Desmopachria balionota Miller, new species

(Figs. 2, 6–9)

Diagnosis. This species is a member of the D. nitida group since it has the male lateral lobes very robust and with a deep emargination (Figs. 8, 9). It can be distinguished from others by the prominently maculate elytra (Fig. 2) and the male genitalia (Figs. 6–9). The median lobe in lateral aspect is very distinctive with an elongate, slender basal portion, a medial angulate expansion where the median lobe abruptly bends dorsad, and a terminal elongate, very slender, finely pointed apex (Fig. 7).

Description. Measurements. TL = 1.46–1.53 mm; GW = 0.96–0.99 mm; TL/GW = 1.52–1.58. Habitus. Size relatively small; body robust, broadly rounded laterally, slightly attenuate posteriorly; greatest width medially. Coloration. Head and pronotum yellow; elytron light brown with prominent, irregular yellow maculae anteriorly, near humeral angle, medially and apically (Fig.2). Antennae, palpi, sterna and legs yellow. Sculpture and structure. Head with very fine, scattered punctures; anterior clypeal margin dorsoventrally compressed and distinctly beaded across entire margin between eyes; antennae moderately short, scape and pedicel enlarged, antennomeres VI–X short and broadly expanded. Pronotum moderately short, broad, very finely and inconspicuously punctate, slightly more coarsely punctate along posterior margins; without basal striae; lateral pronotal margins rounded; lateral bead narrow. Elytron very finely and obscurely punctate; epipleuron not punctate. Prosternum very short, with very small posteromedial tubercle. Prosternal process moderately broad, broadly angulate apically. Metasternum, metacoxae and abdomen with few, scattered, fine punctures. Posteromedial surface of abdominal ventrite IV with a distince subapical crease or groove. Legs not modified. Male genitalia (Figs.6–9). Median lobe in dorsal aspect elongate, subapically expanded, apically narrowed to very elongate, sharp point (Fig. 6); in lateral aspect straight and very slender in basal half, abruptly expanded medially with prominently angulate ventral margin, abruptly curved dorsad, apically narrowed to very elongate, sharp point (Fig.7). Lateral lobe in dorsal aspect robust, medially narrowed along medial margin, apically expanded, apex divided into two broad processes, ventral process apically broadly rounded and bearing setae (Fig.8), in lateral aspect very broad basally, medially abruptly curved dorsad, apex robust, broad, terminating in two broad lobes, ventral lobe elongate, parallel­sided, apically broadly rounded (Fig.9).

Etymology. The specific epithet is a Latinized adjective composed of the Greek adjective balios, meaning “spotted” or “dappled,” and the noun notum or notus, meaning “back,” and refers to the maculation on the elytra of this species.

Discussion. This and the following species belong to the D. nitida species group, an assemblage of species characterized by deeply bifid male lateral lobes. There are now 15 species in this group. Species can be identified using the revision of the group by Young (1986) and the synopsis of Desmopachria by Miller (2001).

Material Examined. Holotype: ɗ labeled, “ PERU: Rio Tambopata Explorer’s Inn – jnct. Rio Tower 12º50’12”S 069º17’36”W 10 Dec 2003 K.B. Miller / HOLOTYPE Desmopachria balionota K.B. Miller, 2004 [red label with double black line border].” Paratypes: 4, same data as holotype except ‘‘.../ PARATYPE Desmopachria balionota K.B. Miller, 2004 [blue label with black line border].”