Sclerocoelus copiosus Kuwahara, Marshall & Paiero, 2025, sp. nov.
Creators: name: Kuwahara, Gregory K.
name: Marshall, Stephen A.
name: Paiero, Steven M.
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2025
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Diptera
Sphaeroceridae
Sclerocoelus
Sclerocoelus copiosus

description: Sclerocoelus copiosus sp. nov.
urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 01A777A8-0CFC-46B5-90F6-D739DF37B0D2
Figs 1B, 5J, 34–36
Etymology
The species name (from the Latin ‘ copiosus ’, meaning ‘copious, abundant’) reflects the abundance of this very widespread Neotropical species, especially in Malaise trap and flight-intercept trap samples from Costa Rica. Approximately 24% of the Neotropical Sclerocoelus specimens in the University of Guelph Insect Collection belong to this species.
Material examined
Holotype
COSTA RICA • ♂; Puntarenas, Monteverde Reserve; 1500 m a.s.l.; 15–20 Aug.1986; L. Masner leg.; MNCR.
Paratypes
COSTA RICA – Alajuela • 5 ♂♂, 5 ♀♀; Quesada, Albergue Pozo Verde; 1800 m a.s.l.; 10°15′15.1″ N, 84°22′18.4″ W; 21 Apr. 2023; S.A. Marshall leg.; from refuse pile under Eciton burchellii bivouac; DEBU • 5 ♂♂, 6 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; MNCR • 2 ♂♂, 1 ♀; same data as for preceding; W. Porras leg.; MNCR. – Cartago • 1 ♂; Paraiso, Tapantí National Park; 9°43′21″ N, 83°46′30″ W; 1600 m a.s.l.; 28 Jul.–4 Aug. 2013; Proyecto ZADBI leg.; Malaise trap; MNCR • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Tapantí National Park; 1650–1750 m a.s.l.; 7 Oct.1999; S.A. Marshall leg.; trail sweep; MNCR • 2 ♀♀; Tapantí National Park, above Ranger Station; 1250 m a.s.l.; 12 Oct. 1999; S.A. Marshall leg.; trail/road sweep; DEBU • 2 ♀♀; Tapantí National Park, Arboles Caídos trail; 1300 m a.s.l.; 9–11 Oct. 1999; S.A. Marshall leg.; sweep; MNCR • 7 ♂♂; Tapantí National Park, near west entrance, trail to hydro tower/ creek, 1150 m a.s.l.; 11 Oct. 1999; Marshall and Buck leg.; sweep; DEBU • 10 ♂♂; same data as for preceding; MNCR • 28 ♂♂, 15 ♀♀; Tapantí National Park, outside near west entrance; 1150 m a.s.l.; 8–9 Oct.1999; Marshall and Buck leg.; trail, sweep, DEBU • 30 ♂♂, 18 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; MNCR • 3 ♀♀; Tapantí National Park, Ranger Station; 1200 m a.s.l.; 7–11 Oct.1999; M. Buck leg.; pans in kitchen refuse; DEBU. – Puntarenas • 3 ♂♂, 4 ♀♀; same data as for holotype; MNCR • 6 ♂♂; Las Alturas Biological Station; 8°57′ N, 82°58′ W; 1500–1700 m a.s.l.; 12–14 Aug. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; DEBU • 6 ♂♂; same data as for preceding; MNCR • 2 ♂♂, 1 ♀; Monteverde Biological Reserve; 1500 m a.s.l.; 14 Jun. 2000; M. Buck leg.; sweeping treefall and trail; MNCR • 16 ♂♂, 10 ♀♀; Monteverde Biological Reserve; 1500 m a.s.l.; 14 Jun. 2000; M. Buck leg.; treefall, sweep and pans; DEBU • 16 ♂♂, 15 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; MNCR. – San José • 7 ♂♂, 5 ♀♀; Moravia, Zurquí de Moravia, Creek 2 north; 10°02′58″ N, 84°00′57″ W; 1600 m a.s.l.; 12–19 Apr. 2013; Proyecto ZADBI leg.; Malaise trap #2; MNCR • 5 ♂♂, 1 ♀; same data as for preceding; 19–26 Apr. 2013; MNCR • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 13–20 Sep. 2013; MNCR • 1 ♂; Moravia, Zurquí de Moravia, Tower path; 10°02′58″ N, 84°00′57″ W; 1600 m a.s.l.; 28 Feb.–8 Mar. 2013; Proyecto ZADBI leg.; Malaise trap #1, 0 m.; MNCR • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; 26 Apr.–3 May 2013; MNCR • 2 ♂♂, 4 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 30 Aug.–6 Sep. 2013; MNCR • 1 ♀; same data as for preceding; 11–18 Oct. 2013; MNCR.
Other material examined
BOLIVIA – La Paz • 20 ♂♂, 18 ♀♀; 0.5 km SE of Coroico; 16°11′ S, 67°44′ W; 15 Apr. 2001; S.A. Marshall leg.; DEBU • 1 ♂; 10 km NW of Caranavi, road to ENTEL tower; 15°46′35″ S, 67°35′48″ W; 1400 m a.s.l.; 13 Apr. 2001; S.A. Marshall leg.; DEBU • 7 ♂♂, 5 ♀♀; 23 km NE of Caranavi; 14 Apr. 2001; S.A. Marshall leg.; roadside/stream, sweep; DEBU • 12 ♂♂, 1 ♀; Chulumani, Apa-Apa Reserve; 16°21′15″ S, 67°30′21″ W; 2000 m a.s.l.; 1 Apr. 2001; S.A. Marshall leg.; sweep; DEBU.
COSTA RICA – Alajuela • 1 ♂; La Virgen del Socorro, near Carriblanca; 700 m a.s.l.; 16 Feb. 1989; Grimaldi and DeVries leg.; AMNH • 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀; Río Peñas Blancas; 700 m a.s.l.; 18 Jul. 1986; L. Masner leg.; CNCI • 1 ♀; Volcán Tenorio, Bijagua Biological Station; 700 m a.s.l.; 20 Jun. 2000; M. Buck leg.; cut wet field, pan traps; DEBU. – Cartago • 3 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; Braulio Carrillo National Park; 500 m a.s.l.; 10 Apr. 1985; L. Masner leg.; rainforest; CNCI • 63 ♂♂, 52 ♀♀; Braulio Carrillo National Park; 1400–1500 m a.s.l.; 11 Apr. 1985; H. Goulet and L. Masner leg.; cool moist river bed, Selva Premontana; CNCI • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Highway 2, km 67; 6 Aug. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; roadside; DEBU • 2 ♂♂; Río Grande de Orosí, near Tapantí National Park; 1100–1150 m a.s.l.; 9 Oct. 1999; Marshall and Buck leg.; floodplain and forest; DEBU • 1 ♂, 4 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 10–11 Oct. 1999; bromeliad leaf pile, sweeping and pans; DEBU • 22 ♂♂, 10 ♀♀; Río Macho Forest Reserve; 2200 m a.s.l.; 10 Oct. 1999; S.A. Marshall leg.; sweeping; DEBU • 1 ♂, 3 ♀♀; Tapantí National Park; 1550 m a.s.l.; 7–12 Oct. 1999; Marshall and Buck leg.; pans in fallen tree; DEBU • 13 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀; Tapantí National Park; 1650 m a.s.l.; 7 Oct. 1999; S.A. Marshall leg.; trail sweep; DEBU • 46 ♂♂, 20 ♀♀; Tapantí National Park; 1650–1750 m a.s.l.; 7 Oct. 1999; M. Buck leg.; sweep trail; DEBU • 37 ♂♂, 21 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; S.A. Marshall leg.; sweep trail; DEBU • 33 ♂♂; Tapantí National Park, above Ranger Station; 1250 m a.s.l.; 12 Oct. 1999; S.A. Marshall leg.; sweep trail/road; DEBU • 1 ♂; Tapantí National Park, Arboles Caídos trail; 1200 m a.s.l.; 4 Oct. 1999; Marshall and Buck leg.; trail sweep; DEBU • 3 ♂♂; same data as for preceding; 1300 m a.s.l.; 9/ 11 Oct. 1999; S.A. Marshall leg.; sweep; DEBU • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Tapantí National Park, near Catarata trail; 1450 m a.s.l.; 4 Oct. 1999; S.A. Marshall leg.; roadside, sweeping leaf litter; DEBU • 97 ♂♂, 34 ♀♀; Tapantí National Park, near west entrance, trail to hydro tower/creek; 1150 m a.s.l.; 11 Oct. 1999; Marshall and Buck leg.; sweeping; DEBU • 7 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; Tapantí National Park, outside near west entrance; 1150 m a.s.l.; 8–9 Oct. 1999; Marshall and Buck leg.; sweep trail; DEBU • 2 ♂♂, 1 ♀; Tapantí National Park, Ranger Station; 1200 m a.s.l.; 9–12 Oct. 1999; Buck and Marshall leg.; human dung, hand and traps; DEBU • 4 ♂♂; same data as for preceding; 7–11 Oct. 1999; M. Buck leg.; pans in kitchen refuse; DEBU • 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀; Tapantí National Park, road near represa [dam]; 1650 m a.s.l.; 8 Oct. 1999; M. Buck leg.; fallen tree; DEBU • 1 ♀; Tapantí National Park, trail to hydro tower near west entrance; 1150 m a.s.l.; 9–12 Oct. 1999; M. Buck leg.; pan traps; DEBU. – Heredia • 3 ♀♀; 6 km ENE of Vara Blanca; 10°11′ N, 84°07′ W; 2000 m a.s.l.; 13 Feb. 2002; DEBU • 4 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 21 Feb. 2002; DEBU • 4 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 20 Mar. 2002; DEBU • 6 ♂♂, 1 ♀; 16 km SSE of La Virgen; 10°16′ N, 84°05′ W; 1050–1150 m a.s.l.; 11–20 Feb. 2001; transect; DEBU • 49 ♂♂, 79 ♀♀; Moravia, near border of Braulio Carrillo National Park; 3–4 Mar. 1996; L. Masner leg.; creek bed, yellow pans; DEBU • 1 ♀; Santo Domingo, INBio Park; 9°58′23″ N, 84°05′30″ W; 6–7 Mar. 1996; L. Masner leg.; urban, yellow pans; DEBU. – Puntarenas • 119 ♂♂, 257 ♀♀; same data as for holotype; CNCI • 9 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀; 2000 m a.s.l.; 12 Aug. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; DEBU • 4 ♀♀; Las Alturas Biological Station; 8°57′ N, 82°58′ W; 1500–1700 m a.s.l.; 12–14 Aug. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; DEBU • 8 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; Las Alturas Biological Station; 1550 m a.s.l.; 17 Aug. 1995; T. Pape leg.; DEBU • 28 ♂♂, 13 ♀♀; Las Alturas; 1500 m a.s.l.; 12 Aug. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; sweep forest-pasture margin; DEBU • 8 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 1500–1700 m a.s.l.; 12 Aug. 1995; sweep; DEBU • 5 ♂♂, 6 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 1600 m a.s.l.; 11–14 Aug. 1995; Malaise trap; DEBU • 7 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 14 Aug. 1995; DEBU • 6 ♂♂, 11 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 15 Aug. 1995; ground Eciton raid; DEBU • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; swept over dung; DEBU • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; same data as for preceding; 2000 m a.s.l.; 15 Aug. 1995; treefall; DEBU • 1 ♀; Las Alturas, trail to Cerro Chai; 1700–2100 m a.s.l.; 13–15 Aug. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; DEBU • 1 ♀; Las Alturas, summit of Cerro Chai; 2100 m a.s.l.; 11–17 Aug. 1995; T. Pape leg.; DEBU • 23 ♂♂, 16 ♀♀; Monteverde Biological Reserve; 1500 m a.s.l.; 13 Jun. 2000; S.A. Marshall leg.; DEBU • 91 ♂♂, 52 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 11–13 Jun. 2000; cloud forest; DEBU • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; same data as for preceding; 12–13 Jun. 2000; M. Buck leg.; pans along stream; DEBU • 3 ♂♂, 1 ♀; same data as for preceding; 13–14 Jun. 2000; DEBU • 85 ♂♂, 59 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 11 Jun. 2000; sweep; DEBU • 1 ♀; same data as for preceding; on log over trail; DEBU • 5 ♂♂, 1 ♀; same data as for preceding; 12 Jun. 2000, S.A. Marshall leg.; on dung; DEBU • 9 ♀♀, 5 ♂♂; same data as for preceding; 26 May 1998; sweep; DEBU • 11 ♂♂, 33 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 14 Jun. 2000; M. Buck leg.; sweeping treefall and trail; DEBU • 56 ♂♂, 67 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; treefall, sweep and pans; DEBU • 13 ♂♂, 9 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 18 Mar. 1996; L. Masner leg.; along creek, yellow pans; DEBU • 2 ♂♂, 5 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 12 Jun. 2000; M. Buck leg.; white pans in kitchen compost; DEBU • 1 ♂, 6 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 13 Jun. 2000; DEBU • 2 ♂♂, 1 ♀; Monteverde Biological Station, lower trail; 26 May 1998; S.A. Marshall leg.; DEBU • 28 ♂♂, 88 ♀♀; Monteverde Reserve; 1500 m a.s.l.; Feb. 1980; W. Mason leg.; cloud forest; CNCI • 11 ♂♂, 26 ♀♀; Monteverde Reserve; 1550 m a.s.l.; 15–20 Jul. 1986; L. Masner leg.; CNCI • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Monteverde; 10°18′ N, 84°48′ W; 1539 m a.s.l.; 24 Feb.–2 Mar. 1988; B. Hubley leg.; 1° tropical cloud forest, pan traps; ROME • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Monteverde; 1500 m a.s.l.; 11–18 Jul. 1983; D. Lindeman leg.; fruit pitfall; CNCI • 2 ♂♂; Monteverde, 1500 m a.s.l.; 20 Feb. 1980; D.M. Wood; CNCI • 1 ♂; Monteverde; 1500 m a.s.l.; 24 Feb. 1991; B.J. Sinclair leg.; DEBU • 2 ♂♂, 9 ♀♀; Monteverde; 1500 m a.s.l.; 29 Feb. 1980; W.R. Mason leg.; cloud forest; CNCI • 3 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; Monteverde; 1500 m a.s.l.; 4–11 Feb. 1989; D. Grimaldi leg.; lower montane wet forest; AMNH • 1 ♂, 4 ♀♀; Monteverde; 1500 m a.s.l.; 29 Feb. 1980; Mason and Wood leg.; rainforest; CNCI • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; Monteverde; 1500–1600 m a.s.l.; 24 Feb. 1991; B.J. Sinclair leg.; sweeping trails; DEBU • 4 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 1500–1800 m a.s.l.; 24–27 Feb. 1991; DEBU • 2 ♀♀; Monteverde; 1520 m a.s.l.; 11–18 Jun. 1983; D. Lindeman leg.; flight-intercept trap; CNCI • 1 ♀; Monteverde; 1700–1800 m a.s.l.; 23–27 Feb. 1991; B.J. Sinclair leg.; yellow pan traps; DEBU • 1 ♂; Monteverde; 1800 m a.s.l.; 25 Feb. 1991; B.J. Sinclair leg.; guava clearing; DEBU • 11 ♂♂, 7 ♀♀; Monteverde; 25 Feb. 1991; H. and A. Howden leg.; flight-intercept trap; DEBU • 45 ♂♂, 96 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 27 Feb. 1991; DEBU • 1 ♂; Monteverde; 26 May 1998; S.A. Marshall leg.; forest, emergence trap; DEBU • 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀; Monteverde, Finca Canada; 1500 m a.s.l.; 5 Jun. 1988; B.V. Brown leg.; primary forest; DEBU • 1 ♂, 5 ♀♀; Monteverde, high pass between Pacific and Atlantic slopes; 10°18′ N, 84°48′ W; 1570 m a.s.l.; 3 Feb. 1986; A. Forsyth leg.; ROME • 3 ♂♂, 1 ♀; Monteverde, Pension Quetzal; 10°18′ N, 84°49′ W; 24 May 1987; A. Norrbom leg.; on human dung; USNM • 9 ♂♂, 1 ♀; Monteverde, near Biological Station; 25 May 1998; S.A. Marshall leg.; sweep; DEBU • 1 ♀; Monteverde, Twin Falls Trail; 1500 m a.s.l.; 26 Feb. 1991; B.J. Sinclair leg.; DEBU • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; San Gerardo; 1200 m a.s.l.; 15 Dec. 1994; D.C. Caloren leg.; sweep in banana grove; DEBU. – San José • 13 ♂♂, 8 ♀♀; Highway 2, km 68; 6 Aug. 1995; D.C. Caloren leg.; around Sphagnum bog/ponds, sweeping; DEBU • 2 ♀♀; San Carlos, Cerro Cura, 14 km SSW of San Marcos de Tarrazú; 9°36′31″ N, 84°07′09″ W; 1800 m a.s.l.; 24 Feb. 2006; S.A. Marshall leg.; cloud forest; DEBU • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; San Gerardo de Dota; 2000 m a.s.l.; 9 Aug. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; stream in pasture near lodge; DEBU • 1 ♀; San Gerardo de Dota, upper trail in forest; 2400–2600 m a.s.l.; 7–9 Aug. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; DEBU • 1 ♂; San Gerardo de Dota; 2500 m a.s.l.; 10 Aug. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; sweep wet trail; DEBU • 5 ♂♂, 6 ♀♀; San Gerardo de Dota; 9°33′ N, 83°48′ W; 9 Aug. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; roadside, sweep; DEBU • 51 ♂♂, 23 ♀♀; San Gerardo de Dota, 9 Aug. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; disturbed area near river, sweep; DEBU • 9 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀; San Gerardo de Dota, near Lodge; 9°33′ N, 83°48′ W; 2000 m a.s.l.; 9 Aug. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; stream in pasture, sweep; DEBU • 3 ♀♀; San Gerardo de Dota, Río Savegre; 2200 m a.s.l.; 19 Mar. 1996; L. Masner leg.; river bed, yellow pans; DEBU • 3 ♀♀; San José, compost pile behind Hotel Bougainvillea; 6 Aug. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; DEBU • 7 ♂♂, 4 ♀♀; Zurquí de Moravia; 1600 m a.s.l.; Mar. 1981; P. Hanson leg.; DEBU • 1 ♂; same data as for preceding; Feb. 1989; MNCR • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; same data as for preceding; May 1989; Malaise trap; MNCR • 4 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; May 1991; MNCR.
ECUADOR – Napo • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; 4.8 km W of El Chaco; 1750 m a.s.l.; 7 Nov. 1999; S.A. Marshall leg.; DEBU • 7 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; 5 km N of El Chaco; 15 Feb. 1983; M.J. Sharkey leg.; Malaise trap and wet net; CNCI • 10 ♂♂, 18 ♀♀; Baeza; 1500 m a.s.l.; 16–19 May 1987; L.D. Coote and B.V. Brown leg.; wet montane rainforest, Malaise trap; DEBU • 4 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; ROME • 4 ♂♂, 8 ♀♀; Baeza; 1550 m a.s.l.; 15–19 May 1987; L.D. Coote and B.V. Brown leg.; wet montane rainforest/ pasture, Malaise trap off stone trail; ROME • 6 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀; Baeza; 1700 m a.s.l.; 16–19 May 1987; L.D. Coote and B.V. Brown leg.; wet montane rainforest/pasture near small creek, Malaise head; ROME • 1 ♂, 3 ♀♀; Baeza, W along road; 1500 m a.s.l.; 16–19 May 1987; L.D. Coote and B.V. Brown leg.; montane rainforest/pasture, Malaise trap; DEBU • 7 ♂♂; El Chaco; 2000 m a.s.l.; 15–23 Feb. 1983; L. Masner and M. Sharkey leg.; Malaise trap; CNCI • 1 ♀; Tena; 500 m a.s.l.; 21–27 May 1987; L.D. Coote and B.V. Brown leg.; secondary rainforest, Malaise trap; ROME. – Pichincha • 33 ♂♂, 31 ♀♀; 3.5 km SE of Tandayapa; 28 Oct. 1999; S.A. Marshall leg.; in green leaf litter (treefall); debu00116093 / MYCRO1028-22 sequenced for CO1-5’; DEBU • 1 ♂, 1 ♀; 7 km SE of Nanegalito, trout farm ‘San José’; 1500 m a.s.l.; 30–31 Oct. 1999; S.A. Marshall leg.; river edge, pan taps; DEBU • 8 ♂♂, 7 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 27–30 Oct. 1999; riverine forest, sweep treefalls; DEBU • 1 ♀; 7 km SE of Nanegalito, trout farm ‘San José’; 27 Oct. 1999; S.A. Marshall leg.; on logs/sweep; DEBU • 2 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; Maquipucuna Biological Reserve; 1200 m a.s.l.; 29 Oct. 1999; S.A. Marshall leg.; river trail, sweep; DEBU • 5 ♂♂; Tandapi; 1300–1700 m a.s.l.; 21 Jun. 1965; L. Peña leg.; CNCI.
PANAMA – Chiriquí • 10 ♂♂, 7 ♀♀; Las Lagunas, 4.5 km SW of Hato del Volcan; 2550 m a.s.l.; 1–8 Jun. 1977; S. and J. Peck leg.; sweeps; DEBU • 3 ♂♂, 3 ♀♀; Hartmann’s Finca; 1700 m a.s.l.; 28 Jun.–3 Jul. 1981; B. Gill leg.; DEBU.
PERU – Cusco • 1 ♂; Cock-of-the-Rock Lodge, NE Paucartambo; 13°03′18″ S, 71°32′42″ W; 1120 m a.s.l.; 4–9 Nov. 2007; D. Brzoska leg.; flight-intercept trap; DEBU.
VENEZUELA – Aragua • 1 ♂; Colonia Tovar; 2300 m a.s.l.; 10 Mar. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; DEBU • 1 ♀; Henri Pittier National Park, 6 km N of Rancho Grande Biological Station; 28 Feb. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; sweep along stream; DEBU • 15 ♂♂, 7 ♀♀; Henri Pittier National Park, 12 km N of Maracay on Choroni Road; 1290 m a.s.l.; 7 Mar. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; DEBU • 44 ♂♂, 26 ♀♀; Henri Pittier National Park, Maracay–Choroni Highway, km 19; 1330 m a.s.l.; 15 Apr. 1994; L. Masner leg.; creek; DEBU • 4 ♂♂; same data as for preceding; km 32, forest; DEBU • 1 ♀; Henri Pittier National Park, near Rancho Grande; 1100–1200 m a.s.l.; 19–20 Jan. 1996; J. and A. Skevington leg.; DEBU • 4 ♂♂; Henri Pittier National Park, Rancho Grande Biological Station, above Portachuelo Pass; 1400 m a.s.l.; 27 Feb. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; DEBU • 1 ♂; Henri Pittier National Park, Rancho Grande Biological Station; May 1998; Ashe, Brooks and Hanley leg.; SEMC • 17 ♂♂, 13 ♀♀; Henri Pittier National Park, Rancho Grande; 1500 m a.s.l.; 3 Sep. 1992; L. Masner leg.; DEBU • 3 ♂♂, 5 ♀♀; Henri Pittier National Park, Rancho Grande, La Toma trail; 1100 m a.s.l.; 17 Apr. 1994; L. Masner leg.; DEBU • 78 ♂♂, 8 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 9 Apr. 1994; DEBU • 1 ♀; same data as for preceding; 9–10 Apr. 1994; yellow pan traps; DEBU • 1 ♀; Henri Pittier National Park, Rancho Grande, Portachuelo Pass; 1400 m a.s.l.; 27 Feb. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; DEBU • 23 ♂♂, 11 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 9 Apr. 1994; L. Masner leg.; DEBU • 3 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; 10 Apr. 1994; Malaise trap; DEBU • 2 ♂♂; Henri Pittier National Park, trail along Rancho Grande; 1225 m a.s.l.; 22– 25 Jan. 1996; J. and A. Skevington leg.; Malaise trap in forest opening; CNCI • 6 ♂♂; Maracay, Rancho Grande Biological Station, Portachuelo Pass; 1400 m a.s.l.; 27 Feb. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; DEBU • 1 ♀; Maracay, Rancho Grande Biological Station; 8 Mar. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; sweep near station; DEBU • 1 ♂, 3 ♀♀; Rancho Grande Biological Station; 10°21′ N, 67°41′ W; 1200 m a.s.l.; 14 May 1998; Ashe, Brooks and Hanley leg.; flight-intercept trap; SEMC • 2 ♂♂; Rancho Grande Biological Station; 1–9 Mar. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; near station; DEBU • 1 ♀; Rancho Grande National Park; 1100 m a.s.l.; 18 Aug.–3 Oct. 1992; L. Masner leg.; cloud forest, maxinet; DEBU • 16 ♂♂, 6 ♀♀; Rancho Grande; 26 Feb. 1989; D.A. Grimaldi leg.; AMNH • 1 ♀; Rancho Grande, 2–30 Dec. 1987; M. Sanborne leg.; Malaise trap “Inter.”; DEBU • 1 ♀; Rancho Grande, La Cumbre cloud forest; 1–10 Aug. 1987; Borden and Peck leg.; flight-intercept trap; DEBU. – Lara • 1 ♂; Yacambú; 1200 m a.s.l.; 7 May 1981; H. Townes leg.; cloud forest; CNCI. – Mérida • 1 ♀; Los Chorros; 2300 m a.s.l.; 5 May 1988; S.A. Marshall leg.; wet leaves; DEBU • 6 ♂♂; Mérida, “Fac.” Forest; 1800 m a.s.l.; 11 May 1981; L. Masner leg.; old coffee plantation; CNCI. – Trujillo • 2 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀; 10 km E of Bocono, Laguna de Lucerdo; 1760 m a.s.l.; 3 Mar. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; slash/compost; DEBU • 2 ♀♀; same data as for preceding; sweep; DEBU • 2 ♀♀; Bocono, road to Guaramacal; 2130 m a.s.l.; 2 Mar. 1995; S.A. Marshall leg.; sweep mud; DEBU • 2 ♀♀; Bocono–Guaramacal Road; 2130 m a.s.l.; S.A. Marshall leg.; sweep wet litter; DEBU • 15 ♂♂, 45 ♀♀; Guaramacal National Park, 14 km NE of Bocono; 2000 m a.s.l.; 25 Aug.–1 Sep. 1992; L. Masner leg.; DEBU • 1 ♀; Guaramacal National Park; 2000– 3000 m a.s.l.; 26 Aug.–1 Sep. 1992; L. Masner leg.; car net; DEBU • 16 ♂♂, 10 ♀♀; Mosquey near Bocono; 1500 m a.s.l.; 24 Aug. 1992; L. Masner leg.; coffee plantation, maxinet; DEBU.
Description
BODY (Fig. 34A). Length 2.2–3.8 mm. Head brown, lower quarter of frons orange; face, gena, and antennae orange-brown. Frontal width 2.4–2.6 × frontal height. Three pairs of strong interfrontal bristles surmounting a very fine fourth pair; anterior orbital 0.6–0.7 × length of posterior. Palpus yellow. Eye large, greatest height about 4.0× shortest genal height. Thorax dark brown, scutum with paler lateral edges. Two pairs of dorsocentral bristles (anterior pair only slightly larger than surrounding acrostichal setulae) separated by 8–9 rows of acrostichal setulae. Membrane around prosternum bare. Legs brown, mid tarsomeres paler. Fore femur with three large ventral preapical setae. Ventral surface of male mid tibia with two rows of stout setae in apical quarter. Wing (Fig. 5J) slightly infuscate. CS2 0.8–0.9 × CS3. Halter caramel brown.
MALE ABDOMEN (Figs 34B–D, 35). Dark brown, posterior edges of tergites sometimes slightly desclerotized. T2–5 and S2–4 uniformly long-setose with large posterolateral setae. S5 2.0 × as long as S4, densely long-setose on posterior third, with a dark, asymmetrically triangular, posteromedial patch of very dense setulae flanked by desclerotized areas. Anterior flange of S6+7 1.5× as long as wide. Sclerite A delineated from S6+7 by a thin dark line; sclerite B reduced; sclerite C elongate and twisted, extending to base of sclerite F; sclerite D well sclerotized and somewhat triangular; sclerite E and F large and overlapping, both tapered but sclerite E bilobed mesially; sclerite G large and well sclerotized; ring sclerite small and weakly sclerotized. Epandrium large, 0.9 × length of S8, height 1.5 × maximum length and 0.7× maximum width, uniformly setose with pointed inner posteromedial lobes; posterior third of epandrium separated from anterior two-thirds by a deep lateral groove extending halfway up epandrium; perianal pads weakly developed but densely setulose. Pseudocercus small and separate from epandrium with three long setae; halves of subepandrial sclerite reduced to a pair of arches fused medially forming an M-shape and articulating basally with inner part of subcercus; subcercus divided into two separate pieces, inner part large, anterodorsally projecting into arches of subepandrial sclerite and tapered posteroventrally to an elongate point; outer part of subcercus rounded and articulating with surstylus and pseudocercus. Hypandrium with anteromedial apodeme elongate with two small posterior lobes. Surstylus bilobed, anterior lobe triangular and curled inwards slightly, posterior lobe quadrate and setose. Postgonite small, curved anteriorly, and abruptly tapered apically. Phallapodeme very large with a tall dorsal ‘fin’; basiphallus stout, with two large lateral plates, divergent basally and distally fused with trunk-like, anteriorly bent epiphallus; distiphallus largely membranous, reduced to a broad, distally bifurcate dorsal sclerite and a pair of small ventral sclerites.
FEMALE ABDOMEN (Fig. 36). T7 dark and broad with a small posteromedial notch; T8 entire but strongly desclerotized dorsally, appearing as only two lateral plates, posteroventral corners elongate and pointed. Epiproct bare and shining except for a small setulose posteromedial area. Cercus short and rounded with a long preapical seta and a smaller dorsal seta. S7 dark, semicircular with a posteromedial point and four large posterior setae; S8 reduced to two small lateral plates, usually concealed under lateroventral parts of T8. Two spermathecae, bulb spherical and finely striate with an apical invagination.
Distribution
Neotropical: Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Venezuela.
Remarks
Sclerocoelus copiosus sp. nov. is closely related to S. elephas sp. nov. and S. tantus sp. nov., which also have a long, trunk-like epiphallus, but differs by the bare membrane around the prosternum. Additionally, the distinctively elongated posteroventral corners of the female T8 and characteristic male surstylus allow for easy identification of even pinned specimens. Sclerocoelus copiosus is one of the most commonly collected species of Sclerocoelus in cloud forest habitats (1000–2000 m) of Central and South America, and it is among the most abundant acalyptrate species in flight intercept and Malaise trap samples in some parts of Costa Rica. It is frequently collected with other species of the S. galapagensis group.
description: Published as part of Kuwahara, Gregory K., Marshall, Stephen A. & Paiero, Steven M., 2025, A revision of the genus Sclerocoelus Marshall (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae), pp. 1-277 in European Journal of Taxonomy 979 on pages 40-45, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2025.979.2803, http://zenodo.org/record/14980852