Ochodaeus modopunctatus Paulsen 2019, new species
Creators: name: Paulsen, M. J.
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2019
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Coleoptera
Ochodaeidae
Ochodaeus
Ochodaeus modopunctatus

description: Ochodaeus modopunctatus Paulsen, new species
Type material. Holotype male (CASC; Fig. 1), labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / d’Antsiranana, Parc National / Montagne d’Ambre / el 1050 m, 25–29 Jan 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 31′ 13″ S, 49° 10′ 45″ E / California Acad of Sciences / M.E. Irwin, E.I. Schlinger / & R. Harin’Hala collectors / malaise trap MA-01-01C-02”; c) “CASENT / 8006869”; d) red paper “ Ochodaeus / modopunctatus n. sp. / M.J. Paulsen det.”.
Paratype male (MJPC) labeled a–b as holotype; c) “CASENT / 8006868”. One paratype labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / d’Antsiranana, Parc National / Montagne d’Ambre, / elev 960 m 26–29 Jan 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 30′ 52″ S, 49° 10′ 53″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / M.E. Irwin, E.I. Schlinger / & R. Harin’Hala collectors, / malaise trap MA-01-01A-02”; c) “CASENT / 8011532”. Two paratypes labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Diego- / Suarez Prov., Parc National / Montagne d’Ambre, / elev 960 m / 26–29.i.2001 ” malaise”; b) “ 12° 30′ 52″ S, 49° 10′ 53″ E / M.E. Irwin, E.I. Schlinger / & R. Harin’Hala MA-01-01A-02 / Calif. Acad. Sci. Collection”; c) “CASENT / #” (# = 8000057 or 8000058 [♂]). Two paratypes labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / d’Antsiranana, Parc National / Montagne d’Ambre, / elev 960 m, 29 January 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 30′ 52″ S, 49° 10′ 53″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / M.E. Irwin collector, netted / by hand MA-01-01A-05”; c) “CASENT / #” (# = 8011551 [♀] or 8011561). Three paratypes labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / d’Antsiranana, Parc National / Montagne d’Ambre, / elev 960 m 4–19 Mar 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 30′ 52″ S, 49° 10′ 53″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / Coll: M. Irwin, R. Harin’Hala, / malaise trap MA-01-01A-08”; c) “CASENT / #” (# = 8016282, 8016293, or 8016298). Four paratypes labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / d’Antsiranana, Parc National / Montagne d’Ambre, / elev 960 m 5–21 April 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 30′ 52″ S, 49° 10′ 53″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / Coll: M. Irwin, R. Harin’Hala, / malaise trap MA-01-01A-10”; c) “CASENT / #” (# = 8013900, 8013903, 8013914, or 8013922 [♀]). One paratype labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / d’Antsiranana, Parc National / Montagne d’Ambre / elev 975 m 21–25 Jan 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 31′ S, 49° 11′ E / California Acad. of Sciences / M.E. Irwin, E.I. Schlinger / & R. Harin’Hala collectors / malaise trap MA-01-01B-01”; c) “CASENT / 8000118”. One female paratype labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / Diego-Suarez, Parc National / Montagne d’Ambre 975 m ”; b) “ 25 Jan to 11 Feb 2001 / 12° 31′ S, 49° 11′ E / California Acad. of Sciences / M.E. Irwin, E.I. Schlinger / & R. Harin’Hala collectors / malaise trap MA-01-01B-04”; c) “CASENT / 8032442”. One paratype labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / d’Antsiranana, Parc National / Montagne d’Ambre 975 m 4–19 Mar 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 31′ S, 49° 11′ E / California Acad. of Sciences / M.E. Irwin, E.I. Schlinger / & R. Harin’Hala collectors / malaise trap MA-01-01B-06”; c) “CASENT / 8013823”. One paratype labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / d’Antsiranana, Sakalava / Beach, dwarf littoral forest / elev 10 m, 6–20 Mar 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 15′ 46″ S, 49° 23′ 51″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / Coll: M. Irwin, R. Harin’Hala / malaise trap - across sandy / trail MA-01-04B-04”; c) “CASENT / 8011513”. Two paratypes labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / d’Antsiranana, Sakalava / Beach, dwarf littoral forest / elev 10 m, 20 Mar– 7 April 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 15′ 46″ S, 49° 23′ 51″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / Coll: M. Irwin, R. Harin’Hala / malaise trap - across sandy / trail MA-01-04B-05”; c) “CASENT / #” (# = 8011542 [♂] or 8011544). One female paratype labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / d’Antsiranana, Sakalava / Beach, dwarf littoral forest / elev 10 m, 27 April–2001”; b) “ 12° 15′ 46″ S, 49° 23′ 51″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / Coll: M. Irwin, R. Harin’Hala / malaise trap - across sandy / trail MA-01-04B-08”; c) “CASENT / 8013984”. One paratype labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / Diego-Suarez, Sakalava / Beach, dwarf littoral forest / elev 10 m, 20 Mar– 7 April 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 15′ 46″ S, 49° 23′ 51″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / Coll: M. Irwin, R. Harin’Hala / malaise trap - across sandy / trail MA-01-04B-09”; c) “CASENT / 8014033”. One paratype labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / Diego-Suarez, Sakalava / Beach, dwarf littoral forest / elev 10 m, 16–31 May 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 15′ 46″ S, 49° 23′ 51″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / Coll: M. Irwin, R. Harin’Hala / malaise trap - across sandy / trail MA-01-04B-10”; c) “CASENT / 8014100”. One female paratype labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / d’Antsiranana, Sakalava / Beach, dwarf littoral forest / elev 10 m, 7–25 May 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 15′ 46″ S, 49° 23′ 51″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / Coll: M. Irwin, R. Harin’Hala / malaise trap - across sandy / trail MA-01-04B-12”; c) “CASENT / 8016232”. Two paratypes labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / d’Antsiranana, Sakalava / Beach, dwarf littoral forest / elev 10 m, 25 June– 6 July 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 15′ 46″ S, 49° 23′ 51″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / Coll: M. Irwin, R. Harin’Hala / malaise trap - across sandy / trail MA-01-04B-13”; c) “CASENT / #” (# = 8013588 [♀] or 8013595). One male paratype labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / Diego-Suarez, Sakalava / Beach, dwarf littoral forest / elev 10 m, 28 July– 6 August 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 15′ 46″ S, 49° 23′ 51″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / Coll: M. Irwin, R. Harin’Hala / malaise trap - across sandy / trail MA- 01-04B-16”; c) “CASENT / 8032553˝. One paratype labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / d’Antsiranana, Sakalava / Beach, dwarf littoral forest / elev 10 m, 13–20 August 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 15′ 46″ S, 49° 23′ 51″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / Coll: M. Irwin, R. Harin’Hala / malaise trap - across sandy / trail MA- 01-04B-17”; c) “CASENT / 8025601”. One paratype labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / d’Antsiranana, Parc National / Montagne d’Ambre 1125 m / 29 Jan to 11 Feb 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 31′ 13″ S, 49° 10′ 45″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / Coll: M. Irwin, R. Harin’Hala / malaise trap MA-01-01D-03”; c) “CASENT / 8016175”. One paratype labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / Diego-Suarez, Parc National / Montagne d’Ambre 1125 m / 11 Feb to 4 March 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 31′ 13″ S, 49° 10′ 45″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / Coll: M. Irwin, R. Harin’Hala / malaise trap MA-01-01D-04”; c) “CASENT / 8014060”. Three paratypes labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / Diego-Suarez, Parc National / Montagne d’Ambre 1125 m / 19 March to 5 April 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 31′ 13″ S, 49° 10′ 45″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / Coll: M. Irwin, R. Harin’Hala / malaise trap MA-01-01D-06”; c) “CASENT / #” (# = 8014203, 8014204 [♀], or 8014205 [♀]). One paratype labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / d’Antsiranana, Parc National / Montagne d’Ambre 1125 m / 5–21 April 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 31′ 13″ S, 49° 10′ 45″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / Coll: M. Irwin, R. Harin’Hala / malaise trap MA-01-01D-07”; c) “CASENT / 8006346”. One female paratype labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / d’Antsiranana, Parc National / Montagne d’Ambre 1125 m / 21–26 April 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 31′ 13″ S, 49° 10′ 45″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / Coll: M. Irwin, R. Harin’Hala / malaise trap MA-01-01D-08”; c) “CASENT / 8016143”. One paratype labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / d’Antsiranana, Parc National / Montagne d’Ambre 1125 m / 12–14 May 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 31′ 13″ S, 49° 10′ 45″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / Coll: M. Irwin, R. Harin’Hala / malaise trap MA-01-01D-10”; c) “CASENT / 8016164”. Two female paratypes labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / d’Antsiranana, Parc National / Montagne d’Ambre 1125 m / 14–30 May 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 31′ 13″ S, 49° 10′ 45″ E / California Acad. of Sciences / Coll: M. Irwin, R. Harin’Hala / malaise trap MA-01-01D-11”; c) “CASENT / #” (# = 8016113 or 8016118). Three paratypes labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / Diego-Suarez, Montaigne / Francais, elev 150 m / 15 Feb– 6 March 2001 ”; b) “ 12° 19.5′ S, 49° 20′ E / California Acad. of Sciences / coll: M. Irwin, R. Harin’Hala / malaise, forested limestone / ridge MA- 01-06-06 ”; c) “CASENT / #” (# = 8032601, 8032602, or 8032603). One female paratype labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / Diego- Suarez, dry forest / 7 km N of Joffreville, 360 m ”; b) “ 6–20 March 2001 / 12° 20′ S, 49° 15′ E / R. Harin’Hala collector / malaise trap MA- 01-07-08 ”; c) “CASENT / 8014117”. One paratype labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / Diego-Suarez, dry forest / 7 km N of Joffreville, 360 m ”; b) “ 7–27 April 2001 / 12° 20′ S, 49° 15′ E / R. Harin’Hala collector / malaise trap MA- 01-07-10 ”; c) “CASENT / 8025772”. One paratype labeled: a) “ MADAGASCAR: Province / d’Antsiranana, dry forest / 7 km N of Joffreville, 360 m ”; b) “27 April– 13 May 2001 / 12° 20′ S, 49° 15′ E / R. Harin’Hala collector / malaise trap MA- 01-07-11 ”; c) “CASENT / 8011458”.
All paratypes (n = 43) with label: on yellow paper, “ Ochodaeus / modopunctatus / Paulsen / PARATYPE”.
Description. Holotype male (Fig. 1a). Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Ochodaeidae. Length: 9.9 mm. Width: 4.1 mm. Color: Everywhere uniformly dark reddish brown; surface nitid. Head: Surface lacking tubercles, irregularly punctate; punctures moderately large, setose, separated by ~ 4 puncture diameters. Eyes large, globose; lacking ventral projection of canthus. Antennal club subequal to eye in size. Mandibles broadly scooped, basal angle prominent, apices falcate; left mandible with large rectangular internal tooth; right mandible with complimenting tooth reduced, second tooth large, obtuse. Frons weakly convex. Clypeus flat with disc short (at most 1/5 as long as wide), anterior margin strongly beaded; bead thick, rounded, almost as long as disc. Mentum (Fig. 4) slightly wider than long, tumid (not flat); most strongly tumid near base, decreasing anteriorly; surface with 2 lateral and 1 median depression near base, median depression contiguous with oval fovea on disc; fovea continuing anteriorly. Pronotum: Form convex. Surface densely punctate, appearing smooth between punctures, lacking distinct tubercles (at 40× minute tubercle anterior to seta); punctation mixed, with large setose punctures and smaller naked punctures interspersed. Elytra: Form convex, relatively elongate, elytra together longer than wide. Surface with striae moderately impressed, punctate, surface smooth between punctures (except sutural stria with connecting groove); strial punctures separated by> 5 diameters, lacking setae. Intervals irregularly punctate; punctures small, setose, with minute tubercle anteriorly. Legs: Protibia tridentate externally, with short, acute pollex directed anteriorly (Fig. 1b). Profemur and mesofemur with apical tooth reduced to rounded lobe. Metafemur with apical fin-like projection with weak tooth in distal fourth. Venter/Abdomen: Metasternum and abdomen sparsely punctate; punctures large with long, erect, golden setae. Pygidium punctate, setose. Stridulatory peg with narrow neck and rounded apex (Fig. 10). Male genitalia: Sclerotized patch on internal sac between parameres broadly oblong with bifurcate end (Fig. 7).
Paratype variation. The paratypes show little variation from the holotype, and negligible sexual dimorphism. The clypeus may appear more trapezoidal (truncate medially), and although this is a common sexual dimorphism in ochodaeids this does not appear to be sexually diagnostic in O. modopunctatus. The subapical tooth on the metafemur is present in the holotype and the three largest males but is obsolete in all smaller males and females.
Remarks. Due to the lack of any useful sexual dimorphism in the specimens that had open pygidia with visible genitalia, the majority of the remaining specimens were not subjected to potential damage during genitalic dissection. The sex is indicated only for paratypes with everted genitalia.
Etymology. The name is constructed from the Latin adverb ‘modo’ meaning ‘only’ and the adjective for ‘punctate’. This refers to the apparent lack of tubercles on the pronotum of this species, which is unique among the Madagascan species. The other species treated below have at least weak indications of tubercles between punctures, and the known taxa all have a distinctly tuberculate pronotum.
Distribution. This species is thus far known only from the extreme northern tip of the island in the vicinity of the type locality, Montagne d’Ambre (Fig. 19).
description: Published as part of Paulsen, M. J., 2019, Three new Madagascan species of Ochodaeus Dejean (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Ochodaeidae), pp. 1-14 in Insecta Mundi 2019 (684) on pages 2-5, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.2579565