Pseudolathra mahratta Rougemont, 2015, nov.sp.

Pseudolathra mahratta nov.sp.

(Figs 9, 9 s 7, 9 s 8, 9 al, 9av)

Material examined: Holotype: INDIA: Maharashtra #16, Kholadpur-Phonda, 16°21’16"N 73°54’29"E, 800 m., 2.xi.2000, Cuccodoro [MHNG].

Description: Length: ca. 7 mm; length of fore-body: 3.4 mm. Body entirely black except the apical part of segment VII and segment VIII brownish, mouthparts, antennae and legs rufo-testaceous. Fore-body: Fig. 9. Head a little transverse (1 x 1.05), eyes almost twice as long as temple; puncturation as in P. nigerrima (Cam.), P. longicollis nov.sp. and others. Pronotum elongate (1.05 x 1.2 mm); discal series of 7 small punctures, arcuate lateral series of 4 small punctures. Elytra relatively small (1.05 x 1.2), no broader or longer than pronotum; discal and lateral series of 8-10 punctures. Puncturation of abdominal tergites III-V averagely dense, the interstices larger than diameter of punctures, the shiny impunctate posterior portion of each segment broader than in related species, the punctures of following segments progressively smaller and sparser but not aspirate.

Male: posterior margin of sternite VII almost imperceptibly bi-sinuate, the sternite otherwise unmodified; emargination of sternite VIII extending a little less than ½ the length of sternite, its fundus rounded (Fig. 9s 8); aedoeagus: Figs 9 al, 9av.

This new species is smaller and narrower than P. nigerrima (CAM.). In its small size, narrow build and elongate pronotum it most closely resembles P. longicollis nov.sp. from which it differs by its black elytra, less elongate pronotum and the much shorter and broad ventral process of the aedoeagus.