:MCZC). CALIFORNIA: Alameda Co., Berkeley (1:CASC); Fresno Co.,
Coalinga (2:BDUN, 5:CNCI); Imperial Co., Calipatria (1:SEMC), Palo Vdrde (1:CASC), Salton (2:USNM), Yuma (1:CASC, 1:USNM); Inyo Co. , Big Pine (2:CISC), Bishop (1:CASC, 1:UCRC), Olancha (3:CASC), Olsacha (1:CASC), Owens Lake (3:CASC);
Kern Co., Isabella (2:CASC), Rosedale (1:USNM), Walker Pass (3:BDUN); Los Angeles Co., Azusa (1:USNM), Chatsworth (1:USNM), El Segundo (1:CISC), Fairmont (1:CASC), Lancaster
(6:CISC), Los Angeles (9:CASC, 8:UCDC), Mount Wilson (1: UCRC), Pasadena (8:CASC), Pearl Blossom (1:UCRC), Reviera (3:CASC), San Gabriel Canyon (1:UCRC), Seal Beach (1:UCRC), Sierra Madre (6:CASC); Monterey Co. , Carmel (3:CASC)j Orange Co., Green River Camp, Lower Santa Ana Canyon (18:CASC, 1: CNCI); Riverside Co., Coachella Valley (2:CASC), Idyllwild, San Jacinto Mts. (3:CASC), Indio (1:USNM), Palm Springs (1:CASC, 4:USNM), Riverside (1:CASC), San Jacinto Mts.,
Vandevanter Flat (5:CISC), Palms (1:CNCI); San Bernardino
Co., Barstow (1:USNM), San Bernardino Valley (7:MCZC), Cedar Springs, .9 mi. NE (1:UCRC), Colton (11:CASC, 5:
UCRC), Needles (1:USNM), Victorville (1:CISC); San Diego Co., Adobe Falls (5:CASC), Coronado Beach (1:CASC), El Cajon, 4 mi. SE (14:CISC), Jacumba (19:CASC), Kitchen Creek C26:RLBC), Lakeside (2:DEFW), San Diego (27:CASC, 3:UCDC, 2 :MCZC, 27:CUIC), San Pasqual (5:CASC); Santa Barbara Co., Cuyama River (8:CASC), Gaviota Pass (5:UCDC) Tulare Co., Sequoia National Park (1:SEMC); Ventura Co.,
Santa Paula (1:CASC), Simi (1:USNM); City undet.: Kern Co (2:USNM); Los Angeles Co.(2:USNM); San Diego Co. (9:MCZC,
1:USNM); Co. undet.: Kaweah C8:CASC), Warners (3:CASC, 4: SEMC), Whitewater (1:CNCI); City and Co. undet. (1:INHS, 9:CUIC , 4:SEMC, 2 :AMNH, 11:USNM, 3:CASC).
COLORADO: Otero Co., La Junta (4:MCZC).
KANSAS: Finney Co., Garden City (1:USNM). NEVADA: Lincoln Co., Alamo (5:CASC, 1:UCDC, 2:BDUN) Hiko C1:BDUN, 1:CASC). UTAH: Washington Co., St. George (1:AMNH); City and Co. undet. (3:DEFW). 114 Blapstinus fortis LeConte (Figs. 6-10, 28, 73, 103, 141)
Opatrinus punctulatus Duval, 1857. Hist, de Cuba, 7:141.
Type locality: "Cuba" Blapstinus fortis LeConte, 1878. Proc. Am. Phil. Soc., 17:420; Casey, 1890:429-430. Type locality: "Southern Florida" Blapstinus interstitialis Champion, 1885. Biol. Centr. - Amer., 4:125. (New name for 0. punctulatus Duval, Champion, 1885:125; Junior synonym of B. fortis LeConte, Champion, 1885:526)
Type locality: "Mexico"
DIAGNOSIS Length 6.6 - 8.6 mm.; eyes large and conspicuous, upper lobes round and separated by approximately three times their maximum diameter, lower lobes oval and sepa rated by three times their maximum diameter or less; apical angles of pronotum distinct, apex strongly emargi- nate in anterior or dorsal view, lateral curvature strong, narrowing strongly in apical half, usually widest in basal half (Fig. 28); pronotal punctures large, rounded, deep, and not tending to coalesce longitudinally; elytral strial punctures large and deep, intervals narrow, approximately two or three times the diameter of a strial puncture; 115 metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as abdominal length, usually folded apically. Male: sub genital sternite very deeply emarginate, appearing bilobed with lobes pointed (Fig. 20); parameres of aedeagus moderate in length, approximately twice their basal width, very strongly tapering in apical half (Fig. 73) .
DESCRIPTION Length 6.6 - 8.6 mm.; oblong-oval; usually moderately convex; color variable, usually black throughout or with head and pronotum black with the elytra and ventral sur face a dark wine color; integument moderately shining; vestiture inconspicuous, short, sparse, and dark brown or yellowish in color. Head broad and convex; facial angles not prominent, epistomal sinuation usually strong and broad; upper lobe of eyes large, round, bulging, surrounded by a distinct groove, the lobes separated by approximately three to three and one-half times their maximum diameter, lower lobes large, elongate-oval, and separated by two and one- half to three times their maximum diameter; antennae gradu ally enlarging from base to apex, third segment elongate, much longer than segment four but shorter than four and five combined; punctures very coarse and round on top of head, elongate between eyes, becoming smaller and rounded 116 toward the apex and lateral to eyes, usually dense, some times crowded apically. Pronotum subrectangular (Fig. 2 8); apical angles prominent and narrowly rounded, basal angles indistinct and very obtusely rounded, apex strongly emarginate in anterior and dorsal view, basal curvature moderate, lateral curvature very strong, narrowing strongly in apical half, usually much wider in basal half; punctures large, coarse, round or oval, usually dense, punctures do not tend to coalesce longitudinally. Elytra subparallel and broad; intervals convex, narrow, their widths approximately two or three times the diameter of a strial puncture, interval punctures small, round and moderately distributed; striae distinctly im pressed, punctures large, round, deep and closely placed, usually separated by their diameters or less. Metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen, usually folded apically.
Abdominal punctures rounded, moderate in depth and distribution; impression of fifth visible segment distinct in apical half. Male. Basal abdominal impression very distinct on first three abdominal segments, broad and flat; protarsi very strongly dilated, segments usually subequal in width to protibial apex and spongy beneath; mesotarsi slight but 117
distinctly dilated, segments much less in width than
protibial apex and spongy beneath; subgenital sternite
very strongly emarginate, appearing bilobed with lobes pointed (Fig. 20) ; parameres of aedeagus moderate in length, approximately twice their basal width, very
strongly tapering in apical half (Fig. 73).
Measurements. Head: width, 1.4- - 1.8 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.2 7 - 0.3 3 mm., dorsal
interocular distance, 0.80 - 1.1 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 2.9 - 3.4; maximum ventral lobe diameter,
0.30 - 0.43 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.87 - 1.1 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.6 - 3.0. Pronotum: apical width, 1.6 - 2.3 mm., basal width, 2.8 - 3.3 mm.,
lateral length, 1.6 - 2.1 mm., medial length, 1.6 - 2.1 mm. Elytra: width, 2.6 - 3.6 mm., length, 4.5 - 5.7 mm.; total length: 6.6 - 8.6 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL
Blapstinus fortis LeConte: Holotype, male (LeConte Collection, MCZC); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Fla," Tag 2, red, "TYPE 46 54," Tag 3, white, "B. fortis LeC.". Measurements - head: width, 1.5 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.27 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.90 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.4; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.37 mm., ventral interocular distance, 1.0 mm.,
ventral ocular correlation, 2.8; pronotum: apical width, 1.8 mm., basal width, 2.6 mm., lateral length, 1.7 mm., medial length, 1.7 mm.; elytra: width, 3.0 mm., length,
M-.7 mm.; total length: 6.7 mm. This specimen is in good condition and is very typical of the species, all appen dages are intact, color piceous black, head and pronotum somewhat darker, epistomal sinuation strong, pronotum typical, widest in basal half, punctures round on disc, becoming oval but not in the least longitudinally con fluent, elytral strial punctation characteristic, very large, deep and closely placed, usually separated by less than half their diameters, protarsus very strongly dilated, mesotarsus distinctly dilated, metatarsus not dilated, subgenital sternite visible, appearing bilobed with lobes pointed, specimen has part of its genitalia protruding from the tip of abdomen. Several other specimens were beside the type; M- specimens labeled "Cal", 1 specimen without label, 1 specimen labeled "Cal?11, 2 specimens labeled "Hex.” , 1 specimen labeled "Texas” , 1 specimen labeled "Columbus, Texas".
BIONOMICS Adults were collected during every month except February. They were in greatest numbers during May and
June. Reed (1928) reported B. fortis attacking melons during May. Poison bait gave a high percentage mortality, 119 molasses and vanilla being best attractants tested. These
beetles have been collected at light and at high elevations.
DISTRIBUTION
Southwestern United States , mostly in Texas, Okla
homa, Kansas, and New Mexico; Southeastern United States, Louisiana and Florida (Fig. 141).
DISCUSSION
Blapstinus fortis LeConte is a common species and usually very easily identified. Most of its characters
are stable. Variation of the pronotum has caused some problems for early workers. The pronotum is usually
strongly curved from base to apex, narrowing strongly in
apical half and usually much wider in basal half. The
curvature of the pronotum is weaker in some geographical regions (especially central Mexico). I have observed this condition in specimens north of central Mexico. It is very pronounced in specimens examined from Key Largo, Florida (CASC) and Brownsville, Texas (INHS). I do not believe this variation warrants species status. Champion (1885), in placing B. interstitialis in synonymy with B. fortis LeConte, relates the following: " "The specimens referred by me to this species consist of three forms, which may prove to be distinct: (1) Prothorax more or less rounded at the sides behind, the hind angles rather obtuse, the punctation dense and moderately coarse (=fortis, 120
LeC.).— Texas, Florida, North, Central, and Eastern Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba. (2) Prothorax parallel, or even sinuate, at the sides behind, the hind angles sharp, the punctuation coarser and sparser.- Central Mexico to Panama. (3) Larger and more shining, the upper sur face with a faint brassy lustre; the pro thorax shaped as in (2), coarsely but more sparsely punctured.- Tapachula." It seems obvious that Champion realized this variation.
Blapstinus fortis is closely related to Blapstinus dilatatus LeConte. These two species are separated from
other members of the genus by their large size, deeply
sinuate epistoma, prominent apical angles of pronotum, bilobed subgenital sternite in male and by the male geni talia which are very strongly tapered in apical half (Fig. 73). B. fortis may be distinguished from B. dilatatus in that the former has rounded pronotal punctures that are not'longitudinally confluent and much wider elytral inter
vals .
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (401+) ARIZONA: Pinal Co., Pinal Mts., (1:USNM). COLORADO: Fremont Co., Canon City (2:USNM, 1:MCZC).
FLORIDA: Gollier Co., Naples (3:CUIC); Hendry Co.,
Labelle (1:CUIC); Pinnelas Co., Largo (5:CASC); Palm Beach 1 Co., Canal Point (1:CUIC); Co. undet., Pohokee (6:USNM); Co.
and City undet. (1:MCZC). KANSAS: Pratt Co., Pratt (2:USNM); Reno Co., Medora 121 (25:CASC, 2:MCZC), Sylvia (2:CISC); Riley Co., Manhattan
(4:USNM), Popenoe (21:USNM); Sedgwick Co., Mt. Hope (2: USNMO), Wichita (5:CISC); City undet.: Clark Co. (3:SEMC); Kiowa Co. Cl:SEMC); Reno Co. (1:MCZC); Co. and City undet.:
C 3:MCZC).
LOUISIANA: Cameron Co., Cameron (1:CASC); Orleans Co., New Orleans (2:USNM).
NEW MEXICO: Bernalillo Co., Albuquerque (6B:0SUC);
Chaves Co. (1:USNM); Vona Ana Co., Las Cruces (2:UCDC); Dona Ana Co., Mesilla Dam (1:CASC); Eddy Co., Carlsbad
(1:CUIC); Co. and City undet.: (2:CSIC). OKLAHOMA: Comanche Co., Wichita Mts. (2:CASC); Okla homa Co. (1:CASC, 2:INHS); City undet.: Greer Co. C1:CASC); Kiowa Co. (2:CASC); Woods Co. (1:CASC). TEXAS: Bosque Co., Meridian Creek (2:INHS); Brazoria
Co., Angleton (1:CISC); Brazos Co., College Station (7: CASC, 3:TAMU); Brewster Co., Big Bend National Park, Santa Eiena Canyon (23:RLBC, 5:CISC), Rio Grande (1:USNM); Brown
Co., Brownwood (1:USNM, 2:CISC); Caldwell Co., Luling (4: CASC, 2 :AMNH); Cameron Co., Brownsville (4:USNM, 4:CNCI, 1:CASC, 4:INHS, 4:MCZC), Southmost Cl:SEMC); Colorado Co., Columbus (6:USNM, 1:CISC, 4:UICM); Dallas Co ., Dallas (1:
INHS); El Paso Co., El Paso (3:CASC, 4:USNM, 5:AMNH, 1:USUC,
1:SEMC, 7 :MCZC, 2:UCRC); Ft. Bend Co., Richmond (2:CUIC);
Frio Co., Dilley (1:UCDC); Galveston Co., Galveston (1:CNCI, 1:SEMC, 5:TAMU, 4:INHS, 1:CASC); Hidalgo Co., McAllen (1: CNCI), San Juan (2:SEMC); Kerr Co., Kerrville (1:CNCI); Kleberg Co., Kingsville ClrCUIC); Nueces Co., Corpus Christi (2:USNM, 1:BDUN); Reeves Co., Pecos (1:USNM); San Patricio Co., Sinton, 7 mi. N (7:0SUC), Sinton, Welder Wildlife
Refuge Station (21:TAMU); Tarrant Co., Fort Worth (1:CASC); Travis Co., Austin ClrCASC); Uvalde Co., Sabinal (1:MCZC); Val Verde Co. , Del Rio (11:CASC, -3:USNM, 3:MCZC), Devils
River (6:USNM, 1:CISC); Victoria Co., Victoria (7:USNM); Webb Co.3 Laredo (3:CNCI); Zavalla Co., Nueces River (3:
USNM, 1:CISC); City undet,: Colorado Co. (2:DEFW); Hidalgo Co. (4:0SUC); McLennan Co. (3:TAMU); Smith Co. (3:CISC);
Val Verde Co. (1:0SUC); Co. undet.: Elkhart, 10 mi. SW (9:TAMU); Fedor (1:MCZC); Smith Point (1:USNM); Tatum C1 :0SUC); Wharton (1:CUIC); Willis C3:CISC); Co. and City undet.: (1:CASC, 4:USNM, 4 :AMNH, 1:SEMC, 2:CUIC, 10:MCZC, 2 :DEFW). 123
Blapstinus dilatatus LeConte (Figs. 20, 29 , 74, 104, 142)
Blapstinus dilatatus LeConte, 1851. Ann. Lyc. Wat. Hist. New York, 5:146.
Type locality: "San Diego, California"
DIAGNOSIS
Length 6.8 - 9.6 mm.; upper lobe of eyes large and separated by three to three and one-half times their maximum diameter, lower lobes large and separated by two and one-half to three times their maximum diameter; apical angles of pronotum distinct, lateral curvature strong and usually even from base to apex, punctures large, coarse, elongate and usually strongly longitudinally con fluent (Fig. 104); elytral strial punctures small; elytral intervals wide, their widths approximately four to six times diameter of a strial puncture; metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen. Subgenital sternite of male very deeply emarginate and bilobed, the lobes pointed (Fig. 20); parameres of aedeagus moderate in length, their length approximately tv/ice their basal width, distinctly tapering in apical half (Fig, 74).
DESCRIPTION
Length 6.8 - 9.6 mm.; oval; moderately convex; color 12 4 variable, black with the legs reddish-black, dark brown, 4 or reddish-brown throughout; integument slightly shining; vestiture usually very short, sparse and yellowish-brown in color.
Head moderately convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation strong; upper lobe of eyes large, round, bulging, surrounded by a distinct groove and separated by approximately three times their maximum diameter, lower lobes large, elongate-oval and separated by approximately two and one-half to three times their maximum diameter; antennae gradually en larging from base to apex, third segment elongate, much longer than segment four but slightly shorter than seg ments four and five combined; punctures very coarse and round on top of head, elongate between the eyes and be coming smaller and rounded toward the epistoma, usually dense.
Pronotum subrectangular (Fig. 29); apical angles prominent but narrowly rounded, basal angles indistinct and very obtusely rounded, apical curvature very strongly emarginate in anterior and dorsal view, basal curvature moderate, lateral curvature strong and usually even from base to apex; punctures large, deep and dense, the punctures oval on the disc and along the base, very elongate anterior and lateral to the disc, becoming 125 distinctly longitudinally confluent. Elytra broad and subparallel; intervals flat or very feebly convex, their widths approximately four to six times the diameter of a strial puncture, interval punc tures small, round and moderately distributed; striae slightly impressed, punctures small in size, round and separated by approximately their own diameters. Metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as the abdomen and usually folded apically. Abdominal punctures coarse, round and moderately dis tributed, terminal abdominal segment punctation smaller; impression of the fifth visible segment distinct in apical half. Male. Basal abdominal impression distinct on first three abdominal segments, broad and flat; protarsi very strongly dilated and spongy beneath; mesotarsi distinctly dilated; subgenital sternite strongly emarginate, bilobed, the lobes pointed (Fig. 20); parameres of aedeagus moder ate in length, their length approximately twice their basal width, distinctly tapering in apical half (Fig. 74).
Measurements. Head: width, 1.5 - 1.9 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.30 - 0.33 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.87 - 1.2 mm., dorsal ocular corre lation, 3.0 - 3.5; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0,37 -
0.47 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.96 - 1.2 mm., 12 S
ventral ocular correlation, 2.4 - 3.0. Pronotum: apical width, 1.7 - 2.2 mm., basal width- 2.5 - 3.4 mm., lateral
length, 1.3 - 2.2 mm., medial length, 1.2 - 2.1 mm. Ely tra: width, 3.1 - 4.2 mm., length, 4.8 - 6.5 mm.; total length, 6.8 - 9.6 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL Blapstinus dilatatus LeConte: Lectotype (here desig nated), male (LeConte Collection, MCZC); Label Data - Tag 1, dark brown circle, Tage 2, red "TYPE 46 5 3," Tag 3, white, "31. ? dilatatus," Tag 4, white, "LECTOTYPE B. dilatatus BY J. C. Davis '70." Measurements - head: width,
1.6 mm., eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0,33 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.93 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 2.8; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.43 mm., ventral interocular distance, 1.1 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2,6; pronotum: apical width, 1.8 mm., basal width, 2.8 mm., lateral length, 1.8 mm., medial length,
1.8 mm., elytra: width, 3.2 mm., length, 5.1 mm.; total length: 7.3 mm. Specimen is dirty but otherwise in good condition; very typical of the species, short vestiture, typical pronotal shape and strongly longitudinally con fluent punctures. Paralectotypes (here designated), 3, 1 male and 2 females (LeConte Collection, MCZC), same locality data as type. 12 7 BIONOMICS Adults were collected during every month. Most in dividuals were collected from March through September. Campbell (1922) reported substantial damage to bell peppers by IB. dilatatus LeConte. Damage was caused by the adults girdling the stems which resulted in many plants being killed or injured. Campbell (192*4-) reported several adult Tenebrionid beetles, among which as B. dilatatus, feeding on the stems of young chillies and lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus) as they came out of the ground, or girdling the stems of tomatoes and chillies after they were transplanted; the destruction of the native food-plants as a result of the increase of culti vated crops forced the beetles to feed on the latter.
Poison bran baits were successful against the pest pro vided the weather did not become too dry. Blaisdell
(1929) reported damage to seedling peppers (Capsicum) in Southern California. Damage was inflicted on the peppers as they broke through the ground. Treatment with DDT dust brought about effective control.
Other data from specimens examined include: on cabbage, Riverside, California; in beet fields, Huntington
Beach, California; on peppers, Garden Grove, California; in shelf fungus on cottonwood, Safford, Arizona; on fungus under sycamore bark, Mockington 3ird Canyon. They have 12 8 been collected by sweeping' alfalfa, under stones, on the ground and at high elevations.
DISTRIBUTION
Southwestern United States (Fig. 142).
DISCUSSION
Blapstinus dilatatus LeConte is among the largest and most easily recognized species of the genus. I have ob served considerable variation in the degree of longitudinal coalescence of the pronotal punctures, but these punc tures are usually very strongly longitudinally confluent. Females are often larger in size than the males.
Blapstinus dilatatus is very similar to 13. fortis and the two are sometimes confused. A close examination of
1 - i the two species renders them quite distinct and easily distinguished as previously described (page 120).
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (656)
ARIZONA: Cochise Co., Douglas, 13 mi. E. (1:UCDC), San Bernardino Ranch (1:SEMC); Coconino Co., Sedona (3:
CISC, 2 :UICM, 1:NAUF); Gila Co., Globe (2:CASC, 2, CNCI, 1:BDUN), Pinal Peak (3:USNM, 3:CUIC); Graham Co., Arivaipa
(4:CASC, 14:3DUN), Galiuro Mts. (4:USNM), Safford (2:BDUN); Maricopa Co., Granite Reef Dam (4:NAUF), Phoenix (1:AMNH,
1:CASC, 1:MCZC); Navajo Co., Diamond Creek (3:CASC, 1:CNCI); 129 Pima Co., Santa Catalina Mts, (4:CASC), Tucson (17:CASC,
5: USNM, 1:BDUN, 1:CUIC); Pinal Co., Aravaipa Creek (2: CUIC), Oracle (2:CASC); Santa Cruz Co., Nogales (3:CASC,
9:BDUN), Patagonia (14:CASC, 2:CUIC)j Yavapai Co., Cotton wood (1:CISC), Grasshopper Flat, 5 mi. E. (1:NAUF), cott Forests (1:CUIC); Co. undet.: Catal Mts. (1:USNM); City and Co. undet. (2:USNM, 1:AMNH, 1:CUIC, 1:DEFW).
CALIFORNIA: Butte Co., Oroville (1:CASC); Fresno Co., Fresno (5:UCDC), Selma (1:CISC); Imperial Co., Coachella
Valley (13:UCRC), Heber (1:0SUC); Inyo Co., Warm Sulfur
Springs (1:UCDC); Kern Co., (1:CASC), Kern Park (2:CISC),
Oil City (2:CASC), Rosedale (2:CASC, 33:CISC); Los Angeles Co., Azusa (1:CASC), Compton (4:USNM, 14:0SU0),
El Monte (3:CASC, 1:CISC), Hollywood (3:UCDC), Long Beach (2:CASC, lsUSNH), Los Angeles (2:CASC, 7:USNM, 6 :MCZC),
Pasadena (5:CASC, 5:MCZC), Pico Rivera (2:CASC), Redondo Beach (1:CASC), San Marino (1:UCRC), Santa Catalina Island
(1:CASC), Whittier (1:CISC, 4:UCRC); Madera Co., 0»Neals (1:UCDC); Merced Co., Atwater (1:CISC); Monterey Co.,
Soledad (2:UCDC); Orange Co., Costa Mesa (1:UCDC), Fountain Valley (1:UCRC), Garden Grove (4:CASC, 2:USNM, 12:0SU0),
Huntington Beach (2:0SU0), La Habra (3:CASC, 5:0SU0), New port Beach (7:0SU0), Santa Ana (11:CASC, 5:USNM, 2:CNCI,
1:OSUO)j Riverside Co., Blythe (1:BDUN, 1:CISC, 2:UICM),
Mockingbird Canyon (38:UCRC), Mockingbird Lake (15:UCRC), Palm Springs <5:CASC, 5:USNM, 1:UCDC, 8.-CUIC, 1:SEMC, 1:
CISC, 1:UCRC), Rancho Mirage (1:UCDC), Riverside (3:CASC, 9:USNM, 5:CUIC, 5:UCRC), White Water Canyon (4:CISC, 1:MCZC)
Sacramento Co., Elk Grove (1:UCDC), Fair Oaks (3:BDUN, 1: UCDC), Sacramento (11:UCDC, 1:UICM); San Bernardino Co.,
Cedar Springs, .9 mi. E CliUCRC), Chino Canyon (3:NAUF), Colton (1:BDUN), Oro Grande (1:0SUC), Redlands (2:0SU0), San Bernardino (16:CASC); San Diego Co., Alpine (1:CASC), Borrego Springs (1:CISC), Buckman Springs ClrllCDC), Chula
Vista (1:CISC), Dulzura Creek (14:CISC), El Cajon (1:CASC), El Centro (3:CASC), Escondido (1:CISC), Jacumba (1:CASC), La Puerta (5:MCZC), Mission Valley (1:CMCI, 1:CASC), Oceanside (2:CASC), Pamo Valley (1:UCDC), San Diego (15:
CASC, 5:USNM, 19:CUIC, 1:AMNH, 3:MCZC), San Pasqual (12: CASC), Vista (2:CASC), Warners (HsDEFW, 2:SEMC), Warner Springs (1:CASC, 1:UCRC); Shastaa Co., Cottonwood (1: CASC); Tulare Co., Dinuba (1:UCDC), Tulare River Res. (1:UCDC); Ventura Co., Santa Paula (1:UCDC), Ventura (2:CASC); Yuba Co., Beale Valley (1:UCDC); City undet.: Orange Co. (1:CASC); San 3emardino Co. (1U:CASC, 6 :USNM, 1:0SU0, 3:DEFW); Co. undet.: Naples (2:CASC); Rivera (6:UCRC); Ryer Id. (2:CASC); Three Rivers (1:UCRC); Tal bert (5:INHS); City and Co. undet. (if:AMNH, 3:CUIC, 7:
USNM, 1:CNCI, 21:DEFW, 17:INHS). UTAH: Washington Co. , St. George (1:UCDC, 2:AMNH), 131 Zion Canyon (5:CASC).
Hot placed to state (2:USNM, 2:CASC).
Blapstinus brevicollis LeConte
(Figs. 30, 55, 75, 105, 143)
Blapstinus brevicollis LeConte, 1851. Ann. Lyc. Nat. Hist. New York, 5:147. Type locality: "San Francisco, California11 Blapstinus sonorae Casey, 1890. Ann. iNew York Acad. Sci. , 5:431-432. NEW SYNONYMY Type locality: "Sonora, Mexico"
DIAGNOSIS Pronotum transverse, usually distinctly longest medially, median basal lobe prominent (Fig. 30); elytral strial punctures usually very fine; metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen, spur of re current vein usually present, wedge cell normal, fork of
2A distinctly proximad of 2a-3a cross vein (Fig. 55). Male protarsi not at all dilated, the segments subequal in width; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of the aedeagus elongate and tapering 132 apically, strongly curved downward at apex (Fig. 75).
DESCRIPTION Length 5.H - 7.5 mm.; oval; moderately convex; color variable, dark reddish-brown or reddish-black throughout;
integument dull or slightly shining; vestiture variable, usually consisting of inconspicuous, homogeneous yellow
ish-brown hairs, sometimes dense and more distinct if integument is blackish in color.
Head narrow or broad, slightly convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation feeble and broad; upper lobe of eyes usually moderate in size, oval and separated by four to five times their maximum diameter, lower lobes moderate to large, elongate-oval and separated by three to four times their maximum diameter; antennae gradually enlarging from base to apex, terminal segments distinctly dilated, third segment distinctly long er than segment four but shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures coarse, elongate-oval and dense between the eyes, becoming smaller, rounded and crowded along the epistoma. Pronotum transverse, about twice as long as wide, dis tinctly longest medially (Fig. 30); apical angles broadly rounded and not prominent, basal angles usually very broad ly rounded and greater than ninety degrees, apical curva ture usually strongly emarginate in anterior and dorsal 133 view, basal curvature very strongly bisinuate, medial basal lobe usually distinctly prominent, lateral curva ture variable, either distinctly curved from base to apex or becoming straight in basal half, always strongest in apical third; punctures moderate in size, elongate-oval and usually dense, often more rounded and sparse toward the disc. Elytra subparallel and slightly bulging in apical third; intervals wide, their widths approximately six to eight times the diameter of a strial puncture, slightly convex, interval punctures very fine and dense; striae usually slightly impressed, punctures usually fine and small, unevenly spaced, usually separated by one-half to two times their diameters.
Metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as the abdomen, spur of recurrent vein usually present, wedge cell normal, fork of 2A distinctly proximad of 2a-3a cross vein (Fig. 55).
Abdominal punctures moderate in size, densely dis tributed; impression of fifth visible segment usually un detectable. Male. Basal abdominal impression very small or ab sent; protarsi not in the least bit dilated, the segments subequal in width and setose beneath; mesotarsi not dila ted, setose beneath; subgenital sternite feebly or not 134 emarginate at apex; parameres of the aedeagus elongate and tapering apically, strongly curved downward at apex (Fig. 75).
Measurements. Head: width, 1.3 - 1.6 mm.; Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.20 - 0.23 mm., dorsal inter ocular distance, 0.83 - 1.2 mm., dorsal ocular correlation,
4.2 - 4.8; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.2 3 - 0.33 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.83 - 1.2 mm., ventral ocu lar correlation, 3.2 - 4.0. Pronotum: apical width, 1.5 - 1.9 mm., basal width, 2.3 - 3.0, lateral length, 1.2 - 1.6 mm., medial length, 1.3 - 1.8 mm. Elytra: width, 2.8 - 3.2 mm., length, 3.7 - 5.1 mm.; total length: 5.4 - 7.5 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL
Blapstinus brevicollis LeConte: Lectotype (here de signated), sex undetermined (LeConte Collection, MCZC);
Label Data - Tag 1, round gold (California), Tag 2, red, "TYPE 4655," Tag 3, white, "B1 ? brevicollis LeC. S.F.",
Tag 4, white, "LECTOTYPE B. brevicollis LeC. BY J. C.
Davis *70." Measurements - head: width, 1.4 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.90 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 4.5; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.2 7 mm., ventral interocular dis tance, 0.97 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.5; pronotum: apical width, 1.6 mm., basal width, 2.5 mm., lateral length,
1.4 mm., medial length, 1.5 mm.; elytra: width, 2.7 mm., 135 length, 4.2 nun.; total length: 6.0 mm. Specimen is in fair condition, left antennae is absent. Typical of species, subtransverse pronotum, reddish-brown integument and very fine elytral strial punctation. Paralectotypes
(here designated), 4, sex undetermined (LeConte Collec tion, MCZC), same data as type.
Blapstinus sonorae Casey: Holotype, female (Casey
Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Son.", Tag 2, white, ".CASEY bequest 1925 ," Tag 3, red, "TYPE
USNM 37151," Tag 4, white, "B. sonorae Casey." Measure ments - head: apical width, 1.4 mm.; eyes: maximum dor sal lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.87 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 4.4; maximum ven tral lobe diameter, 0.27 mm., ventral interocular dis tance, 0.9 7 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.5; prono tum: apical width, 1.5 mm., basal width, 2.6 mm., lateral length, 1.4 mm., medial length, 1.4 mm.; elytra: width,
3.0 mm., length, 4.4 mm.; total length: 6.0 mm. Specimen is in good condition. This specimen is very similar to the type of B. brevicollis LeConte. The type for B. sonorae has coarser vestiture but otherwise is scarcely different from the type of B. brevicollis.
BIONOMICS
Adults of B. brevicollis have been collected during every month of the year. They were most numerous during
April, May and June. Cassidy (19 36) reported that B. 136 sonorae (j3. brevicollis) caused considerable damage to cotton in parts of the Salt River Valley of Arizona in
Hay by cutting off the seedlings near the surface of the ground. The identification of these beetles was made by
Dr. E. A. Chapin of the United States National Museum and is probably correct. B. brevicollis has also been taken from rubarb in Chino, California and from under lemon trees in Indio, California. The beetles have been caught on driftvjood and at light.
DISTRIBUTION
Arizona and California (Fig. 143).
DISCUSSION
Blapstinus brevicollis is a distinct species. The form of the pronotum is more transverse than any other species of the genus. Metathoracic wings of several specimens (both male and female) have been examined and no variation can be found in the form of the wedge cell.
It is always well developed; the fork of 2A is distinctly proximad of the 2a-3a cross vein.
Blapstinus brevicollis is similar in many respects to 13. auripilis Horn and B, magnipunctatus New Species. Differentiation of these three species is discussed else where (page 151).
Blapstinus brevicollis is sometimes confused with 13. 137 dilatatus LeConte. Positive separation may be made on the basis of the form of the pronotum and several sexual characters. The pronotum is transverse with the apical
angles not prominent, the protarsi of the male are not at all dilated, the subgenital sternite of the male is
feebly or not emarginate at the apex, and the parameres of the aedeagus are not strongly attenuated in the apical half (Fig. 75) in B. brevicollis. The pronotum is sub- rectangular with prominent apical angles (Fig. 29), the protarsi of the male are very strongly dilated, the sub genital sternite of the male is very deeply emarginate, and the parameres of the aedeagus are very distinctly attenuated in the apical half (Fig. 740 in B. dilatatus. Limited access to a large series of brevicollis probably explains Casey's creation of B. sonorae along with the fact that the unique type specimen of B. sonorae was collected in Mexico.
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (38U)
ARIZONA: Maricopa Co., Phoenix (2:CASC, 1:MCZC); Yuma Co., Fort Yuma (2:USNM), Tacna (2:USNM); City and
Co. undet. (1:USNM). CALIFORNIA: Alameda Co., Bay Farm Island (1:BDUN);
Amador Co., Jackson (2:UCDC), Sutter Buttes (1:CASC, 3: BDUN); Butte Co., Oroville (1:CISC); Contra Costa Co., Antioch ClrCASC); Fresno Co., Fresno ClrUCDC, 3:CASC), Reedley ClrUSNM); Imperial Co., Calexico ClrUCDC), Calipatria (SrSEMC), El Centro (3:CASC); Inyo Co. .. Bishop ClrCASC), Death Valley (13:CASC), Independence ClrCASC,
2:USNM, 1:CNCI), Lone Pine (3:CASC), Olancha 'Cl:CASC), Panamint Valley (2:USNM); Kern Co., Fort Tejon ClrCASC),
Isabella C2:CASC), Rosedale (7:USNM); Los Angeles Co. .. El Monte (2:CASC), Hollywood (4:UCDC), Long Beach (2:
CASC), Los Angeles (1:MCZC, 2:USNM, 5:CASC), Pasadena
(6:CASC, UrCUIC), San Francisquito Canyon (2:UCDC), San Marino (HrUCRC), Santa Cruz (2:CASC), Santa Monica (1: UCDC, 1: AMNH, 2:CASC), Tuna Canyon (6:0SUC), Santa Rosa Island (8:CASC); Monterey Co.. Bryson (1:CASC), Carmel
(5:CASC), Salinas ClrUCDC), Soledad (2:UCDC); Orange Co., Costa Mesa (3:UCDC), Newport Beach (2:UCDC), Santa Ana (2:UCDC; Plumas Co.. Greenville ClrUCDC); Riverside Co.. Indio ClrUSNM, SrUCRC), Mecca (IrUCRC), Palm Desert (2: UCRC, lrCNCI), Palm Springs (3:UCDC, lrCASC, 12:USNM, IrSEMC), Palm Springs, Tahquitz Canyon (2:RLBC), River side (IrUCRC), White Water Canyon (3:CISC); Sacramento
Co.- Perkins ClrUSNM), Sacramento (16:UCDC, 4:CASC, 10r USNM); Santa Barbara Co., Santa Barbara (8:UCDC, 21rCASC, lrCUIC); S_arL_Bernardino_ Co. . Chino C16:UCRC, IrUSNM, 1:
SEMC) , Needles ClrUSNM, lrNAUF), San Bernardino ClrMCZC), Trona (lrCUIC), Yucca Valley ClrRLBC); San Diego Co.. Alpine (3:UCRC), Borrego (1:CISC), Camp Pendleton (3:UCDC)
Jacumba (1:CASC), La Meso (1:CASC), Oceanside (1:0SU0),
San Diego (10:CASC), Redwood City (3:UCDC); San Mateo Co., San Mateo (l:ASUT)j Santa Clara Co., Morgan Hill (1:CISC, 1:CASC), San Jose (1:UCRC, IrUSNM, 6:SJSC, 1:CASC), Santa Clara (1:UCDC, 1:USNM); Solano Co., Davis (14:UCDC, 1: SJSC), Putah Canyon (3:UCDC); Stanislaus Co., Modesto (1:CISC); Tehama Co., Red Bluff (1:CISC, 3:CASC), Tehama (4:CASC); Tulare Co. , Visalia (1:CASC), Woodlake (1:CASC); Tuolumne Co., Yosemite National Park (1:USNM); Ventura Co.
Oxnard (2:CISC), Santa Paula (6:CISC); City undet.: Kern Co. (4:USNM, 1:UCDC); Los Angeles Co.(l:USNM); San Diego Co. (1:UCDC); Co. undet.: Chaular (1:CASC), Green River
Camp (4:CASC), Kaweah (4:MCZC, 6:CASC, 1:SEMC), Miles
Canyon (1:CASC), Nilesca ClrCASC), Owensmouth (1:UCDC), Palmdale (1:CASC), Paraiso Springs (6:CASC, 1:CUIC), Whitewater (4:CASC); City and Co. undet. (1:INHS, 2 :AMNH). 140 Blapstinus auripilis Horn
(Figs. 31, 56, 57, 76, 106, 144)
Blapstinus auripilis Horn, 1870. Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc., 14:353.
Type locality: "Camp Grant, Arizona"
DIAGNOSIS
Length 6.0 - 6.6 mm.; strongly convex; vestiture usually conspicuous, yellowish intermingled with dark brown hairs; pronotum subtransverse, longest medially, basal curvature strong (Fig. 31); elytral strial punctures fine; elytral intervals wide, their widths five to eight times diameter of a strial puncture; metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen, wedge cell reduced or absent, fork of 2A either directly opposite or distad of 2a-3a cross vein (Figs. 56, 57). Male protarsi not at all dilated, the segments subequal in width; parameres of aedeagus elongate and tapering apically, strongly curved downward at apex (Fig. 76).
DESCRIPTION
Length 6.0 - 6.6 mm.; oval; strongly convex; color dark reddish-brown above and below; integument dull; vesti' ture usually conspicuous, consisting mostly of bright yellowish-brown hairs which often become confusedly inter mingled with very dark brown hairs. 141
Head transverse and moderately convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation strong; upper lobe of eyes small to moderate in size, round and separated by approximately four to six times their maxi mum diameter, lower lobes small to moderate, oval and separated by three and one-half to four times their maxi mum diameter; antennae slender and enlarging very grad ually apically, third segment distinctly longer than fourth but shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures coarse, polygonal and usually dense, becoming smaller toward the apex, interspaces narrow and granulate.
Pronotum subtransverse and strongly convex, dis tinctly longest medially (Fig. 31); apical angles broadly rounded and not prominent, basal angles broadly rounded and not prominent; apical curvature moderately emarginate in anterior view, subtruncate in dorsal view; basal curva ture strong with median lobe prominent, lateral curvature feeble, becoming stronger in apical half, subparallel to ward base; punctures coarse, rounded and dense, inter spaces narrow and granulate. Elytra parallel sided, apex obtusely rounded; inter vals usually flat, wide, their widths approximately five to eight times the diameter of a strial puncture, granu late , interval punctures fine and dense; striae not im pressed, punctures fine, round, widely and unevenly spaced,' usually separated by two to three times their own diameters; 142
punctures of striae and intervals often confusedly inter mingled.
Metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as
abdomen, spur of recurrent vein often present, wedge cell
reduced or absent,* fork of 2A either directly opposite or distad of 2a-3a cross vein (Figs. 56, 57). Abdominal punctures moderately impressed and dense; impression of fifth visible segment very slight or absent. Male. Basal abdominal impression very feebly or absent; protarsi not at all dilated, segments subequal in width, setose beneath; mesotarsi not dilated, setose be neath; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus elongate, tapering apically and strongly curved downward at the apex (Fig. 76).
Measurements. Head: width, 1.3 - 1.4 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 - 0.20 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.87 - 0.9 3 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 4.3 - 5.2; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.23 - 0.27 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.87 - 1.0 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.5 - 4.0. Pronotum: apical width, 1.6 - 1.8 mm., basal width, 2.4 - 2.6 mm., lateral length, 1.3 - 1.4 mm., medial length, 1.5 - 1.6 mm. Elytra: width, 2.4 - 2.8 mm., length, 4.2 - 4.4 mm.; total length: 6.0 - 6.6 mm. 143 TYPE MATERIAL
Blapstinus auripilis Horn: Lectotype (here designated), sex undetermined (ANSP) ; Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Ariz.",
Tag 2, red, "LectoTYPE 3976," Tag 3, white, "B. auripilis
Horn," Tag 4, white, "loaned by ANSP," Tag 5, white with blue border, "LECTOTYPE B. auripilis Horn BY J . C. Davis •'70." Measurements - head: width, 1.4 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.9 0 mm., dorsal ocular correlation,. 4.5; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.23 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.90 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.9; pronotum: apical width, 1.7 mm., basal width, 2.5 mm., lateral length, 1.4 mm., medial length, 1.5 mm.; elytra: width, 2.8 mm., length, 4.4 mm.; total length, 6.4 mm. Specimen is in poor condition, left protarsus absent, right mesotarsus absent, right metatarus absent. The type is very convex with the characteristically shaped pronotum; eyes are very small, pubescence is very conspicuous and heterogeneous; color is reddish-brown above and below; impression at apex of fifth abdominal segment is feeble. Another type specimen labeled B. auripilis was ex amined at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University. Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Ariz.", Tag 2, red, TYPE 7209, Tag 3, white "auripilis Horn." I have been advised by Dr. J. F. Lawrence that the type specimen from the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 144 contains the more reliable data. The specimen (ANSP) was labeled "LectoTYPE 3976." However, I do not know who labeled it and have therefore designated it as the Lecto type.
BIONOMICS Adults have been collected during May. They have been found under dried cow dung.
DISTRIBUTION Arizona (Fig. 144).
DISCUSSION
The diagnostic characters of Blapstinus auripilis
Horn show little or no variation. The species is easily recognized by the broad and strongly convex body, coarse, heterogeneous vestiture, dull integument, pronotum (Fig. 31), form of the male genitalia and wing venation. The wedge cell shows some variation but in all specimens dissected it is always reduced or absent, the fork of 2A either directly opposite or distad of 2a-3a cross vein (Figs. 56, 57). Blapstinus auripilis Horn seems to be most closely related to B. brevicollis LeConte and B. magnipunctatus New
Species. The three species have the following important characters in common: unusual undilated form of the male protarsus, transverse pronotum and body shape. B. auripilis 145 is most closely related to B. brevicollis LeConte. The two are readily separated from B. magnipunctatus by their thinner vestiture, much smaller elytral strial and abdomi nal punctures, well developed wings and form of the male genitalia. The parameres of the aedeagus are strongly curved downward at the apex in B. auripilis and B. brevi collis (Figs. 75, 76); the parameres are not curved down ward at the apex in B. magnipunctatus (Fig. 77). B. auripilis can be separated from B. brevicollis by the more convex form, conspicuous, heterogeneous vestiture and wing venation. The wedge cell in B. auripilis is reduced or absent; the fork of 2A is either directly opposite or distad of the 2a-3a cross vein. The wedge cell is normal in B. brevicollis; the fork of 2A is distinctly proximad of the 2a-3a cross vein.
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (17) ARIZONA: Maricopa Co., Phoenix (5:CASC); Pima Co., Organ Pipe National Monument, Ajo Mts., Arch Canyon (9: RLBC); Co. undet., Camp Grant (1:ANSP; 1:MCZC); Co. and
City undet. (1:USNM). Blapstinus magnipunctatus New Species
(Figs. 32 j 77, 107 , 145)
Type locality: "Brownsville, Texas"
DIAGNOSIS Vestiture very conspicuous, thick, arcuate and pale yellowish-brown to subcinereous in color (Fig. 107); integument strongly shining; eyes large and conspicuous, upper lobes round, bulging and separated by approximately three times their maximum diameter, lower lobes very elongate-oval and separated by distinctly less than three times their maximum diameter; apical angles of pronotum prominent and narrowly rounded, punctures very small, usually separated by their diameters or greater (Fig. 107) elytral strial punctures large, deep and perforate, much larger than pronotal punctures; abdominal punctures' deep and larger than pronotal punctures; metathoracic wings reduced, approximately two-thirds abdominal length. Pro tarsi of male not dilated, segments subequal in width. Male: subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus moderate in length, equal to approximately twice their basal width, widest in apical half in ventral view (Fig. 77).
DESCRIPTION Length 5.1 - 6.1 mm.; oval; strongly convex; color usually very dark reddish-brown, head and pronotum some what darker, antennae and legs slightly lighter; integu ment strongly aeneous, especially noticeable on the elytra; vestiture very conspicuous, dense, very coarse or thick, arcuate and pale yellowish-brown to subcinereous in color. Head broad and convex; facial angles not prominent evenly rounded, epistomal sinuation feeble, almost trun cate; upper lobe of eyes large, round, coarsely faceted, bulging and separated by approximately three times their maximum diameter, lower lobes large, elongate-oval and separated by approximately two and one-half to three times their maximum diameter; antennae slender, very grad ually enlarging apically, third segment elongate, longer than fourth but slightly shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures small to moderate in size, oval between eyes, becoming very sparse along epistoma..
Pronotum subtransverse, much wider than long (Fig. 32) apical angles very prominent, narrowly rounded, basal angles almost right, narrowly rounded, apical curvature strongly emarginate in anterior and dorsal view, basal curvature slight and evenly bisinuate, lateral curvature strong from base to apex, widest in basal third, narrowing strongly in apical third; punctures small, fine and sparse, usually separated by their diameters or more. Elytra becoming wider in apical third, subconnate at apex; intervals slightly convex, strongly aeneous, narrow, their widths equal to approximately two to four times
diameter of a strial puncture, interval punctures minute,
round and sparse and indistinct due to pubescence; striae not impressed, punctures large, round, deep, perforate
and becoming widely separated laterally.
Metathoracic wings reduced, equal to approximately two-thirds abdominal length. Abdominal punctures large, round and deep, especial ly in medial portions of basal two segments; punctures larger than pronotal punctures; impression of fifth visi ble segment very slight in apical third. Male. Basal abdominal impression very feeble and indistinctj protarsi not dilated, segments subequal in width, setose beneath; mesotarsi not dilated, setose be neath; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus moderate in length, equal to approximately twice their basal width, widest in apical half in ventral view (Fig. 77).
Measurements. Head: width, 1.2 - 1.3 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.23 - 0.25 mm., dorsal inter ocular distance, 0.73 - 0.8 3 mm., dorsal ocular correla tion, 3.1 - 3.2; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.27 - 0.33 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.73 - 0.83 mm., ven tral ocular correlation, 2.4 - 2.7. Pronotum: apical width, 1.4 - 1.6 mm., basal width, 2.4 - 2.7 mm., lateral length, 1.4 - 1.5 mm., medial length, 1.4 - 1.5 mm. Elytra 149 width, 2.5 - 3.0 nun., length, 3.4 - 3.9 mm.; total length: 5.1 G . 1 nun *
TYPE MATERIAL
Blapstinus magnipunctatus New Species: Holotype, male (USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Brownsville, Texas Wickham," Tag 2, white, "Pt. Isabel," Tag 3, white, "CASEY bequest 1925," Tag 4, white, "CASEY determ. ? sonorae 4," Tag 5, white with red border, "HOLOTYPE B. magnipunctatus J. C. Davis 1970." Measurements - head: width, 1.2 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.23 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.73 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.1; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.30 mm., ventral in terocular distance, 0.7 3 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.4; pronotum: apical width, 1.4 mm., basal width, 2.4 nun.,' lateral length, 1.4 mm., medial length, 1.4 mm.; elytra: width, 2.6 mm., length, 3.5 mm.; total length: 5.4 mm. The specimen here designated as type is in very good condition, all appendages are intact, genitalia have been dissected, abdomen is glued on point with specimen, genitalia are in plastic vial beneath last tag. Vestiture is very con spicuous eventhough some of it has been rubbed off, color is dark reddish-brown, upper lobe of eyes are large, lower lobes are very much elongate, pronotum is subtransverse with very prominent apical angles, pronotal punctures are small, elytra are subconnate, strial punctures are very 150 large and deep, intervals are aeneous, both strial and abdominal punctures are larger than pronotal punctures, metathoracic wings are reduced and are visible in ventral
view since abdomen was removed, protarsi are not dilated,
parameres of aedeagus are moderate in length and widest in apical half (Fig. 77). Paratypes, 2, 1 male and 1 female,
(USNM), data same as type except Tag 5, white with blue
border, "PARATYPE B. magnipunctatus J. C. Davis 19 70."
BIONOMICS Unknown.
DISTRIBUTION
Texas (Fig. 145).
DISCUSSION Blapstinus magnipunctatus is easily identified and derives its name from the unusually large elytral strial and abdominal punctures which are both larger than the pronotal punctures. The pubescence is also very con spicuous. Little variation can be found in the three specimens examined (2 males and 1 female). The female is larger and more robust than the males. The protarsi of the males are not dilated. Both males were dissected and their genitalia showed no significant variation. The parameres of the aedeagus are moderate in length, approxi mately twice their basal width and widest in apical half in 151 ventral view (Fig. 77).
The relationship of B_. magnipunctatus to other species is difficult to determine. The conspicuous, thick pubescence is also found in B. sulcatus LeConte but the
two species are not closely related. B. magnipunctatus
seems to be most similar to R. auripilis Horn and B. brevicollis LeConte. The three species have the following important characters in common: unusual undilated form of
the male protarsus, transverse pronotum and oval body
shape. ■ B. magnipunctatus is easily separated from the other two by the thick pubescence, deep perforate elytral strial and abdominal punctation, reduced metathoracic wings and form of the genitalia. The three specimens constituting the type series were identified by Casey as B. sonorae Casey (synonymized, page 131). Casey was uncertain of the identity of these three specimens. This is exemplified by the data from Tag 4 on the specimens, "CASEY determ. ? sonorae." The question mark obviously refers to his uncertainty. The three specimens do not agree with the type specimen of B. sonorae. In fact, they are so different that it is diffi
cult to understand why Casey placed them with B. sonorae
instead of creating a new species, which seems to have been one of his favorite options.
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (3) TEXAS: Cameron Co., Brownsville (3:USNM). Blapstinus metallicus (Fabricius)
(Figs. 33, 78, 108, 146)
Blaps metallica Fabricius, 1801. Systema Eleutheratorum, 1:143.
Type locality: "Carolina1'
Blapstinus metallicus, Palisot de Beauvoir, 1805. In- sectes recueillis en Afrique et en Amerique, p. 137:
Korn, 1870:355j Casey, 1890:425.
Opatrum interruptus Say, 182 3. J. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, 3:264.
Type locality: "Pennsylvania 6 Arkansas"
Blapstinus metallicus aeneolus Melsheimer, 1846. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, p. 66. NEW SYNONYMY.
Korn, 1870:355; Casey, 1890:426. Type locality: "Pennsylvania"
Blapstinus luridus liulsant S Rey, 1859. Ann. Soc. Agric. Lyon, p. 19 3. (Junior synonym of 13. interruptus Say,
Horn, 1870:355). Type locality: "New York"
Blapstinus interruptus, LeConte, 186 9. A description of
insects of North America by Thomas Say, 2:155. NEW SYNONYMY. Horn, 1870:355; Casey, 1890:426.
DIAGNOSIS
Integument often strongly shining or aeneous; apical 153 and basal angles of pronotum distinctly prominent (Fig.
33); elytral strial punctation usually interrupted, sets of punctures often absent; metathoracic wings well develop
ed, fully as long as abdomen; parameres of aedeagus elongate, their length distinctly more than twice their basal width (Fig. 78).
DESCRIPTION Length 3.7 - 5.5 mm.; oblong-oval; moderately convex;
color variable, usually with head and pronotum black and elytra dark wine or piceous, elytra sometimes brown or tan; integument shining to strongly aeneous; vestiture variable, grayish when distinct.
Head moderately convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation feebly to moderately emarginate; upper lobes of eyes moderate, separated by three to four times their maximum diameter, lower lobes moderate to large, separated by two and cne-half to three times their maximum diameter; antennae gradually en larging from base to apex, third segment slightly longer than fourth, distinctly shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures coarse, round to oval and usually dense, largest between the eyes and smallest along epis- toma.
Pronotum subrectangular (Fig. 33); apical angles dis tinctly prominent, basal angles distinctly prominent, apical 15 4 curvature usually strong in anterior or dorsal view, basal curvature distinctly bisinuate, lateral curvature feeble, becoming straight in basal half; punctures fine or coarse, sometimes separated by their diameters or more, usually rounded.
Elytra broadly rounded apically and usually sub parallel; intervals flat, wide, their widths usually five to seven times the diameter of a strial puncture, inter val punctures fine and moderately distributed; striae feebly impressed, punctures small, often deep and perfor ate, usually interrupted, sometimes absent in sets.
Metathoracic wings well developed, usually folded apically, fully as long as abdomen, cross vein sometimes present in wedge cell.
Abdominal punctures fine or coarse and usually sparse; impression of fifth visible segment slight in apical half. Hale. Basal abdominal impression slight and narrow in basal two segments; protarsi usually distinctly dilated and spongy beneath; mesotarsi sometimes slightly dilated and spongy beneath; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus elongate, their length equal to distinctly more than twice their basal width (Fig. 78).
Measurements. Head: width, 0.90 - 1.3 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 - 0.2 3 mm., dorsal inter ocular distance, 0,5 3 - 0.80 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 155 3.2 - 4.0; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.20 - 0.30 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.5 3 - 0.80 mm., ventral
ocular correlation, 2.4 - 3.0. Pronotum: apical width, 1.0 - 1.5 mm,, basal width, 1.4 - 2.3 mm., lateral
length, .80 - 1.4 mm., medial length, 0.90 - 1.3 mm. Elytra: width, 1.6 - 2.4 mm., length, 2.5 - 3.8 mm.; total
length: 3.7 - 5.5 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL
Blapstinus interruptus Say: Neotype, female (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Wy," Tag
2, white, "CASEY bequest 1925 ," Tag 3, 'white, "CASEY determ, interruptus," Tag 4, white, "Neotype B. inter ruptus Say BY J. C. Davis T70." Measurements - head: width, 1.2 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.73 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.7; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.27 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.73 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.9; pronotum: apical width, 1.4 mm,, basal width, 2.1 mm., lateral length, 1.3 mm., medial length, 1.1 mm.; elytra: width, 2.4 mm., length, 3.7 mm.; total length; 5.2 mm. Specimen is in fair condition, left meso- and metatarsi absent. This specimen fits the description of i3. interruptus Say. The strial punctures are not un usually interrupted and the elytra are not black.
Blapstinus metaliicus aeneolus Melsheimer: Holotype, 156 sex undet. (Melsheimer Collection, MCZC); Label Data -
Tag 1, white, "Melsh.", Tag 2, white, "aeneolus. Measure ments - head: width, 1.1 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.73 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.7; maximum ventral lobe dia meter, 0.2 3 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.70 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.0; pronotum: apical width, 1.4 mm., basal width, 1.9 mm., lateral length, 1.2 mm., medial length, 1.3 mm.; elytra: width, 2.1 mm., length, 3.2 mm.; total length: 4.6 mm. Specimen is in fair condition, appendages are obscured by glue. Specimen is a perfect match for 13. metallicus (Fabricius). There is some doubt as to the validity of this type in that no type label was
on specimen.
BIONOMICS Adults of B. metallicus are abundant from April through
June. These beetles are commonly found in swampy areas, along beaches and under leaf litter. This species has been
found attacking cabbage and soybeans.
DISTRIBUTION Widespread (Fig. 146),
DISCUSSION Blapstinus metallicus (Fabricius) is a common species
and occurs in three distinct forms: 15 7 1. Head and elytra black, elytra piceous; pronotum fine or coarsely punctate; elytral strial punctures deep and often interrupted in sets; shining to aeneous; pro bably the most common form; described as Blaps metallica
Fabricius, 1801.
2. Head and elytra black or brown, elytra usually light brown; pronotum quite coarsely punctate; elytral strial punctures not perforate, sparsely interrupted; dull to shining; commin in midwest and west; described as £. interruptus Say, 182 3.
3. Head and elytra black, elytra piceous; pronotum usually finely punctate; elytral strial punctures perfor ate, often interrupted in sets ; usually aeneous; common along east coast; described as 13. metallicus aeneolus Melsheimer, 18*+6.
The above forms have caused some confusion. Many taxonomists have hesitated to use any of the previously described names. I have examined several, series that demonstrated gradients among the above three forms.
Blapstinus metallicus is not usually confused with any other species of the genus. The prominent apical and basal angles of the pronotum, along with the usually dis tinctly interrupted elytral striae, serve to make the species quite distinct. I have not examined the type specimen of 13. metallicus
(Fabricius). Zimsen (196*0 reports that the specimen is 15 8 probably in the Bose Collection Paris Museum of Natural
History, Paris, France.
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (750)
COLORADO: Larimer Co., Fort Collins (2:MCZC); City and Co. undet. (2:CISC).
CONNECTICUT: Litchfield Co., Cornwall (2:SEMC, 4: CUIC).
FLORIDA: Alachua Co., Gainsville (2:CISC); Brevard Co., Indian River (3:INHS); Charlotte Co., C. Harbor (2:
AMNH); Dade Co. , Biscayne Bay (2:AMNH, 1:USNM); Desoto Co., Arcadia (1:CUIC); Duval Co., Jacksonville (1:USNM);
Hardee Co., Zolfo Springs (1:SEMC); Hernando Co., Brooks- ville (1:CASC); Highlands Co., Lake Placid, Archbold
Biological Station (6:CUIC), Lake Placid (2:CASC); Hills borough Co., Plant City (4:USNM), St. Petersburg (2:CUIC);
Hudson Co., Pasco (2:SEMC); Leon Co., Tallahassee (1:SEMC); Levy Co., Cedar Key (1:MCZC); Marion Co., McIntosh (2:
CISC); Santa Rosa Co., Pensacola <1:CISC, 2:USNM), Silver Springs (1:INHS); Orange Co., Orlando (3:USNM); Osceola
Co., Kissimmee (2:AMNH); Palm Beach Co., Canal Point (1: CUIC), Lake Worth (4:AMNH); Pinellas Co., Dunedin (4:CUIC,
1:CASC, 1:TAMU); Putnam Co., Crescent City (1:USNM); Saint Johns Co., Saint Augustine (6:CUIC, 4:CASC); Suwanee
Co., Branford (1:SEMC); Volusia Co., Port Orange (2:INHS); City undet.: Volusia Co. (1:CISC); Co. undet.: Capron (2:USNM), Enterprise (6:CISC), Fort Capron (5:INHS)3 Haul over (1:USNM), Lake Lucy (1:USNM), Sant Point (1:USNM);
City and Co. undet. (8:SEMC, 2:CISC} 2:CUIC, 2:INHS3 2:
MCZC9 2:USNM).
GEORGIA: Charlton Co.3 Okefenokee Swamp (1:SEMC); Lamar Co.', Milner (2:CISC); Tift Co. 3 Tifton (1:MCZCS 1:USNM). ILLINOIS: Champaign Co.3 Urbana (1:INHS); Cook Co.3 Chicago (1:INHS); Lake Co.3 Waukegan (1:INHS); LaSalle Co Sheridan (2:CISC); Mason Co.3 Havana (5:INHS); McHenry Co., Algonquin (4:INHS); Warren Co. 3 Galesburg (1:MCZC);
Whiteside Co.3 Erie (1:INHS)3 City undet.: Edwards Co. (1:AMNH); Lake Co. (1:INHS); Co. undet.: White Heath (1: INHS); City and Co. undet. (10:INHS3 1:DEFW).
INDIANA: Elkhart Co., Millersburg (1:CISC); Knox Co
Vincennes (1:UCDC); Stark Co.3 Knox (4:CISC); City undet. Vigo Co. (1:OSUO). IOWA: Buchanan Co.3 Independence (1:CISC); Des
Moines Co.3 Burlington (1:MCZC); Johnson Co.3 Iowa City (1:CISC); Lee Co.3 Fort Madison (2:MCZC); Linn Co.3 Cedar Rapids (2:CISC); Story Co. , Ames (1:CASC); City and Co. undet. (6:CISC). KANSAS: Johnson Co. 3 Kansas City (5:MCZC)j Reno Co. Medora (4:CASC); City undet.: Douglas Co. (3:SEMC).
LOUISIANA: Orleans Co., New Orleans (1:USNM); Saint Tammany Co.3 Covington (1:CISC). 160 MARYLAND: Calvert Co., Plum Point (1:CISC); City and Co. undet. (4-:DEFW).
MASSACHUSETTS: Bristol Co., Rail River (5:MCZC); Somerset (1:MCAC); Dukes Co., Nantucket (1:CUIC); Essex
Co., Lawrence (1:CUIC), Nahant Cl:CNCI); Hampden Co., Springfield (1:CISC); Suffolk Co. , Brookline (2:MCZC-, 4: CUIC), Boston (2:USNM); City and Co. undet. (1:INHS, 1: DEFW).
MICHIGAN: Allegan Co. , Douglas (1:SEMC); Alpena Co., Alpena (1:INHS) *, Saint Clair Co. , Port Huron (5:CISC); City undet.: Oakland Co. (2:CUIC); Co. undet.: Grand Jet. CltCISC). MINNESOTA: Anoka Co., Bunker Dunes (1:DEFW); Cass Co., Pine River (2:DEFW); Dakota Co., St. Paul, Univ.
Farm (6:DEFW); Hennepin Co., St. Bonifacius (6:CUIC); Red
Lake Co. , Plummer (5:DEFW); Scott Co. , Shakopee (2:DEFW);
St. Louis Co., Duluth (5:INHS); City undet.: Cass Co. (8:
DEFW); Douglas Co. (4-.DEFW); Jackson Co. (M-:MCZC); Henne pin Co. Cl:DEFW); Houston Co. (2:DEFW); Kandiyohi Co. (1: DEFW); Mille Lacs Co. (165:DEFW); Olmstead Co. (6:DEFW); Otter Tail Co. (5:DEFW); Ramsey Co. (2:DEFW); Co. undet.: Garrison (13:DEFW), Vineland (2:DEFW); City and Co. undet. (5:DEFW, 1:CUIC). MISSISSIPPI: George Co. , Lucedale (2:CUIC, if:CASC); Jackson Co., Ocean Springs (1:CUIC). MISSOURI: City and Co. undet. (2:DEFW).
NEBRASKA: Cuming Co., West Point (1:CISC).
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Grafton Co., Franconia (1:MCZC).
NEW JERSEY: Bergen Co., Arlington (2:CISC); Camden
Co., Camden (1:CISC); Hudson Co., Hoboken (2:MCZC); Mon mouth Co., Elberon (1:CUIC); Morris Co., Booton C2:CISC), Hopatcong (1:AMNH); Passaic Co., Clifton (2:CISC), Pater son (1:AMNH); Warren Co., Phillipsburg (1:CASC); Co. un det.: Anglesea (1:MCZC, 1:CISC), Watenglas (1:MCZC); City and Co. undet. (3:CUIC, 1 :AMNH, 1:USNM). NEW YORK: Bronx Co., Brooklyn (2:CISC); Cay Co. , Fair Haven (1:CUIC); Clinton Co., Peru (6:CUIC); Monroe
Co., Spencerport (1:CUIC); Niagra Co., Olcott (3:CUIC); Putnam Co., West Point (l:CISC)j Rockland Co., Suffern (1:CUIC); Suffolk Co ., Greenport (1:USNM), Long Island
(1:USNM, 2:CUIC), Orient, Long Island (4:CUIC), River- head (2:CUIC), Rockway Beach, Long Island (7:CISC, 4:USNM) Tompkins Co., Ithaca (5:CUIC), McLean (3:CUIC); Co. undet.
Bridgeport (1:CISC); City and Co. undet. (5:CUIC, 7:AMNH, 1:DEFW, 1 :UCRC, 1:CISC, 1:CASC, 1:INHS, 1:USNM). NORTH CAROLINA: Buncombe Co., Black Mountain (1: AMNH); Columbus Co., Lake Waccamaw (1:CUIC); Moore Co., Southern Pines (3:AMNH, 1:CUIC); City undet.: Richmond Co. (2:USNM)j City and Co. undet. (2:MCZC). NORTH DAKOTA: Ramsey Co., Devils Lake (1:CUIC); Stutsman Co., Jamestown (1:CISC). 162 OHIO: Knox Co., Gambler (1:UCDC); Summit Co., Akron Cl:OSUC). PENNSYLVANIA: Bucks Co., Newtown (1:CISC); Mont- ✓ gomery Co. , Abington (2:MCZC); City undet.: Allegheny Co. (2:ClSC); Elk Co. (1:CUIC); Co. undet.: Castle Rock (1: CISC), Frankford (1:CISC), Heckton Mills (1:CISC), Lime Rock (2:MCZC).
RHODE ISLAND: Newport Co., Tiverton (1:MCZC); Washington Co., Watch Hill (10:CISC); City and Co. undet. (1:MCZC).
SOUTH CAROLINA: Aiken Co., Aiken (1:CNCI), Beech Island Cl:USNM); Beaufort Co., Beaufort C7:AMNH, 1:CISC); Charleston Co., Charleston C2:MCZC); Florence Co., Florence Cl.'USNM).
SOUTH DAKOTA: Brookings Co., Volga (4;MCZC); City and Co. undet. C2:CUIC). VIRGINIA: Southampton Co., Boykins (1:MCZC); York Co., Newport News C5:MCZC); City and Co. undet.: Old Point Comfort C1:USNM); City and Co. undet. C3:DEFW). WISCONSIN: Barron Co., Hangen Cl:INHS); Bayfield Co., Bayfield C3:CISC, 4:MCZC). WYOMING: City undet.: Platte Co. Cl:ASUT); City and Co. undet. (3:CISC).
ALBERTA: Drumheller (1:CNCI), Medicine Hat (3:CNCI), Orion (2:CNCI). 163 MANITOBA: Aweme (6:CNCI), Baldur (1:CNCI), Ninette
(5:CNCI), Reynolds (1:CNCI), Sandilands (1:CNCI), Wawanesa (1:CNCI), Winnipeg (1:CISC). NOVA SCOTIA: Sable Island, West Light (17:CNCI), Yarmouth (3:CNCI).
ONTARIO: Carleton Co ., Ottawa (3:CNCI); Essex Co., Point Pelee (18:CNCI, 2:0SUC, 3:CUIC, 1:SEMC); York Co., Toronto (13:CUIC, 1:CASC, 1:CISC); City undet.: Prince Edwards Co. (5:UCDC); Co. undet.: Bill's Corner (1:CNCI), Bowesville Cl:CNCI), Britamia (3:CNCI), DeCew Falls (1: CNCI), Fisher Glen (2:CNCI), Marmora (1:CNCI), Normandale (2:CNCI), South March Cl:CNCI), Uplands (4:CNCI); City and Co. undet. (1:CNCI). QUEBEC: Gatineau Co., Gracefield (1:CNCI); Laval Co., Montreal (4:MCZC, 3:CISC, 6:CNCI); Sorel Co. , Lanoraie
(4:CNCI); Co. undet.: Fort Coulonge (1:CNCI). SASKATCHEWAN: Canora (1:CNCI), Indian Head (1:CNCI).
Blapstinus pinorum Casey (Figs. 34, 79, 109, 147)
Blapstinus pinorum Casey, 1914. Mem. Col., 5:377.
Type locality: "Southern Pines, North Carolina" 164 DIAGNOSIS
Vestiture very sparse and short; integument usually shining; eyes small and inconspicuous, upper lobes separa ted by approximately four and one-half to five times their maximum diameter, lower lobes separated by three and one- half to four times their maximum diameter; apical curva ture of pronotum usually subtruncate in dorsal view, lateral curvature usually even from base to apex, basal angles not prominent (Fig. 34); elytra distinctly less than three times the length of pronotum and subconnate apically, interval punctures large, coarse and usually distinctly crowded basally; metathoracic wings rudimen tary, distinctly less than half abdominal length; para- meres of aedeagus slightly elongate, approximately twice their basal width or slightly longer (Fig. 79).
DESCRIPTION
Length 4.3 - 4.4 mm.; oblong-oval; moderately convex; color usually black above and below, sometimes with elytra, ventral surface and legs a very dark wine; integument usually distinctly shining; vestiture very short and in conspicuous , sparse, recumbent and light yellowish-brown in color.
Head broad and moderately convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation very feeble and broad; upper lobe of eyes small, round and separated by 165 four and one-half to five times their maximum diameter, lower lobes small, elongate-oval and separated by three and one-half to four times their maximum diameter; anten nae becoming distinctly clubbed apically, third segment longer than fourth, distinctly shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures small to moderate in size, round and moderately distributed, smaller and crowded along epistomal margin. Pronotum subrectangular (Fig. 34) ; apical angles very indistinct, basal angles not prominent and rounded, usually greater than ninety degrees, apex moderately emarginate in anterior view, subtruncate in dorsal view, basal curvature feeble, lateral curvature slight to moderate, usually evenly rounded from base to apex; punc tures moderate in size, oval and dense laterally, usually not as dense toward disc, punctures do not tend to coalesce longitudinally.
Elytral length distinctly less than three times the pronotal length and subconnate apically; intervals slight to moderately convex, moderate in width, their widths approximately three to five times diameter of a strial puncture, interval punctures large, coarse and usually crowded basally; striae-distinctly impressed, punctures moderate in size, round or oval and usually closely placed, separated by approximately their diameters or less. 166 Metathoracic wings rudimentary, distinctly less than
half the abdominal length.
Abdominal punctures small to moderate in size, round and usually sparsely distributed; impression of fifth visible segment scarcely visible.
Male. Basal abdominal impression usually distinct in basal two segments; protarsi usually distinctly dilated, spongy beneath; mesotarsi not dilated; subgenital ster- nite feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus slightly elongate, approximately twice their basal width or slightly longer, lateral rods of median lobe parallel (Fig. 79). Measurements. Head: width, 1.0 - 1.1 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.13 - 0.17 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.70 - 0.73 mm., dorsal ocular
correlation, 4.4 - 5.2; maximum ventral lobe diameter,
0.20 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.70 - 0.73 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.5 - 3.7. Pronotum: apical width, 1.1 - 1.2 nun., basal width, 1.5 - 1.6 mm., lateral
length, 1.0 - 1.1 mm., medial length, 1.0 - 1.1 mm. Elytra: width, 1.9 - 2.0 mm., length, 2.7 - 2.8 mm.; total length: 4.3 - 4.4 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL
Blapstinus pinorum Casey; Holotype, female (Casey
Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "III-ll Southern Pines, N.C.", Tag 2, white, "CASEY bequest 1925," Tag 3, red, "TYPE USNM 37161," Tag 4, white, "pinorum Casey." Measurements - head: width, 1.05 mm.; eyes: maxi mum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.13 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.70 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 5.2; ■maxi mum ventral lobe diameter, 0.17 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.6 7 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 4.0; pro notum: apical width, 1.3 mm., basal width, 1.7 mm., lateral length, 1.05 mm., medial length, 1.1 mm.; elytra: width, 2.0 mm., length, 3.0 mm.; total length, 4.3 mm. Specimen is in poor condition, antennae are intact but left mesotarsus is absent; apex of pronotum appears sub- truncate from dorsal view, sides of pronotum are feebly but evenly curved; elytral strial punctures moderate, deepl interval punctures are very large and deep, almost as large as strial punctures, most interval punctures appear to be at least half as large as strial punctures; color of specimen: head and pronotum black, anterior edge of pronotum is reddish, elytra deep wine, legs and ventral surface deep wine. Type specimen is typical of the species.
BIONOMICS Adults were collected during March, April and May.
DISTRIBUTION North Carolina (Fig. 147). 168 DISCUSSION
Blapstinus pinorum Casey is not common. All speci mens examined were taken at Southern Pines, North Carolina.
This species can be quickly recognized by its small eyes, very coarsely punctate elytral intervals, rudimentary
wings and pronotal shape. No substantial variation has been observed in these characters. The lateral curvature of the pronotum is usually feebly but evenly curved from
base to apex. The pronotal apex is always subtruncate in dorsal view. The wings are much less than half the abdominal length.
Blapstinus pinorum is very similar to 13. moestus Melsheimer. I was at first inclined to regard them as
the same, but the examination of limited specimens of B. pinorum did not reveal any variation- in the characters which I am using to distinguish B. pinorum. The two species have the following important characters in common: strongly shining integument, small eyes and very coarsely punctate elytral intervals. B. pinorum is separated from B. moestus on the basis of the following characters: basal angles of the pronotum, lateral rods of the median lobe
of the aedeagus, length of the wings and size. In B. pinorum, the basal angles of the pronotum are rounded and not prominent (Fig. 34), the lateral rods of the penis are parallel, the wings are rudimentary, distinctly less than half the abdominal length and their size is small (4.3 - 169 4.4 mm.). In B. moestus , the basal angles of the pronotum are prominent posteriorly, the lateral rods of the penis are not parallel, the wings are distinctly longer than half the abdominal length and their size is larger (4.8 - 6 . 0 mm.).
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (8) NORTH CAROLINA: Moore Co., Southern Pines (3:HAIC, 3:USNM, 2 :AMNH).
Blapstinus moestus Melsheimer (Figs. 35, 58, 59, 80, 110, 148)
Blapstinus moestus Melsheimer, 1846. Proc. Acad. Nat.
Sci. Philadelphia, 3 :65-66*, Horn, 1870 : 351-355'; Casey, 1890:442 ; Hamilton, 1895:341; Blatchley, 1910:1252.
Type locality: "Pennsylvania"
DIAGNOSIS Vestiture very short, sparse and yellowish-brown in color; apical three antennal segments usually distinctly dilated; basal angles of pronotum distinctly prominent posteriorly (Fig. 35); elytral striae distinctly impressed, punctures large, deep and closely placed, usually separa ted by their diameters or less; elytral interval punctures 170 coarse and sense; metathoracic wings reduced but at least half abdominal length. Protarsi of male distinctly di
lated; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus short, their length less than twice their basal width, lateral rods of the penis curved (Fig. 80).
DESCRIPTION Length 4.8 - 6.0 mm.; oblong-oval; distinctly convex; color variable, black to dark reddish-brown, usually darker above; integument usually shining, often strongly so; vestiture very short, sparse and yellowish-brown in color. Head wide and slightly convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation feeble and broad; upper lobe of eyes small, rounded and separated by four to five times their maximum diameter, lower lobes small, elongate-oval and separated by approximately three to four times their maximum diameter'; antennae stout with the last three segments usually distinctly dilated, third segment distinctly longer than fourth and distinctly shorter than segments four and five combined; punctation variable, punctures small and sparse on top of head, large between the eyes and smaller and crowded close to the epistoma.
Pronotum subrectangular (Fig. 35); apical angles 171 usually distinct but obtusely rounded, basal angles usual ly conspicuous and distinctly prominent posteriorly, apical curvature moderate to strongly emarginate in anteri or and dorsal view, basal curvature moderate, lateral curvature variable, usually slight becoming straight to ward the base; punctation variable, punctures usually round or oval, always coarse, usually more dense laterally. Elytra usually broadly rounded in apical third; in tervals narrow, their widths equal to approximately three to four times diameter of a strial puncture, distinctly convex, interval punctures usually quite coarse and dense; striae distinctly impressed, especially laterally, punc tures large, perforate, round and closely placed, usually separated by less than their diameters. Metathoracic wings reduced, size and venation vari able, always at least half the abdominal length (Figs. 58, 59).
Abdomen usually distinctly shining; punctation vari able, punctures usually moderately impressed and distri buted; impression of the fifth visible segment usually dis tinct and narrow. Male. Basal abdominal impression usually distinct, narrow; protarsi strongly dilated, segments subequal to protibial apex and spongy beneath; mesotarsi slightly but
f distinctly dilated and usually spongy beneath; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of 172 aedeagus short, their length distinctly less than twice their basal width, lateral rods of penis curved (Fig. 80). Measurements. Head: width, 1.1 - 1.4- mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 - 0.20 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.73 - 0.90 mm., dorsal ocular cor relation, 4.4 - 4.8; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.20 - 0.23 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.70 - 0.86 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.1 - 3.7. Pronotum: apical width, 1.3 - 1.5 mm., basal width, 1.9 - 2.2 mm., lateral length, 1.1 - 1.5 mm., medial length, 1.1 - 1.5 mm. Elytra: width, 2.0 - 2.6 mm., length, 3.0 - 4.1 mm.; total length: 4.8 - 6.0 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL Blapstinus moestus Melsheimer: Holotype, female (Melsheimer Collection, MCZC); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Melsh.", Tag 2, red. Measurements - head: width, 1.3 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.87 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 5.2; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.2 0 mm., ventral in terocular distance, 0.87 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 4.3; pronotum: apical width, 1.4 mm., basal width, 2.0 mm., lateral length, 1.3 mm., medial length, 1.3 mm.; elytra: width, 2.3 mm., length, 3.5 mm.; total length: 5.1 mm. Specimen is in poor condition, apical eight left antennal segments absent, left protarsus absent, left mesotarsus 173 absent, right metathoracic leg entirely absent; left elytron was removed and mounted on white tag below the second tag. Color of type is black above and below, legs more of a deep reddish-black; metathoracic wings are approximately two-thirds abdominal length; the elytral strial punctures are moderate in depth, not as deep as is usually the case in this species; pronotal punctures coarse; elytra distinctly striate. There were two speci mens in the Melsheimer box at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University. Of these two, one (with red tag) matched the original description and is obviously the holotype. The other specimen is not designated as part of type series because there is some doubt as to when it was placed in the collection.
BIONOMICS Adults were collected from January through September.
Most specimens were collected during April and May.
DISTRIBUTION
Eastern United States (Fig. 148).
DISCUSSION Blapstinus moestus Melsheimer is one of the few species of the genus occurring east of the Mississippi River. It is quite distinct and variation of characters does not pre sent problems with its identification. Color is highly 174 variable, some specimens being.bright reddish-brown and
others black or piceous. The prominent basal angles of the pronotum (Fig. 35) are consistent and make the species
relatively easy to identify. The form of the median lobe
of the aedeagus can be used for positive identification (see below).
Blapstinus moestus appears to be closely related to and possibly intermediate between B. pratensis LeConte and
B. pinorum Casey. The three have the following characters in common: general body shape, distinctly dilated apical three antennal segments, very coarsely punctate elytral intervals (except some forms of 13. pratensis) , reduced or rudimentary wings. B. moestus and B. pratensis are simi lar and separated from B. pinorum on the basis of the basal angles of the pronotum. In the former two the basal angles are prominent posteriorly. B. moestus may be quickly separated from B. pratensis on the basis of wing length (a character which I have been doubious of but have not been able to find variable in these species) and form of the median lobe of the aedeagus. In B. pratensis, the metathoracic wings are rudimentary, distinctly less than half the abdominal length, the species is found west of the Mississippi River and the lateral rods of the median lobe of the aedeagus are parallel (Fig. 3). In B. moestus, the metathoracic wings are reduced but distinctly longer than half the abdominal length, the species is found east 175 of the Mississippi River and the lateral rods of the median
lobe of the aedeagus are not parallel.
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (156)
CONNECTICUT: New Haven Co., New Haven (4:CASC). DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: (1:DEFW). ILLINOIS: Knox Co., Galesburg (1:MCZC); LaSalle Co.,
Utica (3:BDUN); McHenry Co.3 Algonquin (2:INHS); Peoria Co.a Peoria, Airport Region, McGee Farm (1:INHS); Winne bago Co., Rockford (1:INHS); Co. and City undet. (1:CUIC,
1:DEFW). INDIANA: Lake Co., Hammond (5:CASC); Warren Co.,
Pine (4:USNM); City undet.: Vigo Co. (1:0SU0, 1:CUIC). MASSACHUSETTS: Bristol Co., Fall River (3:MCZC), Wesport (1;MCZC); Essex Co., Lawrence (3:CUIC, 3 :USNM), Lynn (1:USNM), Methuen (1:CUIC); Hampton Co., Chicopee
(3:MCZC); Hampshire Co., M t . Tom (1:MCZC); Middlesex Co.,
Tyngsboro (15:USNM, 1:CASC); Nantucket Co., Nantucket
Island (1:DEFW); Norfolk Co., Brookline (4:AMNH, 4:CASC, 2:MCZC), Dover (1:CASC); Suffolk Co., Cambridge (l:USNM)j Worcester Co., Worcester (3:CASC); City undet.: Barn stable Co. (1:MCZC); Co. undet.: Forest Hills (5:USNM); City and Co. undet. (2:SEMC , 5 :AMNH), 2:INHS, 2:USNM, 1:CASC). MICHIGAN: Wayne Co., Detroit (3:USNM).
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Stafford Co., Durham (2:USNM); City 176 and Co. undet. (1:USNM).
NEW JERSEY: Burlington Co., Browns Mills C1:CUIC);
Ocean Co., Lakewood (1:AMNH); City undet,: Bergen Co. (1:
USNM); Co. undet.: Anglesca (1;MCZC); City and Co. undet.
(2:MCZC, 1:USNM). NEW YORK: Herkimer Co., Newport Cl:MCZC); Orange Co.,
West Point Cl:USNM); Queens Co., Queens, Long Island (8: USNM); Suffolk Co. , Amagansett, Long Island (1:USNM) ; Greenport, Long Island (1:USNM), Napeaque, Long Island (1:USNM), Orient, Long Island (2:USNM, 1:CUIC), Riverhead, Long Island Cl:CUIC), Shelter Island C2:USNM); Westchester
Co., Peekskill (4:CASC, 1:CUIC, 2:MCZC, 1:USNM); City and Co. undet. (3:AMNH, 2:CUIC, 1:USNM).
ONTARIO: Essex Co., Pt. Pelee Cl:CNCI); York Co., Toronto Cl:CUIC). RHODE ISLAND: Bristol Co., Bristol (1:CASC); Pro
vidence Co., Providence C3:MCZC); Washington Co., Watch
Hill C1:USNM). VIRGINIA: Co. undet.: Newport News C7:MCZC), Swe- ello Pt. Cl:USNM); City and Co. undet. Cl:USNM, 1:DEFW). WISCONSIN: Dane Co., Madison Cl:USNM). 177 Blapstinus pratensis LeConte (Figs. 36, 60, 81, 111, 149)
Blapstinus pratensis LeConte, 1859. Smith. Contri. Knowl., 2:15; Horn, 1870:354; Casey, 1890:434-435.
Type locality: "Platte River Valley"
Blapstinus arenarius Casey, 1890. Ann. New York Acad. Sci., 5:45 7-45 8. NEW SYNONYMY. Type locality: "Galveston, Texas"
DIAGNOSIS
Vestiture short, cinereous or yellowish-brown in color; apical three antennal segments usually distinctly dilated; basal angles of the pronotum distinctly pro minent posteriorly (Fig. 36) ; elytral striae feebly or distinctly impressed, especially laterally; strial punc tures fine or coarse, often larger laterally; elytral in tervals flat or slightly convex, often becoming distinctly convex laterally; metathoracic wings rudimentary, dis tinctly less than half the abdominal length (Fig. 60). Protarsi of male usually distinctly dilated; parameres of the aedeagus short, their length distinctly less than twice their basal width, lateral rods of the penis parallel (Fig. 81).
DESCRIPTION Length 4.3-6.0 mm.; oblong-oval; strongly convex or 178 robust; color usually black or piceous, often darker above, the apex of the pronotum often a dark reddish- black; integument subalutaceous to shining; pubescence sometimes conspicuous, usually yellowish-brown but some times cinereous, short with variable distribution. Head broad and moderately convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation usually feeble and broad; upper lobe of eyes small, round and separated by four to six times their maximum diameter, lower lobes small, oval and separated by three to four times their maximum diameter; antennae somewhat robust with the last three segments usually strongly dilated, third segment distinctly longer than segment four but dis tinctly shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures coarse and moderately distributed between the eyes, smaller and crowded dorsally and along the epistoma.
Pronotum subquadrate (Fig. 36); apical angles vari able, distinct or not, basal angles distinctly prominent posteriorly, apical curvature moderate to strong in anterior and dorsal views, basal curvature strong lateral ly, lateral curvature usually feeble, becoming distinctly straight in basal half; punctures small to moderate in size, round or slightly oval and usually dense.
Elytra broad and subparallel; intervals usually narrow, their widths equal to approximately three to five times the 179 diameter of a strial puncture, intervals usually becoming distinctly convex laterally, interval punctures fine or coarse; striae slight to strongly impressed, becoming stronger laterally, punctures small or large, closely or widely spaced.
Metathoracic wings variable but always distinctly less than half the abdominal length, venation reduced, usually only two longitudinally veins present (Fig. 60). Abdominal punctures usually coarse, round and usually dense; impression of the fifth visible segment usually distinct in the apical third. Male. Basal abdominal impression usually distinct and narrow; protarsi usually distinctly dilated,spongy beneath; mesotarsi slightly dilated, setose beneath; sub genital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex; para- meres of the aedeagus short, their length distinctly less than twice their basal width, lateral rods of the penis parallel (Fig. 36).
Measurements. Head: width, 1.0 - 1.4 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.13 - 0.20 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.63 - 0.97 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 4.0 - 5.8; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.17 - 0.27 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.6 3 - 0.9 0 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.1 - 3.8. Prono tum: apical width, 1.2 - 1.6 mm., basal width, 1.6 - 2.4 mm., lateral length, 1.1 - 1.5 mm., medial length, 1.1 - 180
1.5 mm. Elytra: width, 1.9 - 2.5 mm., length, 2.9 - 4.1 mm.; total length, 4.3 - 6.0 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL Blapstinus pratensis LeConte: Holotype, male
(LeConte Collection,MCZC); Label Data - Tag 1, round, yellow-green label (=Nebraska £ Colorado), Tag 2, red, "TYPE 465 7," Tag 3, white, "B. pratensis LeC.". Measure ments - head: width, 1,3 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.2 0 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.9 3 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 4.6; maximum ventral lobe dia- » meter, 0.23 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.90 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.8; pronotum: apical width, 1.5 mm., basal width, 2,2 mm., lateral length, 1.5 mm., medial length, 1.4 mm.; elytra: width, 2.5 mm., length, 3.9 mm.; total length: 5.5 mm. Specimen is in good con dition and is characteristic of the species: color, elytra and ventral surface deep piceous or wine colored; prono- turn large with the basal angles distinctly prominent post eriorly; elytral strial punctures moderate in size; vesti ture very short and golden; protarsus very strongly dilat ed. Two other specimens in the LeConte collection; 1 male labelled, "Texas" and 1 female labelled, "New Mexico".
Blapstinus arenarius Casey: Lectotype (here desig nated), male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Tex," Tag 2, white, " ," Tag 3, white, "CASEY 181
bequest 1925," Tag 4, red, "TYPE USNM 37174," Tag 5, white, "B. arenarius Casey," Tag 6, white, "LECTOTYPE B.
arenarius BY J. C. Davis." Measurements - head: width, 1.1 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 mm.,
dorsal interocular distance, 0.67 mm., dorsal ocular cor relation, 4.0; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.21 mm.,
ventral interocular distance, 0.67 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.1; pronotum: apical width, 1.3 mm., basal
width, 1.8 mm., lateral length, 1.2 mm., medial length, 1.2 mm.; elytra: width, 2.2 mm., length, 3.5 mm.; total
length, 4.8 mm. Specimen is in good condition, all appen dages are intact. The type of B. arenarius is very
similar to 13. pratensis except that the former is smaller and the integument more shining. Paralectctypes (here
designated), 7, 3 males and 4 females (Casey Collection, USNM) , same data as type.
BIONOMICS
lj;.. Adults of B. pratensis have been collected during,,
every month except December. The beetles were most numer ous during April, May and June. Swenk (19 34) and other
potato growers in Box Butte Co., Nebraska reported that this small, black beetle was very numerous on the ground
under the potato plants and was working on the plants just
under the surface of the ground, keeping the new shoots
eaten down to about a quarter of an inch below the soil
/ surface. Some growers were quite insistent that this beetle had done serious damage. It was also reported
from Dundy Co., Nebraska as working on and injuring the roots of corn. Recently compiled data indicate the
following hosts and habits of 13. pratensis: taken from peanuts in Fayette Co., Texas; found wintering under
paper wrappings on fruit trees in Stephenvilie, Texas;
found under Opuntia in Hondo, Texas; found hibernating in
sedge grass roots in Victoria, Texas; found under rocks in the Nueces River Valley in Texas; found in a home in
Galveston, Texas and collected at elevations ranging up to eight thousand feet (Plainview, Colorado).
DISTRIBUTION
VJest of the Mississippi River (Fig. 149).
DISCUSSION
Blapstinus pratensis LeConte is a common species and usually easy to identify. The species occurs in three forms easily distinguished as follows: 1. Occurs mostly in Colorado; pubescence is often cinereous; size is small to moderate (4.3 - 5.8 mm.); elytral strial punctures are usually very fine but deeper laterally; elytral intervals are flat toward the suture, becoming distinctly convex laterally, very finely punctate sometimes with 13. vestitus LeConte and is discussed else where (page 192). 183
2. Predominant form, widespread but very common in Texas; pubescence is golden; size is moderate (5.1 - 6.0 mm.); elytral strial punctures may be either fine or coarse, often perforate and closely spaced; elytral inter vals usually very coarsely and densely punctate; some times confused with 13. moestus Melsheimer which is dis cussed elsewhere (page 174).
3. Usually found in southern Texas, especially
Galveston; pubescence is golden; size is small (4.5 - 4.8 mm.); elytral strial punctures usually coarse and closely placed; elytral intervals usually coarsely punctate; described by Casey (1890 :45 7) as 13. arenarius and here synonymized. Blapstinus pratensis appears to be the center of a complex of species: E3. barri Boddy, 13. vestitus LeConte, 13. pratensis LeConte, 13. moestus Melsheimer and i3. pinorum
Casey. The similarities between 13. pratensis and 13. ves titus and 13. moestus are discussed under the discussion sections for the latter two species.
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (6 71)
COLORADO: Arapahoe Co., Denver (10:CASC, 1:CUIC, 43: USNM) ; Archuleta Co., Chimney Gulch (5:CASC); Boulder Co.,
Boulder (1:CASC); Douglas Co., Sedalia (15:USNM); El Paso Co., Colorado Springs (2:USNM); Huerfano Co., Walsenburg
(1:USNM); Jefferson Co., Golden (2:CISC, 1:CASC),Plainview 184
(1:USNM); Kit Carson Co., Flagler (5:CISC, 1:MCZC); Lasanimas Co., Trinidad (1:USNM); Moffat Co., Craig (2:
CASC); Prowers Co. , Lamar (1:AMNH); Weld Co. , Greeley (2: CISC); Co. undet,: Platte Canon (1Q:USNM), Regnier (1:
AMNH); City and Co. undet. (28:USNM, 3:MCZC, 1:CUIC). KANSAS: Clark Co. , Englewood (3:CASC); Ford Co. ,
Fort Dodge (3:USNM); Gray Co. , Cimarron (2:INHS); Kiowa Co., Belvidere (2:SEMC); Riley Co., Manhattan (1:USNM);
Sedgwick Co., Mt. Hope (3:CASC, 10:CISC); City undet.; Clark Co. (2:CASC, 2:SEMC); Ellis Co (2:USNM); Hamilton
Co. C 2:CASC); Meade Co. (5:USNM); Scott Co. (2:SEMC);
Sedgwick Co. (1:CASC); Seward Co. (21:USNM); Wallace Co.
(1:CN Cl, 4 :SEMC); City and Co. undet. (3:USNH, 1:IHHS). MONTANA: Custer Co., Miles City (1:CISC); Missoula
Co., Missoula, Custer Forest (2:USNM); Powell Co., Helena <1:USNM).
NEBRASKA: Box Butte Co. , Alliance Cl:CISC); Nuckolls Co., Superior Cl:MCZC); City undet,: Sioux Co. (1:AMNH); City and Co. undet, (2:CASC). OKLAHOMA: Cleveland Co., Norman (1:USNM); Comanche
Co., Lawton (1:USNM); Grady Co., Chickasha (1:USNM); Kay Co., Ponca City (1:CNCI); Oklahoma Co., Oklahoma City (1:
CASC); Payne Co., Stillwater (10:CASC); City undet.: Oklahoma Co. (1:CASC); Payne Co. (8:CASC); Sequoyah Co.
<1:INHS). 185 SOUTH DAKOTA: Brookings Co., Volga (1:MCZC); Brown
Co., Stratford (1:CISC); Jackson Co., Belvidere (ltUSNM); Pennington Co., Wasta (1:SEMC).
TEXAS: Bee Co., 3eeville (1:CISC, 3:USNM); Bexas Co.,
San Antonia (3:CASC); Blanco Co., Gould Davis Cave (4:
CNCI); Brazoria Co. , 'Angleton (1:CISC); Brazos Co. , College Station (4:CASC, 9:TAMU, 1:INHS), HiHican (1:CUIC);
Burnet Co., Inks Lake State Park (1:DEFW); Callahan Co., Baird (1:USNM); Cameron Co., Brownsville C1:CASC), Port
Isabel (1:CUIC, 1:USNM) ; Colorado Co., Columbus (1:DEFW); Comal Co., New Braunfels (1:CISC, 1:CASC, 1:MCZC); Dallam
Co., Dalhart (1:USNM); Dallas Co., Dallas (3:USNM): Duval Co., (1:CISC, 4:USNM); El Paso Co., Colorado Springs (1:
USiJM) ; Erath Co. , Stephenville (1:USNM); Galveston Co. , Galveston (2:CASC, 1:TAMU); Hale Co., Plainview (1:TAMU);
Hidalgo Co., Donna (4:USNM), San Juan (1:USNM); Kerr Co., Kerrville (10:CISC, 6:USNM), Kerrville, 20 mi. S (2:USNM);
Kerrville, 2 0 mi. SE (3:CNCI); Kleberg Co., Kingsville (2:USNM) ; La Salle Co., Cotulla C19:CISC, 1:USNM); Llano
Co., 3ucnanan Dam (1:TAMU); Live Oak Co., Three Rivers (3:SEMC); Maverick Co., Eagle Pass (1:CISC); Medina Co.,
Hondo (2:CISC); McLennan Co., Waco (12:CASC); Montague Co., Sunset (7:CASC); Nueces Co., Corpus Christi (3:CISC, 17:
CNCI, 3:USNM), Nuecest (3:CISC), Robstown (1:CNCI); Ochil tree Co. , Perryton (1:TAMU); Palo Pinto Co. , Mineral VJells (1:USNM); Presidio Co., Marfa (1:CASC); Randall Co.,
Canyon (liTAMU); Rockport Co., Aransas Cl:SEMC); Rusk Co. Henderson C1:USNM); San Patricio Co., Mathis (1:USNM),
Sinton (1:USNM); Travis Co., Austin (1:CISC, 1:USHM); Uvalde Co., Sabinal (liUSNM); Val Verde Co., Devil's
River (1:USNM); Victoria Co. , Victoria (17:USNM); Webb Co., Laredo (1:CUIC, 4:TAMU); Wells Co., Alice Cl:CISC);
Zaval Co. , Nueces River (3:TAMU); City undet.: Brazos Co. (2 3:CASC, 1:BDUH, 1:IHHS)j Burnet Co. (3:USNM); Cherokee
Co. (1:INHS); Dallas Co. (1:INHS) ; Dimmit Co. (2:USNM); Eastland Co. (37:DEFW); Fayette Co. (1:TAMU); Gillespie
Co. (IrOSUC); Goliad Co. (2:USNM); Uvalde Co. (1:CISC, 1: USiJM) ; Co. undet.: Encinal (8:CISC), Fort Hood (3:CUIC),
Giles (4:TAMU), Hereford (1:TAMU), Harwood (1:CISC), Macdona (11:CASC, 1:0SUC, 1:IHKS), Marathon (1:CASC), L.
Refugio (4:USNM), Roosevelt, 5 mi. W (3:CASC), Round Mt, (1:0SUC), Sarita (2:IHHS), Sharpsburg (1:CISC), Sommerset
(3: CASC) , Theims (1:CASC), 'White Deer (2 3:USHM), Winter Park (1:TAMU); City and Co. undet. (14:CISC, 12:USMM,
2 :CASC, 1:0SUC, 19:MCZC, 4:CUIC, 7:AMNH, 14:I1JHS, 3:SEMC) 187
Blapstinus vestitus LeConte
(Figs. 37, 82, 112, 150)
Blapstinus vestitus LeConte, 1859. Smith. Contri.
Knowl., 2:215; Horn, 1870:354; Casey, 1890:454.
Type locality: "Platte River Valley, Colorado" Blapstinus hospes Casey, 1890. Ann. Mew York Acad. Sci.,
5 :455-456.
Type locality: "Cheyenne, Wyoming"
DIAGNOSIS Pubescence usually very dense and cinereous; apical three antennal segments distinctly dilated; pronotum sub- rectangular and strongly convex, apex subtruncate in dorsal view, basal angles distinctly prominent posteriorly
(Fig. 37); elytral striae very feebly or not at all im pressed, punctures very small or minute; intervals usually alutaceous; metathoracic wings rudimentary, distinctly less than half the abdominal length; parameres of aedeagus elongate, their length distinctly longer than twice their basal width (Fig. 82).
DESCRIPTION Length 3.7 - 4.7 mm.; oblong-oval; strongly convex; color variable, usually black to dark reddish-brown, if black then apex of pronotum is dark reddish, pronotum often darker than elytra; integument subalutaceous; vestiture usually conspicuous, consisting of short or long, cinere ous; arcuate hairs usually densely distributed, especially on the elytra.
Head slightly convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation very feeble; upper lobe of eyes small and separated by four to five times their maximum diameter, lower lobes small and separated . by three to four times their maximum diameter; antennae enlarging distinctly in apical three segments, third seg ment distinctly longer than segment four and distinctly shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures round or polygonal, very coarse, especially between the eyes, dense, punctures somewhat smaller dorsally and along epistoma.
Pronotum subrectangular and strongly convex (Fig. 37) apical angles indistinct, basal angles distinctly promi nent posteriorly and very narrowly rounded, apex slightly emarginate in anterior view, truncate in dorsal view, basal curvature moderate, distinct laterally, median lobe somewhat prominent, lateral curvature weak, becoming straight in basal half; punctures round, moderate in depth and dense on the disc, decidedly elongate and crowded laterally, often tending to coalesce longitudinally.
Elytra broad; intervals flat or very feebly convex, wide, their widths equal to four to six times diameter of 189
strial puncture, interval punctures minute and fine; striae very feebly or not at all impressed, punctures
small, fine and separated by two or three times their
diameter; interval punctures often difficult to see due to the alutaceous intervals.
Metathoracic wings rudimentary, distinctly less than half abdominal length. Abdominal punctures fine to coarse and usually quite densely distributed; impression of fifth visible segment variable, usually distinct in apical half.
Male. 3asal abdominal impression distinct and broad in basal two segments; protarsi usually distinctly dilated, spongy beneath; mesotarsi very slightly or not at all dilated, setose beneath; subgenital sternite feebly or not at all emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus dis tinctly elongate, their length distinctly longer than twice their basal width (Fig. 82).
Me as urements. Head: width, 1.0 - 1.2 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.13 - 0.18 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.63 - 0.80 mm., dorsal ocular cor relation, 4.4 - 4.8; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.20 - 0.2 3 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.6 3 - 0.77 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.1 - 3.8. Pronotum: apical width, 1.1 - 1.3 mm., basal width, 1.5 - 1.8 mm., lateral length, 0.90 - 1.2 mm., medial length, 0.90 - 1.2 mm.
Elytra: width, 1.7 - 2.1 mm., length, 3.7 - 4.6 mm.; total 190 length: 3.7 - 4.7 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL Blapstinus vestitus LeConte: Lectotype (here desig nated), female (LeConte Collection, MCZC); Label Data -
Tag 1, greenish-yellow (="Nebraska S C"), Tag 2, red,
"TYPE 465 8," Tag 3, white, "Blapstinus vestitus LeC," Tag 4, white, "LECTOTYPE B. vestitus LeC BY J. C. Davis '70."
Measurements - head: width, 1.1 mm.j eyes: maximum dor sal lobe diameter, 0,17 mm., dorsal interocular distance,
0.77 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 4.6; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0,20 mm., ventral interocular distance,
0.73 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.6; pronotum: apical width, 1.3 mm., basal width, 1.9 mm., lateral length, 1.2 mm., medial length, 1.2 mm.; elytra: width,
2.1 mm., length, 3.3 mm.; total length: 4.7 mm. Specimen is in good condition, all appendages are intact. Speci men is typical of species; prominent basal angles of pro notum; conspicuous cinereous vestiture; dark reddish- brown. Paralectotypes (here designated), 2, males (LeConte Collection, MCZC), same data as type.
Blapstinus hospes Casey: Lectotype (here designated), male (Casey Collection, USHM) ; Label Data - Tag 1, white,
"V/y," Tag 2, white, " ," Tag 3, white, "CASEY bequest 19 25," Tag 4, red, "TYPE USNM 37172," Tag 5, white, "B. hospes Casey," Tag 6, white, "LECTOTYPE B. hospes BY J. C. 191 Davis 'VO.” Measurements - head: width, 1.0 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.13 mm., dorsal inter ocular distance, 0.63 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 4.8; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., ventral inter ocular distance, 0.6 3 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.2; pronotum: apical width, 1.1 mm., basal width, 1.5 mm., lateral length, 0.90 mm., medial length, 0.90 mm.; elytra: width, 1.7 mm., length, 2.6 mm; total length: 3.7 mm. Specimen in fair condition, apical six segments of left antenna absent, metathoracic legs gone. This specimen compares favorably with the type B. vestitus LeConte.
Paralectotypes (here designated), Paralectotypes, 4, 3 males and 1 female (Casey Collection, USNM), males from
Cheyenne, Wyoming, the female from Garland, Colorado.
BIONOMICS
Adults were collected during April, July, August and December.
DISTRIBUTION
Colorado, Kansas, Texas, Utah and Wyoming (Fig. 150).
DISCUSSION Blapstinus vestitus LeConte is not a common species but is easily identified. The only variation in the species which might impede its identification would be the extent of the pubescence. As previously described, the 192 usual condition is a dense, cinereous pubescence. Rarely, the vestiture is lost. However, the form of the pronotum (Fig. 37) and male genitalia (Fig. 82) render the species easily recognizable.
Blapstinus vestitus LeConte is sometimes confused with a form of B_. pratensis LeConte. The two species have the following important characters in common: basal angles of the pronotum prominent posteriorly, rudimentary wings and feeble elytral strial punctation. B. vestitus may be accurately separated from 3. pratensis on the basis of the form of the male genitalia and size. In B. vestitus, the parameres of the aedeagus are moderate or elongate, their length usually distinctly longer than twice their basal width (Fig. 82) and the species is very small (3.7 - 4.7 mm.); in 13. pratensis, the parameres of the aedeagus are short, their length distinctly less than twice their basal width (Fig. 81) and the species is larger (4.3 - 6.0 mm.).
Blapstinus hospes Casey is being placed in synonymy with B. vestitus LeConte. Casey (1890:456), in erecting
3. hospes, makes the following remarks in comparing the two species:
"This form is closely allied to vestitus, and in a purely natural sequence of the species, the two must be associated together. It differs from vestitus in its much longer, finer pubescence and more strongly dilated anterior tarsi of the male, etc.". 193
I believe Casey was describing variation within B. vestitus and should not have described B. hospes.
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (25)
COLORADO: Arapahoe Co., Denver (3:USNM); Co. undet.:
Garland <1:USNM).
KANSAS: City undet.: Wallace Co. (2:SEMC). TEXAS: Cameron Co., Port Isabel (3:CUIC, 1:USNM); Jim Hogg Co.a Hebronville (1:0SU0); Co. undet.: Dalhart (3:USNM) , Sarita (1:INHS); City and Co. undet. (2:CUIC,
1 :USNM). UTAH: Salt Lake Co., Salt Lake City (1:USNM). WYOMING: Laramie Co., Cheyenne (6:USNM).
Blapstinus barri Boddy
(Figs. 38, 83, 113, 151)
Blapstinus barri Boddy, 1957. Pan-Pac. Ent., 33:198-199. Type locality: "8 mi. E., Rupert, Idaho"
DIAGNOSIS Pubescence conspicuous, thin, arcuate, densely dis tributed and pale yellowish or subcinereous in color; eyes small, upper lobes separated by approximately five times 194 their maximum diameters, lower lobes separated by approxi
mately three and one-half times their maximum diameter;
pronotum subrectangular and strongly convex, apical curva
ture slightly emarginate from anterior view, truncate from dorsal view, apical and basal angles very indistinct and
obtusely rounded, lateral curvature evenly and moderately curved from base to apex (Fig. 38); elytral striae very
feebly or not impressed, strial punctures fine; metathora- cic wings rudimentary, distinctly less than half abdominal length; parameres of aedeagus short, their length less than twice their basal width, not curved in lateral view (Fig. 83) .
DESCRIPTION
Length 4.6 - 4.9 mm.; oblong-oval, apical third of
elytra bulging; strongly convex; color black dorsally with antennae, the apex of the pronotum, ventral surface and
legs a dark rufo-piceous; integument subalutaceous to slightly shining; vestiture conspicuous, thin, arcuate,
dense, yellowish or subcinereous in color. Head broad and convex, almost as wide as apex of pronotum; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation broad and feeble; upper lobe of eyes small, rounded and separated by approximately four to five times their maximum diameter, lower lobes small, elongate-oval and separated by three and one-half to four 195 times their maximum diameter; antennae rather stout, gradually enlarging from base to apex, third segment much longer than fourth but distinctly shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures round to polygonal, moderately impressed and usually densely distributed, becoming smaller dorsally and apically, largest between the eyes. Pronotum subrectangular, strongly convex, especially apically (Pig. 38); apical angles very indistinct and obtusely rounded, basal angles indistinct and obtusely rounded, apical curvature truncate in dorsal view, basal curvature slight, almost straight laterally, lateral curvature even and moderately curved from base to apex; punctures round, sense and usually crowded on the disc, elongate away from the disc, none of the punctures tend ing to coalesce longitudinally, all punctures moderately impressed. Elytra very broadly rounded toward apex, sides not at all parallel; intervals flat or very feebly convex, their widths equal to approximately four to six times diameter of a strial puncture, interval punctures minute and fine, difficult to see dur to lustre of the intervals; striae very feebly or not at all impressed, punctures small, round, fine and usually separated by two or three times their diameter. 196 Metathoracic wings rudimentary, distinctly less than half abdominal length.
Abdominal punctures round, slightly to moderately impressed and moderately distributed, a dense patch of punctures in the middle of the first abdominal segment, these punctures very coarse and large; impression of fifth visible segment small and feeble in apical half. Male. Basal abdominal impression distinct and broad in first two abdominal segments; protarsi not noticeably dilated, setose beneath; mesotarsi not dilated, setose beneath; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus short, their length less than twice their basal width, not curved in lateral view (Fig. 83). Measurements. Head: width, 1.15 - 1.2 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.13 - 0.20 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.73 - 0.86 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 4.3 - 5.5; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.2 0 - 0.2 3 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.7 3 - 0.77 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.3 - 3.8. Pronotum: apical width, 1.3 - 1.4 mm., basal width, 1.6 - 1.8 mm., lateral length, 1.0 - 1.1 mm., medial length, 1.1 - 1.2 mm. Elytra: width, 2.0 - 2.2 mm., length, 3.0 - 3.3 mm.; total length: 4.6 - 4.9 mm. 197 TYPE MATERIAL Blapstinus barri Boddy: Holotype, female (CASC); Label Data - Tag 1, white, ”8 mi. E . , Rupert, Idaho VII- 19-1952," Tag 2, white, "W, F. Barr Collector," Tag 3, red, "TYPE Blapstinus barri 19 5 5 D. W. Boddy," Tag 4, white, "On Indef. LOAN Univ. of Idaho." Measurements head: width, 1.2 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe dia meter, 0.13 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.7 3 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 5.5; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.73 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.8; pronotum: apical width, 1.3 mm., basal width, 1.6 mm., lateral length, 1.1 mm., medial length, 1.1 mm.; elytra: width, 2.1 mm., length., 3.0 mm.; total length, 4.7 mm. Specimen is in good condition. All appendages are intact. This speci men is very characteristic in appearance; pubescence is subcinereous, thin, arcuate and more noticeable on the elytra; color is blackish on top, reddish along the anterior margin of the pronotum, ventral surface black with a reddish caste, legs dark reddish-black; shape of pronotum is characteristic of the species, basal angles obtusely rounded, lateral curvature moderate and even from base to apex. Paratype (not seen; Boddy, 1957:198), 1, sex unknown (UICM), "Vale, Oregon." 198 BIONOMICS
Specimens were collected during June and July.
DISTRIBUTION Oregon and Idaho (Fig. 151).
DISCUSSION Blapstinus barri Boddy is easily recognized by its conspicuous pubescence and pronotal shape. The vestiture is cinereous and usually quite dense. I have not seen any variation in the shape of the pronotum in the limited series available. The lateral curvature is even from base to apex and the basal and apical angles are not at all prominent. The male genitalia were dissected from a specimen from Malta, Idaho. The parameres of the aedeagus are unusually short, their length being distinctly less than their basal width (Fig. 83). Blapstinus barri Boddy is morphologically similar to Blapstinus vestitus LeConte. Apparently Boddy, in naming
B. barri, was unfamiliar with the genus Blapstinus which is understandable, for nowhere in his paper (195 7) does he make reference to B. vestitus. With reference to close relatives of B. barri, Boddy relates: "This species (B. barri) is most similar to gregalis Casey and pulverulentus Mannerheim. It can be separated from them by the paler vestiture and the rather markedly alutaceous elytra. It differs from gregalis Casey by the punctures not being coalescent at the middle of the pronotum, 199 and from pulverulentus Mannerheim by the pronotal sides being rather evenly arcuate and not sinuate or subsinuate towards the basal angles." Blapstinus gregalis (synonymized, page 264) is similar to B. barri in that 13.' gregalis usually has evenly curved sides of the pronotum and sometimes has alutaceous ely- tral intervals. However, to say B. barri is most similar to B. pulverulentus cannot be accepted. I do not believe they are closely related although they are both found in the Pacific Northwest.. B. barri and B. vestitus share the following important characters; conspicuous cinere ous vestiture, alutaceous elytral intervals, very fine strial punctures, rudimentary metathoracic wings and general body form. B. barri may be easily separated from B. vestitus in that the former has obtusely rounded basal angles of the pronotum. The basal pronotal angles of B. vestitus are usually prominent posteriorly and are never obtusely rounded. It seems remarkable that the species B. barri is valid in that its position regarding other members of the genus has been so poorly understood.
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (4) IDAHO: Cassia Co., Malta C2:UICM); Minidoka Co.,
Rupert (1:CASC). OREGON: Malheur Co., Vale (1:UICM). 200 Blapstinus debilis Casey (Figs. 14, 39, 84, 114, 152)
Blapstinus debilis Casey, 1890. Ann. New York Acad. Sci., 5:458-459.
Type locality: "Dallas, Texas"
DIAGNOSIS
Vestiture short and sparse; head sparsely punctate, the punctures separated by two or three times their diameters between the eyes; eyes large and conspicuous, upper lobes round and separated by approximately three times their maximum diameter, lower lobes oval and separated by approximately two and one-half times their maximum diameter; third antennal segment unusual ly short and subequal in length to fourth,third dis tinctly shorter than four and five combined (Fig. 14); lateral curvature of pronotum weak, becoming straight in basal half (Fig. 39); pronotal punctures small and fine, usually separated by more than their diameters; elytra tapering in apical half, cuneate; metathoracic wings well developed, fully equal to abdominal length.
Protarsi of male feebly dilated, segments much narrower than protibial apex. Male: subgenital sternite feebly or not at all emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus moderate in length, approximately twice their basal width 201 (Fig. 84).
DESCRIPTION Length 3.6 - 3.7 mm.; oblong-oval; moderately convex; color reddish-brown, head and pronotum slightly darker, ventral surface and legs slightly lighter; integument shining; vestiture inconspicuous, sparse, short and yellowish-brown in color.
Head strongly convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded, epistomal sinuation moderate; upper lobe of eyes large, round and separated by three to three and one-half times their maximum diameter, lower lobes large, oval and separated by two to two and one-half times their maximum diameter; antennae short, becoming distinct ly clubbed in apical three segments, third and fourth segments very short, subequal in length, third segment distinctly shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures small to moderate in size, round or oval, usual ly sparse, especially between the eyes where they are separated by their diameters or more. Pronotum subrectangular (Fig. 39); apical angles not prominent, rounded, basal angles not prominent, rounded, forming right angles, apical curvature moderately emargi nate in anterior and dorsal views, basal curvature moder ate , lateral curvature feeble, becoming straight in basal half, narrowing strongly in apical third; punctures small 202 to moderate in size, fine, round or slightly oval and
sparse, punctures separated by their diameters or more. Elytra strongly narrowing in apical third, cuneate
at apex; intervals flat or slightly convex, wide, their widths equal to four to six times a strial puncture diameter, interval punctures small, fine and sparse; striae feebly impressed toward the suture, becoming dis tinctly impressed laterally, punctures small', round and
closely spaced, especially toward the suture, becoming widely separated laterally; Metathoracic wings well developed, fully equal to abdominal length.
Abdominal punctures fine, small, round and sparse; impression of fifth visible segment distinct along apical margin.
Male. Basal abdominal impression very feebly,, scarcely perceptible; protarsi feebly dilated, segments not subequal in width to protibial apex, spongy beneath; mesotarsi very feebly dilated; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus moder ate in length, equal to approximately twice their basal width (Fig. 8*4). ■ Measurements. Head; width, 0.85 - 0.9 0 mm. Eyes; maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 mm., dorsal interocul^r distance, 0.53 - 0.57 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.2 - 3.4; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.22 - 0.23 mm., ven tral interocular distance, 0.5 3 - 0.5 5 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.3 - 2.5. Pronotum: apical width,
1.0 - 1.1 mm., basal width, 1.4 - 1.5 mm., lateral length
0.80 - 0.90 mm., medial length, 0.80 - 0.90 mm. Elytra: width, 1.5 - 1.7 mm., length, 2.5 - 2.6 mm.; total length
3.6 - 3.7 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL Blapstinus debilis Casey: Holotype, male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Dallas,
Texas," Tag 2, " <3\" Tag 3, red, "TYPE USNM 3717 3," Tag 4, white, "B. debilis Casey." Measurements - head: width, 0.90 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.53 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.2; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.22 mm. ventral interocular distance, 0.5 3 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.3; pronotum: apical width, 1.0 mm., basal width, 1.4 mm.,■ lateral'length, 0.80 mm.; medial length, 0.80 mm.; elytra: width, 1.5 mm., length, 2.5- mm.; total length: 3.6 mm. The type specimen is in good condition. The genitalia were dissected and placed in a plastic vial beneath the last tag. The abdomen was glued on the point beside the specimen. All appendages are intact. Speci men is dark reddish-brown, vestiture is very short and inconspicuous, head is sparsely punctate, upper and lower 204 lobes of eyes are large, third and fourth antennal seg ments subequal in length, lateral curvature of pronotum is feeble, pronotal punctation is fine and sparse, elytra are cuneate apically, metathoracic wings are well develop ed, fully as long as abdomen and visible in ventral view since abdomen was removed, parameres of aedeagus moderate in length, equal to approximately twice their basal width (Fig. 84). Paratype, 1, female (USNM), "Dallas, Texas."
BIONOMICS Unknown.
DISTRIBUTION Texas (Fig. 152).
DISCUSSION Blapstinus debilis Casey is a rare species but not very difficult to recognize. I have seen only two speci mens, these being the type series. Variation is'difficult to analyze from such a limited number of specimens. How ever, the diagnostic characters do not vary in the two specimens. The unusually short third antennal segment is quite distinct. The third and fourth segments are sub equal in length. In other species of Blapstinus the third antennal segment is usually much longer than the fourth.
The metathoracic wings and the fine and sparse facial and pronotal punctation are the same in both specimens. 205 . Blapstinus debilis is most closely related to 13. aciculus Blatchley. The two species have the following important characters in common: fine and sparse facial and pronotal punctation, large upper and lower eye lobes,
and feeble curvature of the pronotum, this being almost .straight in basal half. B. debilis may be separated from B. aciculus by its unusually short third antennal segment, smaller elytral strial punctures and its geni
talia. The parameres of.the aedeagus are gradually attenuated apically (Fig. 84) in 13. debilis, whereas they are very acutely attenuated apically (Fig. 85) in B. aciculus.
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (2) TEXAS: Dallas Co., Dallas (2:USNM).
Blapstinus aciculus Blatchley (Figs. 40, 85, 115, 153)
Blapstinus aciculus Blatchley, 1917. Canadian Ent., 49: 275-276.
Type locality: "Florida" 206 DIAGNOSIS
Vestiture very short and sparse; upper lobe of eyes large, round and separated by approximately three times their maximum diameter, lower lobes large, oval and separated by approximately two to two and one-half times their maximum diameter; punctures between the eyes usually small and widely spaced, usually separated by much more than their diameters; lateral curvature of pronotum weak, becoming straight in basal half (Fig. 40); pronotal punc tures fine.and widely.spaced, usually separated by their diameters or more; elytral intervals strongly convex, striae strongly impressed and wider than their punctures; metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen. Male: subgenital sternite feebly or not emargi nate at apex; parameres of aedeagus moderate in length, their length approximately twice their basal width, strongly tapering in apical fourth (Fig.; 85).
DESCRIPTION
Length 4.5 - 4.8 mm.; oblong-oval; moderately convex; color variable, usually black or dark reddish-brown, antennae and legs sometimes lighter; integument subalu- taceous to slightly shining; vestiture very inconspicuous, very short and sparse, usually reddish-brown in color.
Head broad and strongly convex; facial angles not pro minent , evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation slight to 207 moderate; upper lobe of eyes large, round and separated by approximately three times their maximum diameter or less, lower lobes large, oval and separated by two to two and one-half times their maximum diameter; antennae short, very gradually enlarging apically, third segment slightly longer than fourth, distinctly shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures small to moderate in size, round or oval and sparse, especially between the eyes where the punctures are usually separated by approximately twice their diameters and sometimes more. - Pronotum subrectangular (Fig. M-0); apical angles not prominent and usually rounded, basal angles not pro minent and usually forming a right angle, apical curva ture slight to moderately emarginate in anterior and dorsal views, basal curvature moderate and broad, lateral curvature feeble, becoming straight in basal half, much- stronger in apical third; punctures small to moderate in size, round or slightly oval, fine and sparse, punctures usually separated by one or two times their diameters. Elytra parallel-sided; intervals strongly convex and wide, their widths equal to approximately four to six times the diameter of a strial puncture, interval punc tures small, round and sparse; striae strongly and widely impressed, giving elytra a sulcate appearance, punctures moderate in size, round, deep and usually closely placed, separated by approximately their diameters or less. 208 Metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen.
Abdomen strongly shining, punctures small to moder ate in size, larger in first segment, punctures round and usually sparse; impression of fifth visible segment dis tinct in apical half.
Male. Basal abdominal impression usually very dis tinct on basal three segments; protarsi distinctly but moderately dilated and spongy beneath; mesotarsi not noticeably dilated; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus moderate in length, their length approximately twice their basal width, strongly attenuated in apical fourth (Fig. 85). Measurements. Head: width, 1.0 - 1.1 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.20 - 0.22 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.60 - 0.63 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 2.8 - 3.0; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.23 - 0.30 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0,60 - 0.6 3 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.0 - 2.6. Pro notum: apical width, 1.2 - 1.3 mm., basal width, 1.5 - 1.7 mm., lateral length, 1.0 - 1.1 mm., medial length,
1.0 - 1.1 mm. Elytra: width, 1.8 - 2.1 mm., length, 3.1 - 3.3 mm.; total length: 4.5 - 4.8 mm,
TYPE MATERIAL
Blapstinus aciculus Blatchley: Metatype, female (PURC); Label Data - Tag 1, red■(square), Tag 2, white, "Dundin, Fla. W. S. B. Coll. 12-24-1914," Tag 3, white,
"Blapstinus aciculus Blatchley 12 247," Tag 4, white, "Metatype B. aciculus Blat. J. C. Davis ’70." Measure ments - head: width, 1.0 mm'.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.6 0 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.0; maximum ventral lobe dia meter, 0.2 7 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.6 3 nun. ventral ocular correlation, 2.4; pronotum: apical width,
T. 1 mm-.-, basal width, 1.5 mm., lateral length, 1.0 mm. , medial length, 1.0 mm.; elytra: width, 1.9 mm., length,
3.2 mm.; total length: 4.5 mm. Specimen is in fair con dition but was off the point upon arrival from Purdue University. Apical three antennal segments absent from left antenna; metathoracic leg absent. Specimen is typi cal of the species; very dark reddish-brown-throughout; upper and lower lobe of the eyes large; facial punctation sparse; vestiture very short and sparse; pronotal punc tation fine and sparse; elytral striae distinctly impressed.
BIONOMICS Adults were collected during January, April, June, November and December.
DISTRIBUTION Florida (Fig. 153). 210 DISCUSSION Blapstinus aciculus Blatchley is one of several species inhabiting the state of Florida. It is usually very easy to identify and is not a highly variable species. Color is quite variable but not of significance in the identification of the species. I have seen a few reddish-brown individuals but most tend to be black or piceous. The facial, pronotal and elytral punctures do not vary greatly and provide the species with, a distinct appearance. The facial punctures are almost always fine and sparse as are the pronotal punctures. The elytral strial punctures are striking in appearance since they are deep and closely placed in distinctly impressed striae.
The form of the male genitalia is diagnostic for the species. The parameres of the aedeagus are moderate in length, their length approximately twice their basal width and always strongly attenuated in the-apical third (Fig. 85).
Blapstinus aciculus is similar in some respects to B. debilis Casey. The two have the relatively uncommon fine facial and pronotal punctation. The two may be easily separated on the basis of the length of the third and fourth antennal segments, form of the male genitalia and distribution. In EL aciculus, the third antennal seg ment is distinctly longer than the fourth, the parameres of the aedeagus are strongly attenuated in apical fourth 211 (Fig. 85) and the .species is found in Florida. In B. debilis , the third and fourth antennal segments are sub equal in length, the parameres of the aedeagus are not strongly attenuated in the apical fourth (Fig. 84) and the species is found in Texas.
Blapstinus aciculus may be confused with a form of
fuscus Casey which occurs in Florida. This form of B. fuscus was described as 13. humilis Casey (1890) but is being placed in synonymy (page 212 ) . B . aciculus may be distinguished from B. fuscus in the following manner: the pronotal punctures are fine in B. aciculus, usually very coarse in B. fuscus; the parameres of the aedeagus in B. fuscus are not attenuated in the apical third (Fig. 86) as they are in B. aciculus (Fig. 85).
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (13) FLORIDA: Pinellas Co., Dunedin (4:CASC, 2:PURC); Co. undet.: Royal Palms (4:PURC); City and Co. undet. (3: CUIC).
Blapstinus fuscus Casey (Figs. 41, 86, 116, 154)
Blapstinus fuscus Casey, 1890. Ann. New York Acad. Sci.,
5:427-428. Type locality: "Austin, Texas" Blapstinus humilis Casey, 189 0. Ann. New York Acad. Sci.,
5:4-59. NEW SYNONYMY Type locality: "Key West,.Florida"
DIAGNOSIS Vestiture homogeneous and usually pale yellow or gray; clypeal suture usually not visible; epistomal Sinua- tion weak and broad; upper lobe of eye usually large and separated by three to three and one-half times their maxi mum diameter, lower lobes large and separated by two and one-half to three times their maximum diameter; lateral curvature of the pronotum weak and becoming straight in basal half (Fig. 41); elytral strial punctures perforate and usually widely spaced, especially laterally; metathora- cic wings well developed, fully as long as the abdomen. Male protarsi distinctly dilated, the segments subequal in width to the protibial apex; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate apically; parameres of the aedeagus moderate in length, their length approximately twice their basal width or slightly longer (Fig. 86).
DESCRIPTION Length 4.0 - 5.5 mm.; oblong-oval; strongly convex; color, head and pronotum black, elytra, ventral surface and legs dark wine or piceous; integument alutaceous to slightly shining; vestiture inconspicuous, sparse, short 213 and usually pale yellow or* gray in color. Head moderately convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation weak and broad; upper lobe of eyes usually large, round and separated by three to three and one-half times their maximum diameter, lower lobes large, oval and separated by two and one-half to three times their maximum diameter; antennae very slightly enlarging apically, third segment longer than segment four but distinctly shorter than segments four and five com bined; punctures dense, coarse, polygonal or elongate be tween the eyes, smaller and rounded on top of head and along the epistoma.
Pronotum subrectangular and distinctly convex (Fig. 41); apical angles indistinct, basal angles usually greater than ninety degrees, apical curvature strongly emarginate in anterior view, subtruncate in dorsal view, basal cur vature slight, lateral curvature feeble, usually becoming straight in basal half, much stronger apically; punctures moderate in size, rounded or slightly oval and usually dense, usually separated by less than their diameters, sometimes by more than their diameters on the disc. Elytra becoming slightly wider in apical third, blunt ly rounded at apex; intervals flat or feebly convex, wide, their widths equal to approximately four to six times the diameter of a strial puncture, interval punctures small, round and moderately distributed; striae usually distinctly 214 impressed, punctures moderate in size, round, deep and perforate, usually widely spaced, especially so laterally, strial punctures separated by one to three times their diameters. Metathoracic wings well developed, distinctly as long as abdomen. Abdominal punctures small, sparse and usually evenly distributed; impression of the fifth visible segment feeble. Male. Basal abdominal impression feeble toward base; protarsi usually strongly dilated and spongy beneath; meso- tarsi usually not dilated; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus moderate in length, their length twice their basal width or slightly longer (Fig. 86). Measurements. Head: width, 1.0 - 1.3 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 - 0.23 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.57 - 0.80 mm., dorsal ocular corre lation, 3.1 - 3.6; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.25 - 0.30 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.57 - 0.77 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.3 - 2.8. Pronotum: apical width, 1.1 - 1.5 mm., basal width, 1.5 - 2.1 mm., lateral length, 0.9 0 - 1.3 mm., medial length, 0.9 0 - 1.3 mm. Elytra: width, 1.9 - 2.3 mm., length, 2.7 - 3.9 mm.; total length: 4.0 - 5.5 mm. 215 TYPE MATERIAL Blapstinus fuscus Casey: Lectotype (here designated), male CCasey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Austin, Tex.", Tag 2, white, " ," Tag 3, white, "CASEY bequest 1925," Tag 4, red, "TYPE USNM 37150," Tag 5, white, "B. fuscus Casey," Tag 6, white, "LECTOTYPE B. fuscus BY J . C. Davis '70." Measurements - head: width, 1.1 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.60 mm., dorsal ocular corre lation, 3.0; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.27 num., ven tral interocular distance, 0.6 0 mm., ventral ocular corre lation, 2.25; pronotum: apical width, 1.3 mm., basal width, 2.1 mm., lateral length, 1.0 mm., medial length, 1.0 mm.; elytra: width, 2.0 mm., length, 3.3 mm.; total length: 4,5 mm. Specimen is in fair condition, left mesotarsal seg ments four and five absent. Color of type is not typical of the species; could have been teneral, a dark tan with head and pronotum just slightly darker. Paralectotypes, 6, 5 females and 1 male (USNM), same data as type. Blapstinus humilis Casey: Holotype, male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Fla.", Tag 2, white, " ," Tag 3, white, "CASEY bequest 192 5," Tag 4, red, "TYPE USNM 37176," Tag 5, white, "B. humilis Casey,"
Measurements - head: width., 1.0 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.57 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.4; maximum ventral lobe 216 diameter, 0.25 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.57 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.3; pronotum: apical width, 1.1 mm., basal width, 1.5 mm., lateral length, 0.90 mm., medial length, 0.90 mm.; elytra: width, 1.8 mm., length, 2.7 mm.; total length: 4.0 mm. Specimen is very similar to E. fuscus Casey in all of its characters. Paratype, 1, female (USNM), same data as type. This specimen is as much like any specimen of B. fuscus that I have seen.
BIONOMICS Adults have been collected during every month except January. They were most abundant from March through July.
Traubenhaus and Christenson (19 34) evaluated B. fuscus as a possible agent of cotton root rot. Experiments in the United States in which Blapstinus fuscus Casey, Harpalus sp. and larvae of other insects that normally feed on cot ton were fed on plants infected with Phymatotrichum' omni vor urn showed that they did not spread this fungus. B. fuscus has been reported as being found in cotton fields, on cotton roots in soil and in cotton gin trash in Texas.
DISTRIBUTION Florida, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas
(Fig. 154).
DISCUSSION Blapstinus fuscus Casey is a rather common species in 217 Texas. Its distribution is similar to that of 13. fortis LeConte but the two do not appear to be closely related. Variation in color has sometimes resulted in the incor rect identification of B. fuscus as B. castaneus Casey or B. histricus Casey. As stated previously, the type speci men of B. fuscus is not typical of the species as far as color is concerned. In the great majority of specimens which I have examined, the color is as follows: head and pronotum black, elytra piceous or dark wine and the ven tral surface and legs sometimes lighter or reddish-black. Some variation may be found in the spacing of the elytral strial punctures but they usually become distinctly more widely spaced laterally. Blapstinus fuscus is apparently related to B. histri cus which is usually more western in distribution (Fig. 155), but the two are sometimes confused because of several characters common to them both - feeble lateral curvature of the pronotum, nonlongitudinally confluent pronotal punctures and general body shape. The two species may be separated on the basis of the visibility of the clypeal suture, spacing of the elytral strial punctures, nature of the pubescence and form of the male genitalia. In B. fuscus, the clypeal suture is usually not visible due to
the black color of the head, the elytral strial punctures are perforate and usually distinctly wider spaced laterally, the vestiture is usually sparse and light yellowish or grayish and the parameres of the aedeagus are moderate in length (Fig. 86). In B. histricus , the clypeal suture is usually visible, the elytral strial punctures do not be come widely spaced laterally, the vestiture is often dense and yellowish-brown and the parameres of the aedea gus are usually short (Fig. 87).
Casey (1890), in describing B. humilis, must have been misled by the size of 13. fuscus which occurs in Florida. The paratype of B. humilis appears to be a perfect example of B. fuscus.
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (359) FLORIDA: Dade Co., Key West (2:USNM). LOUISIANA: Caddo Co., Shreveport (1:USNM). NEW MEXICO: City and Co. undet. (1:DEFW), OKLAHOMA: Comanche Co., Fort Sill (1:EMUS); Kiowa Co., Hobart (4:CISC). TEXAS: Aransas Co., Rockport (1:CISC); Bee Co., Lake Corpus Christi (1:0SUC); Bexas Co., Fort Sam Houston (2: CISC), San Antonio (*+:USNM, 2:MCZC); Brazoria Co. , Angle- ton (1:CISC); Brazos Co., College Station (2:0SUC, 6:TAMU) Brewster Co., Lajitas (1:CNCI); Cameron Co., Boca Chica, 3 mi. SW (1:0SUC), Brownsville (9:USNM, 2:0SUC, 11:CNCI, 3: CUIC, 1:TAMU, H:INHS, 6:CISC, 6:MCZC); Chambers Co., Ana- huac Cl:CISC); Coleman Co., (2:TAMU); Colorado Co., Colum bus (3:MCZC); Comal Co., New Braunfels (1:CUIC)' Coryell Co Mother Noff State Park (1:CUIC); Dallas Co., Mesquite (12: USNM); Dimmit Co., Carrizo Springs (1:0SUC, 4:TAMU),
Carrizo Springs, 25 mi. SW (4:OSUO); Garza Co., Post, 19 mi. E (4:TAMU); Harris Co., Houston (3:MCZC); Hays Co.,
San Marcos (5:CNCI); Hidalgo Co., Donna (1:USNM), McAllen (1:CUIC), Mercedes (4:USNM), Mission (6:TAMU); Jeff Davis Co., Davis Mts. (1:0SUC); Jefferson Co., Beaumont (1;TAMU); Jim Hogg Co., Hebbronville, 1 mi. S (2:0SU0); Karnes Co., Kennedy (10:TAMU); Kerr Co., Ingram, 3 mi. E (3:0SU0, 3: USNM), Kerrville (1:USNM, 4:CNCI), Kerrville, 5 mi. N (11:0SU0); Kleberg Co., Kingsville (8:CUIC); La Salle Co., Cotulla (12:USNM); Lubbock Co., Lubbock, 30 mi. E (1:TAMU); Motley Co., Matador (1:TAMU); Nueces Co. , Corpus Christ! (6:USNM), Robstown (2:USNM); Robertson Co., Calvert (1: USNM), Hearne (8:USNM); San Patricio Co., Mathis (2:TAMU),
Mathis, 4 mi. SW (2:TAMU), Sinton, Welder Wildlife Pond, 7 mi. N (3:0SU0); Starr Co., Rio Grande (1:CUIC); Travis
Co., Austin, 7.5 mi. W of 1-35 (2:CUIC); Uvalde Co., Sabinal (10:USNM), Uvalde (5:0SUC); Victoria Co., Victoria (1:USNM); Webb Co., Laredo (4:INHS, 9 :CNCI); Zavalla Co., Nueces River (2:USNM); City undet.: Dallas Co. (8:INHS); Fayette Co. (1:TAMU); Gillespie Co. (7:0SUC); Haskell Co. • (4:TAMU, 1:USNM); Hidalgo Co. (29:OSUC); Lee Co. C2:USNM)j McLennan Co. (1:TAMU); Starr Co. (1;0SUC); Val Verde Co. (4:0SUC)j Zapata Co. (l:0SUC)j Co. undet.: Braunfels (3; USNM); Cyp. Mills (5:CISC); Fedor (3:CUIC); Ingram (4:USNM) 220 Maxwell (4:QSUC); San Leon (1:CISC); Weslaco (1:0SUC); City and Co. undet. (19:CUIC, 4:INHS, 11:MCZC, 3:CISC,
1 :DEFW).
Blapstinus histricus Casey (Figs. 42, 87, 117, 130, 131, 155)
Blapstinus histricus Casey, 1890. Ann. New York Acad. Sci. , 5 :433-434. Type locality: "Newhall, California" Blapstinus brunneus Casey, 1890. Ann. New York Acad. Sci., 5:453. NEW SYNONYMY ' Type locality: "Texas" Blapstinus coronadensis Blaisdell, 1892. Ent. News-, 3:242. NEW SYNONYMY Type locality: "San Diego, California"
DIAGNOSIS Vestiture homogeneous or heterogeneous, yellow or dark brown or both; epistomal sinuation weak; clypeal su ture usually visible; upper lobe of eyes unusually large and separated by two and one-half to three times their maximum diameter CFig. 130) , lower lobes unusually large and separated by two to two and one-half times their 221 maximum diameter (Fig. 131) ; lateral curvature of the pronotum very weak, becoming straight in basal half (Fig.
42); elytral strial punctures usually evenly spaced; meta- thoracic wings well developed, fully as long as the abdomen. Protarsi of male usually moderately dilated;
subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus usually short, their length dis tinctly less than twice their basal width (Fig. 87).
DESCRIPTION Length 5.4 - 5.8 mm.; oblong-oval; considerable vari ation in color, usually dark brown or piceous, anterior portions sometimes lighter or darker, rarely with head and pronotum reddish, legs and ventral surface often lighter; integument shining; vestiture variable, sparse or very dense, yellowish or brown or both. Head moderately conves; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation feeble and broad; upper lobe of eyes unusually large, round, often bulging and separated by two and one-half to three times their maximum diameter, lower lobes unusually large, oval or elongate-oval and separated by approximately twice their maximum diameter; antennae gradually enlarging apically, third segment longer than segment four but distinctly shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures between the eyes coarse, dense and elongate or polygonal, 222 becoming smaller and crowded along the epistoma.
Pronotum rectangular (Fig. 42); apical angles quite indistinct, basal angles usually right, apical curvature slight to moderately emarginate in anterior or dorsal view, basal curvature usually weak, lateral curvature usually very feeble, stronger apically and becoming straight in basal half; punctures moderate in size, round or slightly oval, dense, usually separated by approxi mately their diameters, the punctures not at all longi tudinally confluent. Elytra subparallel and broadly rounded apically; in tervals flat or becoming feebly convex laterally, wide, their widths equal to approximately four to six times the diameter of a strial puncture, interval punctures usually fine and sparse; striae slight to moderately impressed, punctures small, round and usually closely spaced, sepa rated by one-half to slightly more than their diameters. Metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as the abdomen and usually folded apically. Abdominal punctures moderate in size and distribution, often more dense medially; often strongly shining; im pression of fifth visible segment feeble in apical third, Male. Basal abdominal impression usually distinct in basal two segments; protarsi distinctly but moderately dilated, spongy beneath; mesotarsi usually not dilated, setose beneath; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate 223 at apex; parameres of aedeagus usually short, their length distinctly less than twice their basal width (Fig. 87). Measurements. Head: width, 1.1 - 1.4 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.23 - 0.32 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.6 3 - 0.8 3 mm., dorsal ocular corre lation, 2.4 - 3.3; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.27 - 0.37 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.6 3 - 0.83 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.1 - 2.6. Pronotum: apical width, 1.3 - 1.6 mm., basal width, 1.7 - 2.4 mm., lateral length, 1.1 - 1.4 mm., medial length, 1.1 - 1.3 mm. Ely tra: width, 2.0 - 2.9 mm., length, 3.4 - 4.4 mm.; total length: 5.4 - 5.8 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL Blapstinus histricus Casey: Holotype, male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Newhall, Calif.", Tag 2, white, " ," Tag 3, white, "CASEY bequest 1925," Tag 4, red, "TYPE USNM 37153," Tag 5, white, "B. histricus Casey." Measurements - head: width, 1.1 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.23 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.70 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.0; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.27 mm., ventral in terocular distance, 0.7 0 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.6; pronotum: apical width, 1.2 mm., basal width, 1.8 mm., lateral length, 1.0 mm., medial length, 1.1 mm.; elytra; width, 2.2 mm., length, 3.6 mm.; total length; 5.4 mm. 224 Specimen is in good condition, all appendages are intact. Specimen is typical of the species, feeble lateral curva ture of the pronotum, unusually large eyes and dark reddish-brown in color. Paratype, 1, female (Casey Col lection, USNM), "Lower California." Blapstinus brunneus Casey: Holotype, female (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data- Tag 1, white, "Texas," Tag 2, white, "CASEY bequest 1925," Tag 3, red, "TYPE USNM 37169," Tag 4, white, "B. brunneus Casey." Measurements - head: width, -1.3 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.2 3 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.77 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.3; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.30 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.77 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.6; pronotum: apical width, 1.6 mm., basal width, 2.1 mm., lateral length, 1.3 mm., medial length, 1.3 mm.; elytra: width, 2.8 mm., length, 4.1 mm.; total' length: 5.8 mm. Specimen is in poor condition, right prothoracic leg absent, right metatarsus missing. Very similar to type of B. histricus except much different in color. This is possibly a teneral specimen in that it is a very light tan color. Blapstinus coronadensis Blaisdell: Holotype, male (CASC); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "San Diego, Cal. V-13- 91," Tag 2, white, "F. E. Blaisdell," Tag 3, white, " Tag 4, red, "HOLOTYPE coronadensis," Tag 5, red with white 225 border, "Blapstinus coronadensis Type Blaisdell." Measure ments - head: width, 1.25 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.2 5 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.7 3 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 2.9; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.30 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.77 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.6; pronotum: apical width, 1.4 mm., basal width, 1.85 mm., lateral length, 1.2 mm., medial length, 1.2 mm.; elytra: wi-th, 2.3 mm., length, 3.6 mm.; total length: 5.5 mm. Specimen is in good condi tion. It is very similar to the type of B. histricus.
The following characters are very distinct: unusually large upper and lower eye lobes; very dark reddish-brown, lighter beneath; protarsus distinctly dilated, spongy be neath. Paratypes, 37, 21.males and 16 females (CASC) , 1 male from Coronado, California, the remainder with same data as type.
BIONOMICS Adults of 13. histricus have been collected the year around. However, they were most abundant during June,
July and August.
i Campbell (1922) reported substantial damage to bell peppers by B>. coronadensis (herein synonymized with B. histricus). Damage was caused by the adults girdling the stems which resulted in many plants being killed or in jured. Campbell (1924) also reported B. coronadensis as being one .of several tenebrionids feeding on the stems of young chillies and lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus) as they
came out of the ground, or girdling the stems of tomatoes and chillies after they were transplanted; the destruc
tion of the native food-plants as a result of increases in cultivated crops forced the beetles to feed on the latter. Poison bran baits were successful against these pests provided the weather was not too dry. Personal communication with Dr. C. A. Triplehorn of The Ohio State University, who spent the summer of 19 7 0 in Arizona, re veals that B. histricus is becoming quite a pest on cotton in that state. New data reveals the following informa tion about the hosts and habits of B_. histricus: found attacking tomato plants in Tempe, Arizona; on rhubarb in Chino, California; on potatoes in Colton, California; found in alfalfa stacks in Tempe, Arizona; with alfalfa seeds at threshing in Yuma, Arizona. These beetles have been commonly collected at light, black light, on the ground, under boards, stones and cow dung. A vacuum cleaner has been used to collect the beetles in alfalfa fields. These beetles have also been found at high ele vations; 8,475 ft. at Bodie, California and 10,000 ft. at Mt. Grayback, California.
DISTRIBUTION Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas (Fig. 155).
DISCUSSION
Blapstinus histricus Casey is very common in the southwest, especially Arizona and California. There is
very little variation In some of the more distinct
characters of the species; for example, the unusually' large eyes, probably the largest in the genus and the
feeble lateral curvature of the pronotum which is usually
straight in the basal half. Variation in characters which quickly meet the eye, i.e. color and pubescence, has sometimes resulted in the
incorrect identification of this species. Color variation has caused B. histricus to be confused with B. castaneus (see page 26 3). The nature of the pubescence has resulted in B. histricus being confused with B. intermixtus (see page 237). The general appearance of B. histricus .is some' what similar to 3. fuscus but the two can usually be easily separated (see page 217). Blapstinus coronadensis Blaisdell is being placed in synonymy with 13. histricus. B. coronadensis is undoubt- ably a variant of B. histricus. Apparently Blaisdell had not examined large series of specimens from the south west and therefore did not understand the natural varia tion in B. histricus. It is interesting to note that four of the paratypes of B.' coronadensis appear to be specimens 228 of B. falli, a species which Blaisdell described some thirty years later (herein synonymized, page 257).
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (2,334)
ARIZONA: Cochise Co., Benson (1:UCDC, 1:CASC), Chir- icahua Mts. (3:CASC); Coconino Co., Flagstaff (1:CASC), Grand Canyon, Havasupai Canyon (2:AMNH), Oak Creek Canyon, 7 mi. N of Sedona (1:NAUF), Sedona (1:NAUF); Gila Co., Globe (31:CASC, 15:UCRC, 1:UCDC), Roosevelt (1:CUIC, 1: CASC); Graham Co., Thatcher (1:ASUT, 2:UCDC), Safford (1:UCDC) ; Maricopa Co., Buckeye (26:CISC, 19:USNM), Gila Bend (1:CASC), Higley (3:CASC), Mesa (4:0SU0), Mesa, 8 mi. NE (3: SJSC) , Phoenix (289 :CASC, 4:NAUF, 3:UCDC, 23: USNM, 8:SEMC, 11:0SUC, 1:BDUN, 1:UCRC, 2:CISC, 25:CUIC, 21:MCZC), Scottsdale (2:ASUT), Maricopa (13:0SUC, 6:CISC,
15:USNM, 21:ASUT, 1:CUIC), Wickenberg (2:0SUC, 1:UCRC, 4:
OSUO, 2:UCDC, 3:SEMC); Mohave Co. , Bill Williams Fork (1: SEMC); Pima Co., Robies Ranch (1:UCDC, Sabino Canyon (7: UCDC, 1 OSUC), Santa Catalina Mts. (2:CASC), San Xavier Mts. (5:CASC), Tucson (43:CASC, 9:UCDC, 40:BDUN, 46:OSUC, 4 :CISC , 7:USNM, 5:CNCI, 1:MCZC, 6:SJSC, 1:AMNH, 4:TAMU); Pinal Co., Casa Grande (1:BDUN, 1:UICM), Coolidge (2: USNM), High Tablelands E of Superior (1:CASC), Oracle (5;
CASC), Picacho (67:UCDC), Pinal Mts. Cl:USNM), Sacaton
(1:USNM) , Toltec (2:UCDC); Santa Cruz Co., Madera Canyon, Santa Rita Mts. (1:CASC), Nogales (8:CASC, 2:UCDC, 6;0SUC, 229 2:DEFW, 2: CUIC), Pena Blanca Lake, 16 mi. NW (1:0SUC);
Yavapai Co., Prescott (2:CASC), Yarnell (1;SEMC)’, Yuma Co. , Dome (9:CASC), Harquahala Mts. C6:CUIC), Laguna (1:UICM),
Martinez Lake (8:CISC), San Luis (8:CASC), Yuma (54:CASC,
4:OSUC, 30:CNCI, 5:UCRC, 55:USNM, 54: CUIC, 2:SEMC, 1:MCZC, r 29:ASUT, 1:AMNH); City undet.: Maricopa Co. (2:0SU0)j Co. undet.: Ehrenberg (1:UCDC, 3:BDUN, 5:CASC), Hot Springs (4:USNM), Marinette (51:CASC), Seven Springs Cl:ASUT), Usury Pass (1:ASUT), Whittman (1:UCDC); City and Co. un det. (3:CUIC). CALIFORNIA: Contra Costa Co., Antioch (1:CASC);
Imperial Co., Brawley, 5 mi. E (17:UCDC, 2:BDUN, 4:UCRC, 1 :0SU0) , Calexico (3:UCDC, 8:UCRC, 2:0SU0), Calexico, 2 mi. E (88:CASC), Calexico, 15 mi. E (25:CNCI), Calipatria (3:
CASC, 5:SEMC, 1:0SU0), El Centro (8:CASC, 2:UCDC, 6:USNM, 2: CUIC ) , Fort Yuma (1:CASC, 2: CISC), Heber (1:0SU.0), Holt- ville (12:CASC), Imperial Valley (1:CASC), Potholes (2:
CASC), Salton Sea (1:USNM), Salton Sea Beach (5:CASC), Seeley (1:CISC), Winterhaven (2:CASC), Yuma (1:CASC, 2: CUIC, 4:USNM); Kern Co. , Bakersfield, 2.4 mi. S (6:UCRC, 1:CISC); Los Angeles Co., Alhambra (17:CASC), Arcadia Cl: UCRC), Chatsworth (2:BDUN), Claremont (12:CUIC), Covina (2:CASC, 8:0SU0) , El Monte (2:CASC, 3;SEMC), Hollywood
(9:UCDC), Los Angeles C2:UCDC, 6:CASC, 1:MCZC), Northridge
(2:BDUN), Pasadena (4:UCDC, 2:USNM), San Marino (2:UCRC),- 230
Van Nuys. (1:UCRC), Whittier.(1:BDUN); Merced Co., Merced
(1:CASC); Monterey Co., Stone Canyon (1:CASC), Orange Co.,
Costa Mesa (2:UCDC), Fullerton (1:CASC), Irwine (1:UCDC),
La Habra (1:CASC, 2:USNM, 42:0SU0), Olive (1:SJSC), Orange
Cl1!; USNM) ; Riverside Co., Andreas- Canyon (1:UCDC), Blythe C 2 : CASC , 2 :UCDC , 8 :0SUC , i4:CNCI, 1:BDUN, 9:UICM, 15:CISC),
Blythe, 5-mi. W (1:CUIC), Blythe, 6 mi. NE (1:SJSC), Box
Springs Mts. (1:UCRC), Cabizon (2:CASC), Cathedral City (17:UCDC, 3 :CISC) , Coachella (33:CASC, 15:UCDC, 3:UCRC), Colorado-River (2:USNM), Corona (3 :UCRC, 4:ClSC), Deep
Canyon (20:UCRC), Desert Center, 3 3 mi. E (1:UCDC), Indian Wells Cl:UICM) , Indio (3:UCDC, 16:CISC, 10:UCRC, 19:CASC), Magnesia Canyon (12:UCDC, 2:CISC), Palm Desert Cl:UCRC, 3:OSUO) , Palm Springs (16:CASC, 14:UCDC, 4:SEMC, 4:CISC,
2:CUIC, 16:USNM, 1:0SU0), Rancho Mirage (10:UCDC), River side (29:UCRC, 1:BDUN, 3:CASC, 17:UCDC, 3:CUIC), San
Jacinto (1:UCRC)', Santa Rosa (3:CASC), Sun City (19:CNCI),
Thermal (3:CISC, 13:CNCI), Thousand Palms (27:CNCI); San Bernardino Co., Barstow (1:0SUC), Chino (2:UCRC, 2:SEMC), Colton (3:0SU0, 4:CASC), Daggett (2:CISC), Grand Terrace (3:UCRC), Morongo Valley (1:UCDC), Needles (1:UICM), Red lands (3:UCDC), San Antonio Canyon (L:UCDC), San Bernar dino (3:CNCI), Santa Barbara (7:UCDC,- 6;UCRC), Borrego Springs (4:UCDC, 6 0:UCRC, 1:CISC) , Borrego Valley (2:
UCDC); San Diego Co., Camp Pendleton (1:UCDC), Campo (1:
UCDC). Coronado Beach (3:CUIC, 1:USNM), El Cajon (2:UCDC), 231 Jacumba (3:CASC), La Mesa, Lake Murray Village (1:UICM),
Rancho Sante Fe (1:UCRC), San Clemente Island (1:CASC), San Diego (40:CASC, 2:CUIC, SEMC, 2 :MCZC), Vista (4:
CASC); San Mateo Co., San Mateo (1;CISC); Santa Clara Co., San Jose (5:SJSC); Solano Co., Rio Vista (6:UCDC); Yolo Co., Davis (1:UCDC); City undet.: Alameda Co. (1:AMNH); Imperial Co. (5:CASC, 1:0SU0); Orange Co. (1:CASC); San Bernardino Co. (M-:CASC); San Diego Co. (1:CASC); Co. un- det.: Bodie (1:USNM), Irvine (9:0SU0), Mt. Grayback (1: CASC), Saugus (1:CASC), Whitewater (7:CASC); City and Co. undet. (1:CASC, M-:AMNH, 1:DEFW).. ■ NEVADA: Clark Co. , Boulder City CM-:CASC), Charles ton Mts., Kyle Canyon (2:CASC), Las Vegas (7:0SUC), Logan- dale C1;MCZC), Mesquite (3:CNCI).
NEW MEXICO: Dona Ana Co., Las Cruces (M:OSUC, 1: CASC); City and Co. undet. (1:MCZC). .
TEXAS: Brewster Co., Big Bend Park (3:USNM), Lajitas C7:CNCI) ; El Paso Co., El Paso (1:CASC, 1:TAMU); Jeff Davis Co., Davis Mts. (1:CASC); Presidio Co., Alamito Creek, 5 mi. SE of Presidio (1:TAMU), Presidio (20:TAMU); Terrell Co., Sanderson (1:CNCI); Val Verde Co., Del Rio (1:CNCI). No data: (M;BDUN). 232
Blapstinus intermixtus Casey (Figs. 43, 88, 118, 156)
Blapstinus intermixtus Casey, 1890, Ann. Hew York Acad.
Sci., 5 :451-452. - Type locality: "Winslow, Arizona"
■Blapstinus hesperius Casey, 1890. Ibid., 5:454. (HEW SYNONYMY); Hatch, 1961:179.
Type locality: "Huntington, Oregon"
DIAGNOSIS
Vestiture usually distinctly heterogeneous, bright
yellow and dark brown hairs intermingled; integument dull to slightly shining; epistomal sinuation weak; eyes large
and conspicuous, upper lobes round or oval and separated by three to three and one-half times their maximum dia
meter, lower lobes elongate-oval and separated by two and one-half to three times their maximum diameter; lateral
curvature of pronotum strong or weak, often becoming straight in basal half (Fig, 43); metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as the abdomen. Protarsi of male very feebly dilated, segments much narrower than pro-
tibial apex; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus elongate, their length much more than twice their basal width (Fig. 88). 233 DESCRIPTION Length 4.9 - 5.6 mm.; oblong-oval; slightly convex; color usually reddish-brown, head and thorax sometimes a little darker; integument very dull to slightly shining; vestiture usually conspicuous, heterogeneous, bright yellow and dark brown hairs intermingled.
Head broad and moderately convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation feeble and narrow; upper lobe of eyes large, round or oval and separated by two and one-half to three times their maxi mum diameter, usually less than three; antennae very gradually enlarging apically, third segment much longer than segment four but shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures small, round and moderate in depth on top of head and along epistoma, elongate or polygonal, large and coarse between the eyes.
Pronotum rectangular (Fig. 43); apical angles not pro minent, basal angles not prominent and narrowly rounded, apical curvature moderately emarginate in anterior and dorsal views, basal curvature slight, lateral curvature strong or weak, usually becoming straight in basal half; punctures moderate in depth, round and crowded on disc, polygonal or elongate distal to disc but not becoming longi tudinally confluent.
Elytra subparallel, slightly wider in apical half; 234 intervals flat or just slightly convex, wide, their widths
equal to approximately five to seven times diameter of a strial puncture, interval punctures very small and moderately distributed; striae slightly impressed, punc tures small, round and closely placed, separated by their diameters or less. Metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as the abdomen and usually folded apically. Abdominal punctures small, round and moderately dis tributed; integument sometimes shining; impression of fifth visible segment usually distinct in apical half.
Male. Basal abdominal impression feeble and broad in basal two segments; protarsi very feebly dilated, seg ments much narrower than protibial apex; mesotarsi not dilated; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at
apex; parameres of aedeagus elongate, their length much more than twice their basal width (Fig. 88). Measurements. Head: width, 1.1 - 1.3 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.20 - 0.23 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.67 - 0,80 mm., dorsal ocular corre
lation, 3.1 - 3.5; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.23 - 0.30 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.6 7 - 0.77 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.5 - 2.9. Pronotum: apical width, 1.2 - 1.5 mm., basal width, 1.8 - 2.1 mm., lateral length, 1.0 - 1.3 mm., medial length, 0.90 - 1.3 mm. Ely tra: width, 2.1 - 2.3 mm., length, 3.4 - 3.8 mm.; total 235 length: 4.9 - 5.6 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL Blapstinus intermixtus Casey: Lectotype (here desig nated) , male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Ari," Tag 2, white, V , ” Tag 3, white, "CASEY bequest 1925," Tag 4, red, "TYPE USNM 3716 8," Tag 5, white, "B* intermixtus Casey," Tag 6, white, "LECTOTYPE
BY J. C. Davis 19 70." Measurements - head: width, 1.2 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.23 mm., dor sal interocular distance, 0.70 mm., dorsal ocular cprre- lation, 3.0; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.25 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.70 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.8; pronotum: apical width, 1.4 mm., basal width, 1.9 mm., lateral length, 1.2 mm., medial length, 1.2 mm.; elytra: width, 2.3 mm., length, 3.6 mm.; total length: 5.2 mm. Specimen is in fair condition. Left metatarsus is missing. Vestiture is conspicuous, hetero geneous; color is typical, dark reddish-brown with inte gument dull; lateral curvature of pronotum moderate, be coming slightly straighter toward base; protarsus feebly dilated. 'Paralectotypes (here designated), 3, 1 male and 2 female (USNM), data same as type.
Blapstinus hesperius Casey: Holotype, female (Casey
Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Or.", Tag 2, white, "CASEY bequest 1925," Tag 3, red, "TYPE USNM 236 37170," Tag 4, white, "B. hesperius Casey." Measure ments - head: width, 1.1 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.70 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.5; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.2 7 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.70 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.6; pronotum: apical width, 1.2 mm., basal width, 1.8 mm., lateral length, 1.0 mm., medial length, 0.90 mm.; elytra: width, 2.1 mm., length, 3.4 mm.; total length: 4.9 mm. Specimen is in poor condition, appears to have been stored in alcohol before being pinned which has resulted in the vestiture being a little less conspicuous. Otherwise, the specimen differs little from the type of intermixtus Casey.
BIONOMICS
Adults were collected during January, February, March, May, June, July and August. Most specimens were collected during February and June.
DISTRIBUTION
Arizona, British Columbia, California, Oregon and Utah (Fig. 156). Mostly in Arizona and Utah.
DISCUSSION
Variation in some characters of !3. intermixtus Casey has often resulted in its misidentification. This varia tion is chiefly in the form of the vestiture and the shape 237 of the pronotum. The vestiture is usually distinctly heterogeneous, a character which is not peculiar to this species. The lateral curvature of the pronotum may be weak or strong and usually straightens in the basal half.
The form of the male genitalia have been helpful in making positive identification of the species. I have dissected specimens from Utah, Arizona and British Colum bia and have found no significant variation. The para- meres of the aedeagus are elongate (Fig. 88), a charac ter which has been very helpful in separating this species from 13. histricus Casey.
Blapstinus intermixtus Casey is similar to B. his tricus and the two have often been confused. The two may be separated in the following manner. 3. intermixtus usually has distinct heterogeneous vestiture, strong or weak lateral curvature of the pronotum and elongate parameres of the aedeagus (Fig. 88). B. histricus may or may not have heterogeneous vestiture, the lateral curva ture of the pronotum is always weak and almost straight in the basal half and the parameres of the aedeagus are short (Fig. 87). Also, the upper and lower lobes of the eyes in 13. histricus are larger than in B. intermixtus even though they are quite large in both species.
31apstinus hesperius Casey is being placed in synony my with B. intermixtus. An examination of both types did not reveal any specific differences between the two. Casey 238 (1890), in discussing B. hesperius, remarks:
"The single specimen serving as the type of the above diagnosis is female, and indicates a species somewhat resembling intermixtus in general habitus, but differing in its smaller size, rather more slender form, longer and uniform pubescence, more shining surface, feebler, finer elytral striae and slightly smaller eyes."
I propose that the characters mentioned as distinguishing B. hesperius are due to the poor condition of the unique
specimen rather than the characteristics of a new species. The type locality given for B. hesperius is not unusual in that I have seen and dissected a specimen from British Columbia (UCRC).
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (6 3)
ARIZONA: Coconino Co. , Grand Canyon, Havaisu Canyon (1:AMNH); Navajo Co., Winslow (5:CASC, 9:USNM, 4:AMNH,
8:MCZC, 1:SEMC); Pima Co., Tucson (1:CASC); Yuma Co., Yuma (1:CNCI); Co. undet,: Ehrenberg (3:CASC, 1:CNCI). CALIFORNIA: Imperial Co., Yuma (1:CASC).
OREGON: Baker Co., Huntington (1:USNM). UTAH: Utah Co., American Fork (6:CISC), East Utah
Lake (9:CISC), Utah Lake (1:CUIC, 6:CISC); Co. undet.: Zion (2:CASC); Co. and City undet. (2:CISC).
CANADA: British Columbia., Osoyoos (1:UCRC). 239 Blapstinus vandykei Blaisdell (Figs. 44, 89, 119, 157)
Blapstinus vandykei Blaisdell, 1942. Trans. American Ent. Soc., 68:136-137.
Type locality: "Death Valley, Inyo County, California"
DIAGNOSIS
Strongly convex; vestiture homogeneous and usually conspicuous in color, very bright yellowish-orange, ely- tral vestiture often confined to intervals; epistomal sinuation moderate; upper lobe of eyes moderate to large in size, separated by more than three and one-half times their maximum diameter, lower lobes usually small and separated by three times their maximum diameter or greater; pronotum strongly convex, apical margin truncate from dorsal view, lateral curvature moderate and even from base to apex (Fig.- 44); metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen. Protarsi of male moderately dilated; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus moderate in length, their length twice their basal width, distinctly tapering in apical half, slightly bisinuate in lateral view (Fig. 89).
DESCRIPTION Length 4.7 - 5.4 mm,; oblong-oval; strongly convex; color usually a very dark reddish-brown above and below; integument slightly shining; vestiture usually conspi cuous, bright yellowish-orange, elytral vestiture often appearing iii neat rows due to absence of vestiture in striae.
Head convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation moderate; upper lobes of eyes usually moderate in size, sometimes large, round, usually separated by approximately three and one-half to five times their maximum diameter, lower lobes small, elongate- oval and separated by three to three and one-half times their maximum diameter; antennae gradually enlarging from base to apex,.third segment longer than fourth but shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures moderate in size, polygonal or elongate between the eyes, dense, the punctures more dense, rounded, and smaller along . epistoma. Pronotum subrectangular and strongly convex (Fig. 44) apical angles very indistinct and broadly rounded, basal angles broadly rounded and usually greater than ninety degrees, apical curvature slightly emarginate in anterior view, truncate in dorsal view, basal curvature strong, lateral curvature moderate, evenly curved from base to apex, basal lobe somewhat prominent; punctures moderate in size,.round, oval or polygonal and very dense, usually crowded on disc. 2 m Elytra subparallel and broadly rounded apically; in tervals slightly to moderately convex, wide, their widths equal to approximately four to six times the diameter of a strial puncture, interval punctures usually moderate in size, round and moderate to densely distributed; striae narrowly but distinctly impressed, punctures small, round and usually closely placed, separated by approximately their diameters.
Metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as the abdomen. Abdominal punctures moderate in size, round and usually densely distributed; impression of fifth visible segment slight but usually distinct. Male. Basal abdominal impression usually broad and shallow in basal two segments; protarsus moderately di lated and spongio-setose beneath; mesotarsus not dilated; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate; parameres of aedeagus moderate in length, their length equal to twice their basal width, distinctly tapering in apical half, slightly bisinuate in lateral view (Fig. 89). Measurements. Head: width, 1.1 - 1.3 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 - 0.20 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.67 - 0.80 mm., dorsal ocular corre lation, 3.7 - 4.8; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.23 -
0.24 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.73 - 0.83 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.0 - 3.6. Pronotum: apical 242 width, 1.3 - 1.5 mm., basal width, 1.7 - 1.9 mm., lateral length, 1.0 - 1.2 mm., medial length, 1.1 - 1.4 mm. Ely tra: width, 1.9 - 2.3 mm., length, 3.2 - 3.7 mm.; total length: 4.7 - 5.4 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL Blapstinus vandykei Blaisdell: Holotype, male (CASC); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Death Valley, Cal. 111-13-41," Tag 2, white, "Van Dyke Collection," Tag 3, red, "holotype vandykei," Tag 4, white, "Blapstinus vandykei Blais.".
Measurements - head: width, 1.2 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.18 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.73 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 4.0; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.23 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.77 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.3; pronotum: apical width,
1.4 mm., basal width, 1.7 mm., lateral length, 1.1 mm. , medial length, 1.2 mm.; elytra: width, 2.0 mm., length, 3.4 mm.; total length: 4.9 mm. Specimen is in good condi tion. All appendages are present. Specimen is very typi cal of the species; vestiture is somewhat conspicuous in color, bright yellowish-orange, confined to the intervals on the elytra; pronotal punctures very densely distributed throughout; color, dark reddish-brown, antennae somewhat lighter; upper lobe of eyes moderate in size, lower lobes small; basal abdominal impression is distinct; protarsus and mesotarsus distinctly but narrowly dilated. Paratypes, 243 59 3 male and 2 female (CASC), data same as type.
BIONOMICS
Adults were collected during February, March, April, May, July and August. Most specimens were collected during May.
! DISTRIBUTION
Southwestern United States (Fig. 157).
DISCUSSION
Variation in Blapstinus vandykei is not great. The upper and lower lobe of the eyes are usually small to moderate in size but sometimes are relatively large. Due to this variation, B. vandykei will key out in two places in the’keys provided (pages 62 ,68). Most specimens should key out on the basis of having small eyes. The form of the male genitalia (Fig. 89) should be helpful in posi tive identification. The vestiture is usually bright yellowish-orange and dense but is occasionally rubbed off. The shape of the pronotum is. quite consistent (Fig. 44). Blapstinus vandykei is most often confused with B. histricus Casey. The two should not be confused in the keys provided if all characters in each couplet are con sidered. The two may at once be separated on the basis of pronotal shape and form of the male genitalia. In B. vandykei, the pronotum is strongly convex and the lateral 244 curvature is even (Fig. 44) while in 13. histricus the pronotum is feebly convex and the lateral curvature is very weak, becoming straight in basal half (Fig. 42). The parameres of the aedeagus in B. vandykei are distinctly tapering in the apical half whereas they are not in B. histricus.
Blaisdell (1942) considers B. vandykei to be geneti cally related to B. castaneus Casey. In • distinguishing ■ the two, he remarks: "Compared with castaneus, the body is quite the same; the latter is as a rule a little larger and less convex, pubescence paler in color, less abundant and the striae less defined; in perfect specimens of vandykei the pubescence is confined to the intervals, rendering the striae more evident." The true relationship is difficult to determine. However, the two may be more easily separated in the following manner. The pronotal punctures in 13. castaneus are usual ly distinctly longitudinally confluent; they are not in ]3. vandykei. The parameres of the aedeagus in B. castan eus are not distinctly tapering in the apical half as in B. vandykei.
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (6 8) ARIZONA: Maricopa C o .. , Phoenix (2:CASC, 2:MCZC); Pima Co., Tucson, Sabino Canyon (2:CASC); Yuma Co., Fort Yuma (4:USNM); Co. undet.: Ehrenberg (3:CASC); Co. and City undet. (2:MCZC). 245 CALIFORNIA: Inyo Co., Death Valley (5:CASC, 11: USNM); Riverside Co., Coachella (1:CASC), Magnesia Canyon
(1:CISC), Palm Springs (7:USNM, 1:CASC); San Diego Co.,
Borrego Springs (2:CISC).
NEW MEXICO: Taos Co., San Juan Valley (1:MCZC). TEXAS: Brewster Co., Big Bend National Park, Casto- lon, 2 mi. W (1:CNCI), Big Bend National Park, Eoena Canyon (4:RLBC), Big Bend National Park, Hot Springs (10: CNCI), Big Bend National Park, Panther Jet. (8:CNCI), Rio Grande (1:CASC).
Blapstinus lobatus New Species (Figs. 15, 21, 45, 90, 120, 158)
Type locality: "Lake Corpus Christi, Texas"
DIAGNOSIS Length 6.8 - 7.5 mm.; vestiture short and sparse; integument usually shining; epistomal sinuation feeble and broad; eyes large, upper lobes round and separated by approximately three times their maximum diameter, lower lobes elongate-oval and separated by less than three times their maximum diameter; punctures between the eyes sparse; lateral curvature of pronotum strong and even (Fig. 45); 246 elytral strial punctures small but deep , Interval punc tures coarse and large, crowded basally; wings well de veloped, fully as long as abdomen. Male profemora great ly swollen apically (Fig. 15); protarsi strongly dilated; subgenital sternite strongly emarginate and bilobed, lobes rounded (Fig. 21); parameres of aedeagus divided and curved in lateral and ventral view (Fig. 90).
DESCRIPTION Length 6.8 - 7.5 mm.; oblong-oval; moderately convex; color variable, usually very dark reddish-brown, pronotum sometimes darker, ventral surface and legs usually not distinctly lighter; integument usually distinctly shining; vestiture short, sparse and golden-yellow in color. Head broad and moderately convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation feeble and broad; upper lobe of eyes large, round or oval and‘separa ted by three to three and one-half times their maximum diameter, lower lobes large, elongate-oval and separated by two and one-half to three times their maximum diameter; antennae gradually enlarging from base to apex, third seg ment slightly longer than fourth, distinctly shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures small, round and sparse on top of head, crowded along epistoma, punc tures large, round or oval, coarse and sparse between the eyes. Pronotum subrectangular (Fig. 45); apical angles usually prominent and narrowly rounded, basal angles in distinct and very broadly rounded, usually much more than ninety degrees, apical curvature strong in anterior and dorsal views, basal curvature strong, lateral curvature strong and even from base to apex; punctures moderate to large in size, round, oval or polygonal and not very dense, sometimes sparse anteriorly and laterally. Elytra broad and subparallel toward the base; inter vals flat and wide, their widths equal to approximately four to six times diameter of a strial puncture, interval punctures large, oval, coarse and usually crowded basally striae narrowly but distinctly impressed, punctures small round, deep and usually closely placed; the interval punctures toward the base are often half as large as strial punctures. Metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen and usually folded apically.
Abdominal punctures moderate in depth and usually sparse; impression of fifth visible segment strong and long in apical half.
Male. Basal abdominal impression distinct on basal two segments and part of the third; profemora strongly swollen apically (Fig. 15); protarsi strongly dilated, segments subequal in width to protibial apex; mesotarsi slightly dilated; subgenital sternite strongly emarginate and bilobed, the lobes rounded (Fig. 21); parameres of aedeagus divided and curved 'in lateral and ventral view (Fig. 90).
Measurements. Head: width, 1.4- - 1.6 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.27 - 0.30 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.83 - 0.93 mm., dorsal ocular corre lation, 3.0 - 3.5; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.33 - 0.37 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.9 0 - 0.9 7 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.7 - 2.9. Pronotum: apical width, 1.7 - 1.8 mm., basal width, 2.2 - 2.4 mm., lateral length, 1.7 - 1.8 mm., medial length, 1.7 - 1.8 mm. Ely tra: width, 2.9 - 3.2 mm., length, 4.7 - 4.8 mm.; total length: 6.8 - 7.5 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL
Blapstinus lobatus New Species: Holotype, male (OSUC) Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Lk. Corpus Christi Tex. Vi-14- 6 8," Tag 2, white, "Collrs. F. Coyle & J. Beatty," Tag 3, white with red border, "HOLOTYPE B. lobatus J. C. Davis '70 Measurements - head: width, 1.5 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.27 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.80 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.2; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.33 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.93 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.8; pronotum: apical width, 1.7 mm., basal width, 2.4 mm., lateral length, 1.2 mm., medial length, 1.2 mm.; elytra: width, 3.1 mm., length, 249 4.7 mm.; total length: 7.3 mm. Specimen is in fair condi tion. All appendages are present. Male genitalia were dissected and are in a plastic vial mounted beneath the last tag. Specimen is typical of the species except that the elytral strial and interval punctures do not show up very distinctly due to the condition of the specimen. The pronotum is characteristic in its shape. The lateral cur vature is strong and even from base to apex. Specimen is dark reddish-brown in color. The parameres of the aedea gus are divided and curved in ventral and lateral view (Fig. 9 0); subgenital sternite is deeply emarginate, bi lobed with the lobes rounded (Fig. 21 ). Paratypes, 5, 2 male and 3 female (OSUC) , data same as type.
BIONOMICS Adults were collected during March, April, June and
July. They have been collected by "sifting".
DISTRIBUTION
Texas (Fig. 158).
DISCUSSION Blapstinus lobatus is delineated by several well de fined characters that show little variation. The male is diagnostic by its sexual characters. The subgenital sternite is consistently deeply emarginated forming lateral rounded lobes (Fig. 21), a character for which the species 250 is named. The parameres of the aedeagus are divided and strongly curved in ventral and lateral view (Fig. 90). The characteristic subgenital sternite and form of the geni talia are unlike any other species found North of Mexico.
Blapstinus lobatus appears to be similar to B. validus Casey which also occurs north of Mexico. The two are easily separated on the basis of male characters. The sub genital sternite is feebly emarginate in B. validus whereas in B. lobatus it is strongly emarginate. The parameres of the aedeagus in B. validus (Fig. 91) are not divided as they are in B. lobatus.
Blapstinus lobatus is very similar to B. tibialis
Champion which is Central American and reported from Guatemala and Nicaragua. I have examined seven specimens (CASC) from Mexico which I believe to fit the description for IJ. tibialis. At present, I am inclined to separate the two on the basis of elytral interval punctation and pronotal shape. They have the same male sexual charac ters . With regard to the shape of the pronotum of B. tibialis,Champion (188 5) writes: "the thorax widest in the middle, longer and narrower, the sides distinctly narrowed and sinuate before the base, very little broader at the base than at the apex, anterior angles-more prominent and subacute, hind angles subrectangular etc." The pronotal shape that Champion is describing is sub stantially different from B. lobatus. The lateral curvature is even from base to apex in B. lobatus. The basal angles 251 are obtuse. I have not seen any variation in these characters. The elytral interval punctures are much more coarse in B. tibialis than in 13. lobatus.
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (28)
TEXAS: Cameron Co., Brownsville (5:USNM, 1:CASC),
Port Isabel (1:USNM); Duval Co., San Diego (4:USNM); Hidalgo Co., Bensten Live Oak Co., Lake Corpus Christi (8:0SUC); Medina Co., Sabinal (3:USNM, 1:CISC); Uvalde Co., Uvalde (1:CISC); Co. undet.: Macdona (1:CASC), Townsend (1:USNM).
Blapstinus validus Casey (Figs. 16, 22,. 46, 91, 121, 159)
Blapstinus validus Casey, 1890. Ann. New York Acad. Sci., 5:429. Type locality: "Southern California"
DIAGNOSIS Length 6.5 - 7.4 mm.; vestiture homogeneous and yellowish-brown; epistomal sinuation weak and broad; eyes very large and conspicuous, upper lobes round and separa ted by approximately three times their maximum diameter, 252 lower lobes oval and usually separated by less than three times their maximum diameter; apex of pronotum strongly emarginate in anterior and dorsal view, lateral curvature strong and even from base to apex (Fig. 46); pronotal punctures round and not longitudinally confluent; meta- thoracic wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen. Male protarsi strongly dilated; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus moderate in length, their length twice their basal width or slightly longer (Fig. 91).
DESCRIPTION
Length 6.5 - 7.4 mm.; elongate-oval; moderately con vex; color either dark reddish-brown or dark blackish- brown, ventral surface and legs often lighter; integument shining; vestiture usually distinct but short and yellow ish-brown in color. Head broad and moderately convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation feeble and braod; upper lobe of eyes unusually large, bulging and separated by two and one-half to three times their maximum diameter, lower lobes oval or elongate-oval, large and separated by approximately two and one-half to three times their maximum diameter; antennae gradually enlarging apically, third segment much longer than fourth but shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures large and 253 deep between eyes, smaller and crowded along epistoma.
Pronotum subrectangular (Fig. 46); apical angles distinct, basal angles usually much greater than ninety
degrees, apex strongly emarginate in anterior and dorsal
view, basal curvature strongly bisinuate, lateral curva ture strong and evenly curved from base to apex; punc
tures moderate in size, round or slightly oval, sparse on disc and usually separated by fully their diameters or greater, a little crowded laterally; punctures never longitudinally confluent. Elytra usually subparallel; intervals flat, wide, their widths equal to four to six times diameter of a strial puncture, interval punctures small, round and moderately distributed; striae slightly impressed, punc tures small, round and deep, usually separated by one or two times their diameter. Metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen. Abdominal punctures moderate in size and distribution, usually more dense toward the middle of the first segment and last two, impression of fifth visible segment feeble in apical third. Male. Basal abdominal impression feeble in basal two segments; protarsi strongly dilated and spongy beneath; mesotarsi slightly but indistinctly dilated and setose be neath; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex; 251+ parameres of aedeagus moderate in length, twice their ba sal width or slightly longer (Fig. 91).
Measurements * Head: width, 1.5 - 1.6 nun. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.30 - 0.32 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.87 - 0.95 mm., dorsal ocular corre lation, 2.7 - 3.1;. maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.30 - 0.40 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.90 - 0.97 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.7 - 3.2. Pronotum: apical width, 1.7 - 1.9 mm., basal width, 2.3 - 2.4 mm., lateral length, 1.6 - 1.7- mm., medial length, 1.6 - 1.7 mm. Ely tra: width, 2.9 - 3.1 mm., length, 4.5 - 5.0 mm.; total length: 6.5 - 7.4 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL Blapstinus validus Casey: Holotype, male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "S. Cal.n,
Tag 2 , ,fCASEY bequest' 19 2 5 ," Tag 3, red, "TYPE USNM 37150," Tag 4, white "B. validus Casey." Measurements - head: width, 1.6 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.30 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.95 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.2; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.40 mm., ventral interocular distance, 1.03 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.6; pronotum: apical width, 1.9 mm., basal width, 2.6 mm., lateral length, 1.7 mm., medial length,
1.6 mm.; elytra: width, 3.3 mm., length, 5.4 mm.; total length: 7.4 mm. Specimen is in very poor condition, apical 255 eight segments of the left antennae are absent, a hole is in the right elytron which apparently is a result of the method by which the specimen was pinned, the right meta- thoracic leg is completely gone. Specimen is character istic of the species, color is very dark reddish-brown throughout; sides of the'pronotum are strongly curved and even from base to apex; pronotal punctures are round, dense and not at all longitudinally confluent; vestiture is yellowish-brown in color and slight; protarsus is dis tinctly dilated..
BIONOMICS
A few specimens were collected during April.
DISTRIBUTION
California, Arizona (Fig. 159).
DISCUSSION
Blapstinus validus Casey .is not common. Most speci mens were collected in Phoenix, Arizona. No variation can be found in the characters which distinguish the species; large eyes and pronotal shape. The upper lobe of the eyes is always very large., among the largest of the genus. The shape of the pronotum is not unique to B. validus but is quite consistent. Pronotal punctures tend to be round though sometimes appear oval laterally. However, I have not seen any specimen in which they tend to coalesce 256 longitudinally.
B. validus appears to be most closely related to B. lobatus new species and B. histricus Casey. The three
species share the following important characters: un usually large upper and lower eye lobes , well developed wings and non-longitudinally confluent pronotal punctures. validus and B. lobatus are easily separated from B. histricus on the basis of pronotal shape. In the former two, the lateral curvature is strong and even from base to apex while in B. histricus the curvature is very feeble and usually straight. in the basal half. B_. validus and
I.* lobatus are very similar in external appearance. The interval punctures in B. lobatus are usually larger and more coarse than in B. validus, but a male is needed for positive separation. The two may be easily separated on the basis of the subgenital sternite and aedeagus. The subgenital sternite in B. validus (Fig. 22) is feebly emarginate while in B. lobatus it is very strongly emargi nate forming rounded lateral lobes (Fig. 21). The para meres of the aedeagus are divided in B. lobatus (Fig. 9 0) but not in B. validus (Fig. 91). Casey (1890) discusses the relationship of B. validus with B. longulus LeConte:
"The single specimen serving as the type of this species differs from the male of longulus in its more convex upper surface, alutaceous lustre, etc." 257 This is somewhat confusing in that the two species do not appear to be closely related. It seems probable that the two species were compared because they key out together
in Casey’s key rather than because of a natural relation ship.
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (27)
ARIZONA: Maricopa Co., Phoenix (11:CASC, 13:MCZC); Yuma Co., Wellton (2:CASC).
CALIFORNIA: Co. and City undet. Cl:USNM).
Blapstinus castaneus Casey (Figs. H7 j 92 , 122, 160)
Blapstinus castaneus Casey, 189 0. Ann. New York Acad. Sci. , 5:432-433.
Type locality: "El Paso, Texas" Blapstinus falli Blaisdell, 1929. Pan-Pac. Ent., 6:21-23. NEW SYNONYMY
Type locality: "Los Angeles, California"
DIAGNOSIS
Vestiture homogeneous and yellowish-brown in color; epistomal sinuation weak; upper lobe of eyes usually 258
moderate to large in size and separated by three and one- half to four times their maximum diameter, lower lobes usually large and usually separated by approximately three times their maximum diameter; apex of pronotum moderate to
strongly emarginate in dorsal view, lateral curvature usually strong and even from base to apex (Fig. 47); pro notal punctures elongate and usually strongly longitudi nally confluent; metathoracic wings well developed, fully
as long as the abdomen; subgenital sternite of male feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of the aedeagus moder
ate in length, their length twice their basal width or slightly longer (Fig. 92).
DESCRIPTION Length 5.6 - 6.2 mm.; oblong-oval; moderately convex; color variable, dark reddish-brown with the head and pro notum darker or head and pronotum piceous with the ely- tral and ventral surface a bright reddish-brown or wine color; integument shining; vestiture usually dense but short and yellowish-brown in color.
Head broad and convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation feeble and broad; upper lobe of eyes usually moderate or large and separated by three and one-half to four times their maximum diameter, lower lobes usually large, oval or elongate-oval and separa ted by approximately three times their maximum diameter or 2S9 less; antennae gradually enlarging from base to apex, third segment longer than segment four but distinctly shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures coarse and large between the eyes, much smaller and more crowded distally. Pronotum rectangular (Fig. 47); apical angles very broadly rounded, basal angles indistinct, broadly rounded and usually much greater than ninety degrees, apical cur vature strongly emarginate in anterior and dorsal view, basal curvature moderate, lateral curvature usually strong and even from base to apex, rarely straightening toward the base; punctures moderate in size, oval on disc but becoming distinctly elongate away from the disc and usually strongly longitudinally confluent.
Elytra parallel-sided, apex- broadly rounded; inter vals flat or feebly convex, wide, their widths equal to. approximately four to six times the diameter of a strial t * . puncture, interval punctures small, deep and usually sparsely distributed; striae slightly impressed, punctures small, deep, round and usually quite closely and evenly spaced, usually separated by approximately their diameters or less.
Metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen.
Abdominal punctures moderate in size, shape and 260 distribution and not crowded medially; impression of fifth visible segment usually distinct in apical half. Male. Basal abdominal impression indistinct; pro tarsi strongly dilated, the segments usually subequal in width to the protibial apex, spongy beneath; mesotarsi
usually not dilated, setose beneath; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of the aedea- gus moderate in length, their length twice their basal width or slightly longer (Fig. 92).
Measurements. Head: width, 1.3 - 1.4 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal-lobe diameter, 0.20 - 0.23 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.80 - 0.83 mm., dorsal ocular corre lation, 3.7 - 4.1; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.30-r- 0.33 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.80 - 0.87 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.7 - 2.9. Pronotum: apical width, 1.5 - 1.6 mm., basal width, 2.0 - 2.2 mm., lateral length, 1.4 - 1.5 mm., medial length, 1.4 - 1.5 mm. Ely tra: width, 2.5 - 2.7 mm., length, 4.0 - 4.2 mm.; total length: 5.6 - 6.2 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL
Blapstinus castaneus Casey: Lectotype (here desig nated), male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Tex,” Tag 2, white, " ," Tag 3, white, "CASEY bequest 19 25," Tag 4, red, "TYPE USNM 37152," Tag 5, white,
"B. castaneus Casey," Tag 6, white, "LECTOTYPE B. castaneus 261 BY J. C. Davis * 70 -tr Measurements - head: width, 1,1 mm.;
eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.70 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.5; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.23 mm., ventral in terocular distance, 0.63 mm., ventral ocular correlation,
2.7; p.ronotum: .apical width, 1.2 mm., basal width, 1,7 mm., lateral length, 1.1- mm., medial length, 1.1 mm.;
elytra: width, 2.0 mm., length, 3.4 mm.; total, length: 4.9 mm. Specimen is in very good condition, all appendages
are present. The specimen is characteristic of the species, pronotal punctures tending to coalesce longi
tudinally, lower lobe of eyes large and color, elytra and beneath a dark wine color, head.and pronotum piceous. Paralectotypes, 10, 5 males and 5 females (USNM), 2 males ■labelled "Col," 2 males and 3 females labelled "El Paso, Texas," 1 male and 2 females labelled "Tucson, Arizona." Blaps tinus falli 31aisdell: Holotype, male (CASC);
Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Maples IV-7-18 Cal.", Tag 2, red, "HOLOTYPE," Tag 3, pink, "Blaisdell Collection," Tag
4, white with red border, "TYPE Blapstinus falli Blais,". Measurements - head: width, 1.1 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal
lobe diameter, 0.23 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.73 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.1; maximum ventral lobe
diameter, 0.2 7 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.70 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.6; pronotum: apical width, 262
1.3 mm., basal width, 1.9 mm., lateral length, 1.2 mm., medial length, 1.2 mm.; elytra: width, 2.2 mm., length,
3.7 mm.; total length, 5.2 mm. Specimen is remarkably similar to type of B>. castaneus ; protarsus very strongly dilated; color, black above, dark reddish-brown below; lateral curvature of the pronotum even from base to apex; lower eye lobe large. Paratypes, 3 males (CASC),.same data as type.
BIONOMICS Adults of B. castaneus were collected during March, April, June, July, August and October. Some adults were found feeding on sugar beets in Compton, California during the month of April.
DISTRIBUTION Southwestern United States (Fig. 160).
DISCUSSION Perhaps no other species of Blapstinus has been so misunderstood and often incorrectly identified as B. cast aneus Casey. Variation in some characters is significant. The lateral curvature of the pronotum may be weak or strong but is usually even from base to apex. The speci fic name, castaneus, has led to much confusion because several other species in the southwest tend to be castan- eous in color. 263 Blapstinus castaneus is similar to 13. validus Casey and 13. histricus Casey. All three species usually have the well developed upper and lower eye lobes. The lateral curvature of the pronotum is usually strong and even from base to apex in j3. castaneus and 13. validus. The two are distinguished in that the former usually has distinctly longitudinally confluent pronotal punctures. 13. castaneus is commonly confused with B. histricus due to the simi larity in color and general appearance, but close exami nation will render the two distinct. 3. histricus has a much weaker lateral pronotal curvature and larger eyes than B. castaneus.
Blapstinus castaneus is most similar to E. substriatus
Champion. The two can usually be separated on the basis of the larger eyes of the former. The elytral interval punctures are usually coarser and more crowded basally in 13. substri at us than in j3. castaneus, but B. castaneus may very well prove to be a variant of B. substriatus. Fur ther biological studies are needed to substantiate this speculation. There can be no doubt that two of the para- types of j3. castaneus collected in Colorado are specimens of IB. substriatus.
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (42)
ARIZONA: Cochise Co., Douglas (1:USNM); Graham Co., Safford (7:UCDC); Navajo Co., Show Low (1:USNM); Pima Co., 264
Tucson (2:USNM). CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles Co., Compton (3:USNM), Los
Angeles (5:USNM); Riverside Co. , Palm Springs C4 :USNM) ;
San Bernardino Co,, Colton (1:AMNH, 1:CASC); San Diego Co., San Diego (1:CASC); City undet.: Santa Barbara Co.
(1:CASC); Co. undet.: La Puerta (3:CASC), Vallicitas
(4:CASC). TEXAS: El Paso Co., El Paso (4:USNM); Jeff Davis Co., Davis Mts. (2:0SUC); Presidio Co., Presidio (1:TAMU),
Presidio, Estrada Creek, 8 mi. SE (1:TAMU).
Blapstinus substriatus Champion (Figs. 48, 49, 93, 123, 132, 133, 161)
Blapstinus anthracinus Sturm, 1843. Cat. der Kaefer-
Sammlung von Jacob Sturm, 3 86 pp. (nomen nudum, Champion, 18 85:12 8)
Type locality: Unknown Blapstinus substriatus Champion, 1885. Biol. Centr. -
Amer. , 4:128; Casey, 1890 :444-. Type locality: "Mexico" Blapstinus gregalis Casey, 1890. Ann. New York Acad. Sci., 5:442-443. (Jr. synonym of B. substriatus, Chapin, 265 1937:670); Hatch, 1961:180.
Type locality: "Washington State"
DIAGNOSIS
Integument usually distinctly shining; upper lobe of eyes small and separated by four to five times their maxi
mum diameter (Fig. 132), lower lobes small and separated by three to three and one-half times their maximum dia meter (Fig. 133) ; lateral curvature of the pronotum usual ly strong and even, sometimes weak and becoming straight
in basal half (Figs. 48, 49); pronotal punctures tending to coalesce longitudinally, often strongly longitudinally
confluent; elytral interval punctures usually very coarse, often crowded basally and confusedly intermingled with
the strial punctures; metathoracic wings well developed or slightly reduced, usually fully as long as abdomen, if
reduced, then wings are approximately three-fourths as long as the abdomen; parameres of the aedeagus usually moderate in length, their length twice their basal width (Fig. 93).
DESCRIPTION
Length 4.4 - 5.4 mm.; oblong-oval; moderately convex;
color usually black above with the ventral surface and
legs very dark'reddish-black or piceous, sometimes head and pronotum black with elytra dark wine colored; integument 266 usually distinctly shining, especially the ventral sur face; vestiture very short, usually pale yellowish-brown in color.
Head broad and moderately convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation feeble and broad; upper lobe of eyes small, oval and separated by four to five times their maximum diameter, lower lobes small, elongate-oval and separated by three to three and one- half times their maximum diameter; antennae becoming dis tinctly clubbed apically, third segment distinctly longer than segment four but distinctly shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures small to moderate in size, oval or elongate and dense, smaller on top of head and along epistoma.
Pronotum subrectangular or subtrahsverse (Figs. U8,
^9); apical angles indistinct, basal angles not prominent, usually broadly rounded or forming almost a right angle, apical curvature moderately emarginate in anterior or dorsal view, basal curvature slight to moderate, lateral curvature usually strong and even from base to apex or weak and becoming straight in basal half; punctures moder ate to large in size, oval or very elongate, usually quite dense, punctures tend to coalesce longitudinally, often very strongly longitudinally confluent. 267
Elytra broad and usually obtusely rounded at apex; intervals feebly convex and wide, their widths equal to approximately five to eight times the diameter of a strial puncture, interval punctures usually large and deep, usually crowded basally where they often become confusedly intermingled with the strial punctures; striae feebly or not impressed, punctures usually small and closely spaced, usually separated by one or two times their diameters. lietathoracic wings well developed or slightly reduced, usually fully as long as the abdomen, if reduced, then wings are about three-fourths the abdominal length.
Abdomen often strongly shining; punctures variable, small to large, usually deep and densely distributed; im pression of the fifth segment slight in apical third. Male. Basal abdominal impression usually distinct in basal two segments; protarsi usually strongly dilated, the segments subequal in width to the protibial apex, spongy beneath; mesotarsi sometimes dilated, usually set ose beneath; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of the aedeagus usually moderate in length, their length twice their basal width (Fig. ). Measurements. Head: width, 1.0 - 1.3 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.15 - 0.20 run., dorsal in terocular' distance, 0.67 - 0.87 mm., dorsal ocular corre lation, 4.3 - 5.0; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0,21 - 268
0.2 7 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.6 7 0. 83 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.0 - 3.4. Pronotum: apical width, 1.1 - 1.5 mm., basal width, 1.6 - 2.2 mm., lateral length, 1.0 - 1.3 mm., medial length, 1.0 - 1.3 mm. Ely tra: width, 1.8 - 2.4 mm., length, 3.0 - 3.7 mm.; total length: 4.4 - 5.4 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL Blapstinus substriatus Champion: Lectotype (here designated), female (Champion Collection, BMNH) ; Label
Data - Tag 1, white, "Calif.", Tag 2, white bordered with black, "COLL: LAF:," Tag 3, white, "Mexico," Tag 4, white circle bordered with red, "Type," Tag 5, white, "Blapstinus substriatus Mexico Dux," Tag 6, white, "F.
Bates 81-19," Tag 7, white, "LECTOTYPE 3. substriatus
Champion BY J. C. Davis '70." Measurements - head: width,
1.2 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.80 mm., dorsal ocular corre lation, 4.8; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.27 mm., ven tral interocular distance, 0.83 mm., ventral ocular corre lation, 3.1; pronotum: apical width, 1.4 mm., basal 'width,
1.9 mm., lateral length, 1.15 mm., medial length, 1.2 mm. elytra: width, 2.2 mm., length, 3.6 mm.; total length, 5.1 mm. Specimen is in fair condition, apical four segments of left mesotarsus absent, right mesothoracic leg absent.
The type is not typical of the many specimens of this 269 species which. I have examined. The pronotal punctures are not as longitudinally confluent as is commonly founds and the elytral strial punctures are very small and shallow. The interval punctures are very coarse, crowded basally and confusedly intermingled with the strial punc tures, Paralectotypes, 2 , 1 male and 1 female (Champion Collection, BMNH), data same as type. There are 27 specimens of 13. substriatus in the Champion Collection. Blapstinus gregalis Casey:. Lectotype (here desig nated) , male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "W. T.","Tag 2, white, " ," Tag 3, white, "CASEY bequest 1925," Tag 4, red, "TYPE USNM 37162," Tag 5, white, "B. gregalis Casey," Tag 6, white, "LECTOTYPE B. gregalis BY J. C. Davis *70," Measurements - head: width, 1.0 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.15 mm.,' dorsal interocular distance, 0.67 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, *1.4; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.23 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.6 7 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.2; pronotum: apical width, 1.1 mm., basal width, 1.6 mm., lateral length, 1.0 mm.; medial length,
i 1.0 mm.; elytra: width, 1.8 mm., length, 3.0 mm.; total length: 4.4- mm. Specimen is in good condition. Paralec totypes (here designated), 14, 2 males from Laramie, Wyo- ming, 1 female from Veta Pall, Colorado, 3 males and 1 female from Lake Tahoe, California, 3 females from Wash ington State, 1 male and 1 female from Placer Co., 270
California,
BIONOMICS
Adults of B. substriatus have been collected the year around. They were most numerous during May, June,
July and August.
Larson and Hinman (19 32) reported the Tenebrionid B. gregalis very much in evidence in pea fields after har vest in the V/illamette Valley, Oregon. Strand (19 32) re ported that considerable damage was done to spring and winter wheat in Montana by _B. substriatus. He reported the larvae apparently harmless, but the adults fed freely on potato, lucerne, mustard and numerous weeds. He also reported that in one instance twenty-five percent damage was done to sugar beets by this pest. Hail (19 37) report ed that B. substriatus is normally present every year in small numbers over a wide area of the state of Montana.
Dry weather conditions with little rain in the spring appeared to provide optimum conditions for an increase to outbreak proportions. Mail speculated that the wide dis tribution of this beetle and its general feeding habits render it a potential source of trouble should climatic conditions at any time favor its increase. Data taken from specimens examined revealed the following information about the hosts and habits of B. substriatus: found on po tatoes in Utah that had been shipped from California; 271 found on Artemisia tridentata in Idaho; found on Pinus
ponderosa in British Columbia. These beetles have also been found on the ground, under stones, along the edges of
roadside ponds and were reared on dandelions in Minnesota. 33. substri at us is quite common at high elevations , being
collected at: 7,710 ft., Hart Mtn., Oregon; 10,000 ft., Jemez Mts., New Mexico; 11,400 ft., Kamas, Utah; 13,000
ft., Baker, Nevada and 14,000 ft., Ouray, Colorado.
DISTRIBUTION Nest of the Mississippi River (Fig. 161).
DISCUSSION Blapstinus substriatus Champion is widespread and
one of the most common species of the genus. This species occurs in at least two forms which are distinguished as follows:
1.. A widespread, predominant form in which the lateral curvature of the pronotum is usually strong and evenly curved; the pronotal punctures are usually very elongate and strongly longitudinally confluent; the meta- thoracic wings are usually as long as the abdomen; often confused with 13. castaneus Casey which is discussed else where (page 26 3). 2. A form commonly occurring in the Northwest in which the lateral curvature of the pronotum is usually feeble and evenly curved or sometimes becoming straight in basal half; the pronotal punctures are oval or elong ate but usually not strongly longitudinally confluent; described as 13. gregalis by Casey (1890).
Aside from being similar to 13. castaneus, 13. sub- triatus is somewhat similar to 13. pulverulentus Mannerheim
The latter two are similar in that they both usually have coarse elytral interval punctures. They may be distin guished on the basis of pronotal punctures and wing length
In B. substriatus, the pronotal punctures tend to coalesce longitudinally or may be strongly longitudinally con fluent and the wings are always distinctly longer than half the abdominal length. In B. pulverulentus, the pro notal punctures do not tend to coalesce longitudinally and the wings are always distinctly less than half the abdominal length. A form of B. substriatus discussed previously (2) is similar to j3. discolor, Horn. In fact, two of the para- types of 13. gregalis collected in Placer Co. , California appear to be examples of 13. discolor. This form of 13. substriatus is often very difficult to distinguish from
B. discolor. A combination of characters must be used for positive identification. The basal angles of the pronotum are usually right in B. discolor while in B. substriatus these angles are usually greater than ninety degrees.
Considerable wings length variation may be found in B, discolor while the wings in B. substriatus are always at
least two-thirds the abdominal length.
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (1,1+0 7)
ARIZONA: Apache Co., Alpine, off Route 66 (79:CASC),
Show Low (3:UCRC); Cochise Co., Douglas (10:USNM, 1:CISC); Coconino Co., Flagstaff (2 7:CASC, 2:CISC, 5 :NAUF), Flag staff, 7 mi. S (22:CASC), Humphrey's Peak (3:CASC), Jacob Lake (1:UCDC), Tuba City (2:CUIC), Williams (6:USNM, 2:
NAUF); Gila Co., Globe (1:UCDC); Navajo Co., Snowflake (3:NAUF); Santa Cruz Co. , Patagonia (1:UCDC); Yuma C~: .
Yuma (6:USNM); Co. undet.: Bright Angel (27:CASC), White Mts. ( 8:CASC).
CALIFORNIA: Alpine Co., Hermit Valley (22:CASC); El Dorado Co., Summit (3:CASC); Inyo Co., Bishop (1:CASC);
Lassen Co., Facht (7:CASC), Norval Flats (1:CASC); Madera Co., Gold Spring Meadow (1:CASC) ; Modoc Co. , V/arner Mts.
(4:CASC); Siskiyou Co., Siskiyou Mts. (1:CASC); .City undet. Placer Co. (3:USNM); Mono Co. (1:CASC); Co. undet.: Moun tain Pass (2:CASC); City and Co. undet. (1:MCZC). CANADA: Alberta, Edmonton (15:CASC, 1:SEMC, 2:BDUN,
3:CUIC, 1 :USNM), Medicine Hat (1:CASC, 3:MCZC, 2:CUIC); British Columbia, Chilocotin (1:CASC), Creston (1:CUIC),
Elko (1:CASC), Kamloops (5:CASC), Kimberley (22:CASC), La Hache (4:MCZC), Merrit, Midday Valley (2:INHS, 8:CASC),
Nanaimo, Biol. Station (1:CASC), Nicola (1:CASC), Oliver Cl: CASC), Osoyoos (7:11CZC, 3: CASC), Render Island C 7: CASC), Princeton (1:CASC), Rolla (3:CASC), Tolstoic Cl:
DEFW), Vancouver (5:MCZC), Vernon (4:UCRC, 13:CASC, 3: SEMC); Manitoba, Treesbank (1:MCZC), Vita (1:DEFW); Sas katchewan , Waldeck (3:0SUC).
COLORADO: Arapahoe Co., Denver (1:CASC); Archuleta Co., Chimney Gulch (1:CASC), Pagosa Jet. (2:AMNH, 2:USNM);
Boulder Co., Longmost (5:NAUF); Conejos Co., Menkhaven (4:
CASC); Douglas Co., Larkspur (1:CASC); El Paso., Colorado Springs Cl:MCZC, 5:USNM, 1:CISC); Fremont Co., Salida
(1:CASC); Gunnison Co., Buena Vista (1:CISC); Kiowa Co.,
Kaswell (5:SEMC); Kit Carson Co., Flagler (1:CISC, 1:MCZC) Lake Co., Leadville (2:AMNH, 1:USNM, 1:CASC, 1:CISC); La
Plata Co., Durango (2:CASC); Morgan Co., Fort Morgan, 8 mi. V? (1:CASC); Ouray Co. , Ouray (4: CASC); Pikin Co. , Aspen (2:AMHH); Routt Co., Clark (1:CASC), Steamboat Springs (33:CASC); Saguache Co., Great Sand Dunes National
Park (1:DEFW); City undet.: Custer Co. (1:USNM); El Paso Co. C1:CASC); La Plata Co. (28:CASC, 2:SEMC, 3:0SU0, 2: CUIC, 1:INHS, 2:MCZC); Co. undet.: 3endimeer (1:CASE), Cambros Pass C7:CASC), Kenosha Pass (1:CASC), Ladore Can yon Cl:CASC), Veta Pass C1:USNM); City and Co. undet. (4: MCZC, 5 :INHS).
IDAHO: Bannock Co., Arimo C7:UICM), Downey (2:UICM); Caribou Co., Soda Springs (57:UICM); Cassia Co., Malta 275 (1:0SUC); Clark Co., Beaver Canyon (1:USNM); Elmore Co., Pine (1:UICM); Lake Co. , Bloomington (1:EMUS); Latah Co. , Moscow (3:UICM, 1:CASC); Madison Co., Rexburg (1:UICM,
1:USNM); Oneida Co. , Holbrook, 5 mi. NW (7:EMUS) ; Owyhee Co., Battle Creek (3:UICM), Marsing (1:UICM) ; Power Co.,
Rockland (8:UICM); Co. undet.: Clementsville (13:UICM), Mica Peak (1:USNM), Twin Springs (7 :EMUS).. KANSAS: Sherman Co. , Goodland (11: CASC); City un- det. : VJallace Co. (1:SEMC). MONTANA: Cascade Co., Great Falls (4:CASC); Flat head Co., Bear Paw Mtn. (4:USNM), Kalispell (2:USNM, 2:
CASC); Glacier Co., Cut Bank (1:CASC); Jefferson Co., Nigger Hollow (85:USNM); Lewis and Clark Co. , Helena
(1:CASC, 2 :USNM) ; Liberty Co., Chester (6:CASC); Roose velt Co., Culbertson (2:CASC); Stillwater Co., Montana
Experiment Station (2:USNM); Teton Co., Dutton (134:USNM); Yellowstone Co., Laurel (ltUICM).
MINNESOTA: Kittson Co., Hallock (4:DEFW); Norman Co., Ada (1:DEFW); Polk Co. , Crookston (3:DEFW); City undet.: Douglas Co. (4:DEFW); Kittson Co. (20:DEFW), Otter Tail (2: DEFW)..
NEVADA: Lincoln Co. , Alamo (1:CASC); White Pine Co., Baker (2:BDUN); City undet. : Washoe Co. (1:B.DUN).
NEW MEXICO: Bernalillo Co., Albuquerque (4:USNM, 1: UCDC); Chaves Co., Pecos Canyon (1:CASC); Dona Ana Co., Las 276
Cruces (1:UCDC); Eddy Co., Artesia (16:USNM) ; McKinney Co., Fort Wingate (1:MCZC); Otero Co., Cloudcroft (4: USNM, 3:SEMC); Sandoval Co. , Jemez Mts. (17:CASC); San Miguel Co. , Las Vegas (4:CASC); Sante Fe Co. , Sante Fe (5:CASC, 1:CISC, 2:EMUS); Valencia Co., Valencia (2:CASC);
City and Co. undet. (5:DEFW, 3:USNM, 3:INHS). NORTH DAKOTA: Bottineau Co., Souris (1:DEFW); Gold en Valley Co., Beach (13:DEFW, 1:USNM), Sentinel Butte (1:USNM); Hettinger Co. , Mott (1:DEFW); Ramsey Co. , Devils Lake (1:CUIC); Ransom Co., Fort Ransom (1:DEFW); Sargent
Co., Forman (1:CISC): Co. undet.: Antler (4:USNM). OREGON: Baker Co., 3aker (1:USNM); Blitzen Valley Co., Harney (1:CASC); Eschutes Co., Redmond (1:BDUN), Steens Mts. (1:0SU0), Crane (17:CASC); Klamath Co. , Kla math Falls (2:UCDC, 1:CASC), Stonebridge (8:0DAC); Lake Co., Hart Mts. (3:0SU0), Summer Lake, 9.6 mi. S (31:0DAC), Warner Mts. (3:CASC); Malheur Co., Junctura (4:0DAC); Marion Co., Salem, 5 mi, W (5:0DAC); Wallowa Co., Bear Creek (1:CASC); Co. undet.: Milford (1:CASC), Stein Mts.
(1:CASC). SOUTH DAKOTA: Brown Co. , Columbia (1:UCDC); Custer Co., Custer (2:CASC); Pennington Co., Wasta (7:SEMC). TEXAS: Jeff Davis Co.^ Davis Mts. (1:0SUC, 2:CASC);
Sherman Co., Stratford (1:0SUC). UTAH: Box Elder Co., Blue Creek (1:EMUS), Park Valley (1:EMUS), Snowville (2:EMUS); Cache Co., Honeyville (2:
DEFW), Lcgan (4:MCZC, 16: EMUS, 5:CASC), Mantua (1:EMUS);
Davis Co., Clearfield (1:0SUC); Duchesne Co., Duchesne
(1:EMUS); Emery Co., Green River (1:EMUS); Garfield Co.,
Panguitch (1:CASC); Iron Co., Parowan C1:CASC); Juab Co.,
Nephi (4:0SUC, 24:CASC, 1:UCDC); Lake Co., Salt Lake City
C1:CASC, 1:EMUS, 11:USNM), Salt Lake Valley (7:MCZC);
Millard Co., Beaver Mts. ClrCUIC, 1:CASC); Morgan Co.,
Morgan (1:0SUC); Rich Co., Garden City (1:EMUS); Sanpete Co., Fairview (1:EMUS), Manti Cl:EMUS); Summit Co., Kamas,
Beaver Creek (25:CASC); Tooele Co., Silver Lake (3:MCZC), Toole (2:EMUS); Utah Co., American Fork (1:MCZC), Aspen
Grove, Timpanogos Mts. (4:CASC), Provo (2:CASC, 1:CISC), Utah Lake (11:USNM); Washington Co., St. George (3:EMUS, 1:0SUC) ; City undet.*: Box Elder Co. (1:0SUC) ; Iron Co.
(11:0SUC); Hillard Co. (6:0SUC); Piute Co. (1:0SUC); Sevier Co. (2:OSUC); Unitah Co. (7:0SUC, 1:UCDC); Utah Co. (1:
OSUC), Washington Co. (1:0SUC); Co. undet.: Kramer (1:UCDC), Thistle (4:0SUC), Vineyard (34:CASC), City and Co. undet. (1:USNM).
WASHINGTON: Jefferson Co., Olympic Mts., Deer Park (4:USNM); Kittitas Co., Ellensburg (5:CASC, 1:USNM); Klickitat Co., White Salmon (1:CASC); Lincoln Co., Sprague (3:USNM); Stevens Co., Northport (1:USNM); Whitman Co.,
Ewan (2:USNM), Pullman (2:USNM); Yakima Co., Yakima (2: USNM); Co. undet.: Soda Springs (1:AMNH). 278
WYOMING: Albany Co., Laramie (4:CISC, 14:ESUW, 2:
USNM); Hot Springs Co., Thermopolis (1:ESUW); Laramie Co., Cheyenne (1:MCZC); Park Co., Cody (9:CASC), Powell (1:
ESUW) ; Platte Co. , Dwyer <1:ESUW); Sheridan Co. , Sheridan
(l:USN!i); Unita Co. , Fort Bridger (4:MCZC); City undet,:
Carbon Co. (1:CUIC); Co. undet.: Easton C2:CASC), Yellow- stone National Park (2:USNM, 1:UCRC, 4:CASC).
Blapstinus pulverulentus Mannerheim (Figs. 50, 61 - 68, 94, 12 4, 162)
Blapstinus pulverulentus Escholtz, 1837. Dej. Cat.,
3:213. (nomen nudum, Mannerheim, 1843:276). Type locality: "California"
Blapstinus pulverulentus Mannerheim, 1843. Bull. Soc. Imp. Nat. Moscou, 16:276-277, Horn, 1870:355; Casey,
1890 :447-448. Type locality: "California"
Blapstinus califomicus Motchulsky, 1845. Bull. Soc. Imp. Nat. Moscou, 18: 77-78. (Junior synonym of ]3. pulveru
lentus , Horn, 1870:355). Type locality: "California" 279
DIAGNOSIS .. Vestiture very short and sparse; integument usually strongly shining; upper lobe of eyes small and separated by four to five and one-half times their maximum diameter, lower lobes small and separated by three to four times their maximum diameter; pronotum coarsely and densely punctate, the punctures not longitudinally confluent; lateral curvature of pronotum feeble, becoming straight in basal half (Fig. 50); elytral interval puncutres usually very coarse, large and confusedly intermingled with the strial punctures; metathoracic wings rudimentary, distinctly less than half abdominal length. Protarsi of male very strongly dilated; parameres of the aedeagus moderate in length, their length equal to twice their basal width (Fig. 9**).
DESCRIPTION
Length 5.3 - 5.5 mm.; oblong-oval; moderately convex; color usually black above, ventral surface, legs and antennae often piceous ; integument strongly shining through out; vestiture very short, sparse and pale yellowish- brown in color.
Head broad and moderately to strongly convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation feeble and broad; upper lobe of eyes small, round and separated by four to five and one-half times their maximum 280 diameter, lower lobes small, oval and separated by three to four times their maximum diameter; antennae becoming
distinctly clubbed apically, third segment slightly longer than segment four but distinctly shorter than segments
four and five combined; punctures large and deep, oval or elongate-oval between the eyes, rounded along the epis-
toma and on top of head, usually very dense. Pronotum subrectangular (Fig. 50); apical angles not prominent, basal angles not prominent, usually form ing right angles, apical curvature moderate to strongly
emarginate in anterior or dorsal view, basal curvature feeble, lateral curvature usually feeble, becoming
straight in basal half, much stronger in apical third; punctures moderate to large in size, coarse, round or
slightly oval, and usually dense, sometimes crowded on the disc but not becoming longitudinally confluent.
Elytra subparallel, broadly rounded at the apex; in-
i. . • - < tervals flat or feebly convex, wide, their widths equal
to four to six times the diameter of a strial puncture, interval punctures moderate to large in size, coarse,
round or oval and usually dense, often crowded basally and confusedly intermingled with the strial punctures;
striae slightly impressed, punctures small to moderate in size, round and usually separated by one or two times
their diameters. 281
Metathoracic wings rudimentary, distinctly less than half the abdominal length.
Abdominal punctures moderate in size, fine or coarse, rounded and sparsely to moderately distributed; impression of fifth visible segment distinct in apical third.
Male. Basal abdominal impression feeble on basal two segments; protarsi very strongly dilated, segments sub equal in width to protibial apex and spongy beneath; meso- tarsi quite moderately dilated and spongy beneath; sub genital stemite feebly or not emarginate at apex; para- meres of the aedeagus moderate in length, their length equal to twice their basal width (Fig. 94). Measurements. Head: width, 1.2 -1.4 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 - 0.20 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.81 - 0.90 mm., dorsal ocular corre lation, 4.3 - 5.4; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.2 3 - 0.2 7 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.83 - 0.90 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.2 - 3.8. Pronotum: apical width, 1.4 - 1.5 mm., basal width, 1.9 - 2.0 mm., lateral length, 1.3 - 1.4 mm., medial length, 1.3 - 1.4 mm. Ely-- tra: width, 2.4 - 3.0 mm.,•length, 3.4 - 3.7 mm.; total length: 5.3 - 5.5 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL I have not examined type material for Blapstinus pul verulentus Mannerheim or 13. californicus Motchulsky, but 2 82 correspondence with Dr. A. Zhelochoustev of Moscow Uni versity, Moscow, U. S. S. R. indicates that the types of
B. pulverulentus and B. californicus are in their museum.
Specimens were sent for detailed comparison.
BIONOMICS
Adults of _B. pulverulentus have been collected dur ing every month except.February, November and December, They were most numerous during April, May and June.
Blapstinus pulverulentus was reported by Reed (19 30) as attacking melons along with B. fortis LeConte during
May. Poison bait was used for control using molasses and vanilla as attractants. I believe this to be a case of incorrect identification. B. pulverulentus does not occur in Texas (see Fig. 162). It was probably confused with B. pratensis LeConte which is common in Texas (see Fig. 1149).
DISTRIBUTION
Far western United States (Fig. 162).
DISCUSSION
Blapstinus pulverulentus is common in central Cali fornia and usually easily identified. Problems with its identification arise from its similarity to 13. discolor Horn rather than from variation of characters. 283 13. pulverulentus is morphologically similar to B. substriatus Champion in some respects but the two are easily separated. Both species have the unusually coarse elytral interval punctures. The metathoracic wings of 3.
f pulverulentus are distinctly less than half the abdominal length while they are distinctly longer than half the abdominal length in B. substriatus. The length of the wings is the quickest way for positive separation but other characters may be used - pronotal shape, punctation, distribution and general form. Distinguishing B. pulverulentus from 3. discolor may be difficult and sometimes involves the use of several characters. The interval punctures are coarse, the inte gument is usually strongly shining and the wings are rudi mentary in pulverulentus. The interval punctures are usually fine, the integument is variable and the wings may be well developed, reduced, or rudimentary in li. discolor,
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (40 7)
CALIFORNIA: Alameda Co., Alameda (4:CASC), Albany: (1:CISC), Berkeley (24:CASC, 11:UCDC, 8:CISC, 3:CUIC, 5: SEMC, 1:3DUN), Hayward (1:CISC), Leona Hts. (18:CASC), Oakland C8-.CASC, 1:CISC) , Palo Alto (3:USNM), Piedmont (1: CASC)j Glenn Co. , Hamilton City (1:USNM); Humbolt Co.,
Green Point Ranch (2:CASC); Linn Co., Scio (2:USNM); Los Angeles Co. , Compton (4:US1JM); Madera Co. , Cold Spring Meadow (2:CASC); Marin Co. , Dipsea (2:CASC), Drake*s
Beach (1:CISC), Muir Woods C*+:CASC), Point Reyes (1:UCDC, 1:USNM), Rendfield Cl:CASC), Tiburon C1:CASC); Mendocino Co., Fort Bragg (H:UCDC), Mendocino (1:UCDC); Monterey Co. Carmel (4:CASC), Pacific Grove Cl:CASC); Sacramento Co.,
Sacramento (1:CASC); San Diego Co., San Diego (6:USNM); San Francisco Co., San Francisco (90:CASC, 6:CUIC, 1:0SUC,
8: USNM), San Francisco, Twin Peaks (2:CASC), Sausalito (12:USNM); San Mateo Co., Kings Mtn. (2:CISC), Salada
Beach (3:CASC), San Mateo (2:CASC); Santa Clara Co., San Jose (1:USMM); Siskiyou Co., Weed C1:0SU0); Trinity Co.,
Carrville (1:CASC); City undet.: Alameda Co. (4:CASC); Humbolt Co. C1:USNM, IrCUIC); Siskiyou Co. (2:CASC); Co. undet.: Ackiah (1:USNM), Asilomar (1:CASC), Fairmont (2: TAMU), Mowhawk (1:CASC), Pt. Lobos (3:USNM), Sisson (17:
CASC), Sylvania (1:CASC);.City and Co. undet. (1:CUIC, 2: OSUO, 4 :MCZC, 6:USNM, 2:INHS).
OREGON: Benton Co. , Corvallis (17.-CASC, 23:USNM, 3: UCDC); Douglas Co., Riddle (1:UCDC), Roseburg (1:0SU0); Jackson Co., Hyatt Lake (5:UCDC), Prospect (1:UCDC), Med ford (4-:CASC, 2 :OSUO, 1:UCDC) , Talent (1:UCDC); Klamath
Co., Klamath Lake (1:0SU0); Lane Co., Eugene (1:CASC); Linn Co., Lacombe (1:0SU0); Polk Co., Independence (6:
OSUO); Yamhill Co., McMinnville (5:0SU0), Yamhill (1:UICM) City undet.: Jackson Co. (8:0SU0); Josephine Co. (2:USNM); 2 85 Yamhill Co. (4:CASC); Co. undet.: Dever (5:USNM), Granger
(1:USNM), Pistol River (1:0SU0), Pacific City (1:UCRC). WASHINGTON: King Co. , Seattle (3:CASC); Yakima Co. ,
Yakima (2:USNM); Co. undet.: Lowdon (1:UICM).
Blapstinus discolor Horn (Figs. 51, 95, 125, 135, 136, 163)
t Blapstinus discolor Horn, 1870. Rev. Tenebre., p. 354.
Type locality: "Visalia, California"
Blapstinus oregonensis Casey, 1890. Ann, New York Acad. Sci., 5:435-436. NEW SYNONYMY
Type locality: "Huntington, Oregon" Blapstinus fuliginosus Casey, 1890. Ibid., p. 438. NEW SYNONYMY
Type locality: "Sacramento, California" Blapstinus rufipes Casey, 1890. Ibid., p. 439. NEW SYNONYMY
Type locality: "San Diego, California"
Blapstinus crassicomis Casey, 1890. Ibid., p. 440-441. NEW SYNONYMY
Type locality: "Reno, Nevada" 286 Blapstinus elongatus Casey, 1890. Ibid., p. 441.
NEW SYNONYMY Type locality: "Lake Co., California"
Blapstinus lepidus Casey, 1890. Ibid., p. 444-445.
NEW SYNONYMY
Type locality: "Texas" Blapstinus aequalis Casey, 1890. Ibid., p. 445-446.
NEW SYNONYMY Type locality: "San Bernardino Co., California" Blapstinus funebris Casey, 1890. Ibid., p. 446-447. NEW SYNONYMY Type locality: "Southern California"
Blapstinus parallelus Casey, 1890. Ibid., p. 448-449. NEW SYNONYMY Type locality: "Santa Cruz Mts., California"
Blapstinus inquisitus Casey, 1890. Ibid., p. 449-450.
NEW SYNONYMY
Type locality: "Nevada Co., California"
DIAGNOSIS Vestiture variable, usually very short and sparsej color variable, usually black or dark reddish-brown above, legs' often bright reddish-brown or orangish-brown; upper lobe of eyes small and separated by approximately three and one-half to five times their maximum diameter, lower lobes small and separated by three to four times their 287 maximum diameter; lateral curvature of the pronotum feeble, becoming straight in basal half, basal angles usually right, apex usually feebly to moderately emarginate in dorsal view (Fig. 51); pronotal punctures dense, not be coming longitudinally confluent; elytral interval and strial punctures usually small and variable in depth and distribution; metathoracic wings well developed, reduced or rudimentary. Protarsi of male usually very strongly dilated, the segments subequal in width to the protibial apex; parameres of the aedeagus variable in length, their length approximately twice their basal width or longer (Fig. 95).
DESCRIPTION
Length 4.1 - 7.0 mm.; moderately convex; color vari able, usually black or reddish-brown or dark wine above, head and pronotum sometimes lighter or darker, legs and ventral surface often lighter, legs often bright reddish- brown or orangish-brown or piceous; integument variable, dull to shining; vestiture variable, usually short, sparse and yellowish-brown in color. Head broad and moderately convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation feeble and broad; upper lobe of eyes small, round and separated by three and one-half to five times their maximum diameter, lower lobes small, oval and separated by three to four 288 times their maximum diameter; antennae gradually enlarg ing apically, third segment longer than segment four but distinctly shorter than segments four and five com bined; punctation variable, punctures small to moderate in size, round or elongate and usually dense, sometimes not as crowded between the eyes.
Pronotum subrectangular (Fig. 51); apical angles not prominent, basal angles not prominent and usually form ing right angles, apical curvature feebly to moderately emarginate in anterior and dorsal view, basal curvature feeble, lateral curvature feeble, becoming straight in basal half, much stronger in apical third; punctures usually coarse, round or oval and dense, although often not as crowded on the disc, punctures not becoming longi tudinally confluent. Elytra usually subparallel, broadly round at apex; intervals feebly or slightly convex, usually wide, their widths equal to approximately four to six times the dia meter of a strial puncture, interval punctures usually fine and sparsely to moderately distributed; striae feebly to moderately impressed, punctures small to moder ate in size, rounded and variably spaced, usually separa ted by one or-two times their diameter,
Metathoracic wings highly variable; well developed, being fully equal to abdominal length; reduced, being one- half as long as abdomen or longer; rudimentary, being less 289 than half the abdominal length. Abdominal punctures variable, usually small to moderate in size, round, fine or coarse and variably dis tributed; impression of fifth visible segment usually
distinct near apex. Male. Basal abdominal impression usually distinct on basal two segments; protarsi very strongly dilated, segments subequal in width to protibial apex or wider, spongy beneath; mesotarsi often distinctly dilated and spongy beneath; subgenital sternite feebly or not emargi- nate at apex; parameres of aedeagus variable in length, their length approximately twice their basal width or
longer (Fig. 95). Measurements. Head: width, 0.9 0 - 1.6 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 - 0.22 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.57 - 1.0 mm., dorsal ocular corre lation, 3.5 - 5.2; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.20 - 0.32 nun., ventral interocular distance, 0.60 - 0.90 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.0 - 3.7. Pronotum: apical width, 1.2 - 1.6 mm., basal width, 1.5 - 2.4 mm., lateral length, 1.0 - 1.5 mm., medial length, 1.1 - 1.6 mm. Ely tra: width, 1.7 - 2.8 mm., length, 2.9 - 4.7 mm.; total length: 4.1 - 7.0 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL Blapstinus discolor Horn: Holotype, female (Horn Collection, ANSP); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Cal," Tag 2, red, "HoloTYPE," Tag 3, white, "B. discolor Horn," Tag 4, white, "loaned by ANSP." Measurements - head: width, 1.5 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.9 3 mm., dorsal ocular
correlation, 4.6; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.27 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.90 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.4; pronotum: apical width, 1.6 mm., basal width, 2.3 mm., lateral length, 1.5 mm., medial length, 1.5 mm.; elytra: width, 2.7 mm., length, 4.7 mm.; total length: 6.4 mm. Specimen is in fair condition, apical
six segments of the left antennae are broken off. The type is typical of the variant Horn was describing. How ever, it is not typical of the species as a whole. The color of the head and pronotum is the character from which the name was derived.
Blapsintus oregonensis Casey: Holotype, male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Or.", Tag 2, white, " Tag 3, white, "CASEY bequest 1925," Tag 4, red, "TYPE USNM 37154," Tag 5, white, "B. oregonensis Casey." Measurements - head: width, 1.2 mm.; eyes: maxi mum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.87 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 5.2; maxi mum ventral lobe diameter, 0.2 3 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.77 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.3; 291 pronotum: apical width, 1.4 mm., basal width, 1.8 mm., lateral length, 1.2 mm., medial length, 1.2 mm.; elytra: width, 2.2 mm., length, 3.3 mm.; total length: 5.3 mm.
Specimen is in good condition, all appendages are present.
This specimen is typical in most of its characters and is of the variant commonly found. It is much more common and more typical of the heterogeneous species than B. discolor. Paratypes, 2 females (Casey Collection, USNM), same locality as type. Blapstinus fuliginosus Casey: Holotype, male (Casey
Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Sacram.,
Calif.", Tag 2, white, " ," Tag 3, white, "CASEY bequest
1925," Tag 4, red, "TYPE USNM 37157," Tag 5, white, "B, fuliginosus Casey." Measurements - head: width, 1.4 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.90 mm., "dorsal ocular correlation, 4.5; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.2 7 mm., ventral in terocular distance, 0.87 mm., ventral ocular correlation,
3.3; pronotum: apical width, 1.6 mm., basal width, 2.1 mm., lateral length, 1.4 mm., medial length, 1.4 mm.; elytra: width, 2.5 mm., length, 4.4 mm.; total length: 6.5 mm. Specimen is in good condition, all appendages present.
Type is example of a very common variation within B. dis color.
Blapstinus rufipes Casey: Lectotype (here designated), male (Casey Collections USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white,
"Cal," Tag 2, white, 11 Tag 3, white, "CASEY bequest
1925," Tag 4, red, "TYPE USNM 37158," Tag 5, white, "B. rufipes Casey," Tag 6, white, "LECTOTYPE B. rufipes BY
J. C. Davis '70." Measurements - head: width, 1.2 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.77 mm., dorsal ocular correlation,
4.6; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., ventral in terocular distance, 0.70 mm., ventral ocular correlation,
3.5; pronotum: apical width, 1.3 mm., basal width, 1.8 mm., lateral length, 1.2 mm., medial length, 1.-2 mm.; elytra: width, 2.1 mm., length, 3.5 mm.; total length: 5.1 mm. Specimen is in good condition. The color is very typical; black above, ventral surface reddish-brown, legs light reddish-brown. Paralectotypes (here designated), 8 (Casey
Collection, USNM), 2 males and 4 females from San Diego,
California, 1 male from Arizona and 1 male from Texas. I believe the latter specimen to have been mislabelled.
Blapstinus crassicornis Casey: Holotype, male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Nev.", Tag 2, white, " ," Tag 3, white, "CASEY bequest 19 25," Tag 4, red, "TYPE USNM 37159," Tag 5, white, "B. crassicornis Casey." Measurements - head: width,.1.3 mm.; eyes: maxi mum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.22 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.90 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 4.2; maxi mum ventral lobe diameter, 0.2 7 mm., ventral interocular 293 distance, 0.8 3 nun., ventral ocular correlation, 3.1; pro notum: apical width, 1.6 mm., basal width, 2.0 mm., lateral length, 1.5 mm., medial length, 1.4 mm.; elytra: width,
2.4 mm., length, 3.8 mm.; total length: 6.0 mm. Specimen is in good condition. Very similar to type specimen of
funebris Casey. Paratypes, 2 females (Casey Collection, USNM), same data as type. Blapstinus elongatus Casey: Lectotype (here desig nated), male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Cal.", Tag 2, white, " ," Tag 3, white, "CASEY bequest 19 25," Tag 4, red, "TYPE USNM 37160," Tag 5, white, "B. elongatus Casey," Tag 6, white, "LECTOTYPE B. elonga tus Casey BY J. C. Davis ’70." Measurements - head: width, 1.3 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.87 mm., dorsal ocular corre lation, 5.2; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.2 3 mm., ven tral interocular distance, 0.87 mm., ventral ocular corre lation, 3.7; pronotum: apical width, 1.5 mm., basal width,
1.9 mm., lateral length, 1.3 mm., medial length, 1.2 mm.; elytra: width, 2.4 nun., length, 4.0 mm.; total length: 5.7 mm. Specimen is in fair condition, apical six seg ments broken off left antenna. Specimen is very similar to B. rufipes and B. crassicornis type specimens. Para- lectotype (here designated), 1 male (Casey Collection, USNM), data same as type. Blapstinus lepidus Casey: Lectotype (here designated) male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white,
"Tex.” , Tag 2, white, "CASEY bequest 19 2 5," Tag 3, red, "TYPE USNM 37163," Tag 4, white, "B. lepidus Casey," Tag 5, white, "LECTOTYPE B. lepidus Casey BY J. C. Davis '70."
Measurements - head: width, 0.9 0 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.60 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.6; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.60 mm., ventral ocular correlation,' 3.0; pronotum: apical width,
1.2 mm., basal width, 1.5 mm., lateral length, 1.0 mm., medial length, 0.80 mm.; elytra: width, 1.7 mm., length, 2.8 mm.; total length: 4.1 mm. Specimen is in good con dition. This specimen is very similar to several other species described by Casey from California (i.e., B. fuli ginosus etc.). I believe that it was mislabelled. Para- lectotype (here designated), 1 male (Casey Collection,
USNM), same data as type. The genitalia of this speci men were dissected out. They are in a plastic vial locat ed beneath the last tag. Blapstinus aequalis Casey: Holotype, male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "S. Bernar dino Co. Cal.", Tag 2, white, "CASEY bequest 1925," Tag 3, red, "TYPE USNM 37164," Tag 4, white, "B. aequalis Casey
Measurements - head: width, 1.2 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., dorsal interocular space, 0.70 mm. 295 dorsal ocular correlation, 3.5; maximum ventral lobe dia meter, 0.23 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.67 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.9; pronotum: apical width,
1.3 mm., basal width, 1.8 mm., lateral length, 1.1 mm., medial length, 1.1 mm.; elytra: width, 2.0 mm., length,
3.3 mm.; total length: 5.0 mm. Specimen is in fair con dition . Blapstinus funebris Casey: Lectotype (here desig nated), female (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "So. Cal," Tag 2, white, "CASEY bequest 1925,"
Tag 3, red, "TYPE USNM 3 716 5," Tag 4, white, B. funebris Casey," Tag 5, white, "LECTOTYPE B. funebris Casey BY J. C. Davis f70." Measurements - head: width, 1.6 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 1.0 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 5.2; maxi mum ventral lobe diameter, 0.32 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.9 7 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.1; pro notum: apical width, 1.8 mm., basal width, 2.4 mm., later al length, 1.5 mm., medial length, 1.6 mm.; elytra: width, 2.8 mm., length, 4.7 mm.; total length: 7.0 mm. Specimen is in poor condition, apical eight segments broken off left antenna, left protarsus absent, apical two segments gone from left metatarsus, right metatarsus absent. Speci men is very similar to B. crassicornis and B. oregonensis. Paralectotype (here designated), 1, female (Casey Collec tion, USNM), data same as type. Blapstinus parallelus Casey: Lectotype (here desig nated), male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Sta. Cruz. Mts. Calif.", Tag 2, white, "CASEY bequest 192 5," Tag 3, red, "parallelus 3 PARATYPE USNM 3716 6 ," Tag 4, white, "LECTOTYPE B. parallelus Casey BY
J. C. Davis '70." Measurements - head: width, 1.4 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.97 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 4.8; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.27 mm., ventral in terocular distance, 0.87 mm., ventral ocular correlation,
3.3; pronotum: apical width, 1.6 mm., basal width, 2.1 mm., lateral length, 1.2 mm., medial length, 1.3 mm.; elytra: width, 2.4 mm., length, 3.9 mm.; total length: 5.6 mm. Specimen is in good condition. Paralectotypes (here designated), 4, 2 males and 2 females (Casey Collection,
USNM), same data as type. Blapstinus inquisitus Casey: Holotype, male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Cal.", Tag 2, white, " Tag 3, white, "CASEY bequest 1925," Tag 4, red, "TYPE USNM 37167," Tag 5, white, "B. inquisitus
Casey." Measurements - head: width, 1.2 mm.; eyes: maxi mum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.83 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 5.0; maxi mum ventral lobe diameter, 0.23 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.77 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.3; pro notum: apical width, 1.4 mm., basal width, 1.8 mm., lateral 297 length, 1.2 mm., medial length, 1.2 mm.; elytra: width,
2.1 mm., length, 3.4 mm.; total length: 5.1 mm. Specimen is in good condition. Paratypes, 2 females (Casey Collection, USNM), same data as type.
BIONOMICS
Adults have been collected year round. They were most numerous during March through August, especially during April and May.
Lockwood (1929) reported that larvae and adults of
B. fuliginosus Casey were found in tomatoes near Sacra mento, California, during May. Many of the tomato plants had been girdled. Simmons et. al. (19 31) cited B. fuli ginosus , along with other insects , as being pests of fig orchards in California. Lockwood (19 31) reported B. fuli ginosus on tomatoes in May, in California. Donohoe (19 35) cited adults of B. rufipes Casey as doing considerable damage to Calimyra figs near Fresno, California during the early part of the harvest. The first picking (late August and early September) was heavily infested. Damage was done by general surface feeding. Barnes and Fisher (19 36) reported having observed the migration of adults of both sexes of B. rufipes by flight as well as crawling.
They reported that this was their first observation of the flight of this species. I would like to have observed this flight in that the metathoracic wings of B. rufipes 298 are rudimentary and could not support flight.’ Apparently the species was identified incorrectly. It was probably
13. fuliginosus Casey. Fisher (1941) reported B. rufipes attacking peaches and figs in Fresno, California. Barnes
(1941) reported B. rufipes feeding on excelsior pads dis carded by peach pickers in Fresno, California. Several hundred beetles were found on each pad. Mackie (1942) reported B. fuliginosus attacking tomatoes and asparagus. Data recorded from specimens examined reveal the following information:'found in fig orchards, on grapes, feeding on fig leaves, on dried fruit and on persimmons in Fresno, California; feeding on sugar beets and beans in Oxnard, California; found on peppers, Garden Grove,
California; in beet fields, Huntington Beach, California; found on first crops of mission figs, Red Mtn., Califor nia; attacking strawberries, Oceanside, California and
Lexington, Oregon; killing tomatoes, Talent, Oregon and injuring young tomato plants, Central Point, Oregon. These beetles have been collected by sweeping, under logs, under cow chips, under boards, on screens, in flood debris, in ground traps and at light.
DISTRIBUTION
Widespread, far western United States (Fig. 16 3).
DISCUSSION
It is unfortunate that the name, Blapstinus discolor 299 Horn, be applied to this species. The name implies a character that is relatively rare among members of the species. The character is that of coloration. Horn, in describing B. discolor, was actually describing a variant. The unique specimen before him had the head, pronotum and legs a bright reddish-brown and the elytra was black. This unusual color combination is reflected in the name Horn chose to describe it, B. discolor. I have observed this color combination, with gradients, in several series. Casey (1890) was so confused by this coloration that he speculated that Horn had placed the species (B. dis color) in the wrong genus. With regard to B . discolor Casey writes: "I have not seen the unique type of this species, but from the description it would appear as if it were not correctly placed in Blapstinus. Its coloration is absolutely foreign to this genus, although quite common in the apterous genera allied to Conibius; its glabrous surface is also a very exceptional character especially among the Californian species of Blapstinus. It is probable that discolor is apterous, and that it will prove to be a member either of Conibius or of an allied genus." Casey then proceeded to apply ten different names to B. discolor, each of them usually applying to a variant form (synonymized herein). CaseyTs remarks about B. discolor being apterous are erroneous. The wings are about three- fourths the abdominal length in the particular form to which Casey was referring. The proposed synonymy is based upon variation observed 300 in the examination of extensive material which includes several large series. Significant variation has been observed in all of the characters Casey used in separating the previously described eleven species. Space does not permit a detailed list of observations made but some remarks must be made regarding a character that Casey relied upon heavily. This character is that of wing length. Most of Casey's species were described from only one or a few specimens. This limited material did not enable him to see the variation that exists in these struc tures. I doubt that the lack of specimens excused Col. Casey from looking at the material he had before him. For example, Casey described the species B. aequalis , B . lepidus and B. funebris and writes: "In the case of aequalis , lepidus and funebris, no dissection has been made to determine the form of the wings, but as the elytra are subconnate, and the characters indicate them to be close homologues of pul- verulentus, I think that the position here assigned will prove correct (couplet 13: wings very rudimentary, distinctly less than one- half as long as the elytra)." The wings of the above species are not as Casey speculated. Variation in the length of the wings has been observed in several different populations that represent several of Casey's species (Figs. 135, 136).
I have observed variation of other characters, such as: density of pronotal punctation, size and spacing of elytral strial punctures, abdominal punctation etc. The only logical conclusion, based on morphological examina
tions of hundreds of specimens, is that only one hetero
geneous species exists, B. discolor. The similarity of
B. discolor and B. pulverulentus has been discussed (see page 2 83).
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (1,4 33) CALIFORNIA: Alameda Co., Alameda (6:CASC, 1:CISC), Albany (1:CISC), Altamont (4:USNM), Leona Hts. (4:CASC), Oakland (2:CISC), Pleasanton (1:CISC), Sunol (1:CISC, 3: CUIC) ; Amador Co., Mokelumne (1:USNM); Butte Co., Chico (1:CASC), Oroville (2:UCDC), Paradise (2:UCDC), Yankee Hill (1:CASC); Colusa Co., Colusa (1:UCDC); Contra Costa
Co., Antioch (5:CISC, 1:CASC), Berkeley (48:CUIC, 3:CASC), Oakley (1:CNCI), Penhlle Creek (1:UCDC), Vine Hill (5:
CASC), Walnut Creek (2:CISC); El Dorado Co., Camino, 5 mi.
S (1:CISC), Pollock Pines (1:UCDC), Snowline Camp (1:CISC) Fresno Co., Coalingua (2:CNCI), Huron (2:UCDC), Fresno (24:USNM) Kings River (6:CASC), Oxalis (1:CISC), Rollinda
(1:CISC), Westhaven (3:MCZC, 1:CASC); Glenn Co. , Hamilton City (4:USNM); Goleta C o ., Santa Barbara (3:UCDC, 5:CUIC, 57:CASC); Humbolt Co., Eureka (1:CISC); Imperial Co., Calipatria (1:SEMC), Heber (1:0SU0); Inyo Co., Argus Mts. (1:CISC), Bishop (1:UCDC), Big Pine (5:UCDC), Lone Pine (1:CISC); Kern Co., Antelope Valley, 7 mi. W (2:CASC),
Arvin (5:CISC), Bakersfield (1:CISC, 16:CASC) , Caliente (3:CASC.>, Isabella (1:CASC, 3:MCZC, 5:CNCI), Lamont (1: UCDC) , Lost Hills (1:UCDC), McKittrick (1:CASC), Oil City
(1:CASC), Rosedale (20:USNM), Shatter (25:CISC), Tehachapi
(4:CASC), Walker Pass (2:CASC); Lake Co., Finley (1:UCDC) ,
Lower Lake (6:CASC), Upper Lake (1:CASC); Los Angeles Co.,
Alhambra (2:CUIC), Avalon (1:USNM), Chatsworth (1:USNM), Compton (24:0SU0), Hawthorne (2:USNM), La Puente (1:CASC), Long Beach C2:CASC), Los Angeles (1:UCDC), Oxnard (18: USNM, 4: CUIC, 2: CASC, 2:0SU0), Pasadena (5:CASC, l.-CUIC, 4:MCZC), Pomona (4:CNCI), Redondo Beach (1:CASC), Santa Monica (1:SEMC, 4:CASC, 1:CNCI), Simi (1:USNM); Madera Co., Madera (11:CISC, 1:UCDC, 1:USNM), O'Neals (1:UCDC); Marin Co., Fairfax (1:CASC), Kentfield (2:CASC), Reyes Pt. (1:UCDC), San Anselmo (2:CISC), Taylorville (3:CUIC);
Mendocino Co. , Laytonville (1:UCDC) , Mendocina (1:UCDC),
Ukiah (1:CNCI), Willitis (l;CNCI)j Merced Co., Gustine
(3:CISC), Los Banos (1:CASC); Monterey Co., Bryson (1:
CASC), Carmel (2:CASC), Salinas (1:UCDC, 1:CISC); Napa Co., Napa (2:CISC), St. Helena Mtn. (4:CASC); Nevada Co., Bear Valley (1:UCDC); Orange Co. , Garden Grove (2:USNM,. 1:CASC, 8:0SU0), Huntington Beach (1:0SU0), Irvin, 5 mi. W (1:UCDC), Laguna Beach (1:MCZC), Santa Ana (1:UCDC); Placer Co., Colfax C1:UCDC), Dutch Flat (4:CASC), Lincoln
(3:UCDC), Placer (1:UCDC); Riverside Co., Riverside (2: CUIC), San Jacinto (1:SEMC); Sacramento Co., Elk Grove 303 (4:UCDC), Grand Island (1:CASC), Michigan Bar (1:CASC),
Sacramento (32:CASC, 3 :.UCDC, 9 :USNM), Sycamore (3:CASC);
San Bernardino Co., Chino Canyon (1:SEMC), Red Mtn. (7: USNM), Ruck Camp, Lake Arrowhead, 2 mi. S (2:UCDC); Santa Cruz Co., Watsonville (1:UCDC, 8:CASC); San Diego Co., Voulevard, 5 mi. NE (2:CISC), Camp Pendleton, South Gate (2:UCDC), Coronado Beach (2:CASC), Julian (1:MCZC), Mason
Valley (1:DEFW), Oceanside (3:0SU0), San Diego (1:USNM, 1:
SMEC, 7 :CASC, 1:UCDC, 1:CUIC, 3:MCZC, 1:0SU0), San Felipe Valley (1:CISC); San Joaquin Co.,Idyllwild (1:CISC) Locke-
ford (1:UCDC) , Lodi (2:UCDC, 2:CASC, 1:0SU0), Stockton (44:CISC, 11:CASC), Tracy (7:CISC), Victor (1:UCDC); San
Mateo Co., Half Moon Bay (3:UCDC), Redwood .City (16:CASC,
5:UCDC), Woodside (5:CASC); Santa Barbara Co., Carpenteria (1:CASC), Cuyama River (1:CASC), East Palo Alto (16:CASC), Morgan Hill (1:CISC), Palo Alto (2:USNM, 1:CISC), San Jose
(4:0SU0, 1:UCDC); San Luis Obispo Co., Creston, 4 mi. SW (1:CISC) , Paso Robles (2:CASC), San Luis Obispo (8:CASC); Shasta Co., Cayton (2:CASC), Lake Briton (1:CISC); Siski you Co., Dunsmuir (1:USNM), Weed (1:0SU0); Solano Co., Putah Canyon (3:UCDC, 1:CASC), Rio Vista (2:CISC), Suison (7:UCDC), Vacaville (21:UCDC), Winters (1:SEMC); Sonoma Co.,
Duncan Mills (5:CASC), Guernville (1;CASC), Healdsburg
(1:UCDC); Stanislaus Co., Newman (4;UCDC); Sutter Co.,
Nicolaus (5:UCDC); Tehama Co., Vina (1;CISC); Tulare Co., El Mirador (11:CASC), Lemon Cove (1:CISC), Sequoia National Park (3:UCDC); Toulumne Co., Chipmunk Flat (1;UCDC)S Mather
(1:UCDC); Ventura Co., Ojai Valley (1:0SU0), Santa Paula
(15:0SU0, 1:CISC, 1:CASC); Yolo Co., Capay (1:CASC), Clarksburg (7:CISC), Davis (221:UCDC, 2:CISC, 1:0SU0),
Dunningan, 1 mi. N (1:UCDC), Elkhorn Ferry (1:UCDC), Es parto (1:UCDC), Rumsey (1:UCDC), Woodland (4:UCDC, 1:CASC,
2:0SU0); Yuba Co. , Marysville (1:UCDC), Yuba City (1:USNM,
1:UCDC); City undet.: Lake Co. (2:CASC); Los Angeles Co. (2:USNM, 6 :CASC); Merced Co. (3:CUIC, 3:CASC); Sutter Co.
(21:CASC); Tulare Co. (l:CASC)j Yolo Co . (1;UCDC, 1:CASC); Co. undet.: Ackiah (1:TAMU, 2:CNCI), Fallen Leaf Lake (1: USNM), Fort Tejon (11:CNCI), Freeport (1:CISC), Garden City (1:USNM), Herndon Cl4:CNCI), Lake Mtn. (6:CASC), M t . Diablo (6:UCDC, 7:CASC), Naples Cl:CASC) , Nile Canyon (2: CASC), Oxnard (U5:CASC), Ryer Island (5:UCDC), Santa Cruz
Island (37:CASC), Sheldon Cl:UCDC), Spreckels (1:0SU0), Talbert (7:TAI-IU), Vernalis. Cl :CISC) , Warners C5:CASC, 4: MCZC, 4:SEMC); City and Co. undet.: (3:CISC, 6:USNM, 3:
SEMC, 2 :CUIC, 17:MCZC, 25:DEFW). IDAHO: Caldwell Co., Caldwell (1:UICM); Canyon Co.,
Parma (1:UICM); Elmore Co., Glens Ferry (1;UICM), Hot Springs (1:UICM); Gooding Cl:UICM); Nezperce Co., Lewiston (4:UICM); Twin Falls Co., Hollister C5;USNM)j Co. undet.;
Berger C5:UICM). NEVADA: Eureka Co., Battle Mtn. (1:MCZC); Humbolt Co., Winnemucca (2:UCDC); V7ashoe Co., Patrick (1:UCDC), Pyramid 305 Lake (1:BDUN), Reno (4:SEMC, 2 :MCZC)j City undet.: Clark Co. (4;0SU0); Esmeraldo Co. (3:CUIC, 1:SEMC); Co. undet.: Lovelock (50:CASC). N OREGON: Benton Co., Corvallis (1:UCDC); Jackson Co., Colestine (4:0SU0), Talent (10 :0SU0) ; Josephine Co., Cave
City (1:0SU0); Klamath Co., Klamath Falls (3:0SU0); Medford
Co., Applegate, 3 m i . SW (1:0SU0), Central Point (2:0SU0); Morrow Co., Lexington (1:0SU0); Umatilla Co. ,, (2:OSUO);
City and Co. undet. (3:DEFW).
UTAH: Box Elder Co., Snowville (2:UCDC); Cache Co.,
Providence (1:UCDC). WASHINGTON: Whitman Co . , Almota (1:CASC).
CANADA: British Columbia, Osoyoos (4:CNCI).
Blapstinus pimalis Casey (Figs. 52, 96, 126, 164)
Blapstinus pimalis Casey, 18 84. Contri. Descr. and Syst.
Col. N. Amer., 2:185.
Type locality: "Arizona" Blapstinus umbrosus Champion, 1885. Biol. Centr. -* Amer.,
4:127. (Jr. synonym of B.' pimalis, Champion, 1885:527).
Type locality: "N. Sonora, Mexico" 306 Blapstinus niger Casey, 1890. Ann. New York Acad, Sci., 5:436-437. NEW SYNONYMY
Type locality: "Peach Springs, Arizona"
Blapstinus cribricollis Casey, 189 0. Ann. New York Acad. Sci., 5:437-438. NEW SYNONYMY
Type locality: "Arizona"
DIAGNOSIS
Integument usually granulate, especially the elytral intervals (Pig. 126); upper lobe of eyes small.and separa ted by four and one-half to five times their maximum dia meter, lower lobes small and separated by approximately three and one-half to four times their maximum diameter; apex of pronotum usually truncate in dorsal view, lateral curvature usually even from base to apex, punctures crowded, sometimes tending to coalesce longitudinally (Fig. 52); elytral intervals usually distinctly granulate and wide, their widths equal to five to seven times the diameter of a strial puncture; metathoracic wings variable, reduced or rudimentary; parameres of aedeagus moderate in length, their length twice their basal width (Fig. 96).
DESCRIPTION
Length 4.4 - 6.1 mm.; oblong-oval; usually strongly convex; color usually black above, sometimes with head and pronotum black, elytra and ventral surface a dark wine or 307 piceous, legs often reddish; integument usually dull or
alutaceous and granulate; vestiture usually very short and sparse, sometimes a bright yellowish-brown color.
Head moderately convex; facial angles not prominent,
evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation feeble and usually very broad; upper lobe of eyes small, rounded and sepa rated by four and one-half to five times their maximum diameter, lower lobes small, oval or elongate-oval and separated by approximately three and one-half to four times their maximum diameter; antennae becoming distinctly clubbed distally, third segment much longer than segment four, but shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures moderate in size, round, oval or polygonal, very dense and usually not much larger between the eyes. Pronotum subrectangular and usually strongly convex (Fig. 52); apical angles very indistinct, basal angles usually broadly rounded, apex moderately emarginate in anterior view, subtruncate in dorsal view, basal curva ture moderate, lateral curvature usually evenly curved from base to apex; punctures small to moderate in size, round, oval or elongate, very densely distributed and sometimes longitudinally confluent. Elytra very obtusely rounded apically; intervals flat or feebly convex, often strongly granulate giving surface a very rough appearance, intervals wide, their widths equal 308 to approximately five to seven times the diameter of a strial puncture, interval punctures usually very fine; striae feebly impressed, punctures small, round and usually separated by one to three times their diameter.
Metathoracic wings reduced or rudimentary, usually approximately two-thirds the abdominal length or distinct ly less than half the abdominal length. Abdominal punctures fine or coarse, usually sparse-; impression of the fifth visible segment slight and usually indistinct.
Male. Basal abdominal impression feeble; protarsal dilation variable, slight to moderately dilated, usually spongy beneath; mesotarsi usually not dilated; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate; parameres of the aedeagus moderate in length, their length equal to twice their basal width (Fig. 96).
Measurements. Head: width, 1.1 - 1.4 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.15 - 0.19 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.73 - 0.90 mm., dorsal ocular corre lation, 4.5 - 4.9; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.18 - 0.2 7 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.70 - 0,8 7 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.3 - 4.5. Pronotum: apical width, 1.3 - 1.6 mm., basal width, 1.6 - 2.1 mm,, lateral length, 1.0 - 1.2 mm., medial length, 1.0 - 1.3 mm. Ely tra: width, 2.0 - 2.5 mm., length, 2.9 - 4.1 mm.; total length: 4.4 - 6.1 mm. 309 TYPE MATERIAL
Blapstinus pimalis Casey: Lectotype (here designated), male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white,
"Ari.", Tag 2, white, ’’CASEY bequest 19 25 ,” Tag 3, red,
"TYPE USNM 37173," Tag 4, white, "B. pimalis Casey," Tag
5, white, "LECTOTYPE B. pimalis Casey BY J. C. Davis ’70." Measurements - head: width, 1.1 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.75 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 4.5; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.18 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.7 3 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 4.0; pronotum: apical width,
1.3 mm., basal width, 1.7 mm., lateral length, 1.1 mm., medial length, 1.1 mm.; elytra: width, 2.1 mm., length, 3.2 mm.; total length: 4.7 mm. Specimen is in fair condi tion, left metatarsus is missing. Fairly typical of the species; protarsus very feebly dilated, head and pronotum black with elytra and beneath piceous. Paralectotypes
(here designated), 3 males (Casey Collection, USNM), same data as type. Blapstinus umbrosus Champion: Lectotype (here desig nated) , probably male (Morrison Collection, BMNH); Label Data - Tag 1, bluish-green, "SYNTYPE,” Tag 2, red, "Type," Tag 3, white, "N. Sonora, Mexico, Morrison.", Tag 4, white, "Godman-Salvin Coll. Biol. Centr. - Amer.", Tag 5, white, "Blapstinus umbrosus, C h ," Tag 6, white, "Blapstinus 310 pimalis, Cas.", Tag 7, white, "LECTOTYPE B. umbrosus
Champion BY J. C. Davis '7 0.'' Measurements - head; width, 1.1 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.17 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.80 mm., dorsal ocular corre lation, 4.8; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.20 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.7 3 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.65; pronotum: apical width, 1.3 mm., basal width, 1.7 mm., lateral length, 1.1 mm., medial length, 1.15 mm.; elytra: width, 2.1 mm., length, 3.2 mm.; total length: 4.7 mm. Specimen is in excellent condition and is very similar to type and paratypes of B. pimalis. Fara- lectotypes (here designated), 6, sex undet. (Morrison Collection, BMNH), same data as type. Blapstinus niger Casey: Lectotype (here designated), male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Ari.", Tag 2, "CASEY bequest .19 25 ," Tag 3, red, "TYPE USNM 37155," Tag 4, white, "B. niger Casey," Tag 5, white, "LECTOTYPE B. niger Casey BY J. C. Davis '70." Measurements - head: width, 1.1 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.15 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.73 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 4.9; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.22 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.77 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.3; pronotum; apical width, 1.25 mm., basal width, 1.6 mm., lateral length., 1.0 mm., medial length, 1.0 mm.; elytra: width, 2.0 mm., length, 311 3.3 mm.j total length: 5.0 mm. Specimen is in fair con dition, both antennae are broken off. Paralectotypes
(here designated), 6, 4 males and 2 females (Casey Collec tion, USNM), same data as type. These paralectotypes are very similar to the paralectotypes of B. pimalis.
Blapstinus cribricollis Casey: Holotype, male (Casey Collection, USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "Ariz.", Tag 2, white, " ," Tag 3, white, "CASEY bequest 19 25," Tag 4, red, "TYPE USNM 3 7156," Tag 5, white, "B. cribri collis Casey." Measurements - head: width, 1.4 mm,; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.18 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.9 0 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 4.9; maxi mum ventral lobe diameter, 0.27 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.87 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 3.3; pro notum: apical width, 1.6 mm., basal width, 2.1 mm., lateral length, 1.2 mm., medial length, 1.3 mm.; elytra: width,
2.5 mm., length, 4.1 mm.; total length: 6.1 mm. Specimen is in fair condition, apical seven segments of left anten nae are absent. Specimen is very similar to type speci mens of B. pimalis and B. niger.
BIONOMICS Adults of B. pimalis have been collected during every month of the year. They were most numerous during
April, June, July, August and September.
Morrill (1915) cites the tenebrionid, B. pimalis, 312 previously unknown as a pest, as occurring on many vege tables in Arizona, showing a preference for cabbage. He speculated that the beetles could be controlled by using poisoned bait consisting of chopped cabbage and Paris green since the beetles occur just below the surface of the soil. Vorhies (1919) reported that a beetle, pre viously classified as B. pimalis Casey, destroyed cotton plants on the Mesa Experiment Farm, Arizona, by feeding just below the surface of the soil on the seedlings as they emerged from the ground. The plot was so badly damaged that replanting was required. The plot had been fertilized with cottonseed meal, and as the beetle fed so readily on crushed cotton seeds and lint, it appeared to
Vorhies that the beetles had been attracted to the fields by the fertilizer. I cannot substantiate B. pimalis as the beetle involved. It could possibly have been B. his- tricus Casey which is known to be a pest of cotton. B. pimalis has also been reported on Lupinus in Leeds, Utah.
DISTRIBUTION Widespread, southwestern United States (Fig. 164),
DISCUSSION Blapstinus pimalis is a variable species and often difficult to identify. The variation is significant to warrant repeating. Most variation is chiefly in the dilation of the protarsi of the male, pronotal punctation, 313 elytral strial punctation and form of the metathoracic wings. As in several species of Blapstinus, the dilation
of the protarsi of the male is variable and very diffi cult to determine. The pronotal punctures are usually very dense, elongate and often tend to coalesce longi
tudinally. The elytral strial punctures sometimes show considerable variation in depth and spacing. They are often fine and difficult to see. The wing,length shows
considerable variation as I have observed by the dis section . Blapstinus pimalis is morphologically similar to B. discolor Horn. The two species show variation in some of the same characters (pronotal punctation, elytral strial punctation and wing length) and are therefore sometimes difficult to separate. In B. pimalis, the lateral curva ture of the pronotum is often strong and even and the apex is usually truncate in dorsal view (Fig. 52), the pronotal punctures tend to coalesce longitudinally, the elytral intervals are usually granulate and the abdomen is usually very coarsely punctate. In B. discolor, the lateral curvature of the pronotum is usually feeble and straight toward the base (Fig. 51), the pronotal punctures do not tend to coalesce longitudinally, the intervals are usually not granulate and the abdominal punctures are variable.
\ 314
Apparently variation in several of the above men
tioned characters was responsible for Casey describing
B. niger and B. cribricollis from Arizona. Indeed it
requires detailed examination and some imagination to distinguish the paratypes of B. niger from B. pimalis.
As stated previously, B. cribricollis is represented by a unique type which is very similar to B. pimalis. It is difficult to understand how Casey described B, pimalis, B. niger and B. cribricollis without even stating that
they were similar. Instead, he compares each of them to other species, some of which do not appear to be
remotely similar to either of the three.
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (458) ARIZONA: Apache Co., Lupton (8:CASC); Cochise Co. ,
Benson, 5 mi. E (3:CASC), Chiricahua Mts. (1:0SUC), Douglas (1:CISC), Huachuca (1:CASC); Coconino Co., Flag
staff (ItCASC), Grand Canyon (1:CISC), Williams (2:USNM); Gila Co. , Globe (4:UCRC, 2:CASC, 1:UCDC); Graham Co., Fort Grant (11:USNM); Maricopa Co., Buckeye (1:CISC), Phoenix (3:MCZC); Mohave Co., Peach Springs (4:MCZC); NaVajo Co., Clay Springs (53:CASC), Joseph City (1:CASC); Pima Co., Santa Catalina Mts. (1;CASC); Pinal' Co., High Tablelands, E. of Superior C32:CASC); Santa Cruz Co.,
Nogales (2:CASC), Patagonia (5:CASC), Sonoita (1:UCRC); Yavapai Co., Prescott (6:MCZC, 3:CASC); Yuma Co., Yuma 315 (2:INHS); Co. undet.: Bright Angel (1:CASC), Morrison (2:
USNM), Riverside (1:USNM), Santa Rita Mts. (31:USNM); City and Co. undet. (5:MCZC, 1:INHS).
CALIFORNIA: Alameda Co., Alameda Cl:INHS); Imperial Co., Laguna (1:MCZC); Kern Co., Tehachapi (1:CASC), Walker Pass (5:CASC); Los Angeles Co., Eurbank (2:INHS), Los Angeles (2:MCZC), Pasadena (2:MCZC), Santa Monica (1:MCZC, 4:INHS), Seal Beach (1:UCRC), Wilmington (1:USNM); Monterey
Co., Carmel (1:CASC); Nevada Co., Truckee (6:CASC); San Bernardino Co. Chino (1:USNM), Colton (3:UCRC, 1:INHS), San Bernardino (5:INHS); San Diego Co., Borrego Springs (6:
UCRC), Mason Valley (1:CASC), San Diego (4:INHS, 1:MCZC, 1:USNM); San Joaquin Co., Manteca C1:CASC); San Luis Obispo Co., San Luis Obispo Cl:CASC); San Mateo Co., Corte Madera
Creek Cl:CASC); Santa Clara Co., East Palo Alto (1:CASC), Los Gatos (1:USNM), Morgan Hill (1:CASC); Sonoma Co., (4: CASC); Mono Co. , (1:CASC, 2:SEMC); Co. undet.: Little Rock (1:UCRC), Stanford Univ. (1:CASC), Warner Ht. Springs (2: UCRC); City and Co. undet. (8:INHS, 1:MCZC, 1:USNM). COLORADO: Fremont Co., Florence (9:USNM); Gunnison Co., Gunnison Cl:CASC); La Plata Co., Durango (2:USNM); Park Co., South Park City (1:USNM).
NEYADA; Elko Co., Ruby Mts. CljUSNM); Esmeralda Co., Goldfield (3:CASC);' Nye Co., Tonopah C2:CASC); Washoe Co.,
Patrick Cl:UCDC); White Pine Co., Charcoal Ovens State Park Cl :UCDC) ; City undet.: Esmeralda Co. (3:SEMC, 4:CASC). NEW MEXICO: Bernalillo Co., Albuquerque (7;USNM);
Grant Co., Silver City (1:USNM); Luna Co., Deming (1:USNM);
Santa Fe Co. , Santa Fe (9:USNM, 8: CASC); Torrence Co.,
Palma, 3 mi. W (2:0SUC).
TEXAS: Brewster Co., Alpine Cl:CASC), Alpine, 2 0 mi.
S (1:CASC); Co. undet.: Comstock (1:0SUC). UTAH: Beaver Co., Beaver Valley (2:CUIC); Cache Co.,
Logan (10:EMUS), Providence (1:EMUC); Duchesne Co., Kings Station (1:CASC); Grand Co., Moab (1:EMUS); Salt Lake Co., Kearns (3:0SUC), Magna (6:EMUS), Park City (1:USNM), Salt Lake (8:USNM), Salt Lake City (H:USNM); San Juan Co.,
Monticello (1:0SUC); Tooele Co ., Skull Valley Mt. (2:0SUC),
Silver Lake (4:USNM, 1:CASC); Utah Co. , American Fork (1; USNM); Piute Co., Marysvale (56:USNM, 4:CASC), Springville
(1:EMUS); Uintah Co., Vernal (1:EMUS); Wasatch Co., Wasatch Cl:USNM); Washington Co., Beaver Dam (1:EMUS), Hurricane
(2:EMUS), Leeds (1:EMUS), St. George (2:USNM), Zion Canyon
Rt. 15, 2 mi. S (3:CASC), Zion National Park (1:UCDC); City undet.: Salt Lake Co. <1:0SUC, 1:CASC); Uintah Co. Cl:0SUC)
Co. undet.: City Can (1:USNM), Granite (1:EMUS), Mill Creek Cl:USNM), Pintura Canyon (1:CASC, 1:EMUS), Promontory Cl:EMUS). 317
Blapstinus oculonotus Mew Species (Figs. 53, 97, 127, 155)
Type locality: "Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Ajo Mts., Arch Canyon, Pima, Co., Arizona"
DIAGNOSIS
Subdepressed and parallel-sided; integument dull; vestiture very short; epistomal sinuation feeble and broad; upper lobe of eyes large, round and separated by three to three and one-half times their maximum diameter, lower lobes large, elongate-oval and separated by approximately three times their maximum diameter; pronotum subquadrate, appearing elongate, apical angles prominent, apical and basal widths subequal, lateral curvature feeble, usually widest in apical half (Fig. 53); elytral strial punctures small, round and separated by their diameters or more, intervals wide, their widths equal to three to five times the diameter of a strial puncture; metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen. Male subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at the apex; parameres of the aedeagus moderate in length, their length twice their basal width (Fig. 97).
DESCRIPTION
Length 5.4 - 6.5 mm.; elongate-oval; subdepressed; color variable, black or very dark reddish-brown, often 318 with the head and pronotum lighter than elytra, legs and ventral surface often a dark reddish-black; integument usually quite dull; vestiture very short and inconspicuous, sparse and orange-brown in color. Head broad and moderately convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation feeble and broad; upper lobe of eyes large, round, sometimes bulging, coarsely faceted, deeply placed and separated by three to three and one-half times their maximum diameter, lower lobes large, elongate-oval and separated by approximately three times their maximum diameter; antennae gradually enlarging from base to apex, third segment elongate, much longer than segment four but distinctly shorter than seg ments four and five combined; punctures round on top of head and along the epistoma, becoming elongate and sparse between the eyes, smaller and crowded apically. Pronotum subquadrate, appearing elongate (Fig. 53); apical and basal widths subequal, apical angles prominent but narrowly rounded, basal angles usually about ninety degrees and not at all prominent, apical curvature strongly
t emarginate in anterior and dorsal view, basal curvature slight to moderate, lateral curvature feeble from base to apex, usually broadest in apical half and becoming gub- parallel in basal half; punctures moderate in depth and size, often dense, sometimes more so laterally.
t 319 Elytra subparallel and elongate; intervals flat or very slightly convex, wide, their widths equal to approxi mately three to five times the diameter of a strial puncture, interval punctures very small, round and moder- - ately distributed; striae slightly to moderately impressed, punctures small, round, moderate in depth and usually separated by their diameters or more, usually more closely placed toward the suture.
Metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen.
Abdominal punctures moderate in size, round and not as dense in the basal segments; impression of fifth visible sternite usually strong in apical half. Male. Basal abdominal impression slight on basal two segments; protarsi moderately dilated; mesotarsi not noticeably dilated; subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex, parameres of the aedeagus moderate in length, their length equal to twice their basal width
(Fig. 97). Measurements. Head: width, 1.2 - 1.4 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.23 - 0.27 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.77 - 0.87 mm,, dorsal ocular corre lation, 3.0 - 3.7; maximum ventral lobe diametei’, 0.27 -
0.30 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.77 - 0.87 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.9 - 3.3. Pronotum: apical width, 1.4 - 1.7 mm., basal width, 1.7 - 2.0 mm., lateral 320 length, 1.3 - 1.5 mm., medial length, 1.3 - 1.5 mm. Ely tra: width, 2.2 - 2.6 mm., length, 3.7 - 4.5 mm.; total length, 5.4 - 6.5 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL
Blapstinus oculonotus New Species: Holotype, male (USNM); Label Data - Tag 1, white, "ARIZ. Pima Co., V-ll- 6 9," Tag 2, white, "Organ Pipe Cactus Nat. Mon. Ajo Mts, Arch Canyon," Tag 3, white, "F. J. Moore S R . L. Berry
Collectors," Tag 4, white with red border, "HOLOTYPE B. oculonotus J. C. Davis *70." Measurements - head: width, 1.3 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.23 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.77 mm., dorsal ocular corre lation, 3.3; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.2 7 mm., ven tral interocular distance, 0.8 0 mm., ventral ocular corre lation, 3.0; pronotum: apical width, 1.4 mm., basal width, 1.8 mm., lateral length, 1.4 mm., medial length, 1.4 mm.; elytra: width, 2.3 mm., length, 4.0 mm.; total length: 6.0 mm. Specimen is in excellent condition and typical of the species which it represents. All appendages are present. Paratypes, 6, 3 males and 3 females (1:USNM, 1:
UCDC, 1:QSUC, 3:RLBC), data same as type. All specimens in good condition.
BIONOMICS Adults have been collected during March, and May. 321
DISTRIBUTION Arizona (Fig. 165).
DISCUSSION This species does not show significant variation in
its key characters. The large upper and lower eye lobes and the distinct appearance of the pronotum (Fig. 53) are
the characters for which the species has been named.
Blapstinus oculonotus is similar to B. 'l'ongulus LeConte, but the former is quite distinct and easily separated as discussed later (page 327). Blapstinus oculonotus is very similar to B. para-
doxus Blaisdell which occurs in Mexico. I have examined
the type specimen of B. paradoxus which is a female. B.
paradoxus has much smaller elytral strial punctation and slightly smaller eyes than B. oculonotus. At present, I am inclined to regard the species as distinct.
I have seen four specimens of B. oculonotus which were in the Casey Collection at the United States National Museum and were identified as B. oregonensis Casey. The
determination label reads: "Casey det. ? oregonensis." Obviously, as indicated by the question mark, Casey had some reservation about the exact identification of these
specimens. These four specimens were apparently added to the collection some time after Casey described' B. dregonen-
sis since no mention is made of them in the description 322 (Caseys 1890).
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (12)
ARIZONA: Pima Co., Organ Pipe Cactus National Monu ment, Ajo Mts., Arch Canyon (2:USNM, 1:JCDC, 1:0SUC, 3: RLBC), Sabino Canyon (5:CASC).
Blapstinus longulus LeConte (Figs. 54, 98, 128, 166) •
Blapstinus longulus LeConte, 1851. Ann. Lyc. Nat. Hist.
New York, 5:147; Horn, 1870:354; Casey, 1890:428-429.
Type locality: "Gilam"
A DIAGNOSIS
Form subdepressed and parallel-sided; vestiture very short and sparse; integument strongly shining; eyes large and conspicuous, upper lobes round and separated by approximately three to four times their maximum diameter, lower lobes elongate-oval and separated by two and one-' half to three times their maximum diameter; pronotum appearing elongate, apical angles distinctly prominent, apical and basal widths subequal, lateral curvature slight, usually widest in apical half and becoming parallel in 323 basal half (Fig. 54); elytral strial punctures very large, round, deep and closely placed, separated by much less than their own diameters; metathoracic wings well develop ed, fully as long as abdomen. Male: subgenital sternite feebly or not emarginate at apex, parameres of aedeagus moderate in length, approximately twice their basal width (Fig. 98).
DESCRIPTION Length 5.4 - 6.7 mm.; elongate-oval; distinctly de pressed; color variable, usually black above, antennae, legs and ventral surface a very dark reddish-black; inte gument usually strongly shining; vestiture very incon
spicuous, very short, arcuate, pale yellowish and sparsely distributed. Head broad and moderately convex; facial angles not prominent, evenly rounded; epistomal sinuation very feeble and broad; upper lobe of eyes large, round, bulging, coarsely faceted, deeply placed and usually separated by approximately three to three and one-half times their maxi mum diameter, lower lobes large, elongate-oval and separat ed by two and one-half to three times their maximum dia meter; antennae gradually enlarging from base to apex, third segment elongate, much, longer than segment four but
distinctly shorter than segments four and five combined; punctures round and moderately impressed on top of head 324- and along epistoma, oval to elongate and coarse between the eyes.
Pronotum quadrate, appearing elongate (Fig. 54); . apex approximately equal to the base in width; apical angles prominent but usually rounded, basal angles almost right, not at all prominent, apical curvature strongly emarginate in anterior and dorsal view, basal curvature weakly bisinuate, lateral curvature feeble from base to apex, usually broadest in apical half and becoming sub parallel in basal half; punctures large, very deep, round or oval and closely spaced, never becoming confluent. Elytra elongate, parallel-sided and about three times the length of pronotum; intervals flat or very feebly convex, very narrow, their widths equal to about twice the diameter of a strial puncture or less , interval punc- tures coarse, round and sparse; striae distinctly im pressed, punctures very large, round, very.deep and closely placed, separated by much less than half their own diameters. Metathoracic wings well developed, fully as long as abdomen. Abdominal punctures coarse, round and moderately distributed; impression of fifth visible segment distinct in apical half. Male. Basal abdominal impression very distinct and deep on basal two segments; protarsi distinctly dilated 325 but not.very wide, spongy beneath; mesotarsi distinctly but narrowly dilated, spongy beneath; subgenital sternite
feebly or not emarginate at apex; parameres of aedeagus moderate in length, approximately twice their basal width
(Fig. 98). Measurements. Head: width, 1.1 - 1.4 mm. Eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.23 - 0.27 mm., dorsal in terocular distance, 0.73 - 0.87 mm., dorsal ocular corre lation, 3.0 - 3.7; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.27 -
0.30 mm., ventral interocular distance, 0.70 - 0.87 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.6 - 2.9. Pronotum: apical ' i width, 1.4 - 1.7 mm., basal width, 1.7 - 2.1 mm., lateral length, 1.2 - 1.6 mm., medial length, 1.2 - 1.6 mm. Ely tra: width, 2.2 - 2.8 mm., length, 3.6 - 4.6 mm.; total length: 5.4 - 6.7 mm.
TYPE MATERIAL
Blapstinus longulus LeConte: Holotype, male (LeConte Collection, MCZC) ; Label Data - Tag 1, round brown locali ty tag (=Valley of Gila), Tag 2, "TYPE 4659," Tag 3, white, "B ? longulus Sonora LeC." Measurements - head: width, 1.3 mm.; eyes: maximum dorsal lobe diameter, 0.23 mm., dorsal interocular distance, 0.80 mm., dorsal ocular correlation, 3.4; maximum ventral lobe diameter, 0.30 mm,, ventral interocular distance, 0.80 mm., ventral ocular correlation, 2.6; pronotum: apical width, 1.5 mm., basal 326 width, 2.0 mm., lateral length, 1.4 mm,, medial length,
1.4 mm.; elytra: width, 2.9 mm., length, 4.0 mm.; total length: 4.8 mm. Specimen is in good condition, all appendages intact. Type specimen is very typical of the species, strongly shining integument; depressed; very sparse and short vestiture; characteristically shaped pro notum; elytral strial punctures large and closely placed; color: very dark reddish-brown, pronotum and legs a little lighter; protarsus strongly dilated; mesotarsus distinctly dilated.
BIONOMICS
Adults have been collected during January, Hay and August. Most specimens were collected during January and August.
DISTRIBUTION Arizona (Fig. 166).
DISCUSSION
Blapstinus longulus LeConte is one of the most con spicuous species of the genus. The characters which make it so distinct do not show significant variation. The pronotum is quite conspicuous in that it is quadrate and usually widest in apical half (Fig. 54 ). The elytral strial punctures are as large and deep as any species in the genus. Coloration is variable; in some specimens it 327 is almost black throughout while in others a dark reddish-
black with the ventral surface and legs lighter. The male genitalia are not unusual (Fig. 98).
Blapstinus longulus is very similar to B. oculonotus New Species. The two species are differentiated from
other members of the genus by their previously described pronotal shape. The two species have the following
characters in common: very short and sparse vestiture, pronotal shape, large eyes and well developed wings. B.
longulus is separated from jB. oculonotus on the basis of elytral strial punctures, width of intervals and integu
ment lustre. In Ji. longulus, the elytral strial punc tures are very large, deep and closely placed, separated
by much less than half their diameters, the intervals are narrow, width equal to one or two times diameter of
a strial puncture and the integument is usually strongly shining. In B_. oculonotus, the elytral strial punctures
are small, shallow and not closely placed, separated by much more than their diameters, the intervals are wider, their widths equal to three to five times diameter of a strial puncture and the integument is usually quite dull.
Blapstinus longulus is similar to the genus Mecysmus Horn. The two have the same general body form, pronotal
shape and similar elytral strial punctation. 13. longulus
can be distinguished from members of the genus Mecysmus by the basal pronotal curvature and width. The pronotal base is bisinuate and about as wide as the elytral base in 13. longulus. The pronotal base is truncate or evenly curved and distinctly narrower than the elytral base in Mecysmus (Fig. 23).
SPECIMENS EXAMINED (17)
ARIZONA: Gila Co., San Carlos (6:UAIC, 2:CASC); Greenlee Co., Clifton (7:ASUT); Maricopa Co., Phoenix
(liUCRC); Pima Co.t Tucson Mts. (1:0SUC). SUMMARY
A complete revision is made of the genus Blapstinus
Sturm of America north of Mexico. Notes are included on extralimital species. Approximately 20,000 specimens were examined in the course of the study. These speci mens were borrowed from some thirty-five institutions and individuals from across the United States , Canada and abroad. Trips were made to the United States National Museum, Washington, D. C. and the Museum of Comparative
Zoology, Harvard University to study type material and material not ordinarily loaned. The study is primarily taxonomic but includes information on morphology and bionomics of the group. Twenty-five of the previously described species are synonymized; these twenty-five species include twenty described by Casey, two by Blaisdell and one each by
Fall, Say and Melsheimer. Three new species are describ ed and the following type designations made: three holo- types, thirteen paratypes, one neotype, one metatype, twenty-three lectotypes and ninety-four paralectotypes.
Original keys are presented for the identification of genera within the tribe Pedinini and for species of the genus Blapstinus. Detailed synonymies, descriptions and information on type material examined are given for each 330 recognized species.
The general morphology of the beetles was studied and a thorough treatment given to characters of taxonomic importance. Several new taxonomic characters are utilized in the keys, the most important being the structure of the male genitalia. Several hundred dissections were made to determine the variation in these structures.
Many photographs and drawings are included to illustrate general appearance and technical characters.
Data recorded from specimens examined, along with personal communications and information from the litera ture, indicate the economic importance of some species of Blapstinus. The crops attacked, methods of damage and control measures are discussed.
i LITERATURE CITED
Adams, R. L. 1926. The sugar beet in California. In^ Rev. Appl. Ent. , 14(ser.A):251.
Arnett, Ross H. 1962. Polyphaga, series Cucujiformia, Pt. 5, Fasc. 73, 52 pp. 40 Figs. In The beetles of the United States, Washington, D.U7: Catholic Univ. America Press, 1112 pp.
______. and G. A. Samuelson Ceds.). 1969. Directory of Coleoptera collections of North America. Center for the study of Coleoptera, Lafayette, Ind.: Purdue Univ. Press, 122 pp.
Barnes, D. F. 1941. A Tenebrionid (Blapstinus rufipes Csy.). Insect Pest Surv. Bull., United States Bur. Ent. , 21:96.
______. and C. K. Fisher. 19 36. Tenebrionids (Blaps- tih'us spp.). Insect Pest Surv. Bull., United States Bur. Ent. , 16:93.
Blaisdell, F. E. 1892. New Coleoptera from California. Ent. News, 3(10):241-243.
______. 1929. Miscellaneous studies in the Coleoptera, number three. Pan-Pac. Ent., 6(l):21-23.
______. 1942. Miscellaneous studies in the Coleoptera, no. 6. (Melyridae and Tenebrionidae). Trans. American Ent. Soc., 68:136-137.
Blatchley, W. S. 1910. An illustrated descriptive cata logue of the Coleoptera or beetles (exclusive of the rhynchophora) known to occur in Indiana. Indiana Dept, of Geol. and Nat. Resources Bull., 1:1-1386.
_____ . 1917. On some new or noteworthy Coleoptera from the west coast of Florida - III. Canadian Ent., 49(8):275-276.
Boddy, Dennis W. 195 7. New species andisubspecies of Tenebrionidae (Col.). Pan-Pac. Ent^, 33(4):198-199.
331 332
Campbell, R. E. 1922. Injury to bell peppers by Blaps- tinus coronadensis Blaisdell and Blapstinus dilatatus LeConte"! J! Econ. Ent., 15 C 5): 36 3-365.
. 192 4. Notes on injurious southwestern Tenebri- onTdae (Col.). Ent. News, 35(1):1-7.
Casey, Thomas L. 1884. Contributions to the descriptive and systematic coleopterology of North America, pt. 2, 60 pp.
_____ . 1890. Coleopterological notices, II. Ann. New Tork Acad. Sci., 5:307-504, pi. 4. ______. 1895. Coleopterological notices, VI. Ann, New York Acad. Sci., 8:435-838. ______. 1914. Miscellaneous notes and new species. Mem. Col., 5:355-378.
Cassidy, T. P. 19 36. A Tenebrionidae (Blapstinus sonorae Csy.). Insect Pest Surv. Bull., United "State's Bur. Ent., 16:198.
Champion, George C. 1885. Biologia Centrali-Americana, Insecta, Coleoptera (Tenebrionidae). Heteromera, 4(pt.1):89-136, sppl.
Dejean, P. F. M. A. 1821. Catalogue de la collection de coleopteres de M. le baron Dejean, Paris, 136 pp. ______. 18 37, Catalogue des coleopteres de la collec- tTon de M. le comte Dejean. Troisiement edition,' revue, corrigee et augmentee. Paris, 3 84 pp.
DeOng, E. R. 1919. Insect pests of the castor bean. J. Econ. Ent., 7(ser.A):121-122. Donohoe, H. C. 19 35. Darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae). Insect Pest Surv. Bull., United States Bur. Ent., 15:404. Doyen, John T. 1966. The skeletal anatomy of Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)! Misc" Pub. 2nt. Soc. America, *5(3) :103-149 , 92 figs.
DuVal, P. N. C, 1857. Insectes. Ordre des Coleopteres, Lin. In Sagra, Histoire physique, politique et naturelle de l'lle de Cuba, Paris, vol. 7,. 328 pp. 333 •Essig, £. 0. 1929. Insects of western North America. New York: Macmillan Co., 432 pp. ______. and A. E. Michelbacher. 19 35. Important tomato insects of California. In Rev. Appl. Ent., 24(ser.A): 661-662. Eschscholtz, J. F. 1822. Entomographien von J. Friedrich Eschscholtz. Erste Lieferung. Berlin, 12 8 pp.
Fabricius, J. E, 1792. Entomologia systematica, vol. 1, 5 38 pp. ______• 1801. Systema ele.utheratorum, vol. 1, 506 pp. Fall, Henry C. 1929. New Coleoptera, XIII. Canadian Ent., 64(7):56-62.
Fisher, C. K. 1941. A beetle (Blapstinus rufipes Csy.). Insect Pest Surv. Bull. , United ~S"tates Bur. Ent. , 21:517.
Forbes, William T. 1922. The wing venation of Coleoptera. Ann. Ent. Soc. America, 15(2):32 8-352.
Gebien, Hans. 1910. Coleoptorum Catalogus, pars 15, Tenebrionidae, I, 166 pp. (vol. XVIII), -. 1937. Katalog der Tenebrioniden (Col. Hetero- mera), Teil I, Pubbl. Mus. Ent. Pietro Ross, Duino, 2:505-883. Graf, J. E. 1914. A preliminary report on the sugar-beet . wireworm. In Rev. Appl. Ent., 2(ser.A):303. Hatch, Melville H. 1961. Beetles of the Pacific Northwest. Seattle: Univ. Washington Press, vol. 16, 50 3 pp.
Hamilton, J. 1895. Catalogue of the Coleoptera of south western Pennsylvania, with notes and descriptions. Trans. American Ent. Soc., 22:317-381. Horn, George H. 1870a. Revision of the Tenebrionidae of .America, north of Mexico. Trans. American Philos. Soc., 14(2):2 5 3-404.
;_____ . 1870b. Contributions to the coleoperology of thie United States. Trans. American Ent. Soc., 3:69- 97. 334 Hundertmark, A. 19 35. Die Entwicklung der Flugel des Mehlkafers Tenebrio molitor, mit besonderer Beruck sichtigung der Hautungsvorgange. Z. Morphol. Okol., 30:506-543.
Lacordaire, J. T. 1859. Genera des coleopteres ...... Paris, vol. 5, 750 pp. Lange, W. H . , S. F. Bailey, and J. P. Underhill. 1958. Cutworms on white asparagus. In Rev. Appl. Ent., 46(ser.A):181. LaPorte,.F, L. N. C. 1840. Histoire naturelle des animaux articules. Paris, vol. 1, 32 4 pp. Larson, A. 0. and F. G. Hinman. 19 32. Insects found on pea fields in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, after harvest. Ir^ Rev. Appl. Ent., 20 Cser. A) : 6 83.
Latreille, Pierre A. 1829. Les crustaces, les arachnides et les insects, distribues en famille naturelies ouvrage formant les tomes 4 et 5 de celue de M. le Baron Cuvier sur le Regne animal (deuxieme edition). Paris, vol. 1, 5 84 pp.
Lebert, C. D. 1940. Blapstinus sp. and Ulus crassus Lee. found in a canteloup field in the Chandler area of the Salt River Valley, destroying seed and young plants. Insect Pest Surv. Bull., United States Bur. Ent., 20 :102. LeConte, John L. 1851. Descriptions of new species of Coleoptera from California. Ann. Lyc. Nat. Hist. New York, 5:125-184. ______. 1859. The Coleoptera of Kansas and eastern New Mexico. Smith. Contr. Know., 2(art.6):l-58.
______. 1869. A description of the insects of North America by Thomas Say. New York: J. W. Bouton Co., vol. 2, 814 pp. J ______1878. Additional descriptions of new species. In "Schwarz, The Coleoptera of Florida. Proc. American FKilos. Soc., 17:373-434.
Lindroth, C. H. 195 7. The principle terms used for male and female genitalia in Coleoptera. Opusc. Ent., 22:241-256. 335 Lockwood, S. - 1929. A beetle (Blapstirtus fuliginosus Csy.). Insect Pest Surv. Bull., United States Bur. Ent. , 9:334. . 1931. Field entomology. In Rev. Appl, Ent., lSTser.A):420-425.
Mackie, D. B. 1942. Bureau of entomology and plant quarantine. fn Rev. Appl. Ent., 30 (ser. A) : 30 7- 30 8.
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. 19 3 7. Blapstinus substriatus Champion, a sporadic wheat pest in Montana. JT Econ. Ent., 30(4)-.670-675.
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EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 1-3
1. Blapstinus sp. Csemi-diagrammatic), tegmen and
apparatus, lateral view.
2. Same, aedeagus, ventral view. 3. Same, penis (removed), ventral view.
338 339
spicule spicule plate basal piece /
pa r a mere
gonopore
lateral penis rod
basal piece
ejaculatory duct
2 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES H-5
Blapstinus sp. (semi-diagrammatic), ovipositor extended, ventral view. Same, ovipositor extended, dorsal view. 3m
gonostylus vulva
p lea te d membrane
„valvifer
p ro tig e r------
baculus
valvifer 1-
connecting membrane
5 4 EXPLANATION OF FIGURE 6
6. Blapstinus fortis LeConte, metathoracic wing, 2OX
Abbreviations:
C - costa Sc - subcosta R - radius Rs - recurrent radius M - media Cu - cubitus 1A - first anal 2Ai - anterior branch of second anal 2 A2 - posterior branch of second anal 3A - third anal 4A - fourth anal r - radial cross vein r-m - radiomedian cross vein m-cu - mediocubital cross vein cu-a - cubitoanal cross vein la-2a^ - first anal cross vein 2a - second anal cross vein 2a-3a - third anal cross vein W - wedge cell
342 343
r-m-i
Cu -m -cu
2a Cu 4A
3A 1A 2A 2A
6 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 7-10
CLine = .05 mm.)
7. Blapstinus fortis LeConte, labrum, dorsal view.
8. Same, left mandible, ventral view.
9. Same, left maxilla, ventral view 10. Same, labium, ventral view.
344 345
10 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 11-22 (Line = .05 mm.)
11. Blapstinus sulcatus LeConte, antenna, dorsal view.
12. Blapstinus pratensis LeConte, antenna, dorsal view 13. BlaDStinus pubescens LeConte, antenna, dorsal view
14. Blapstinus debilis Casey, antenna, dorsal view. 15. Blapstinus lobatus n. sp. , profemur, lateral view.
16. Blapstinus validus Casey, profemur, lateral view. 17. Ulus sp., protibia, anterior view.
18. Blapstinus sp., protibia, anterior view. 19. Trichoton sp., protibia, anterior view.
20. Blapstinus dilatatus LeConte, subgenital sternite, ventral view.
21. Blapstinus lobatus n. sp.- subgenital sternite, ventral view.
22. Blapstinus validus Casey, subgenital sternite, ventral view.
3t*6 347
11 1 2 13 14
15
16 17 18 19
20 22 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 2 3-31 (Line = .05 mm.)
Hecysmus sp., pronotum, dorsal view.
2 4, Blapstinus alutaceus Casey, pronotum, dorsal view. 25. Blapstinus dispar Casey, pronotum, dorsal view
26. 31apstinus pubescens LeConte, pronotum, dorsal view. 2 7. Blapstinus sulcatus LeConte, pronotum, dorsal view.
2 8. Blapstinus fortis LeConte, pronotum, dorsal view. 29. 31apstinus dilatatus LeConte, pronotum, dorsal view.
30. Blapstinus brevicollis LeConte, pronotum, dorsal view.
31. 31apstinus auripilis Horn, pronotum, dorsal view.
348 23 24
25 26 27 I
29 28
30 31 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 32-43
(Line = .05 mm.)
32. Blapstinus magnipunctatus n. sp., pronotum, dorsal
view.
33. Blapstinus metallicus (Fabricius), pronotum, dorsal view.
34. Blapstinus pinorum Casey, pronotum, dorsal view. 35. Blapstinus moestus Melsheimer, pronotum, dorsal view.
35. Blapstinus pratensis LeConte, pronotum, dorsal view. 37. Blapstinus vestitus LeConte, pronotum, dorsal view.
38. Blapstinus barri Boddy, pronotum, dorsal view. 39. Blapstinus debilis Casey, pronotum, dorsal view.
40. Blapstinus aciculus 31atchley, pronotum, dorsal view. 41. Blapstinus fuscus Casey, pronotum, dorsal view.
42. Blapstinus histricus Casey, pronotum, dorsal view. 43. Blapstinus intermixtus Casey, pronotum, dorsal view.
350 351
34 32 33
35 36 37 I
38 39 40
41 42 43 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 44-54
(Line = .05 mm.)
*+4. Blapstinus van dyke i Blaisdell, pronotum, dorsal view.
45. Blapstinus lobatus n. sp. , pronotum, dorsal view.
46. Blapstinus validus Casey, pronotum, dorsal view.
47. Blapstinus castaneus Casey, pronotum, dorsal view.
48. Blapstinus substriatus Champion, pronotum, dorsal view.
49. Same, pronotum, dorsal view.
50. Blapstinus pulverulentus Mannerheim, pronotum, dorsal view.
51. Blapstinus discolor Horn, pronotum, dorsal view.
52. Blapstinus pimalis Casey, pronotum, dorsal view.
53. Blapstinus oculonotus n. sp., pronotum, dorsal view. 54. Blapstinus lon^ulus LeConte, pronotum, dorsal view.
352
\ 353
45 46
47 48 49 I
50 51
52 53 54 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 55-5 7
55. Blapstinus brevicollis LeConte, metathoracic wing,
22X. 56. Blapstinus auripilis Horn, metathoracic wing, 35X. 5 7. Same, metathoracic wing, 30X.
35 4 355
. I /wy > •... >
55
, , ^ ^ ■1, ^ ry?r *C2x±cr
56
I l f ll I rTl r l'ii.l V it" i ' V ? . ' J .'.y.V, }0%Si££ —-
57 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 5 8-60
58. Blapstinus moestus Melsheimer, metathoracic wing,
44X.
59. Same, metathoracic wing, 40X. 60. Blapstinus pratensis, metathoracic wing, 4IX.
356 H ip j
59
' - 11'. M : * — 11~
60 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 61-64
61. Blapstinus-- - - - oulverulentus-1 ■ ■ ■ I ■ M Mannerheim,9 metathoracic wing, 65X. 62. Same, metathoracic wing, 5 5X.
6 3. Same, metathoracic wing, 65X. 64. Same, metathoracic wing, 65X.
358 359
61
62
63
2 »J-.V '. - ?" '.".I 111.':; i t.i^ w ’r S r ' l V ' * '• ‘
64 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 6 5-6 8
65. Blapstinus pulverulentus Mannerheim, metathoracic
wing, 50X. 66. Same, metathoracic wing, 55X.
67. Same, metathoracic wing, 55X. 68. Same, metathoracic wing, 55X.
360 361
65
66
■ < mil'j-' -Yrtilii'i
67
68 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 69-72
69. Blapstinus alutaceus Casey, Left: apical portion
of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view. Line = .05 mm.
70. Blapstinus dispar Casey, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral
view. Line = .05 mm. 71. Blapstinus pubescens LeConte, Left: apical portion of
tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view. Line = ,25 mm.
72. Blapstinus sulcatus LeConte, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view. Line = .25 mm.
362 363
69 70
71 72 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 7 3-76
73. Blaostinus fortis LeConte, Left: apical portion of
tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view. Line = .05 mm.
74. Blapstinus dilatatus LeConte, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere,
lateral view. Line = 0.05 mm. 75. Blapstinus brevicollis LeConte, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left para mere, lateral view. Line = .25 mm. 76. Blapstinus auripilis Horn, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral
view. Line = .25 mm.
364 365
73 74
75 76 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 77-80
77. Blapstinus magnipunctatus n. sp., Left: apical por
tion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view. Line = 0.2 5 mm.
78. Blapstinus metallicus (Fabricius), Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left para
mere, lateral view. Line = 0.2 5 mm. 79. Blapstinus pinorum Casey, Left: apical portion of
tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view. Line = 0.2 5 mm.
80. Blapstinus moestus Melsheimer, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere,
lateral view. Line = 0.05 mm.
366 367
79 80 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 81-84
81. Blapstinus pratensis LeConte, Left: apical portion
of tegmen, ventral viex*; Right: left paramere, lateral view. Line = 0.0 5 mm. 82. Blapstinus vestitus LeConte, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere,
lateral view. Line - 0.25 mm. 8 3. Blapstinus barri Boddy, Left: apical portion of
tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view. Line = 0,2 5 mm. 84. Blapstinus debilis Casey, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral
view. Line = 0.2 5 mm.
36 8 369
81 82
83 84 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 85-8 8
(Line = 0.25 mm.)
85. Blapstinus aciculus Blatchley, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere,
lateral view. 86. Blapstinus fuscus Casey, Left: apical portion of
tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view. 8 7. Blapstinus histricus Casey, Left: apical portion
of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere,
lateral view. 88. Blapstinus intermixtus Casey, Left: apical portion
of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere,
lateral view.
370
EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 89-92
(Line = 0.25 mm.)
89. Blapstinus vandykei Blaisdell, Left: apical portion
of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
90. Blapstinus lobatus n. sp., Left: apical portion of
tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral
view. 91. Blapstinus validus Casey, Left: apical portion of
tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
92. Blapstinus castaneus Casey, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
372 373,
89 90
91 92 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 9 3-9 6 (Line = 0.25 mm.)
9 3. Blapstinus substriatus Champion, Left: apical por tion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere,
lateral view. 9 4. Blapstinus pulverulentus Mannerheim, Left: apical
portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
95. Blapstinus discolor Horn, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral
view. 96. Blapstinus pimalis Casey, Left: apical portion of
tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere, lateral view.
374
EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 9 7-9 8 (Line = 0,25 ram.)
97, Blapstinus oculonotus n. sp,, Left: apical portion
of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere,
lateral view. 9 8. Blapstinus longulus LeConte, Left: apical portion of tegmen, ventral view; Right: left paramere,
lateral view.
376 377
97 98 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 99-102
99. 31apstinus alutaceus Casey, dorsal view, 13X.
100. Blapstinus dispar Casey, dorsal view, 12X. 101. Blapstinus pubescens LeConte, dorsal view, 13X.
102. Blapstinus sulcatus LeConte, dorsal view, 14X.
378 379
£ A
99 100
>
101 102 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 10 3-106
10 3. Blapstinus fortis LeConte, dorsal view, 9X.
10ti. Blapstinus dilatatus LeConte, dorsal view, 9X.
10 5. Blapstinus brevicollis LeConte, dorsal view, 13X. 106. Blapstinus auripilis Horn, dorsal view, 13X.
380 381
103 104
rJ
105 106 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 10 7-110
107. Blapstinus magnipunctatus n. sp., dorsal view, 13X. 108. Blapstinus metallicus CFabricius),dorsal view,
15X. 109. Blapstinus pinorum Casey, dorsal view, 19X.
110. 31apstinus moestus Melsheimer, dorsal view, 17X.
382 383
109 110 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 111-114
111. Blapstinus pratensis LeConte, dorsal view, 12X. 112. Blapstinus vestitus LeConte, dorsal view, 21X.
113. Blapstinus barri Boddy, dorsal view, 18X. 114. Blapstinus debilis Casey, dorsal view, 2IX.
384 385
113 114 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 115-118
115. Blapstinus aciculus Blatchley, dorsal view, 18X.
116. Blapstinus fuseus Casey, dorsal view, 14X. 117. Blapstinus histricus Casey, dorsal view, 13X.
118. Blapstinus intermixtus Casey, dorsal view, 14X.
386 387
117 118 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 119-122
119. Blapstinus vandykei Blaisdell, dorsal view, 15X. 120. Blaostinus lob at us n. sp., dorsal view, 10X.
121. Blapstinus validus Casey, dorsal view, 10X. 12 2. Blapstinus castaneus Casey , dorsal view , 14X.
388 389
121 122 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 12 3-126
12 3. Blapstinus substriatus Champion, 16X.
12 4. Blapstinus pulverulentus Mannerheim, 14X.
125. Blapstinus discolor Horn, 14X.
126. Blapstinus pimalis Casey, 13X.
390 391
125 126 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 12 7-129
127. Blapstinus oculonotus n. sp., dorsal view, 15X.
128. Blapstinus longulus LeConte, dorsal view, 13X. 129. 31apstinus sulcatus LeConte, head and pronotum,
dorsal view, 24X.
392 393
1 27 128
129 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 130-131
130. Blapstinus histricus Casey, head and pronotum,
dorsal view, 2 4X.
131. Same, head and pronotum, ventral view, 2 4X.
39»+ 395
130
131 EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 132-133
132. Blapstinus subtriatus Champion, head and pronotum, dorsal view, 26X. 133. Same, head and pronotum, ventral view, 26X.
396
EXPLANATION OF FIGURES 134-136
134. Blapstinus dispar Casey, head and pronotum, dorsal view, 2 4X.
135. 31apstinus discolor Horn, left elytron removed, dorsal view, 15X.
136. Same, left elytron removed, dorsal view, 15X.
39 8 399
135 136 137. Distribution of Blapstinus alutaceus Casey.
400
138. Distribution of 3lapstinus dispar Casey.
402 k 403
i 139. Distribution of Blapstinus pubescens LeConte. 405
I li+O. Distribution of Blapstinus sulcatus LeConte.
406 I i+07 m i . Distribution of Blapstinus fort is LeConte.
HO 8 \ 409 142. Distribution of Blapstinus dilatatus LeConte.
410
Distribution of Blapstinus brevicollis LeConte. 413 144. Distribution of Blapstinus auripilis Horn.
414 415 145. Distribution of Blapstinus magnipunctatus n. sp.
416 417 146. Distribution of Blapstinus metallicus (Fabricius).
418 t 419
I 147. Distribution of Blapstinus pinorum Casey.
420
14 8. Distribution of Blapstinus moestus Melsheimer.
422
149. Distribution of Blapstinus pratensis LeConte.
424 425 150. Distribution of Blanstinus vestitus LeConte.
426 427 151. Distribution of Blapstinus barri Boddy.
428 t*29
I 152. Distribution of Blapstinus debilis Casey.
^30 '*31
I 15 3. Distribution of Blapstinus aciculus Blatchley.
M32 t 433 1 5 Distribution of Blapstinus fuscus Casey.
43*4 435 155. Distribution of Blapstinus histricus Casey.
435 I i+37
••
••
I 15 6. Distribution of Blapstinus intermixtus Casey.
438 439
I 157. Distribution of Blapstinus vandykei Blaisdell.
440 *441 /
15 8. Distribution of Blapstinus lobatus n. sp.
442 4U3
I 159. Distribution of Blaostinus validus Casey.
t I. 445 160. Distribution of Blapstinus castaneus Casey.
446 /
447
• • 161. Distribution of Blapstinus substriatus Champion.
^ 8
162. Distribution of Blapstinus pulverulentus Mannerheim.
450 *+51 16 3. Distribution of Blaps tin us dis color Horn.
452 453 16 4. Distribution of Blapstinus pimalis Casey.
454 455 165. Distribution of Blapstinus oculonotus n. sp.
1*56 \ 45 7 \ \
16 6. Distribution of Blapstinus longulus LeConte.
45 8 459
i