Pseudosermyle incongruens
Creators: name: Conle, Oskar V.
name: Hennemann, Frank H.
name: Fontana, Paolo
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2007
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Phasmida
Diapheromeridae
Pseudosermyle
Pseudosermyle incongruens

description: Pseudosermyle incongruens (Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1907)   
(Figs. 6–7, 18)  
 Bacunculus incongruens Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1907: 336. LT [by present designation], ♂: Atoyac, Vera Cruz, Schumann; Collectio Br.v.W.; det. Br.v.W. Bacunculus incongruens; 23.861 (NHMW, No. 680). [not PLT’s from Guatemala (Teapa, Senahu & Purula) in NHMW and BMNH ♢ These are P. phalangiphora (Rehn, 1907)].   
Shelford, 1908: 352.  
 Pseudosermyle incongruens, Zompro, 2001a: 216. Otte & Brock, 2005: 291 (in part).   
 Heteronemia phalangiphora, Hebard, 1932: 217. [invalid synonymisation with incongruens] Brock, 1993: 19 (in part).   
Brock, 1998: 34 (in part).  
 Material examined [1 ɗ ]: 1 ɗ: Mexico, Fortin, Veracruz, 9.VIII.1985, via T.W. Taylor, BMNH (E) 2005-98 (BMNH).   
 Distribution: Mexico (Veracruz).   
 Differentiation: ɗɗ differ from the three other species with forked cerci, P. phalangiphora (Rehn, 1907), P. chorreadero n. sp. and P. c l a v i g e r n. sp., by: anal segment distinctly wider than long; left cercus at best as long as, but usually shorter than the right cercus; both cerci shorter than anal segment, and appendix of sternite IX strongly incurving.   
 Description: The following description of the ɗɗ is predominantly based on the dried and pinned LT in NHMW. The colour of live specimens may differ slightly from the description here given, although the specimen is very well preserved.   
ɗɗ (Fig. 18): Medium-sized (body length 53.0 mm) and rather robust for the genus. Body smooth and shiny. Head with two minute, blunt spines between the eyes. General colouration of head and body mid brown with indistinct longitudinal greenish stripes along the lateral sides of the meso- and metathorax. Legs of same general colour as body, but indistinctly annulated with pale yellow. Antennae uniformly pale to mid brown in basal half, very indistinctly annulated with yellowish segments in apical half.  
Head: Elongate, 1.5x longer than wide, slightly narrowed towards the posterior, oval in cross-section. Vertex flat and smooth, without granules, between the eyes with two low blunt spines. Eyes of moderate size, circular and strongly convex. Antennae distinctly longer than head and thorax combined, probably projecting the end of abdomen. Antennomeres very short and decreasing in length towards apices of antennae, all densely setose. Scapus dorsoventrally flattened, rectangular and about 2x longer than wide. Pedicellus cylindrical, broader than following antennomeres and about half the length of scapus.  
Thorax: Complete surface smooth and partly shiny. Meso- and metathorax round in cross-section and slightly constricted medially. Pronotum parallel-sided, slightly shorter and as broad as the head, 1.3–1.5x longer than wide, slightly constricted medially. Transverse median depression distinct, slightly curved and reaching to lateral margins of segment. Mesonotum elongate, 5– 6 x longer and more slender than pronotum, 6– 7 x longer than wide, slightly widened at the posterior and anterior margins. Metanotum 4– 5 x longer than wide, about 2/3 the length of mesonotum and slightly widened at the posterior and anterior margins. Promeso- and metapleurae as well as sterna simple and smooth.  
Abdomen: As long as head and thorax combined. Entire surface smooth and partly shiny. Transverse fissure between median segment and metanotum distinct and almost straight. Median segment hardly wider than long, ¼ the length of metanotum. Segments II–VII longest and narrowest, parallel sided and 3– 5 x longer than wide. Tergite VIII broader than VII, slightly widened towards the posterior, about as long as wide. IX more slender than VIII, medially constricted and hardly longer than wide. Anal segment broadest segment, distinctly wider than long, strongly convex and prominently widened towards a rounded posterior margin. Sternites II–VII simple, smooth and shiny. Supraanal plate very small and not visible from dorsal aspect. Cerci very prominent and broad, nearly of equal length and shorter than anal segment (Fig. 7). Both triangular in crosssection, curved inwards, left cercus at best as long as right cercus. Cerci forked at about 2/3 the way off the base, the dorsal branch directed somewhat dorsad and equal in length to the lower branch, which is produced horizontally. Both covered with a few minute pale setae. Sternite IX on the right bearing a strongly incurving appendix with a laterally flattened apex, which is longer than the anal segment and clearly projects over the posterior margin of that segment (Fig. 6). Poculum of moderate size, pointed towards apex and projected by the finger-like, incurved dextrolateral appendix of sternite IX.  
Legs: All rather long and slender, profemora slightly longer than mesonotum, mesofemora slightly longer than mesonotum, hind legs distinctly projecting over apex of abdomen. All distinctly carinated, destitute of teeth or spines and with all carinae minutely bristled. Profemora considerably compressed and curved basally.  
 Comments: Brunner v. Wattenwyl (1907: 336) described Bacunculus incongruens based on 11 ɗɗ from four localities in the collections of NHMW and BMNH. Careful examination of the syntype-series has shown this to consist of two distinct species and all specimens except the ɗ from Atoyac in NHMW to be typical P. phalangiphora (Rehn, 1907). Consequently, and although the ɗ in NHMW does not match the body length given by Brunner v. Wattenwyl (60.0 mm) this is here selected as the lectotype of B. incongruens in order to fix Brunner v. Wattenwyl’s species. This solution appears more appreciable rather than synonymising B. incongruens with P. phalangiphora (Rehn, 1907) and describing the ɗ from Atayoc as a new species. Hebard, 1932: 217 synonymized B. incongruens with P. phalangiphora but the synonym is invalid due to Hebard did not select a lectotype and was obviously not aware of the type series to represent two distinct species.   
 Pseudosermyle phalangiphora (Rehn, 1907) (Figs. 8–10, 19–20, 23–25)   
 Sermyle phalangiphora Rehn, 1907: 229. HT, ♂: Belize, Br. Honduras; Sermyle phalangiphora Rehn; Type No. 5144; Heteronemia phalangiphora (Rehn) det. Hebard 1931 (ANSP).   
Hebard, 1932: 217.  
Marquez, 1962: 280, fig.1 & 2. [Description of Ψ]  
 Bacunculus phalangiphora, Shelford, 1908: 353.   
 Heteronemia phalangiphora, Brock, 1993: 19 (in part).   
Brock, 1998: 34 (in part).  
 Pseudosermyle phalangiphora, Zompro, 2001a: 216.   
Otte & Brock, 2005: 292.  
 Ocnophila crudis Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1907: 312. HT, Ψ: Museum Paris, Mexique, Salle 97-5##; Type; 24, Libethra crudis Brunner v. Wattenwyl (MNHN). n. syn.   
Shelford, 1908: 346.  
 Heteronemia crudis, Hebard 1932: 217.   
Otte & Brock, 2005: 158.  
 Dyme depressa Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1907: 327. HT, Ψ (nymph): Las Mercedes, 3000ft., Champion; Collectio Br.v.W.; det. Br.v.W., Dyme depressa Br.; 23.8636 (NHMW, No. 664). n. syn. Shelford, 1908: 348 (in part).   
Brock, 1993: 19 (in part).  
 Bacteria depressa, Brock, 1998: 25 (in part).   
Otte & Brock, 2005: 63 (in part).  
 Bacunculus incongruens Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1907: 337 (in part- only PLT’s). PLT, ♂: Teapa, Tabasco, Feb., H.H.S.; Collectio Br.v.W.; det. Br.v.W. Bacunculus incongruens (NHMW, No. 680); PLT, ♂: Teapa, Tabasco, Feb., H.H.S.; Collectio Br.v.W.; det. Br.v.W. Bacunculus incongruens; 23.860 (NHMW, No. 680); PLT, ♂: Senahu, Vera Paz, Champion; Collectio Br.v.W.; det. Br.v.W. Bacunculus incongruens; 23.857 (NHMW, No. 680); PLT, ♂: Purula, Vera Paz, Champion, Godman-Salvin Coll., 1908-168, B.C.A. Orth. II, Bacunculus incongruens, Brunn. (BMNH); PLT, ♂: Purula, Vera Paz, Champion; Godman-Salvin Coll., 1908-168, B.C.A. Orth. II, Bacunculus incongruens, Brunn., 40 (BMNH); PLT, 4 ♂♂: Senahu, Vera Paz, Champion; Godman-Salvin Coll., 1908-168, B.C.A. Orth. II, Bacunculus incongruens, Brunn. (BMNH); PLT, ♂: Teapa, Tabasco, Jan., H.H.S., 41, B.C.A. Orth. II, Bacunculus incongruens, Brunn.; Godman-Salvin Coll., 1908-168 (BMNH); PLT, ♂: Senahu,Vera Paz, Champion; 39, B.C.A. Orth. II, Bacunculus incongruens, Redt., Godman-Salvin Coll., 1908 -168; Bacunculus incongruens, Brunner, 1907 det. John Huxley, 1964 (BMNH).   
 Pseudosermyle incongruens, Otte & Brock, 2005: 291 (in part).   
 Material examined [47 ɗɗ, 47 ΨΨ, 1 ɗ (nymph), 5 ΨΨ (nymphs), eggs]: MEXICO: 1 ɗ, 1 Ψ, 2 ΨΨ (nymphs): Mexiko, Yucatan, Nähe Akumal, Aktun Chen, 2km von der Küste entfernt, 5–10m, 19.09.2002, leg. Conle & Friede (coll. OC); 1 Ψ: Mexiko, Yucatan, Nähe Coba, km40 auf der Strasse von Tulum nach Coba, 5–10m, 22.09.2002, leg. Conle & Friede (coll. OC); 15 ɗɗ, 20 ΨΨ, 1 ɗ (nymph), 3 ΨΨ (nymphs): Mexico, Veracruz, Santiago Tuxtla, Cerro del Vigia, 12.VI–9.IX.1964 (UNAM); 2 ΨΨ: Mexico, Veracruz, Los Tuxtlas, Estación de Biología, 0 8.09.1977 (UNAM); 1 Ψ: Mexico, Veracruz, Los Tuxtlas, Estación de Biología, 27.2.1969 (UNAM); 2 ɗɗ: Mexico, Tabasco, Teapa, coll. Noct., 26.07.1962 (UNAM).   
BELIZE: 10 ɗɗ, 10 ΨΨ: Ex Zucht O.Conle 2002, Zuchtstamm aus Belize (coll. OC); 5 ɗɗ, 10 ΨΨ, eggs: Ex ovo, B. Kneubühler 2006, Belize, Belmopan, leg. J. Meerman (coll. OC); 10 ɗɗ, 2 ΨΨ, eggs: ex Zucht: F. Hennemann, urspr.: Belize (via A. Harman), 2002–2003, PSG 237 (coll. FH, No’s 0468-1 to 12 & E1); 1 ɗ: Honduras, Middlesex, Stann Creek Dist., 125m, BMNH (E) 2005-98 (BMNH).  
GUATEMALA: 1 ɗ: Guatemala, Tamahu, Alta Verapaz, 1100m, 25.XI.1966, via T. Taylor, BMNH(E) 2005-98 (BMNH); 1 ɗ: Guatemala, Baléu, Mplo, San Cristóbal, 1350m, 26.VIII.1966, via T. Taylor, BMNH(E) 2005-98 (BMNH); 1 ɗ: Guatemala, Baléu, Mplo, San Cristóbal, 1350m, 30.VIII.1966, via T. Taylor, BMNH(E) 2005-98 (BMNH).  
 Distribution: Mexico (Veracruz, Tabasco, Campeche, Quintana Roo & Yucatan), Belize (all districts), Guatemala (Baja Verapaz & Alta Verapaz).   
 Differentiation: Closely related to P. incongruens (Rehn, 1907) and P. chorreadero n. sp. with which ɗɗ share the apically forked cerci. From the first ɗɗ differ by: the longer than wide anal segment; the left cercus being distinctly longer than the right; and the less distinctly incurving appendix of sternite IX. From P. chorreadero n. sp. it differs by: the prominent dextrolateral appendix of sternite IX which projects over the poculum of ɗɗ, and shorter mesofemora which are at best equal in length (ɗɗ) or distinctly shorter than the mesonotum (ΨΨ), as well as the less distinct spines of the head and thorax and longer, apically rounded cerci of ΨΨ.   
 Description: The following descriptions of the Ψ and ɗ are based on wild and captive reared specimens from Mexico and Belize. The colouration is described from live specimens.   
ΨΨ (Fig. 20): Medium-sized to large (body length 70.0–93.0mm), rather robust for the genus (maximum body width 7.2 mm). Head bearing two small, black sharply pointed spines between the eyes. General colouration of head, body and legs variable, ranging from uniformly dark green to pale or dark brown, sometimes overlaid with indistinct black speckles and patches or longitudinal lines. Eyes pale brown to greyish marbled. Antennae uniformly pale to mid brown in basal half, very indistinctly annulated with yellowish segments in apical half.  
Head: Elongate, 1.5 x longer than wide, parallel-sided, oval in cross-section; vertex flat, covered by many indistinct rows of small granules. Between the eyes with two sharply pointed apices (length 0.5–1mm). Eyes small, circular and strongly convex. Antennae distinctly longer than head and thorax combined, reaching to posterior margin of terigte IV. Antennomeres very short and decreasing in length towards apices of antennae, all densely covered with minute setae. Scapus dorsoventrally flattened, rectangular and about 2x longer than wide. Pedicellus cylindrical, broader than following antennomeres and about half the length of scapus.  
Thorax: Complete surface densely covered with small granules, longitudinal dorsomedian line very indistinct. Some specimens may have two small blackish dorsal spines close to the posterior margins of the meso- and metanotum. Meso- and metathorax round in cross-section and slightly broadened towards the posterior. Pronotum slightly shorter and as wide as head, 1.3x longer than wide, slightly constricted medially. Transverse median depression prominent, slightly curved and reaching to both lateral margins of segment. Mesonotum 4– 5 x longer than pronotum, 5x longer than wide and gently broadened towards the posterior. Metanotum 2.5x longer than wide, half as long as mesonotum, parallel sided. Pro-, meso- and metasternum simple and structured like the dorsal surface.  
Abdomen: Hardly longer than head and thorax combined. Surface less distinctly granulose than thorax, with longitudinal dorsomedian carina being more distinct; this runs from the median segment to the anal segment. Tergites with several longitudinal carinae. Some specimens may have two small blackish spines close to the posterior margin of the tergites I–VII. Transverse fissure between median segment and metanotum distinct and almost straight. Median segment transverse, at least 2x wider than long, and ¼ to 1/3 the length of metanotum. Segment II–III slightly increasing, IV–VII decreasing in width. II–VI slightly increasing in length II 1.2x, VI 1.6 x, VII 1.7–2.0x longer than wide. Tergites VIII and IX about quadrate, shorter than anal segment, strongly convex and with a slight longitudinal median keel. VIII and IX the shortest and narrowest, III–V the longest and widest segments. Anal segment with a distinct median carina, parallel sided and posterior margin rounded with a wide median incision. Lateral margins with a faint concave excavation near the bases of the cerci. Sternites II–VII simple and rugulose. VII with an indistinct preopercular organ formed by a medial notch at the posterior margin. Supraanal plate short with an angulate apex, not reaching posterior margin of anal segment. Subgenital plate small, flat and lanceolate, reaching posterior margin of segment IX, minutely setose and apex sharply pointed. Cerci small, short, triangular in cross-section, lanceolate in dorsal and ventral aspect, tapered towards a distinctly pointed apex and projecting over anal segment. Gonapophyses elongate, slender, apically up-curving and in most specimens projecting over subgenital plate; not reaching to posterior margin of anal segment (Fig. 10).  
Legs: All rather long and slender, profemora slightly longer than mesonotum, mesofemora distinctly shorter than mesonotum, hind legs distinctly projecting apex of abdomen. All distinctly carinated, destitute of teeth or spines and with all carinae minutely bristled. Profemora considerably compressed and curved basally. Mesofemora with a ± developed sub-basal lobe on the antero- and posteroventral carinae; this may be prominent and foliaceous or completely absent.  
ɗɗ (Fig. 19): Medium-sized (body length 53.5–67.0mm), moderately slender and elongated for the genus. General colouration of body strongly variable, ranging from green, over straw to brown or even reddishbrown. Along the lateral surfaces of meso- and metathorax with greenish or bluish green longitudinal stripes. Legs of same general colour as body and with faint yellowish annulations. Antennae uniformly pale to mid brown in basal half, very indistinctly annulated with yellowish segments in apical half (sometimes uniformly brown).  
Head: As in ΨΨ but smooth, without granules or spines. Between the eyes with two low blunt tubercles. Eyes as in ΨΨ. Antennae as in ΨΨ, but longer and projecting over apex of abdomen.  
Thorax: Completely smooth and partly shiny, except a few minute granules on the mesonotum in certain specimens. Meso- and metathorax round in cross-section and slightly constricted medially. Pronotum slightly shorter and as wide as head, 1.3–1.5x longer than wide, slightly constricted medially. Transverse median depression distinct, gently curved and reaching to both lateral margins of segment. Mesonotum 5– 6 x longer and more slender than pronotum, 6– 7 x longer than wide, slightly widened at the posterior and anterior margins. Metanotum 4– 5 x longer than wide, about 2/3 the length of mesonotum, slightly widened at the posterior and anterior margins. Pro-, meso- and metapleurae and sterna simple and structured like the dorsal surface.  
Abdomen: As long as head and thorax combined. Surface smooth and partly shiny. Transverse fissure between median segment and metanotum distinct and almost straight. Median segment hardly wider than long, ¼ the length of metanotum. Segments II–VII longest and narrowest, parallel sided, 3– 5 x longer than wide. Tergite VIII wider than VII, slightly widened towards the posterior, about as long as wide. IX more slen- der than VIII, medially constricted and hardly longer than wide. Anal segment widest, about as wide as long, strongly convex and prominently widened towards the rounded posterior margin. Sternites II–VII simple, smooth and shiny. Supraanal plate very small and hardly visible in dorsal aspect. Cerci very prominent, triangular in cross-section, incurving and of unequal length. Left cercus longer than anal segment and 1.5x longer than right cercus (Fig. 9). Both cerci forked about 2/3 of the base, the dorsal branch directed somewhat dorsad and shorter than the lower branch which is produced horizontally; covered with minute black setae. Left cercus of similar structure but more rudimentary forked. Vomer dark brown, longer than wide, elongate and longitudinally separated into two equal parts. Sternite IX on the right side bearing a slightly incurving, finger-like appendix with a laterally flattened apex, which is longer than the anal segment and distinctly projects over that segment. Poculum of moderate size and pointed tapered towards the apex, projected by the finger-like dextrolateral appendix of sternite IX (Fig. 8). The shape of the poculum shows considerable intraspecific variation and even differs slightly individually.  
Legs: Generally as in ΨΨ but more slender and mesofemora nearly as long as mesonotum. Mesofemora without lobes.  
Eggs (Figs. 23 & 24): All eggs examined for the following description were laid by captive reared specimens and were thus fully developed. The structure of the capsule surface and size shows considerable variation.  
General colouration plain pale to mid brown, sometimes greyish. Micropylar plate somewhat darker and surrounded by a broad blackish margin. Capsule barrel-shaped, about 1.7x longer than wide, oval in cross-section, lateral surfaces convex in the centre. In lateral aspect the polar-area has an indistinct impression. Anterior margin of capsule simple. Capsule surface strongly rugulose with many irregular, hump-like structures; lower spaces in between densely granulose. Micropylar plate of moderate size, positioned in centre of dorsal capsule surface, oval, slightly less than 1.5x longer than wide and covering almost 1/3 of capsule length. Outer margin swollen, inner section smooth or at least less roughly structured than rest of capsule. Median line very prominently swollen and reaching to polar-area. Micropylar cup small and strongly convex, positioned close to the posterior margin of plate. Operculum oval, nearly flat and with a roughly circular, slightly elevated central region; otherwise structured like capsule but less distinct.  
Measurements (in mm): length: 2.7–3.3, width: 1.6–2.0, height: 1.8–2.2, length of micropylar plate: 0.8– 1.0.  
 Comments: Examination of the types of Ocnophila crudis Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1907 in MNHN and Dyme depressa Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1907 in NHMW has proven both species to be synonymous with Pseudosermyle phalangiphora (Rehn, 1907). Shelford, 1908: 348 lists three females of of Dyme depressa Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1907 from BMNH and considered one of them to be a type, but he did not refer to a unique specimen of the series. Brock (1993: 19 & 1998: 25) and Otte & Brock (2005: 63) listed the specimens as syntypes. In fact they are no types, as Brunner v. Wattenwyl described this species from a unique specimen from “Las Mercedes” in NHMW and did not mention any material in BMNH. Only one of the specimens in BMNH is labelled “Las Mercedes”, the other two specimens are from “Cerro Zunil” and “Purula, Vera Paz”, two locations not mentioned by Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1907. Only the HT in NHMW matches with the measurements given by Brunner v. Wattenwyl, the specimens in BMNH are distinctly smaller. The Ψ nymph from “Cerro Zunil” in BMNH is most certainly a different species, as it has the posterior margin of the subgenital plate distinctly rounded (pointed in phalangiphora) and the apices of the meso- and metafemora obtusely swollen.   
 Detailed examination of the original syntype-series of Bacunculus incongruens Brunner v. Wattenwyl, 1907 in NHMW and BMNH has shown all paralectotypes to represent P. phalangiphora (Rehn, 1907) (♢ see comments on P. incongruens above).   
 Biology & breeding: P. phalangiphora (Rehn) is apparently common in the tropical parts of the Yucatan Peninsular and surrounding districts, undoubtedly being the most common species of the order in that region. It may be rather abundant in certain localities but never occurs in locally concentrated masses like species of the related Diapheromera Gray, 1835, often do.   
 P. phalangiphora has been cultured in Europe since the mid 1990’s from stock originating in Belize and was subsequently included on the Phasmid Study Group culture-list as culture No. 237 “ Pseudosermyle sp.”. In 2006 new stock was imported from Belmopan, Belize by Dr. B. Kneubühler (Switzerland). These specimens are remarkable for being distinctly larger than those of the first stock, but do not differ in any other aspect. P. phalangiphora is easy to rear in humid conditions and temperatures between 22–26 °C. Wet ground should be avoided and plenty of ventilation provided. Alternative food-plants accepted in captivity in Europe include bramble (Rubus fruticosus, Rosaceae), rose (Rosa spp., Rosaceae) and oak (Quercus robur & Q. petraea, Fagaceae).
description: Published as part of Conle, Oskar V., Hennemann, Frank H. & Fontana, Paolo, 2007, Studies on neotropical Phasmatodea V: Notes on certain species of Pseudosermyle Caudell, 1903, with the descriptions of three new species from Mexico (Phasmatodea: Diapheromeridae: Diapheromerinae: Diapheromerini), pp. 31-51 in Zootaxa 1496 on pages 36-41, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.177041