Phausis nigra Hopping, Det. Ralph Hopping 1937
Creators: name: Hodson, Alicia M.
name: Branham, Marc A.
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Coleoptera
Lampyridae
Phausis
Phausis nigra

description: Phausis nigra Hopping, 1937
(Figs 12; 18B; 22V–X; 24H)
Phausis nigra Hopping 1937: Can. Ent. 69: 89; Fender 1962: 43; Fender 1966: 92.
Diagnosis. Male. Phausis nigra can be distinguished by the following characters: Pedicel 3/8 the length of antennomere 3; sensorium truncate in shape; central pronotal disc quadrate with acute basal angles extending to lateral and basal margins of pronotum (Fig. 18B); abdominal segment VII apical margin is shallowly concave; median lobe broadly elongate; parameres ovate in shape (Fig. 22V).
This species appears similar to but differs from Phausis skelleyi by the following characters: pronotum is transverse and subrhombus, having the pronotal angle (a tangent line drawn from lateral margin of pronotum meeting a parallel line drawn from the basal margin of the pronotum) equal to 70 degrees (Fender 1962, 1966); antennomeres 3 to 10 progressively shorter (antennomeres 3 to 10 subequal in length in P. skelleyi); sensorium truncate (ovate in P. skelleyi); elytral lateral margins greatly expanded, more so proximate to humeral angle than apically; abdominal segment VII elongate versus quadrate; basal piece of aedeagus v-shaped, divergent and moderately pigmented (light brown) (Fig. 22V); median lobe approximate to and parallel to parameres (Fig. 22W) versus exceeding the parameres and extending forward ventrally; median lobe with ventral opening (Fig. 22X), and dorsal opening absent.
This species also appears similar to but differs from Phausis rhombica by the following characters: head vertex is longitudinally concave versus transversely concave as in P. rhombica; outer margin of mandibles straight versus convex; anterior vitreous areas (pronotal spots) punctate along outer margins versus punctate throughout; basal piece (dorsal view) is v-shaped and divergent versus divergent and quadrate; Phausis rhombica has both a dorsal and ventral opening on the median lobe, where P. nigra only has a ventral opening.
Redescription. Male (Figs. 18B; 22V–X). Length 5.0–7.0 mm. Width 1.7–2.3 mm. Color. Body dark brown to black; eyes black; mouthparts brown, except mandibles paler at apices, flavus; antennae dark brown to piceous; central pronotal disc brownish-black, darker than pronotum; scutellum dark brown; thorax brunneous; legs dark brown to piceous; abdomen dark brown to piceous; photic organs absent on abdominal segments VI, VII and VIII; pubescence cinereous. Anterior vitreous areas (pronotal spots) present.
Head small and transverse (frontal view); vertex longitudinally concave with fine, dense punctures dorsally. Eyes small and separated, labium not obstructed by eyes. Mandibles length normal (apices crossing), robust basally, begins to taper gradually; incisor region elongate (greater than half of total length of mandible); outer margin straight; basal angle greater than 90 degrees dorsally. Maxillary palps with three palpomeres, last palpomere securiform. Labial palps reduced, with two palpomeres.
Antennae filiform, long, extending to posterior end of metathorax (Fig. 18B). Scape as long as pedicel. Pedicel approximately 3/8 the length of antennomere 3. Antennomere 3 as long as antennomeres 4 to 5, 0.5× longer than antennomeres 6 to 10. Antennomeres 3 to 10 becoming progressively shorter distally. Antennomere 11 longer than previous antennomeres, rounded at apex. Flagellomeres feebly compressed, but not as compressed as in Lucidota or Ellychnia; when viewed laterally, flagellomeres are wider than in ventral view. Sensorium present on the distal end of antennomere 11, semi-transparent, small, and truncate.
Pronotum transverse, subrhombus (Fig. 18B); longitudinal median carina present, extending from base to apex of pronotum; lateral margins more broadly reflexed than anterior margin; all margins explanate, becoming flattened toward the hind angles; basal margin undulate; hind angles finely denticulate. Central pronotal disc present, quadrate with acute basal angles extending to lateral and basal margins; surface shiny, mostly impunctate, with fine sparse punctures basally.Anterior vitreous areas (spots) present, large (less than one width of spot between them), triangular with rounded edges, and punctate along outer margins.
Scutellum spatulate; sides weakly sinuate and posterior apex rounded with longitudinal groove; surface dull, sparsely, coarsely punctured (Fig. 18B).
Elytra well developed; densely finely punctate, becoming rugose along lateral margins of elytra (Fig. 18B). Lateral margins greatly expanded, more so proximate to humeral angle than apically. Single costa present medially on each elytron; arising from base to the middle of the elytra. Longitudinal elevated lines present.
Venter. Thorax elongate and rhomboidal. Metathorax with posterior apex notched; medial line present; surface shiny and finely punctate. Tergal apicolateral angles strongly lobed. Abdominal segments VI and VII not bearing photic organs. Photic organ absent on abdominal segment VIII. Abdominal segment VII elongate (longer than wide), apical margin shallowly concave. Abdominal segment VIII elongate, apical margin pointed.
Male Genitalia. Basal piece (dorsal view; Fig. 22V) longer than wide, v-shaped and moderately sclerotized (light brown); distinct segments divergent (widely separated). Median lobe (dorsal view; Fig. 22V) approximates tips of parameres, overall broadly elongate and rounded (greater than 45 degrees) at apex; parallel to parameres (Fig. 22W); sensilla absent; dorsal inner-basal margins round; dorsal opening absent; longitudinal dorsal carina absent; lateral line absent; ventral opening present (Fig. 22X), ovate, consisting of the apical half of medial lobe. Parameres (dorsal view; Fig. 22V) elongate, ovate, broader basally then gradually tapering towards apex; inner lateral margins convex; outer lateral margins arcuate; apex roundly acute (lateral view; Fig. 22W); proximal flanges (extensions of parameres that curve or extend outward from inner margin) absent (dorsal view). Sensilla absent.
Female. Unknown.
Larva. Unknown.
Eggs. Unknown.
Etymology. Unknown.
Specimens Examined. Type Material. Paratypes (Figs. 18B; 24H). CANADA: ALBERTA: “ COCHRANE, Alberta, Can. VI.10.52, C.P.A, Kenneth M. Fender Collection 1988 and 1992, Gifts to the California Academy of Sciences,” 1 ♂ (CAS); same except “12 M W of Banff, VI.11.52, C.P.A, Kenneth M. Fender Collection 1988 and 1992, Gifts to the California Academy of Sciences,” 1 ♂ (CAS). BRITISH COLUMBIA: “Midday Val. MERRITT,
B.C. VI.15.1924, K.F. Auden, R. Hopping Collection, Kenneth M. Fender Collection 1988 and 1992, Gifts to the California Academy of Sciences,” 2 ♂ (CAS); same except “ 25.VI.1926, Wm. Mathers, ex. Pinus ponderosa, R. Hopping Collection,” 1 ♂ (CAS); same except “CRESTON, B.C. VI.3.1949, G. Stace-Smith, Fender Collection 1988 and 1992, Gifts to the California Academy of Sciences,” 1 ♂ (CAS); “TRINITY VALLEY, B.C. VI.25.1929, J.R. Howell” [folded label “ Phausis nigra Hopping, Det. Ralph Hopping ”], 2 ♂ (CAS); same except “17219 Lot 42, VII.2.1928, J.R. Howell, ex. Pinus ponderosa, R. Hopping Collection,” 1 ♂ (CAS); same except “17213 Lot 34, VI.23.1927, E.A. Rendell, ex. Pseudotsuga taxifolia, [folded label “ Phausis nigra Hopping, Det. Ralph Hopping ”], 1 ♂ (CAS); same except VII.5.1927, H. Richmond, Paratype No 4176,” 1 ♂ (CNCI); same except “VI.26.1928, H.A. Richmond Paratype No 4176,” 1 ♂ (CNCI); “FERNIE, B.C., 3.VII.1934, Hugh B. Leech, R. Hopping Collection,” 1 ♂ (CAS).
Other material. USA: IDAHO: LATAH Co., Moscow Mt. 30.IV.1941, Coll. R. Halesey, Det. N. Downie, 1 ♂ (WSUC). OREGON: CLATSOP Co., Cannon Beach, 14.VI.1937, Coll. E.C. Van Dyke, E.C. Van Dyke Collection, 1 ♂ (CAS); BENTON Co., Marys Peak, 10.VII.1975, elevation 2200, Coll. K. & W. Fender, Det. K.M. Fender, Kenneth M. Fender Collection 1988 and 1992, Gifts to the California Academy of Sciences, 7 ♂ (CAS); UMATILLA Co., Lehman Springs, Hwy 244, Lot 8, 14.VI.1984, Coll. B.F. & J.L. Carr, J. & B. Carr Collection, 1 ♂ (CNCI); same except Lot 10, 4 ♂ (CNCI); same except Lot 9, 1 ♂ (CNCI); UNION Co., Whiskey Crk., 23 mi SSW of La Grande 5120 ft., malaise trap with CO 2, Coll. E.J. Davis, 2 ♂ (WSUC); same except L. Lick Creek., 26 mi. SE Union, BAKER Co., Cornucopia, 6.VII.1968, Lot 1, Coll. B.F. & J.L. Carr, J. & B. Carr Collection, 1 ♂ (CNCI). WASHINGTON: ASOTIN Co., Fields’ Spr. SP, 4 mi S. Anatone, 3500 to 4000 ft., 7.VI.1973, Coll. D. Corredor, 1 ♂ (WSUC); same except Anatone, Lot 3, 12.VI.1984, Coll. B.F. & J.L. Carr, J. & B. Carr Collection, 1 ♂ (CNCI); KING Co., Fall City, 29.VI.19334, from the O. Bryant Collection, 1 ♂ (CAS); same except Northbend, 10.VII.1920, Van Dyke Collection, 1 ♂ (CAS); same except Seattle, 21.V.1934, Coll. M.H. Hatch, Kenneth M. Fender Collection 1988 and 1992, Gifts to the California Academy of Sciences, 1 ♂ (WSUC); SPOKANE Co., Bald Knob Campground, Mt. Spokane SP, 4800–5200 ft., malaise trap with dry ice bait, 2122. VII.1975, Coll. J. Turner, 1 ♂ (WSUC); LEWIS Co., Rainbow Falls Park, Lot 1, 5.VII.1965, Coll. B.F. & J.L. Carr, J. & B. Carr Collection, 1 ♂ (CNCI). CANADA: ALBERTA: BANFF, 1.VII.1925, Coll. Owen Bryant, Kenneth M. Fender Collection 1988 and 1992, Gifts to the California Academy of Sciences, 1 ♂ (CAS); CALGARY, 15.VI.1958, Lot 1, Coll. B.F. & J.L. Carr, J. & B. Carr Collection, 1 ♂ (CNCI); same except 19.VI.1956, 1 male (CNCI); same except 4.VII.1953, 1 ♂ (CNCI); Cochrane, 12.VI.1960, Lot 1, Coll. B.F. & J.L. Carr, J. & B. Carr Collection, 7 ♂ (CNCI); SUNDRE, 12.VII.1973, Coll. B.F. & J.L. Carr, J. & B. Carr Collection, 1 ♂ (CNCI); Mer. Tp. 37, Rge. 5, W. 5, 16.VI.1973, Coll. B.F. & J.L. Carr, J. & B. Carr Collection, 1 ♂ (CNCI). BRITISH COLUMBIA: BRISCO, 19.VI.1932, Coll. O. Bryant, Kenneth M. Fender Collection 1988 and 1992, Gifts to the California Academy of Sciences, 1 ♂ (CAS); COPPER MOUTAIN, 7.VII.1930, Coll. G. Stace-Smith, G. Stace-Smith Collection, 1 ♂ (UBCZ); same except 8.VI.1930, 1 ♂ (UBCZ); CRESTON, 4.VI.1955?, Coll. G. Stace-Smith, Det. K.M. Fender, 1 ♂ (CNCI); same except 1.VII.1945, Coll. G. Stace-Smith, J.W. Green Collection, 1 ♂ (CAS); same except 7.VI.1945, 1 ♂ (CAS); same except 7.VII.1945, 1 ♂ (CAS); same except 20.VI.1945, 1 ♂ (CAS); same except 21.VI.1945, 1 ♂ (CAS); same except 24.VI.1945, Kenneth M. Fender Collection 1988 and 1992, Gifts to the California Academy of Sciences, 1 ♂ (CAS); same except 2.VI.1958, not from J.W. Green Collection of K.M. Fender Collection, 1 ♂ (CNCI); DOWNIE CREEK, Lot 1, 24.VI.1962, Coll. B.F. & J.L. Carr, J. & B. Carr Collection, 1 ♂ (CNCI); FERNIE, 10.VI.1936, Coll. Hugh Leech, C.A. Frost Collection [folded label “ Phausis nigra ”, perhaps Phausis rhombica, but specimen is too damaged], 1 ♂ (MCZC); same except 16.VI.1936, Coll. Hugh Leech, ex. on Larix foliage, not in C.A. Frost collection, 1 ♂ (CNCI); MERRITT, Midday Val., 17131, Lot 172, 27.VI.1926, Wm. Mathers, R. Hopping Collection, Kenneth M. Fender Collection 1988 and 1992, Gifts to the California Academy of Sciences, 1 ♂ (CAS); QUESNEL, 2.VII.1949, Coll. G.J. Spencer, 1 ♂ (UBCZ); same except 3.VII.1949; RADIUM, 6.VI.1953, Coll. B.F. & J.L. Carr, J. & B. Carr Collection, 1 ♂ (CNCI); ROBSON, 22.VI.1948, Coll. H.R. Foxlee, 1 ♂ (CNCI); SALMON ARM, 17.VI.1928, Coll. Hugh B. Leech, 1 ♂ (CNCI); same except 14.V.1934, Coll. C.G. Smith, 1 ♂ (CNCI); SANCA, Roadside, evening, 1900 ft., 14.VI.1933, Coll. G. Stace-Smith, 1 ♂ (AMNH); same except 15.VI.1933, G. Stace-Collection, 3 ♂ (UBCZ); same except 16.VI.1933, 1 ♂ (UBCZ); same except 20.VI.1933, J.W. Green Collection, 1 ♂ (CAS); same except 26.VI.1933, Det. K.M. Fender, 1 ♂ (AMNH); same except 27.VI.1933, J.W. Green Collection, 1 ♂ (CAS); same except 27.VI.1933, G. Stace-Smith Collection, 3 ♂ (UBCZ); same except 28.VI.1933, 1 ♂ (UBCZ); same except 29.VI.1933, Kenneth M. Fender Collection 1988 and 1992, Gifts to the California Academy of Sciences, 1 ♂ (CAS); TRINITY VALLEY, 4.VII.1930, Coll. J. Howell, 1 ♂ (CAS); SQUILAX, VI.30.1955, Coll. W.J. Brown, 1 ♂ (CNCI); TAFT, 3.VII.1965, Lot 1, Coll. B.F. & J.L. Carr, J. & B.Carr Collection, 1 ♂ (CNCI).
Distribution. Known to occur in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States (Idaho, Oregon, and Washington) and Canada (Alberta and British Columbia) (Fig. 12).
Phenology. Occurs late April through July.
Remarks. The holotype was unavailable for examination, but has been reported to be in the Canadian National Collection of Insects, Ontario, Canada (Hopping 1937). Therefore, the species redescription was based on paratypes and specimens that were similar to previously published descriptions (Hopping 1937; Fender 1962, 1966).
Fender contrasts Phausis nigra to Phausis skelleyi by the pronotal angle (a tangent line drawn from lateral margin of pronotum meeting a parallel line drawn from the basal margin of the pronotum). Phausis skelleyi has a 55 degree angle versus a 70 degree angle in P. nigra. The current author found this to be true, but it was difficult to measure accurately and hold constant for each specimen examined. Both species overlap in distribution except for P. skelleyi is not known to occur in Canada, and can be distinguished by the characters stated in the above diagnosis.
Hopping (1937) states that “ P. nigra is nearest P. riversi LeConte but differs in the pronotum being wider than long with translucent spots much larger and impunctate, or punctate towards margins, while in P. riversi the spots are small, punctate and prothorax (pronotum) is long as wide and much narrower at the base”. Further distinction can be made by the color of the pronotum being flavus with a dark medial spot in P. riversi versus brown with a blackish-brown central pronotal disc in P. nigra, and aedeagal morphology.
Variation. None identified.
Biology. Unknown.
description: Published as part of Hodson, Alicia M. & Branham, Marc A., 2024, Revision and Phylogeny of the Genus Phausis (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) with the Description of Three New Species, pp. 1-52 in Zootaxa 5458 (1) on pages 28-31, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5458.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/11348272