Notes about morphological features of the Western Hemisphere subtribe Ardistomina, and revision of genus Semiardistomis Kult (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Scaritinae, Clivinini)

Abstract

Comparisons of structural features (principally mouthparts, elytral-abdominal locking mechanism, and female genitalia) of the ardistomine genera (Aspidoglossa Putzeys, Ardistomis Putzeys, and Semiardistomis Kult) with those features of members of the subtribe Clivinina (Clivina Latreille, Oxydrepanus Putzeys, Schizogenius Putzeys, Ancus Putzeys, Nyctosyles Putzeys, and Obadius Burmeister) confirm the taxonomic validity of the subtribe Ardistomina. Based on morphological features, the ardistomine genera are postulated to be related as follows: [Aspidoglossa [Ardistomis + Semiardistomis]]. Knowledge of this subtribe is further extended by taxonomic treatment of the genus Semiardistomis Kult. Of the 30 valid names of Semiardistomis previously recognized, four were proposed as variety names, and are listed as junior synonyms: Ardistomis labialis picipes Bates, 1881, A. l. nanus Bates, 1881, and A. l. dilatatus Bates, 1881; and A. pallipes caerulea Putzeys, 1846. Eight names, treated as specific epithets, are junior synonyms, as follows: Ardistomis (Semiardistomis) balthasari Kult, 1950 = Semiardistomis glabratus (Putzeys, 1866); A. (S.) emdeni Kult, 1950 = S. deletus (Putzeys, 1846); A. aenea Putzeys, 1866, A. (S.) brittoni Kult, 1950, and A. (S.) marani Kult, 1950 = S. flavipes (Dejean, 1831); A. tuspanensis Putzeys, 1846 = S. labialis (Chaudoir, 1837); A. (S.) vlastae Kult, 1950 = S. subglabra (van Emden, 1949); and A. striga Putzeys, 1866 = S. pallipes (Dejean, 1831). Two new species described are S. exspectatus sp. n. (type locality PERU, Madre de Dios, Rio Manu, 11°56'47"S, 071°17'00"W), and S. major sp. n. (type locality PERU, Loreto, Rio Samiria, 05°12'S, 75°20'W). The 20 species of Semiardistomis are arranged in two species-groups here proposed: the puncticollis group, including 12 species; and labialis group, including eight species. The species recognized are keyed, described or redescribed, and notes are provided about their Geographical distribution, habitat and activity. Distribution maps show known geographical ranges, from which are inferred patterns of speciation from a center of radiation in northern South America of both lineages. © Pavel Valdés.