|
Herochroma
xuthopletes Prout comb. n. & stat. n.
Archaeobablis cristata xuthopletes Prout,
1932, Gross-Schmett. Erde 12:138.
Diagnosis. See H. subtepens . The male genitalia are also
diagnostic as illustrated and discussed below.
Taxonomic notes. Holloway (1982: 241) made some preliminary observations on the H. cristata
Warren group. A photograph of the male genitalia of the holotype of xuthopletes
(Sumatra, in Senckenberg Mus., Frankfurt) sent to the author by M.D.
Sommerer enable the status of the taxon to be resolved. Typical cristata is
found from India to Peninsular Malaysia (slide 11033) and is characterised in
the male genitalia by a strong, curved spine arising at two thirds from the
ventral portion of the valve, and an even width to the dorsal portion. In xuthopletes
the spine is absent and the dorsal portion is tapered: the valve costa is
obtusely angled at one third in Bornean xuthopletes but not in the
Sumatran holotype. H. nigrescentipalpis Prout comb. n. & stat. n.
(Sulawesi) has a much more strongly curved spine, a shorter, rounder ventral arm
to the valve and a dorsal one that is shorter, apically slightly bilobed, the
costa strongly bowed over its basal half.
Geographical range. Sumatra, Borneo.
Habitat preference. The single Bornean male is from lowland alluvial
forest just west of the Melinau Gorge, Mulu National Park.
<<Back
>>Forward <<Return
to Contents page
|
