anus
. ...
3 Ya
I. ‘0 ~ . “d
is .3 a3 .*
1 aa P. 2 me...
u ..v. Q .0 R 3
.u o
l. I... u . . .931.
\k)., o..\ ..o
0“...” .0. ‘ . \. fix
‘V. . . ....-. ~o . oi
v.. N u 5.0,.“
Im!’ O..I‘v
\aoua I..€\ , . ..
.Q. .o. a u .
1...“. “III ‘0. ‘3 N u.-
‘iim‘ ... C .q . .1:
.o.c~o . ’0.. o .0...‘
._ O 0‘! ... to I ~
..... L. .. .. _.. .. . _. .3
u. 9... . .. ‘9 p Q
n . . .
A... .. f-Vit 0.94 ‘3 ‘1...” “’§ ~ . .\. r
‘..V- 3w...‘ 6.4.. L .
:.q. a... u..\ ..
V. I . . .h 1.
o. O. t .o.’ ”kc. . o....
c‘ . . o u: .m H. .- o . .. . . .
3 n a .. .. .
»\..t a .U. 5.... Us... 9. J
n u I 3.... av... .:..
13;! o. f...a .. . 5.... .
\‘ Quit. n..; I...“ . e 3 hi;
\ .v IIE.‘ H. . . \

IL. 9. .c. . ... x n. U. Vt .n .l 3“.
..I.,‘. C... 900‘ O IN C O. O D \
1.x . .. «2.... x. . .. .
IN... \\aooh_- 3 1... .J O

4‘ F 3 "\t 0 . y w '0. m‘, 1‘ «u. o . I a o
I. o . I . . v.3 ‘ .0 . .. .LJ
W. ‘3... ~..oo a.... .73! \
h g 0 g o . c.- .. . .. .
. . ..... .. 3. a. , Ln.-. . .
C with . t-I. 3. fl . .- .ul‘uo
Viz... s~. . u‘fl ’I.1 ! as .
’Ofllu ‘,t .V g In” M .. 0‘ I.
DIR? ‘0‘.“ .3“. .cn. o ‘ ..l .
“99'. of.’ .. fl... :1 . u.......
r t\.t vs..~ Ops. r.. ..‘O.
. .09 . Q
o; . o . .
. n...m. o i o 9 ¢ 3 h. §.\ ‘..u
fl. 0 "'2‘." Wu.” - Ill'ol. I"
.. 0». o. o J t. . .. I.
.1. . u .
.a-s... m _ a Ono... C‘QI? \ 4 .
.19 4.... fit: g. ..
. u-o \ . , Q
fix .a o . «t. q. o. 3' v C
9‘ ’Q on ‘. o.
nu. .‘ p.
r...» ..... .u;.. M” ,. 3.
:3 .\

I... v .-
00 of.
is hroa. .. v.
.. \oa "0‘
N. A v . v _
. .nln'. "fi'l. u , g).

. -

J.“ O . 9 I
n..... . LW ».\..~
9 .. , -
y D...‘ 03!.-

. ¢
Q‘f. . .1.» ”I.

o
‘5

;.
..

M
.’fl..
‘ v. ‘
”.43!

\

. |
r‘ .

I ii»... _ i
u.

    

 

.r

 

||||| |||||| ill llll ||| |||l|| llll II III“ III Illlll ||| ll! Illl "III II (/
3 1293 10328 4976

 

 

 

 

 

 
  
     

 
 

I LIBRARY
Michigan State.
, University, 7

 

 

 

J a

 

ABSTRACT

A REVISION OF THE FAMILY PYROCHROIDAE
(COLEOPTERA: HETEROMERA) FOR NORTH AMERICA
BASED ON THE LARVAE, PUPAE, AND ADULTS

By

Daniel Keith Young

The four genera and fifteen species of North American Pyrochroidae
are revised. All available taxonomic, biological, and distributional
data for the known larvae, pupae, and adults are incorporated, and
diagnostic keys to the subfamilies, genera, and species are presented.
All taxa are described or redescribed and pertinent diagnostic features
illustrated. Larval, pupal, and adult descriptions are provided for
one new species. The North American history and present world status

of the family are discussed.

A REVISION OF THE FAMILY PYROCHROIDAE
(COLEOPTERA: HETEROMERA) FOR NORTH AMERICA

BASED ON THE LARVAE, PUPAE, AND ADULTS

By

Daniel Keith Young

A THESIS

Submitted to
Michigan State University
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE

Department of Entomology

1973

fl; , ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I should like to thank the following private collectors and
curators for loaning specimens under their care: G. E. Ball, Univer-
sity of Alberta (UASM); E. P. Rouse, University of Arkansas (UADE);

J. A. Chemsak, University of California, Berkeley (CISC); G. G. E.
Scudder, University of British Columbia (UBCZ); H. B. Leech, California
Academy of Sciences (CASC); E. C. Becker, Canadian National Collection
of Insects (CNCI); G. Wallace, Carnegie Museum (ICCM); L. L. Pechuman,
Cornell University Insect Collection (CUCI); M. Pr0k0p, Field Museum
of Natural History (FMNH); J. F. Lawrence, Museum of Comparative
Zoology (MCZC); Henry and Anne Howden Collection [Private] (HAHC);

W. F. Barr, University of Idaho (UICM); M. W. Sanderson, Illinois
Natural History Survey (INHS); P. D. Ashlock, Snow Entomological
Museum, University of Kansas (SEMC); Eric J. Kitely Collection [Pri-
vate] (EJKC); M. -J. Laliberte Collection [Private] (MJLC); J. P.
Donahue, Los Angeles County Museum (LACM); V. R. Vickery, Lyman Ento-
mological Museum (LEMC); R. L. Fischer, Michigan State University
(MSUC); I. J. Cantrall, University of Michigan (UMMZ); W. R. Enns,
University of Missouri (UMRM); M. Coulloudon, University of Montreal
(DBUM); B. C. Ratcliffe, University of Nebraska (DEUN); C. A.
Triplehorn, Ohio State University Collection of Insects and Spiders
(OSUC); C. B. Wiggens, Royal Ontario Museum (ROMC); R. L. Westcott,
Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODAC); P. Oman, Oregon State

ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

List Of Plates 0 O I O O O O O O O O I O O O O O O O O O O O O O 0 Vi

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Historical Review for North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
World Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Biology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ll
Morphology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Systematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Key to Adult Pyrochroidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Key to Male Pyrochroidae Based on Genitalia . . . . . . . . . . 21
Key to Known Larval Pyrochroidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Key to Known Pupal Pyrochroidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Subfamily Ischaliinae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Genus Ischalia Pascoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Ischalia (Eupleurida) costata (LeConte) . . . . . . . . . . 26

 

 

 

I, (Eupleurida) vancouverensis Harrington . . . . . . . . . 28
.I. (Eupleurida) californica Van Dyke . . . . . . . . . . . . 3O
Subfamily Pyrochroinae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Genus Schizotus Newman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Schizotus cervicalis Newman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

 

S, fuscicollis (Dejean) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

 

iv

Genus Neopyrochroa Blair . . . . . .

 

Neopyrochroa flabellata (Fabricius)

 

 

N, femoralis (LeConte)
N, sierraensis sp. nov. . . . . .
_N. californica (Horn) . . . . .

 

Genus Dendroides Latreille. . . . .

 

Dendroides canadensis Latreille

 

 

2, picipes Horn . . . . . . . . .

.2- marginata Van Dyke . . . . .

_D. concolor (Newman) . . . .

D, gphemeroides (Mannerheim)

.2. testacea LeConte. . . . . .
Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

References .

Page
39
4O
44
47
50
51
53
55
57
58
61
63
66

74

LIST OF PLATES

Plate Page
I. Genitalia and Metawings of Pyrochroidae . . . . . . . . . . 66
II. Pupae of Pyrochroidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

III. Larvae of Pyrochroidae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

IV. Urogomphal Plates of Larval Pyrochroidae . . . . . . . . . 72

vi

INTRODUCTION

 

The family Pyrochroidae is a relatively small group of inade-
quately defined heteromerous beetles represented by a modest number of
genera and species throughout the world. As is the case for several
closely related heteromerous families, much controversy exists con-
cerning the limits of the family. In North America, the pyrochroids

consist of the subfamilies Pyrochroinae and Ischaliinae. The Pyro-

 

chroinae is composed of three genera: Dendroides with six species,

Schizotus with two species, and the endemic Neopyrochroa with four

 

species. The three species of the genus Ischalia form the subgenus

Eupleurida and are placed in the subfamily Ischaliinae.

 

An attempt has been made in the present revision to incorporate
all available taxonomic, biological, and distributional data for the

known North American larvae, pupae, and adults.

HISTORICAL REVIEW FOR NORTH AMERICA

 

Adults

The Pyrochroidae of North America were first treated by LeConte
(1855) who listed and briefly described the species then known. Along
with the conventional genera of the time (Pyrochroa Geoffry, Schizotus

Newman, and Dendroides Latreille), he also included several others

 

which have subsequently been removed to various other heteromerous
families.

In 1860, Pascoe erected the genus Ischalia for his indigacea
of Borneo. He placed the taxon, with doubts, in the family Pedilidae.

Two years later, LeConte (1862) described Eupleurida costata from

 

"the southern states", placing it in the family Pyrochroidae. He sub-

sequently became aware of Ischalia and synonymized Eupleurida since

 

the former had two years priority and according to him differed pri-
marily in color (LeConte, 1873). LeConte's 1862 work also charac-
terized the entire family and gave a simple generic key.

In 1888, Horn published the first species key when he revised

the genus Dendroides. Unfortunately, the key is based largely on

 

characters presently considered to be too variable for taxonomic use.

Only Dendroides canadensis Latreille (using bicolor as the name) is

 

accurately characterized.

3

Blatchley's (1910) coverage of the Pyrochroidae followed the
general classification established by LeConte in 1862. He included a
brief characterization of the family, a key to the genera and short
descriptions and comments on the species known to inhabit Indiana.
Except for the outdated and incorrect names, the work is still valid
for the eastern adults and contains occasional ecological notes.

Blair (1914) published a world revision of the family which did
much to clarify the generic classification. In terms of relevance to

the North American fauna, the generic name Neopyrochroa was erected for

 

the species previously assigned to the palearctic genus Pyrochroa.
Several species had been added to Ischalia since the 1873 note
by LeConte including one from North America. The generic concept of
the genus Ischalia remained unaltered until 1920 when, in a paper
describing two new Philippine species, Blair noted distinct differences
between the Asian and North American species. The Asian species were
described as having well developed metawings which contrast with the
nearly wingless North American species, and an additional humeral

carina on each elytron. With these distinctions, he resurrected

Eupleurida. He also initiated the subfamily system at this time,

 

recognizing the Pyrochroinae which contained most of the genera,

Ischaliinae with Ischalia and Eupleurida, and Pedilinae containing

 

only Pedilus.

Van Dyke (1938) noted that the Japanese I. patagiata Lewis has
the hind wings incompletely developed. He also took exception to
Blair's interpretation of the significance of the humeral carina.

Van Dyke was, however, willing to accept Eupleurida as a subgenus.

 

4
The species of the Pacific Northwest were presented in the
prodigious work of Hatch (1965) which included brief generic descrip—

tions, keys, and illustrations of Dendroides ephemeroides (Mannerheim)

 

and Ischalia vancouverensis Harrington.

 

Larvae and Pupae

 

Moody (1880) was first to publish on the larvae. He presented
the results of having reared four species, discussing their general
habitus and characteristics by which they could be separated.

The first morphologically detailed larval description and figures

were given by Wickham (1894) for Pyrochroa flabellata Fabricius, now

 

Neopyrochroa. He also included a simple sketch of the pupa.

 

Classical works dealing with the larval family characteristics
were provided by Bbving and Craighead (1931) and Peterson (1951).

Spilman and Anderson (1961) provided a redescription of the
larvae after Peterson and a key to the species known to them. The

work also included a key to the known genera of pupae.

WORLD STATUS

 

As previously alluded to, Blair's 1914 world revision did much
to aid the generic level classification of the family. But even at
this early point in time it was quite clear that defining the family
limits would be difficult. The position of several anomalous genera
was discussed, and Lemodes Boheman (Australia) was removed to the

Anthicidae (sensu stricto) where it seems to have found a good home.

 

The plight of the others has not been so easily rectified. Blair
deferred judgement on Ischalia Pascoe and Pedilus Fischer, and

sloughed off Pilipalpus Fairmaire (Chile) along with Cycloderus Solier

 

 

(South America), Techmessa Bates (Australia, New Zealand), Pseudananca

 

Blackburn (New South Wales), and "Pseudolycus (?) apicalis Macl."

 

referring to them as a "rather aberrant group of Oedemeridae"; the
oedemerid taxonomists were probably somewhat less than elated over the
gift.

Blair (1920) alluded to the fact that the Pedilidae had been
abandoned as untenable by Seidlitz, Reitter, and others; "Pedilus
with which would go Ischalia, being referred to the Pyrochroidae".

Arnett (1951) expressed great doubt that_§ycloderus was validly

 

placed in the Oedemeridae, although he did not speculate where it
should go.
Crowson (1955, and in litt.) has added to the list of possible

pyrochroid genera Techmessodes Broun (Australia, New Zealand) and

 

5

6

perhaps Paromarteon of Australia. With the aid of Abdullah (1964,

 

1967) Pilipalpus has journeyed from the Pyrochroidae to the Anthicidae

 

(sensu lato) and back. Blackwelder (1945) placed Pilipalpus in the

 

 

subfamily Ischaliinae of the Pyrochroidae. Abdullah (1965a, 1965b)

has also added Exocalopus Broun (New Zealand), Paleopyrochroa Abdullah

 

 

(Baltic Amber), and Incollogenius Pic (Madagascar) to the dreadful

 

list of questionable pyrochroid genera.
While Pedilus is no longer considered a valid pyrochroid, it
and related genera are also in a precarious state. Crowson (1955)
has abandoned the Pedilidae, placing its members into the Anthicidae;
however, many coleopterists, including Arnett (1968) and Werner (1964),

have rejected this move.

DESCRIPTION

 

Arriving at a description of the Pyrochroidae at the world level
is impossible at this time. The adult taxonomy of the higher categories
of the Heteromera is presently too unstable to draw any meaningful
conclusions. Specimens of many of the aberrant genera are extremely
rare in collections which compounds the problem for they are generally
unavailable for study.

Throughout the course of this study, larvae have proven to be of
great value. Unfortunately, larval systematics as a whole is still
in its elementary developmental stage. The larvae of all but two of
the anomalous genera are unknown; none were available for the present
study. Even the more common genera and species of related families
are as yet poorly described.

With the above problems in mind, the following description of
the family is limited to the adults of North America. The Ischaliinae
is retained within the Pyrochroidae because, based on adult characters,
it seems to fit no better anywhere else. Until positively associated
larvae can be found, the status of the group will remain questionable.

The Pyrochroidae may be characterized as being elongate, somewhat
flattened beetles of a fragile, loosely constructed Malocoderm habitus.
Dorsal and ventral surfaces covered with slender, moderately elongate

setae.

8

Head deflexed, strongly constricted behind eyes forming distinct
neck. Eyes emarginate; moderately granulated in the Pyrochroinae,
coarsely so in Ischalia. Antennae ll-segmented, second segment the
shortest. Antennae inserted at sides of frons in emargination of eyes;
filiform in Ischalia and serrate, subpectinate, or plumose in the
Pyrochroinae. Labrum distinct. Mandibles short, flattened; broad at
bases, curved and narrowed at bifid apices. Inner margins with basal
molar area; fleshy, setiferous mesal prostheca. Maxillae consist of
basal cardo, bipartite stipes (basistipes and mediostipes), lacinia,
bipartite galea (basigalea and distigalea), palpifer, and four-
segmented palpi. Terminal segment of palpus strongly securiform in
Ischalia, elongate-oval in Pyrochroinae. Labium comprised of submentum,
mentum, ligula, palpifer, and three-segmented palpi. Ligula simple in
Ischalia, broadly bilobed in the Pyrochroinae.

Pronotum narrower than elytra at base, without lateral margins.
Hind pronotal angles of Ischalia project posteriorly beyond base;
pronotal disk with prominent median carina which extends posterad be-
yond hind margin, and a single circular impression or pit on each side
of the carina. Scutellum shield-shaped; prominent and broadly convex
in Ischalia, flat in the Pyrochroinae. Front coxal cavities widely
open behind externally exposing trochantins, and open internally. In-
ternal opening narrower in Ischalia due to sclerotized bar between and
behind coxae. Mesosternum prolonged behind, keel-like between mesocoxae.
Mesocoxal cavities open, the mesepimera reaching mesocoxal cavities.
Metasternum long, broad. Legs elongate, slender. Procoxae confluent,

conical and prominent; mesocoxae broadly conical, recessed along length

9
into cavities thus appearing flattened. Metacoxae transverse; slightly
separated in the Pyrochroinae, moderately so in Ischalia. Trochanters
triangular, or moderate size. Femora slender at bases, slightly swollen
apically. Tibiae slender, as long as femora; two short, simple apical
spurs present in the Pyrochroinae, lacking in Ishalia. Tarsal formula
5-5-4, penultimate segment bilobed below, claws simple. Elytra elon—
gate, covering abdomen, broader posteriorly; possessing well developed
sutural, lateral discal, and lateral carinae in Ischalia, simple in
the Pyrochroinae. Metawings of the Pyrochroinae (Figure 10) well
developed; radial cell Open, wedge cell distinct, and pigmented areas
present posterad of radius and in distal region. Metawings of Ischalia
vestigial.

Abdominal tergites 1-7 or 1-8 visible, first six poorly sclero—
tized. Spiracles visible on lateral margins, those of first segment
much larger than remainder. Sternites 3—7 or 3-8 visible, freely
articulated, more sclerotized than tergites. First two sternites
rudimentary, hidden by posterior projection of metacoxae. Female
abdominal segments 7-9 telescoped, eighth and ninth poorly sclerotized.
Mesal endoskeletal rod-like spiculum ventrale visible anterad of
seventh sternite. Posterad of male eighth abdominal segment are the
spicule plates which are best developed laterally, and produced ventro—
anteriorly forming two elongate spicules. Sclerotized area, perhaps
tergite ten, present dorsad between hind margins of spicular plates.
Lightly sclerotized area ventrad may be remains of ninth sternite.
Female genitalia (Figure 9) arise distally from ninth segment which is

divided into first and second valvifers and has well sclerotized

lO
rod-like baculi. Coxite postero—ventrad of proctiger and anus, two-
segmented with apical stylus. Vulva mesal. Male genitalia elongate
consisting of basal piece, parameres, and elongate aedeagus with basal
aedeagal apodemes. Parameres of Ischalia ventrad of aedeagus, fused
along entire length with elongate setae on lateral and apical margins.
Pyrochroinae with parameres dorsad or dorso-laterad of aedeagus,

apically separated, without marginal setae.

BIOLOGY

Larvae of the Pyrochroidae, or fire-colored beetles, occur under
bark and to some extent within decaying wood of dead deciduous and
coniferous trees. Numerous field observations concerning hosts and
attempts at rearing larvae indicate that host selection is more
closely related to the state of decay of the tree than to the species
of tree selected. The larvae prefer somewhat cool, moist conditions
beneath bark which has already been slightly loosened by the activity
of earlier invaders such as the Buprestidae, Cerambycidae, and
Scolytidae. Under such conditions, they frequently become one of the
most abundant groups associated with the tree.

Both finely granulated woody and fungal materials are found in
the gut, but fungi probably play the more significant dietary role.

The orthosomatic larvae are well adapted for moving along the length

of the tree in the frass layer between the bark and cambium where
fungal mycelium is usually abundant. Larvae have never been observed
to do any actual boring in sound wood. However, their flattened

shape allows them to work their way between xylem layers of more decom-
posed tissue. This type of burrowing occurs rarely, but is more common

in those species, i.e. Neopyrochroa flabellata (Fabricius), which are

 

restricted to the undersides of logs where decay occurs earlier in the

succession.

ll

12

A xylophagous habit would necessitate specializations for taking
in and obtaining nutrients from the woody material. Such specializa-
tions include mandibles with well developed molar areas and a highly
developed proventriculus for grinding the wood, and gastric caecae for
the harboring of xylophagous symbionts. Adaptations of this nature
are not found in the pyrochroid larvae. Only one of the asymmetrical
mandibles possesses a well developed molar area. The gut is a simple,
elongate tube. The poorly developed proventricular region is weakly
sclerotized, and the elongate mesenteron bears no gastric caecae or
any other observable specialization.

Additional evidence relative to the significance of fungi is

provided in work published by Payne (1931). Larvae of Dendroides

 

canadensis Latreille and the melandryid beetle Synchroa punctata

 

 

Newman were collected in April of 1924 and reared on "sterilized oak

bark free from Armillaria nigra, a fungus which is often present in

 

dead and dying trees". When larvae of this experimental group were
removed and fed unsterilized oak bark or rhizomes of A, nigra, they
subsequently pupated and emerged as adults. The data are given for

six years; both 2. canadensis and _S_. punctata are thought to normally

 

complete their life cycle within 1-2 years. "Thus the diet of
sterilized food prolonged their lives to over six times the normal
length." Using sterile bark and frass, the author has kept larvae of

Neopyrochroa flabellata alive without additional molts for three years.

 

The literature has often characterized pyrochroid larvae as being
predaceous or carnivorous (e.g. Arnett, 1963; Borror and White, 1970;

Swan and Papp, 1972). Observations from rearing as well as in the

13

field have offered no supportive evidence. The movements of the
larvae were more defensive than aggressive. However, the larvae did
occasionally become cannabalistic, presumably due to such adverse
conditions as overpopulation.

From one to several years are spent in the larval stage, with
several instars usually present together at any time of the year. Head
capsule measurements taken by Van Emden (1943) for the European

Pyrochroa coccinea (Linnaeus), P, serraticornis (Scopoli), and Schizotus

 

 

_pectinicornis (Linnaeus) seem to indicate four larval instars.

 

At times, especially in early spring, larval mortality may be—
come quite high. This may be due to the relative instability of
temperatures early in the year, with alternate freezing and thawing,
or to the general increase in moisture within the larval microhabitat.
Fungal diseases may also increase mortality, again due to an increase
in moisture.

Pupation in Michigan and other areas where living material has
been available for study generally occurs in late April and early May,
though somewhat earlier in the south and on the West Coast. The
pupal stage was spent in the same habitat as the larva, commonly be-
neath the bark in an ovate, frass-walled chamber prepared by the larva
just prior to pupation. In reared specimens, duration of the pupal
stage was, depending upon the species, from 1-2 weeks, at room tempera-
tures under laboratory conditions. During this time the pupa remained
relatively active and used the urogomphi in conjunction with the
abdominal muscles to move about.

Adults of the Pyrochroinae are present from late spring to mid-

summer. They appear to be primarily nocturnal which, in addition to

l4
larval mortality in the spring, probably accounts for the apparent
discrepancy between abundance of larvae and scarcity of adults.

Adults of Dendroides and Neopyrochroa have been collected at

 

 

lights. Adults of Neopyrochroa have also been taken in the evening

 

at fermenting baits such as beer and molasses. Procter (1938) further
suggested looking under decayed bark and placing pieces of fruit under
bark to ferment. Adults have also been collected in window pane and
malaise traps set up at the edges of forested areas. Because adults
hide beneath the foliage of trees and shrubs during the day, beating
has proven to be a good collecting technique.

Adults of Ischalia are known to overwinter as adults, whereas
the Pyrochroinae overwinter in the larval stage.

Predators of the pyrochroids include the chilopod Lithobius sp.
and an undetermined elaterid larva. Both were feeding on larvae of

D, canadensis.

 

The internal parasite Zelia vertebrata (Say), a tachinid fly,

 

was reared from Neopyrochroa flabellata and Dendroides canadensis.

 

 

This is the first known parasite record for the Pyrochroidae. The
parasitized larvae appeared normal until the prepupal stage (1-2 days
prior to pupation), whereupon they became discolored, abnormally dis-
tended, and swollen. In the following 2-3 days, the maggot was seen
within the body of the dead host as it fed and moved about. When the
host's fleshy tissues were totally consumed, the maggot ate a hole
through the exoskeleton, usually between abdominal segments, and

exited. Within 8-12 hours, the maggot, which was in a small frass-
filled petri dish, became quiescent and the puparium was formed. Adults

emerged in 15-20 days.

15
Other records for Zelia include "elaterid and scarabaeid"

larvae (Townsend, 1936), and larvae of the tenebrionid Meracantha

 

contracta (Beauvois) (Townsend, 1942). The author has also reared

g, vertebrata from M, contracta. The larvae came from the same

 

locality as several of the flabellata and canadensis records.

 

 

According to Townsend (1936), the females larviposit in areas where
the maggots can find their way to the host. It would appear that
selection is more closely related to habitat than to the species of

host involved.

MORPHOLOGY

 

Adult

Males of Neopyrochroa and Schizotus, as well as the foreign

 

Pseudopyrochroa, have highly modified, species specific, structures
associated with the head. Blair (1914) referred to the structures as

frontal excavations, K6no (1929) simply called them excavations. They

are herein termed cranial pits.

 

Terminology used for the wings follows that of Forbes (1922) and
Doyen (1966). Crowson (1955) figured a wing of the European Schizotus

pectinicornis (Linnaeus), the only previous pyrochroid wing illustra-

 

tion.

Abdominal terminology associated with the spicule apparatus of
the male is similar to that of Doyen (1966).

Terminology used for the female genitalia is modified from
Tanner (1927), Lindroth (1957), and Doyen (1966).

The male genitalia follow the common tripartite theme found in
most Coleoptera. The well developed anterior region is referred to

as the basal piece (sensu Sharp and Muir, 1912; Lindroth, 1957). The

 

parameres (sensu Lindroth, 1957; Snodgrass, 1957) are closely asso-
ciated with the distal aspect of the basal piece. Finally, the fused

penis valves (sensu Wood, 1952) and the penis sensu stricUJ make up

 

the aedeagus.

l6

17

Larva

The posterior end of the pyrochroid larva (Figures 22-24) pos-
sesses many taxonomically significant structures which are without
established terminology. As is well established, the immovable paired
projections from the ninth abdominal segment are termed the urogomphi.
The two deeply pigmented, heavily sclerotized excavations between the

urogomphi are termed here urogomphal pits; the ledge-like area beneath

 

the pits is termed the urogomphal lip. The entire ninth abdominal

 

segment including the above modifications is termed the urogomphal

 

plate.

The urogomphal plate possesses many slightly raised wart-like
protuberances which may or may not be more deeply pigmented than the
surface, and may or may not be setiferous. These are termed 33113.
The dorsum of the urogomphal plate bears but two setiferous calli,

one anterad of each urogomphus. These are termed the dorsal setiferous

 

calli.
Well developed raised lines are usually present on the dorsum
of the abdominal segments just posterad of their anterior margins;

they are termed here the parabasal ridges (Figure 20).

 

Pupa

Terms used in naming the abdominal tubercles have been pre—

viously established (Rozen, 1959; Young and Fischer, 1972).

SYSTEMATICS

 

KEY TO ADULT PYROCHROIDAE

1. Antennae filiform; pronotum carinate mesally, hind angles

and carina produced beyond base; tibial spurs lacking;

elytra carinate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ISCHALIINAE (2)

Antennae serrate, supectinate, or plumose; pronotum without

mesal carina, hind angles not produced; two apical

tibial spurs present on all tibiae; elytra not

carinate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PYROCHROINAE (4)
2. Head primarily piceous; Eastern North America . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ischalia costata (LeConte)

 

Head primarily testaceous to yellow-orange; West of
Rockies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
3. Black elytral vitta widely expanded beyond basal half but
not attaining lateral margins; basal half of lateral
discal carinae testaceous to yellow-orange, remainder
black; elytral punctation between lateral discal carinae
and sutural carinae uniformly course—reticulate. . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . Ischalia vancouverensis Harrington

 

Black elytral vitta widely expanded beyond basal two-thirds,
attaining lateral margins; basal two—thirds and apex of

lateral discal carinae testaceous to yellow-orange,

18

l9
remainder black; elytral punctation between lateral
discal carinae and sutural carinae of two types; fine
and dense near sutural carinae and coarse-reticulate

near lateral discal carinae. . .Ischalia californica Van Dyke

 

Eyes separated dorsally by more than width of eye across

the top; eyes of male widely separated dorsally; male

with cranial pits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Eyes separated dorsally by less than width of eye across

the top; eyes of male nearly contiguous dorsally; male

without cranial pits . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dendroides (10)

 

Genal area between neck and hind margin of eye less than
minimal distance across eye (anterior to posterior
margin at emargination); length 11 mm or greater;

cranial pits interocular . . . . . . . . . . Neopyrochroa (7)

 

Genal area much greater than minimal distance across eye;
length 9 mm or less; cranial pits postocular . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Schizotus (6)
Elytra black with yellow to yellow-orange margins . . .

. . .Schizotus cervicalis Newman

 

Elytra concolorous, yellow-orange . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . Schizotus fuscicollis (Dejean)

 

Metasternum piceous to black; cranial pits not dorsally
concealed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Metasternum yellow-orange to orange; cranial pits largely
concealed dorsally by anterior projection of vertex
and mesally elevated frons; East of Rockies. . . .

. . . . . . . . . .Neopyrochroa flabellata (Fabricius)

 

10.

11.

12.

13.

20
Legs and coxae black; California (presently known only from

female holotype) . . . . . . .Neopyrochroa californica (Horn)

 

Legs and coxae not entirely black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Legs yellow-orange to orange; vertex of male elevated and
projecting slightly anterad; Sierra Nevada Mountains,

California . . . . . . . . .NeOpyrochroa sierraensis sp. nov.

 

Femora piceous to black at base, distally testaceous to
rufotestaceous, tibiae and tarsi piceous to black;
vertex of male not elevated; East of Rockies . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . NeOpyrochroa femoralis (LeConte)

 

Dorsal surface of pronotum as deeply and densely punctate

as elytra. . . . . . . . . . .Dendroides canadensis Latreille

 

Dorsal surface of pronotum but shallowly and sparcely

punctate, punctures much less developed than those

of elytra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ll
Elytra primarily black; West of Rockies . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Elytra testaceous (or if piceous with testaceous margins,

then East of Rockies). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Elytra entirely black; legs testaceous from base to mid-

femora, remainder black; underside of abdomen pri-

marily black . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dendroides picipes Horn

 

Elytra black with lateral margins testaceous; legs and
underside of abdomen rufo-testaceous . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dendroides marginata Van Dyke

 

Pigmentation areas of metawings testaceous in color and

reduced (Figure 11). . . . . . . Dendroides concolor (Newman)

 

21
Pigmentation areas of metawings piceous in color and
normal (Figure 10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
14. Femora densely punctate, distance between punctures
usually much less than diameter of a puncture;
surface of femora usually glabrous between

punctures; East of Rockies . . . .Dendroides testacea LeConte

 

Femora moderately punctate, distance between punctures
usually greater than diameter of a single puncture;
surface of femora conspicuously rugulose between
punctures; West of Rockies . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . Dendroides ephemeroides (Mannerheim)

 

KEY TO MALE PYROCHROIDAE BASED ON GENITALIA

l. Parameres ventrad of aedeagus, fused along entire length
with sparce elongate setae arising from lateral and
apical margins (Figures 7—8) . . . . . . . . .ISCHALIINAE (2)
Parameres dorsad or dorso-laterad of aedeagus, their
apices separate, without sparce elongate marginal
setae (Figures 1-6). . . . . . . . . . . . . PYROCHROINAE (3)

2. Apex of parameres convex (Figure 8) . . Ischalia costata (LeConte)

 

Apex of parameres broadly emarginate (Figure 7) . . . . .

Ischalia vancouverensis Harrington &_I. californica Van Dyke

 

 

3. Parameres fused basally, widely separated distally, their
apices dorso—laterad of aedeagus; apical width of
parameres but slightly greater than average distal

width of aedeagus (Figure l) . . .Schizotus cervicalis Newman

 

22
Parameres fused basally and separated distally, but with
apices dorsad of aedeagus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
4. Apical width of parameres but slightly greater than average
distal width of aedeagus; parameres narrowly separated

distally (Figure 2). . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dendroides spp.

 

Apical width of parameres several times greater than
average distal width of aedeagus; parameres widely

separated distally . . . . . . . . . . . . . Neopyrochroa (5)

 

5. Inner margins of parameres with many short, stout

setae (Figure 3) . . . . . .Neopyrochroa sierraensis sp. nov.

 

Parameres without setae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
6. Apical bulb of aedeagus dorsally recurved with a hook-
like projection; inner ventro—lateral margins of
parameres with a single subapical tooth

(Figures 4-5). . . . . . .Neopyrochroa flabellata (Fabricius)

 

Apical bulb of aedeagus and margins of parameres simple,
without hooks or teeth (Figure 6). . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Neopyrochroa femoralis (LeConte)

 

KEY TO KNOWN LARVAL PYROCHROIDAE

l. Spiracles of eighth abdominal segment equidistant from
lateral line and tergo-sternal suture; urogomphi
with little if any inward curvature; inner faces
of urogomphi with coarse projections (Figures 23-24)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Neopyrochroa (3)

 

23

Spiracles of eighth abdominal segment closer to lateral

line; urogomphi curved inward (or if nearly straight,

then apices of urogomphi strongly recurved); inner

faces of urogomphi without coarse projections

(Figures 20, 22) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Spiracles of eighth abdominal segment nearly equidistant

from anterior and posterior margins of the segment,

its length about one and one-half times the length

of abdominal segment seven . . . .Schizotus cervicalis Newman

 

Spiracles of eighth abdominal segment much closer to
posterior margin of the segment, its length slightly

more than twice the length of abdominal segment

seven. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dendroides (5)

 

Wart-like calli of dorsal urogomphal plate distributed

generally over entire surface; width of urogomphal

plate (taken across bases of urogomphi) 2-3 times

its mesal length (from anterior margin posterad to

bases of urogomphi) (Figure 23). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Calli limited primarily to urogomphi; width of urogomphal

plate 4-6 times its length (Figure 24) . . . .

. . . . . . . . Neopyrochroa femoralis (LeConte)

 

Dorsal setiferous calli much larger (in diameter and
elevation) than surrounding calli of dorsal
urogomphal plate; urogomphal pits separated by a
distance of nearly one-half the width of a single

pit; East of Rockies . . .Neopyrochroa flabellata (Fabricius)

 

24
Many dorsal calli as large as dorsal setiferous calli;
urogomphal pits nearly contiguous; Sierra Nevada
Mountains, California. . . .Negpyrochroa sierraensis sp. nov.
Urogomphi long, curved inwardly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Urogomphi short, nearly straight, their apices strongly
recurved . . . . . . . . . . . . Dendroides concolor (Newman)

Parabasal ridge of eighth abdominal segment inconspicuous,

discontinuous (Figure 20). . .Dendroides canadensis Latreille

 

Parabasal ridge of eighth abdominal segment conspicuous

and continuous . . . . .Dendroides ephemeroides (Mannerheim),

_D. picipes Horn, 2, marginata Van Dyke

KEY TO KNOWN PUPAL PYROCHROIDAE

Two lateral marginal tubercles, one simple tubercle
anterad and one large, bifurcate tubercle posterad;

setae on these and all other tubercles arising

preapically (Figure 18). . . . . . . . . . . Neopyrochroa (3)

 

Three lateral marginal tubercles, one simple tubercle

anterad and two approximate simple tubercles

posterad; setae apical on all tubercles (Figure 17). . . . .2
Posterior marginal tubercles greatly narrowed at the

middle, being one-half or less the distance across

the base (Figure 17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dendroides (5)

 

Posterior marginal tubercles but slightly narrowed at
the middle, being one-half or more the distance

across the base (Figure 19). . . .Schizotus cervicalis Newman

 

3.

25
Posterior lateral marginal tubercle widely bifurcate
(Figure 15), distance from point of bifurcation to
apex of tubercle much greater than half the total
tubercle length; Sierra Nevada Mountains, California

. . . . . . . . . . . . .Negpyrochroa sierraensis sp. nov.

 

Posterior lateral marginal tubercle bifurcate more

toward apex, distance from point of bifurcation

to apex usually much less than half the length of

the tubercle; East of the Rockies. . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Hind margin of posterior lateral marginal tubercle usually

greatly arched (Figure 16); posterior arm often much

longer than the anterior . . Neopyrochroa femoralis (LeConte)

 

Hind margin of posterior lateral marginal tubercle usually
not arched (Figure 14); anterior and posterior arms
usually subequal in length . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .Neopyrochroa flabellata (Fabricius)

 

Setae on ventral surface of metafemur (including setae
arising from protuberances and any other setae)
not more than nine in number, usually 4-6. . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dendroides canadensis Latreille

 

Setae on ventral surface of metafemur not fewer than 12
in umber O O O O O C I O O O I O O O O O O

.Dendroides concolor (Newman) &.2. ephemeroides (Mannerheim)

 

 

26

Subfamily Ischaliinae

The adults lack secondary sexual dimorphic characteristics.

As previously stated, two morphologically distinct yet closely
related elements make up the subfamily; an Asian group and a North
American group. The author has had an opportunity to examine Asian
material from the CASC through the courtesy of Dr. Hugh Leech, and
has decided to follow Van Dyke's interpretation of one genus and two
subgenera. Until more material, including larvae as well as adults,

can be critically examined further splitting appears unjustifiable.

Genus Ischalia Pascoe

Ischalia Pascoe, 1860, J. Entomol. 1: 54. (Type species indigacea
Pascoe).

Eupleurida LeConte, 1862, Smiths. Misc. C011. 3: 267. (Type species

 

costata LeConte).

Ischalia, subgenus Eupleurida LeConte (reduced to subgeneric rank

 

Van Dyke, 1938, Entomol. News 49: 193).

Ischalia (Eupleurida) costata (LeConte)

 

(Figure 8)

Eupleurida costata LeConte, 1862, Smiths. Misc. C011. 3: 267.

 

(not LeConte, 1866: 142. Leng, 1920, Cat. Coleop. Amer., p. 161).
Ischalia costata (LeConte). LeConte, 1873, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci.

Philadelphia 25: 335.

27

Description

 

Length 4-6.5 mm.

Mouthparts and antennal segments 3-8 yellow-testaceous, remainder
of head piceous. Vertex distinctly gibbose.

Pronotum, ventral thorax, and legs yellow—testaceous; scutellum
variable, yellow—testaceous at base and piceous distally, entirely
yellow-testaceous, or entirely piceous. Elytra piceous with latero-
mesal elongate patches and apices yellow—testaceous. Patches extending
along length of lateral discal carinae, continuous across lateral
carinae to margins, or discontinuous between the two carinae forming
two patches on each elytron.

Abdomen ventrally yellow-testaceous with piceous maculae on
lateral margins of segments 3-6 or 4—6; maculae continuous in some
specimens making segments 3—6 or 4-6 piceous. Parameres (Figure 8)

convex at apex.

Type Information

 

The type is in the LeConte collection (MCZC) and bears the
determination label "Euplura costata LeC" along with an MCZC type
label (number 4934). An orange disk indicating southern states is
also present on the pin. This agrees with the type locality mentioned

in the original description.

Distribution

 

Eastern North America; east of the Mississippi, southward from
Duparquet, Quebec to Tennessee and North Carolina. Adults have been
taken during every month but January and February; they are probably

to be found in the adult stage throughout the year.

28
Remarks
This species may be immediately separated from the other members
of the subgenus by the color of the head, which is primarily piceous
instead of yellow-testaceous or yellow-orange.
Label data indicate that specimens have been collected by sifting
leaves and other decaying vegetative material, and by searching beneath

boards.

Ischalia (Eupleurida) vancouverensis Harrington

 

Ischalia vancouverensis Harrington, 1892, Can. Ent. 24: 132.

 

Description

 

Length 5-7.5 mm.

Antennal segments 3-9 piceous, remainder of head yellow—
testaceous to yellow—orange. Vertex weakly to moderately gibbose.

Pronotum, scutellum, ventral thorax, and legs yellow-testaceous
to yellow-orange. Elytra as pronotum, with piceous to black vitta
one-half width of disk for basal third, then expanded across width of
elytra but not reaching lateral margins. Vitta ending near apex of
elytra leaving but a narrow margin; distal lateral carinae black.
Elytral punctures between lateral discal and sutural carinae uniformly
coarse-reticulate.

Abdominal sternite eight (and in some specimens also sternite
three) yellow-testaceous, remainder of sternum piceous to black.

Parameres broadly emarginate at apex.

29

Type Information

 

The holotype and paratypes are in the CNCI. They bear the
locality label "Vancouver Island, B. C.". Three paratypes were
examined, the number 441 is on each type label. Additional information
from the original description indicates Comox as the specific type

locality.

Distribution

 

BRITISH COLUMBIA: Comox, Vancouver Island; Vancouver, Crown
Mt. Pass, 3500 ft.; Vancouver; Terrace; near Canyon, International Mts.,
East Kootenay Dist., 6500 ft. (underside of charred stump); Langley;

Laidlaw (under log); Wynndel (under bark Thuja plicata). WASHINGTON:

 

Mt. Rainier, Paradise Park, 6000 ft. OREGON: Benton Co., Berry Cr.,
9 mi. N. Corvallis; Benton Co., McDonald Forest, nr. Corvallis (decayed

Douglas fir stump).

Remarks

This species is closely related to californica, differing pri—

 

marily in its more developed elytral vitta which does not reach the
lateral margins, and in the uniformly coarse—reticulate elytral
punctation between the lateral discal and sutural carinae. It is
easily separated from costata on the basis of head color.

Specimens have been collected from late March to the middle of

November.

3O

Ischalia (Eupleurida) californica Van Dyke

 

 

(Figure 7)

Ischalia (Eupleurida) californica Van Dyke, 1938, Entomol. News 49: 192.

 

 

Description

 

Length 4.5-7 mm.

Antennal segments 3-9 black, remainder of head yellow-testaceous
to yellow-orange. Vertex weakly to moderately gibbose.

Pronotum, scutellum, ventral thorax, and legs yellow-testaceous
to yellow-orange. Elytra as pronotum, with piceous to black vitta
one-half width of disk for basal two-thirds, then expanded across width
of elytra, reaching lateral mergins. Vitta ending preapically, distal
lateral discal carinae and apex of elytra yellow-testaceous to yellow-
orange. Elytral punctations between lateral discal and sutural carinae
of two types, being fine and dense near the sutural carinae and coarse-
reticulate near the lateral discal carinae.

Ventral abdomen entirely yellow-testaceous to yellow-orange, or
with segments 4-6 piceous and the remainder yellow—testaceous to yellow—

orange. Parameres broadly emarginate at apex (Figure 7).

Type Information

 

The holotype (CASC number 4684) and according to the original
description, "numerous designated paratypes" from a large series col-
lected near Weott, Humboldt Co., California. Seven paratypes examined

from the CASC.

31

Distribution

 

CALIFORNIA: near Weott, Humboldt Co.; "Cal."; Humboldt Co.;
Arcata. OREGON: Marshfield [Coos Bay]; Vicinity of McKenzie Pass

(under bark); Lane Co., Salt Creek Pass, 5128 ft. (under bark spruce).

Remarks

This species is similar to vancouverensis, differing in its less

 

developed vitta which reaches the lateral margins of the elytra, and
in having both fine and coarse-reticulate types of elytral punctation
between the lateral discal and sutural carinae, uniformly coarse—

reticulate in vancouverensis. It is easily separated from costata on

 

the basis of head color.
Specimens have been collected from the middle of May to late
September.

In his original description of californica, Van Dyke stated,

 

"I have always found our two Pacific Coast species about fungus growth
on old decaying logs. At one time I split open a small hollow log of

tanbark oak, Lithocarpus densiflora (H and A.), and found the entire

 

cavity lined with white mycelium upon which numerous larvae and adults

of californica were feeding."

 

The shriveled remains of a single larva are mounted with Van

Dyke's topotypical series of californica but it bears no remote resem-

 

blance to any known heteromerous larva and must be discounted at this

time.

32

Subfamily Pyrochroinae

Unlike the Ischaliinae, adults of the Pyrochroinae all exhibit

some sort of secondary sexual dimorphism. In all but Dendroides males

 

possess cranial pits; in Dendroides the size of the eyes is dimorphic.

 

In all three genera, the antennae show sexual dimorphism, with females
serrate and males pectinate or plumose.

Larvae: Mature larvae (Figure 20) attain lengths of 14-35 mm
and widths of 2-5 mm. The body is orthosomatic, subparallel or slightly
broader posteriorly. The head and body are yellowish—brown, amber,
or dirty-yellow with an olive green tint; darker in areas of heavy
sclerotization such as the mandibles and urogomphal plate.

Head prognathous, depressed, and exerted from prothorax. Epi—
cranial suture lyre-shaped, stem indistinct and short. Four ocelli
usually present on each antero-lateral aspect of head, just posterad
of the prominent three-segmented antennae (the second segment of which
bears a small supplemental process). Symmetrical labrum present
anterad of fused frons and clypeus. Mouthparts retracted, with strong
asymmetrical mandibles (Figure 21), the right one bearing a well
developed molar area and the left aprominentnmflar tooth. Apices of
mandibles dentate, teeth interlocking; usually with three large teeth
on right mandible and two on the left. Maxillae movable, composed of
a cardo which is diagonally folded upward toward the stipes, thus
appearing two segmented; a pad—like maxillary articulating area, a
mala maxilla which is formed by the fusion of the galea and lacinea,

and a three-segmented palpus. The mala maxilla bears the uncus, which

33

is heavily sclerotized and dentiform in Neopyrochroa and less developed

 

in Schizotus and Dendroides. Labium with ligula elongate, apically

 

rounded; palpi two-segmented.

A three-segmented thorax bears six well developed legs, each of
which is four—segmented with a terminal tarsungulus. Thoracic spiracle
ovate, located on antero-lateral mesothorax.

Abdomen depressed, moderately sclerotized, segments 1-7 and
nine (excluding urogomphi) subequal in length, eighth either slightly

more than twice the length of seventh, as in Dendroides and Neopyrochroa,

 

 

or slightly less than twice the length of seventh, as in Schizotus.
Tenth segment much reduced, visible ventrally surrounding anus. Cir-
cular Spiracles of similar size on ventro—lateral margins of tergites
1-7, Spiracles of eighth segment usually somewhat larger, circular or
oval. Ninth segment (Figures 22-24), the urogomphal plate, with two
heavily sclerotized deeply pigmented pits between urogomphi; ledge-
like urogomphal lip ventrad of pits. Ventro-anterior margin of ninth
segment with a single, continuous, semi—circular row of asperites.

Pupae: Pale, elongate; head strongly deflexed, usually not
visible from above; short, upturned, sharply pointed urogomphi
terminally (Figure 12).

Head with many setiferous tubercles distributed as follows:
4-6 on vertex or dorsal area; one on each eye near inner margin; three
near base of each antenna; 1-2 on each side of clypeo-labral area;
1-2 on outer margins of mandibles. Antennae with small calli scattered
over surfaces.

Pronotum commonly with 20 prominent setiferous tubercles, 10 on

the anterior margin, and 10 along the posterior margin. Mesonotum

34
and metanotum each with two small setiferous tubercles, one on either
side of the meson of each segment.

Each side of abdominal segments 2-7 with 2-3 lateral marginal
setiferous tubercles, 1—2 pleural tubercles, two posterior marginal
tubercles, and two large ventral setiferous tubercles. Tubercles of
segments one and eight reduced. Ninth tergite reduced to urogomphi,
each bearing one dorsal, three lateral, and three ventral setiferous
tubercles. Genitalia posterad of reduced ninth sternite; female
appearing two-lobed on each size (Figure 12), male smaller and single-
lobed on each side (Figure 13). Tenth sternite posterad of genitalia,

between urogomphi, reduced and bearing the anus.

Remarks

Larvae: The preanal row of asperites separates the pyrochroid
larvae from all but the Elacatidae (Othniidae) and some Salpingidae
(for example Pythg). Pyrochroids have two well developed urogomphal
pits and an asperite series in the form of a continuous single arch.
The Elacatidae on the other hand have a single poorly developed pit
and a mesally discontinuous double arch of asperites, and the
Salpingidae have a single well developed pit and a continuous double
arch of asperites.

.EEREE: Since so little work has been done on the pupae of
Coleoptera, it is impossible to provide characters by which the
Pyrochroidae can be distinguished from other families.

Rozen (1959) has provided a short diagnosis to help separate
oedemerid pupae from those of a number of other heteromerous families,

including the Pyrochroidae.

35

Genus Schizotus Newman

Schizotus Newman, 1837, Entomol. Mag. 5: 374. (Type species cervicalis

 

Newman).

Pyrochroella Reitter, 1911, Fauna Germanica 3: 385 (as a subgenus of

 

Pyrochroa).

Description

 

.Adult: Antennae serrate in the females, subpectinate in the
males. Eyes moderate, dorsal separation much greater than maximal
width across one eye; length of genal area between eye and neck much
greater than minimal distance across eye (anterior to posterior margin
at emargination). Cranial pits consisting of two annular, densely
setiferous, postocular holes.

Parameres dorso—laterad of aedeagus, widely separated at apex;
distal aedeagus nearly as wide as apical width of parameres (Figure l).

Larva: Only larvae of_§. cervicalis were available for study.

 

The larvae are discussed in the treatment of that species.

Pupa: As above, see description of S, cervicalis.

 

Remarks

 

Adult: The genus is boreal in distribution with cervicalis

Newman in the Nearctic region, fuscicollis (Dejean) from Northeast

 

Asia and Alaska, and cardinalis (Mannerheim) and pectinicornis

 

 

(Linnaeus) from the boreal Palearctic areas.
Schizotus is the only North American pyrochroine not known to

be attracted to light.

36

Schizotus cervicalis Newman

 

(Figures 1—19)

Schizotus cervicalis Newman, 1837, Entomol. Mag. 5: 374.

 

Description

 

Adult: Length 5.5—9 mm.

Head, including antennae, black with frons, inner surface of
cranial pits (d), transverse postocular maculae (9), and gular area
rufous-orange; mentum and bases of maxillae yellow-testaceous; clypeus
and mandibles testaceous to piceous. Rufous-orange frontal area of
male usually divided into two maculae by black transverse band which
extends across from bases of antennae.

Pronotum and anterior margin of prosternum rufous-orange, re-
mainder of thorax, including legs, black. Elytra black with yellowish
to yellowish—orange lateral and sutural margins. Metawings with
darkly pigmented areas well developed.

Ventral abdomen piceous.

£3533: Living mature specimens often darker than other pyrochroid
larvae with a pale olive-green tint.

Eighth abdominal segment one and one-half to slightly less than
two times the length of the seventh, its parabasal ridge well developed,
its Spiracles close to the lateral line and nearly equidistant from
the anterior and posterior margins of the segment.

Urogomphal plate with pits shallow, lip reduced to nearly absent;

urogomphi with strong inward curvature.

37
.3222? Abdominal segments 2-7 generally with three simple
lateral marginal tubercles, one anterad and two posterad; one pleural
tubercle. Posterior marginal tubercles but slightly narrowed at
middle (Figure 19), one-half or more the distance across the base.

Setae on all tubercles arise apically.

_Iype Information

 

The type is in the British Museum (Natural History). Data from
the original description indicate that the type is a male; the type

locality is given as Trenton Falls [New York].

Distribution

 

CANADA: British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec,
and New Brunswick. UNITED STATES: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont,
Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania,
northern Indiana, northern Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, eastern
Minnesota, and Spearfish, South Dakota.

Adults have been collected from 3 May to 30 July, with the
greatest abundance of material from the middle of May to the middle

of June.

Remarks

Adult: This species is easily distinguished from fuscicollis

 

by its elytra which are black with yellowish to yellow-orange margins,

as opposed to the concolorous yellow-orange elytra of fuscicollis.

 

Adults have been taken from beneath bark and by sweeping.

Larva: Larvae of cervicalis are unique among the known species

 

in that their eighth abdominal segment is less than twice the length

38
of the seventh, as opposed to more than twice as long in all other
species.

In the southern extensions of its range, cervicalis is limited

 

to relict boreal-like ecosystems such as low, cool bogs. In suitable
areas larvae are usually found in and under decaying wood, and under
moss growing on logs.

£223: The pupae are distinct in having posterior marginal
tubercles which are tapered instead of being widely expanded basally.
They also have three simple lateral marginal tubercles instead of one
simple anterior tubercle and one posterior, bifurcate tubercle.

The duration of the pupal stage was 4-6 days.

Schizotus fuscicollis (Dejean)

 

Pyrochroa fuscicollis Dejean, 1836, Cat. Coléopt. de la Collection

 

Dejean, 3rd ed. Paris p. 237.

Pyrochroa (Pyrochroella) fuscicollis Mannerheim. Rietter, 1911,

 

Fauna Germanica 3: 385.

Schizotus fuscicollis (Mannerheim). Blair, 1914, Ann. & Mag. Nat.

 

Hist. 13 (ser. 8): 317.

Description [based on female]

 

.Adult: Length 9 mm.

Mentum, basal maxillae, and mandibles testaceous, remainder of
head, including antennae, black.

Margins and lateral aspects of pronotum, excluding pronotal
lobe, yellow-orange; pronotal lobe and remainder of thorax, including

legs, piceous to black. Elytra concolorous yellow-orange.

39
Ventral abdomen rufo-piceous.
Larva: None available for examination.

Pupa: None available.

_Type Information

 

Sex unknown, probably in Dejean material at Paris Museum. Type

locality unknown.

Distribution

 

ASIA: Kamchatka, Kuril Islands, Sakhalin Islands, southeastern

Siberia. NORTH AMERICA: Alaska.

Remarks

Readily distinguishable from cervicalis on the basis of elytral

 

color, being yellow-orange in fuscicollis and black with yellow-orange

 

margins in cervicalis.

 

The description is based upon a single female from "Amur".
The Alaskan specimens alluded to by Horn (1888) were not available

for examination.

Genus Neopyrochroa Blair

 

Neopyrochroa Blair, 1914, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. 13(Ser. 8): 315.

(Type species Pyrochroa flabellata Fabricius).

 

Description

 

Adult: Antennae serrate in the females, subpectinate in the
males. Eyes moderate, dorsal separation much greater than maximal

width across one eye; length of genal area between eyes and neck very

40

reduced, less than minimal distance across eye (anterior to posterior
margin at emargination). Cranial pits interocular.

Parameres dorsad of aedeagus, widely separated at apex; apical
width of parameres several times greater than distal width of aedeagus.

.Larva: Eighth abdominal segment slightly more than twice the
length of the seventh, its parabasal ridge well developed, its spircles
equidistant from lateral line and tergo-sternal suture. Urogomphal
plate with well developed pits and lip (Figures 23-24); urogomphi with
little if any inward curvature, their inner faces with coarse projections.

P322: Abdominal segments 2-7 (Figure 18) with two lateral mar-
ginal tubercles, one simple tubercle anterad, the anterior lateral
marginal tubercle, and one large bifurcate tubercle posterad, the
posterior lateral marginal tubercle; generally two pleural tubercles,
though anterior one commonly reduced or absent. Setae arise pre-

apically on all tubercles.

Remarks

Negpyrochroa is the only genus of pyrochroids endemic to North

 

America. It has a very disjunctive distribution with two eastern
species attaining distributions as far west as Kansas, and two western
species which are limited to small areas within the Sierra Nevada

Mountains of California.

Neopyrochroa flabellata (Fabricius)

 

(Figures 4, 5, 13, 14, 21, 23)

Pyrochroa flabellata Fabricius, 1787, Mant. Ins. l: 162.

 

41

Lampyris flabellata (Fabricius). Gmelin, 1790 in Linn. Syst. Nat.,

 

edition 13, 1(4): 1886.
Schizotus flabellata (Fabricius). Newman, 1837, Entomol. Mag. 5: 375.

Neopyrochroa flabellata (Fabricius). Blair, 1914, Ann. & Mag. Nat.

 

Hist. 13(Ser. 8): 315.

Description

 

'Adultz Length 13-19 mm.

Head, including antennal segments 1-2, yellow-orange to orange;
antennal segments 3—11 and apices of mandibles piceous to black.
Cranial pits of male largely concealed dorsally by anterior projection
of vertex and mesal elevation of frons.

Pronotum, scutellum, ventral thorax, and legs yellow-orange to
orange. Elytra black, often with violaceous tint; metawings with well
developed pigmented areas.

Ventral abdomen variable; concolorous yellow-orange or yellow-
orange with two black triangular maculae on each sternite, maculae
small and inconspicuous to large and fused, leaving only margins
yellow-orange. Apical bulb of aedeagus dorsally recurved withaahook-
like projection (Figure 5); inner ventro-lateral margins of parameres
with a single subapical tooth (Figures 4-5); parameres without setae.

ngyg: Wart-like calli of urogomphal plate distributed over
entire dorsal surface (Figure 23), their size much smaller (in diameter
and elevation) than dorsal setiferous calli. Width of urogomphal plate
across bases of urogomphi 2-3 times its mesal length (measured from
anterior margin to bases of urogomphi). Urogomphal pits separated by

a distance of nearly one-half the width of a single pit.

42
.ngg: Posterior lateral marginal tubercle apically bifurcate
(Figure 14), distance from point of bifurcation to apex of tubercle
usually much less than half the length of the tubercle; hind margin
of tubercle usually not arched; anterior and posterior arms usually

subequal in length.

Type Information

 

The holotype male is in the Hunterian Collection at Glasgow
University. The type locality is given in the description as

"America".

Distribution

 

Eastern North America from Canada (Ontario and Quebec) south to
Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina; eastward from eastern Nebraska,
Kansas, and Texas to East Coast.

Adults have been taken from 10 April to 28 September, with the
greatest numbers from late May to late July. Emergence southward from

Tennessee appears to be 1-2 weeks earlier than northward.

Remarks
Adult: The yellow-orange to orange metasternum, as opposed to

piceous or black, immediately separates flabellata from all other

 

Neopyrochroa. In addition, only in flabellata are the cranial pits

 

 

largely concealed dorsally. The male genitalia are unique in having
a recurved aedeagal hook and teeth on the parameres.
Adults are commonly collected at light and at fermenting baits.
Larxa: The relatively small dorsal calli on the urogomphal

plate as compared to the dorsal setiferous calli separate flabellata

 

43

larvae from those of sierraensis, in which many dorsal calli are as

 

large as the dorsal setiferous calli. The length of the urogomphal
plate as compared with its mesal width gives a ratio which easily dis—

tinguishes flabellata from femoralis, as does the distribution of

 

dorsal calli on the urogomphal plate. The width of the urogomphal

plate in flabellata is but 2-3 times its mesal length, as opposed to

 

4-6 times in femoralis. The dorsal calli of flabellata are generally

 

distributed over the surface of the urogomphal plate, whereas in
femoralis, they are restricted primarily to the urogomphi.

Larvae of flabellata are found almost exclusively on the under-

 

side of the log, either beneath the bark or just within the decaying
wood itself. The apparent active selection of this microhabitat may
be related to such climatic conditions as moisture and/or temperature.
The conditions are probably cooler, more moist, and less susceptable
to abrupt changes than are those of the more exposed sides of the log.

Pupa: In flabellata the posterior lateral marginal tubercle

 

bifurcates in the distal half of its length, whereas in sierraensis

 

pupae the point of bifurcation is in the basal half. The hind margin

of the tubercle is usually not strongly arched in flabellata as it is

 

in femoralis, and the anterior and posterior arms are usually subequal
in length whereas in femoralis the posterior arm is usually much
longer.

The duration of the pupal stage was 4—9 days, most commonly

six days.

44

Neopyrochroa femoralis (LeConte)

 

(Figures 6, 16, 24)

Pyrochroa femoralis LeConte, 1855 Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia,

 

7: 274.

Neopyrochroa femoralis (LeConte). Blair, 1914, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist.

 

13(Ser. 8): 316.

Description

 

.Adultz Length 11—19 mm.

Head, including first antennal segment, yellow-orange to orange;
second antennal segment, apices of mandibles, and maxillary palpi
piceous to black; antennal segments 3-11 black. Cranial pits of male
completely visible dorsally, vertex simple.

Mesosternum, metepisternum, metasternum, and in some specimens
hind margin of prosternum black with violaceous tint; remainder of
thorax yellow-orange to orange. Coxae and distal femora yellow-
orange to orange, remainder of legs pigmented as mesosternum. Elytra
black, often with violaceous tint; metawings with well developed
pigmented areas.

Ventral abdominal sterna 3-6 black mesally, often with violaceous
tint, yellow—orange to orange laterally. Seventh sternite antero-
mesally black, remainder yellow-orange to orange; eighth sternite con—
colorous yellow-orange to orange. Apical bulb of aedeagus and parameres
simple (Figure 6).

Larva: Dorsal wart-like calli of urogomphal plate limited pri-

marily to urogomphi (Figure 24); width of plate across bases of

45
urogomphi 4-6 times its mesal length, as measured from anterior margin
to bases of urogomphi.
£222: Posterior lateral marginal tubercle apically bifurcate
(Figure 16), distance from point of bifurcation to apex usually much
less than half the length of the tubercle; hind margin of tubercle
usually greatly arched; posterior arm often much longer than the

anterior.

Type Information

 

The holotype male (MCZC number 4935) is in the LeConte collection
and bears the label 23. femoralis LeC.", and a yellow disk indicating
mid-western states. Second and third specimens have pink disks indi—
cating middle eastern states, a fourth specimen has a yellow disk, and
a fifth is from Virginia. The type locality as given in the original

description is middle and western states.

Distribution

 

Eastern North America from southern Canada (Ontario and Quebec)
south to Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina; eastward from eastern
Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas to East Coast.

Adults have been taken from 18 April to 20 August with the

greatest numbers from the middle of May to early July.

Remarks
Adult: The bicolorous legs separate femoralis from all other

Neopyrochroa. In addition, the cranial pits of the male are completely

 

visible dorsally and the vertex is simple. In flabellata the vertex

 

projects forward and the frons is mesally elevated to conceal the pits

46

dorsally, and in sierraensis the vertex is elevated. The parameres

 

of the male have no teeth as do those of flabellata, and no setae as

 

do those of sierraensis.

 

Adults of femoralis are commonly collected at lights and are
occasional visitors at fermenting baits.

.Laryg: Only femoralis has the dorsal calli of the urogomphal
plate primarily limited to the urogomphi. It is further distinguished

from the sympatric flabellata by the length to width ratio of the

 

urogomphal plate. The width of the plate in flabellata is but 2-3

 

times its mesal length, whereas in femoralis it is 4-6 times the mesal
length.
Many host records for the larvae come from standing dead elm;

other hosts include Quercus Sp. (Mich. & Va.), Castanea dentata (Va.),

 

and Liriodendron tulipifera (Va.).

 

Pupa: In femoralis the posterior lateral marginal tubercle
bifurcates in the distal half of its length, whereas in pupae of

sierraensis the point of bifurcation is in the basal half. The hind

 

margin of the tubercle is usually greatly arched in femoralis, unlike

flabellata in which it is usually not arched, and the posterior arm

 

is usually much longer than the anterior, whereas the two are usually

subequal in flabellata.

 

Pupal stage duration was determined for only one female; the

duration was six days.

47

Neopyrochroa sierraensis sp. nov.

 

(Figures 3, 12, 15, 18)

Description

 

“Adult: Length 12.5—15 mm.

Head, including first antennal segment, yellow-orange to orange;
second antennal segment orange to piceous; antennal segments 3—11
and apices of mandibles piceous to black. Cranial pits completely
visible dorsally, partially separated anteriorly by the posteriorly
projecting frons. Vertex elevated, crest-like.

Metasternum and metepisternum black, occasionally with violaceous
tint, remainder of thorax yellow-orange to orange. Legs, except
metacoxae, yellow—orange to orange; metacoxae bicolorous, yellow—
orange to orange near articulation with legs and colored as meta-
sternum distally. Elytra black; metawings with well developed pig-
mented areas.

Ventral abdominal sterna 3-6 black mesally, yellow-orange to
orange laterally. Seventh sternite black antero-mesally, remainder
yellow-orange to orange; eighth sternite concolorous, yellow-orange
to orange. Parameres (Figure 3) with many short, stout, anteriorly
directed setae on inner surfaces.

LEEXEF Dorsal calli of urogomphal plate generally distributed
over entire surface, many as large (in diameter and elevation) as
dorsal setiferous calli. Urogomphal pits nearly contiguous.

£222: Posterior lateral marginal tubercle widely bifurcate
(Figure 15), distance from point of bifurcation to apex of tubercle

much greater than half the total tubercle length.

48

Type Information

 

HOLOTYPE: (60, Yosemite Valley, California; 3 June 1921
(Van Dyke Collection), [CASC].

ALLOTYPE: (9), same locality as holotype; 23 June 1921
(Van Dyke Collection), [CASC].

PARATYPES: Bd'd‘with same data as above from 5, l3, and 16
June, [CASC]; 1d; Cedar Creek, Tulare Co., California,
4500 ft., 10 June 1905 (Hopping; R. Hopping Collection),
[CASC]; 1d: Fish Camp, Mariposa Co., California, 2 June
1942 [UICM]; 163 Sierra Nat. Forest, Summerdale Campgd.,
Mariposa Co., California, 5000 ft., In Flight, 11-15 June
1973 (D. K. & D. C. Young), [DYCC]; ZdUfi same data as
preceeding except Taken from Beneath Bark of Populus

trichocarpa [1 in DYCC, 1 in MSUC]; 19, Yosemite,

 

California, alt. 3880—4000 ft., 8 June 1938 (B. E.

White Collection, 1962 Gift), [CASC]; 1?, Sequoia Nat.
Park, California, 2000-5000 ft., Potwisha, 19 May 1929
(Presented by E. C. Van Dyke collector), [CASC]; 19,
Northfork, California, 23 May 1920 (H. Dietrich), [CUIC];
12, Madera Co., California, Chiquito Creek, 5 July 1920,
4100 ft. (H. Dietrich), [CUIC]; 19, Sierra Nat. Forest,
Summerdale Campgd., Mariposa Co., California, 5000 ft.,

Reared from pupa collected beneath bark of Populus tri-

 

chocarpa, 11-15 June 1973 (D. K. & D. C. Young), [DYCC].

49

Distribution

 

As detailed above, south-central Sierra Nevada Mountains of

California; May to early July.

Remarks

EEEEEF This species is easily recognized by possessing both
a darkly colored metasternum and concolorous yellow-orange to
orange legs. It can also be separated from other known males of the
genus by its dorsally visible cranial pits and elevated vertex, and
its setose parameres.

Larva: The large dorsal calli on the dorsal urogomphal plate
and the narrowly separated urogomphal pits easily distinguish this

species from all other known Neopyrochroa larvae.

 

Pupa: The widely bifurcate posterior lateral marginal tubercles,
in which the distance from the point of bifurcation to the apex of the
tubercle is much greater than half the total tubercle length, is

diagnostic for sierraensis.

 

Biology: The only available data comes from observations made
by the author and his wife.

On 11 June 1973, a single adult male was found along with a
female pupa and several larvae (two mature and a few earlier instars).
They were all taken from beneath the bark of a standing black cotton-

wood stump (Populus trichocarpa Torr. & Gray) at and below ground

 

level. The following morning, an adult male was collected while in
flight.
An extensive search of the area over the next two days yielded

another adult male and several more larvae. They were all taken from

50

beneath bark or just within the rotting wood of fallen P, trichocarpa

 

logs which were scattered along the banks of a stream. The larval

microhabitat was similar to that of flabellata in that all specimens

 

were found on the undersides of the logs, adjacent to the soil.

Neopyrochroa californica (Horn)

 

Pyrochroa californica Horn, 1891 Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc. 18: 45.

 

Neopyrochroa californica (Horn). Blair, 1914, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist.

 

13 (Ser. 8): 316.

Schizotus californica (Horn). Leng, 1920, Cat. Coleopt. Amer. p. 161.

 

Description

 

AQETT: Length 13 mm.

Head, including antennae, black.

Pronotum and scutellum orange—yellow, ventral thorax and legs
black. Elytra black.

Ventral abdomen black.

Tagya: None available for examination.

Pupa: None available.

Type Information

 

The holotype female is in the Horn collection at the PASC, and
was not available for examination. The type locality is given in the

original description as "near Los Angeles, Cal.".

Distribution

 

As mentioned above.

51
Remarks
This species is distinguished by its entirely black legs and
underside.
Because the type is the only known specimen of the species and
it was not available to the author, the description is based upon

Horn's original description.

Genus Dendroides Latreille

 

Dendroides Latreille, 1810, Consider. Générales ordre Nat. Animaux,

 

....., Insectes Paris, p. 212. (Type species Dendroides

 

canadensis Latreille, 1810, p. 430).

 

Description

 

AQETE: Antennae serrate in the females, plumose in the males.
Eyes very large, dorsal separation less than maximal dorsal width
across one eye, often nearly contiguous in the males. Cranial pits
absent.

Parameres dorsad of aedeagus with apices narrowly separated
(Figure 2); distal aedeagus nearly as wide as apical width of parameres.

T3333: Eighth abdominal segment slightly more than twice the
length of seventh, its barabasal ridge well developed or not, its
Spiracles near lateral line, close to posterior margin of the segment.
Urogomphal plate with well developed pits and moderately developed
lip; urogomphi with strong inward curvature (or if nearly straight,

then apices strongly recurved).

52
P323: Abdominal segments 2-7 with three simple lateral marginal
tubercles (Figure 17), one anterad and two posterad; one pleural
tubercle. Posterior marginal tubercles greatly narrowed at middle,
one-third or less the distance across the base. Setae apical on all

tubercles.

Remarks

On the basis of adult characters, Dendroides appears to be the

 

most unique of the North American pyrochroine genera. It is easily

separated from Schizotus and Neopyrochroa in having no cranial pits,

 

much larger eyes in both sexes, especially the males, and more highly
developed antennae, again, especially the males. And, unlike the

other genera, adults of Dendroides are very homogeneous at the species

 

level. The male genitalia, for example, are quite useful in separating

the species of Neopyrochroa, while in Dendroides they appear to be

 

 

nearly identical from species to species.

Most of the morphological features used by previous workers
have proven to be too variable to be of taxonomic value. Thus, color
has been greatly relied upon in the present study. Such a reliance
adds the problem of accurately determining teneral specimens, but
color seems to be the best solution at present.

The systematics of Dendroides will probably become much clearer

 

once definitely associated larval material for the western species

becomes available.

53

Dendroides canadensis Larreille

 

(Figures 9, 17, 20, 22)

Dendroides canadensis Latreille, 1810, Consider. Générales ordre

 

Nat. Animaux,....., Insectes. Paris p. 212, 430.

Dendroides gyanipennis Latreille, 1816, in Cousin-Desprenux Nouveau

 

Dictionnaire d' Hist. Nat., Paris, edition 2, 9: 251.

Pogonocerus bicolor Newman, 1837, Entomol. Mag. 5: 375.

 

Dendroides bicolor (Newman). Lacordaire, 1859, Genera Coleopt.,

 

Paris 5: 603, footnote 3.

Pogonocerus ruficollis Dejean, 1836, Cat. Coléopt. de la Collection

 

Dejean, 3rd ed. Paris p. 237.

Dendroides canadensis LeConte. Leng, 1920, Catalog Coleopt, Amer.

 

N. of Mexico p. 161.

Dendroides canadensis Latreille. Barber, 1932, Psyche 39: 36.

 

Description

 

AAATE: Length 7-16 mm.

Mouthparts, except apices of mandibles, yellow-testaceous to
rufo—testaceous; remainder of head, including antennae and apices
of mandibles, rufo—testaceous to black.

Thorax and legs rufo-testaceous; pronotum deeply, densely
punctate. Elytra piceous to black with sutural and lateral margins
commonly rufous at bases; metawings with post-radial pigmentation
area inconspicuous, poorly deve10ped, distal areas normal.

Ventral abdomen yellow—testaceous to rufo-testaceous, occasionally

with two piceous triangular maculae on mesal aspects of sternites 4—6.

54
LEEXEF Urogomphi long, with conspicuous inward curvature.
Parabasal ridge of eighth abdominal segment inconspicuous and dis-
continuous (Figure 20).
3222: Total number of setae on ventral surface of metafemur,
including setae arising from protuberances and all others, not more

than nine, commonly 4-6.

Type Information

 

Type repository unknown, type probably lost. The original

description ives ”Canada" as the type locality.
8

Distribution

 

Eastern North America, from south-central Canada to northern
Florida; from central Manitoba, eastern North Dakota, Nebraska, and
Kansas to East Coast.

Clark (1956) also recorded canadensis, under the synonym bicolor,

 

from northwestern British Columbia. This record remains questionable.
Adults have been taken from 2 April to 1 October, but are most
abundant from early June to late July in the North and from the middle

of May to late August in the South.

Remarks
Adult: The coarse, dense punctation on the pronotum serves to

separate canadensis from all other Dendroides.

 

 

Dendroides canadensis is our most common North American pyro-

 

chroid. Adults are commonly taken at lights and by beating foliage.
Larva: The inconspicuous, discontinuous parabasal ridge of the

eighth abdominal segment separates canadensis from all other pyrochroid

 

larvae.

55
Larvae of this species are the most commonly encountered members
of the family. This is due in part to their general abundance, but
is also related to their microhabitat selection. Unlike several other

common pyrochroids, the larvae of canadensis are found primarily be-

 

neath the bark of the exposed areas of the log. The larvae of the
others are not normally encountered unless the log is rolled over to
expose the underside.

£222? The total number of setae on the ventral surface of the

metafemur (not more than nine, usually 4-6) separates canadensis from

 

the other two known Dendroides pupae, which have not fewer than 12

 

setae.

The duration of the pupal stage was 5-6 days.

Dendroides picipes Horn

 

Dendroides picipes Horn, 1880, Trans. Entomol. Soc. Amer. 8: 154.

 

Description

 

AQETE: Length 9.5—16 mm.

Head rufo-testaceous to piceous with antennae and apices of
mandibles black. First segment of maxillary palpi and inner margin
of terminal segment testaceous, remainder black.

Metasternum piceous, remainder of thorax rufo-testaceous.
Punctures of pronotum small, shallow, sparce. Coxae and basal femora
yellow-testaceous, remainder of legs piceous to black. Elytra piceous

to black.

56
Ventral abdominal sternites 3—7 piceous to black anteromesally,
margins testaceous to rufo-testaceous; eighth sternite concolorous
testaceous to rufo-testaceous.
Larva: No definitely associated larvae were available for
study.

Pupa: None available for examination.

Type Information

 

The holotype male is in the Horn collection at the ANSP. The

type locality is given in the original description as California.

Distribution

 

CANADA: Victoria, British Columbia. UNITED STATES: Oregon
(Lincoln, Klamath, and Jackson Co's.), California (Humboldt, Mendocino,
Tehama, Plumas, Sonoma, Marin Co's., and Felton, Santa Cruz Co.).

Adults have been collected from 15 April to 15 August.

Remarks
This is the most distinctive western species due to the bi-
colorous legs which are yellow-testaceous basally and piceous to black

distally. Both marginata and ephemeroides have testaceous to rufo-

 

testaceous legs.
Specimens have been taken at lights (Newport, Oregon), and reared

from pupae which were found beneath bark of Alnus rubra (Sonoma Co.,

 

California).

57

Dendroides marginata Van Dyke

 

Dendroides marginata Van Dyke, 1928, Bull. Brooklyn Entomol. Soc.

 

23: 259.

Dendroides pacificus Barrett, 1932, Pan-Pacific Entomol. 8: 171.

 

Description

 

AAATE: Length 10-18 mm.

Head and antennal segments 1—2 testaceous to rufo-testaceous,
antennal segments 3-11 piceous to black.

Pronotum, scutellum, ventral thorax, and legs rufo—testaceous.
Punctures of pronotum small, shallow, sparce. Elytra piceous to black
with testaceous to rufo—testaceous lateral margins.

Ventral abdomen testaceous to rufo—testaceous.

E2223: A single exuvium from a mature larva was labeled as
marginata, but without larvae of the sympatric picipes any description
of this exuvium would be meaningless. It did have a well developed
parabasal ridge, however, as did all the undeterminable western

Dendroides.

 

Pupa: None available for examination.

Type Information

 

From the original description, the holotype is a male, allotype
female (CASC numbers 2588 and 2589) and "several designated paratypes
from a series of 14 specimens". The type locality is Muir Woods,

Marin Co., California. Four of the paratypes (CASC) were examined.
The type of pacificus, a male, is in the SEMC. From the original

description, "this species is described from a specimen which was

58
reared from a larva collected at Inverness, Marin County, California,
March 20, 1926. The larva was taken in the rotten trunk of red alder,

Alnus rubra Bong., which was also inhabited by Platycerus oregonensis

 

 

Westw. The adult emerged April 2, 1926".
The type was examined; unfortunately Barrett apparently did not

keep the larval exuvium or mention the duration of the pupal stage.

Distribution

 

CANADA: British Columbia (Nelson, Atbara). UNITED STATES:
Oregon (Coos, Curry, and Josephine Co's.), California (Humboldt,
Trinity, Sonoma, Marin, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara Co's.).

Specimens have been collected from 6 April to 28 July with most

of the material from the month of May.

Remarks
Adults can usually be readily separated from other western

Dendroides by the bicolorous elytra, black with testaceous to rufo-

 

testaceous lateral margins. However, teneral specimens tend to

resemble gphemeroides very closely.

 

Dendroides concolor (Newman)

 

(Figures 2, ll)

Pogonocerus concolor Newman, 1837, Entomol. Mag. 5: 375.

 

Dendroides concolor (Newman). LeConte, 1855, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci.,

 

Philadelphia 7: 275.

59

Description

 

.éQElE: Length 9-17 mm.

Apices of mandibles piceous, remainder of head, including
antennae, yellow-testaceous to testaceous.

Thorax, including legs, yellow-testaceous to testaceous. Punc-
tures of pronotum very small, shallow, and sparce. Elytra colored
as thorax; metawings (Figure 11) with post-radial and distal pigmenta-
tion areas very much reduced, yellow—testaceous in color instead of
the normal piceous coloration.

Ventral abdomen yellow—testaceous to testaceous.

EEEXE‘ Parabasal ridge of eighth abdominal segment well
developed, conspicuous.

Urogomphi short, nearly straight, their apices strongly recurved.

PppA: Total number of setae on ventral surface of metafemur,
including setae arising from tubercles and all others, not fewer

than twelve, commonly 13—15.

Type Information

 

The type, sex unknown, is in the British Museum (Nat. Hist.).
The type locality is given in the original description as Trenton

Falls [New York].

Distribution

 

Northeastern North America. CANADA: Ontario, Quebec, Nova
Scotia, Newfoundland. UNITED STATES: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire,
Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,

Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, northern Ohio,

60
northern Indiana, northern Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota,
and a single female from Wyandott County, Kansas.
Adults have been taken from 18 May to 17 August, with the

greatest amount of activity apparently from early June to early July.

Remarks
Adult: The completely yellow-testaceous color separates concolor

from all but gphemeroides and testacea. These species are very similar

 

in adult morphology. In the past, the width of the dorsal interocular
area, antennal and maxillary palpi structure, and length versus width
pronotal ratios have been used to separate them. However, these
characters have all proven to be too variable to be of diagnostic

value. They can, however, be separated by the degree of development

and coloration of the pigmented areas on the post-radial and distal
regions of the metawings. In concolor, these areas are poorly developed

and of a yellow-testaceous color, whereas in ephemeroides and testacea

 

they are normally deve10ped and piceous.

Adults are commonly taken at lights and by beating forest
foliage.

MacGillivary and Houghton (1902) recorded an interesting note
on concolor. They noted that "thirty-five males of this species were
taken as they were flying about over a patch of raspberry bushes, at
the edge of the woods, just at dusk: only one female was secured".

LEEXE‘ The relatively short, nearly straight, apically recurved

urogomphi distinguish concolor from all other Dendroides larvae, in

 

which the urogomphi are elongate and conspicuously curved inwardly.

61
The larvae are most frequently encountered on the underside of
the log, especially in the southern-more extents of its range.

Pupa: Dendroides concolor possesses no fewer than 12 setae on

 

the ventral surface of the metafemur, whereas canadensis has no more

 

than nine. The available pupae of concolor and gphemeroides could

 

not be separated; the ephemeroides examined had no fewer than 14 setae

 

with a range of 14-19.
The duration of the pupal stage was 5-7 days, most commonly six

days.

Dendroides ephemeroides (Mannerheim)

 

(Figure 10)

Pogonocerus gphemeroides Mannerheim, 1852, Bull. Soc. Imper. Nat.

 

Moscou 25: 348.

Dendroides gphemeroides (Mannerheim). LeConte, 1855, Proc. Acad.

 

Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 7: 275.

Description

 

.ééElE‘ Length of males 11-15 mm (mean 13.4 mm); females 12-
17.5 mm (mean 14.8 mm).

Apices of mandibles piceous, remainder of head, including
antennae, yellow-testaceous to rufo-testaceous.

Thorax, including legs, yellow-testaceous to rufo-testaceous.
Punctures of pronotum very small, shallow, sparce. Punctation on
femora moderate, the punctures usually separated by a distance

greater than the diameter of a single puncture; surface between

62

punctures highly rugulose. Elytra yellow—testaceous to testaceous;
metawings (Figure 10) with pigmented areas well developed, piceous in
color.

Ventral abdomen yellow—testaceous to testaceous.

£2323: Parabasal ridge of eighth abdominal segment well developed,
conspicuous and continuous. Urogomphi elongate with obvious inward
curvature.

32223 Total number of setae on ventral surface of metafemur,

including setae arising from tubercles and all others, not fewer than

14, range 14-19.

Type Information

 

A female in the LeConte collection (MCZC) bears the name label
and the locality "Sitkha" along with the type label (number 4937).
It is thought to be a cotype from Mannerheim's material. The specimen

was examined.

Distribution

 

Along the Pacific Coast from Kodiak Island, Alaska southward
to northern California (Trinity and Humboldt Co's.). In the northern
portion of its range, it is found as far east as the Rocky Mountains
(southeastern British Columbia, northern Idaho), while in the southern

extremes, it is recorded as far east as Eldorado Co., California.

Remarks
Adult: The testaceous coloration distinguishes this species
from all but concolor and testacea. From concolor it differs in having

well developed pigmented areas in the metawings. It can usually be

63
separated from testacea on the basis of punctation and surface sculp-

turation of the femora. The femora of gphemeroides are moderately

 

punctate, densely so in testacea; the surface between punctures is
conspicuously rugulose, usually glabrous in testacea.
Larva: The presence of a well developed parabasal ridge on the

eighth abdominal segment separates this species from canadensis, in

 

which the ridge is inconspicuous and discontinuous. Larvae of

Agphemeroides are distinguished from those of concolor by the shape of

 

the urogomphi, being elongate and curved inwardly in the former and
short and nearly straight in the later.
Larvae collected in Oregon by Loren Russell (in litt.) were

most frequently observed on the sides of the logs (Populus trichocarpa).

 

Pupa: The total number of setae on the ventral surface of the

metafemur (no fewer than 14) separates ephemeroides pupae from those

 

of canadensis, which have no more than nine, usually 4—6. Pupae of

 

gphemeroides and concolor could not be distinguished.

 

Duration of the pupal stage (Russell, in litt.) was 7-11 days,

most commonly 9-10 days.

Dendroides testacea LeConte

 

Dendroides testaceus LeConte, 1855, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia

 

7: 275.

Dendroides testacea LeConte. LeConte, 1866, Smiths. Misc. Coll.

 

140: 64.

.I[{‘[[Ifi[{{l|lllu[

 

Illllll‘lIIlf‘llllllllll'l

64

Description

 

.ééElE: Length of males 9-12 mm (mean 10.7 mm); females lO-l4.5
(mean 12.2 mm).

Apices of mandibles piceous, remainder of head, including
antennae, yellow-testaceous to rufo-testaceous (females often with
vertex rufo-testaceous and remainder of head yellow-testaceous).

Thorax, including legs, yellow-testaceous to rufo-testaceous.
Punctures of pronotum very small, shallow, sparce. Punctation on
femora dense, punctures usually separated by a distance much less than
the diameter of a single puncture; surface between punctures usually
glabrous. Elytra yellow—testaceous to piceous with testaceous sutural
and lateral margins; metawings with pigmented areas well developed,
piceous in color.

Ventral abdomen yellow—testaceous to testaceous.

T3333: None available for examination.

Pupa: None available.

Type Information

 

A female is in the LeConte collection (MCZC) and bears the

name label TD. testaceus Lec.‘ and a light green disk indicating Lake

Superior. The type label is numbered 4936. Type examined.

Distribution

 

CANADA: Alberta; Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan; Manitoba;
Ontario; and Quebec. UNITED STATES: Laramie, Wyoming; northern

Wisconsin and Michigan; and Upper Saranac, New York.

65
Remarks
The testaceous coloration and well developed pigmentation areas

in the metawings separates this species from all but ephemeroides. It

 

can usually be distinguished from this closely related species by its

densely punctate femora, moderately so in ephemeroides, and the

 

glabrous femoral surface between punctures which is very rugulose in

ephemeroides.

 

 

I'llllllllllrl.‘

10.

ll.

66

PLATE I

Distal parameres and aedeagus of Schizotus cervicalis Newman;
dorsal View.

 

Distal parameres and aedeagus of Dendroides concolor (Newman);
dorsal view.

 

Distal parameres and aedeagus of Neopyrochroa sierraensis sp. nov.;
ventral View.

 

Distal parameres of Neopyrochroa flabellata (Fabricius); dorsal
view.

 

Distal parameres and aedeagus of Neopyrochroa flabellata
(Fabricius); lateral view.

 

Distal parameres and aedeagus of Neopyrochroa femoralis (LeConte);
lateral View.

 

Distal parameres of Ischalia (Eupleurida) californica Van Dyke;
dorsal view.

 

Distal parameres of Ischalia (Eupleurida) costata (LeConte);
dorsal view.

 

Female genitalia of Dendroides canadensis Latreille; ventral view.

 

Left metawing of Dendroides ephemeroides (Mannerheim).

 

Left metawing of Dendroides concolor (Newman).

 

12.

l3.

14.

15.

l6.

l7.

l8.

19.

68

PLATE II

Female pupa of Neopyrochroa sierraensis sp. nov.; ventral view.

 

Ninth segment and male genitalia of pupa of Neopyrochroa
flabellata (Fabricius); ventral view.

 

 

Posterior lateral marginal tubercle of Neopyrochroa flabellata
(Fabricius).

 

Posterior lateral marginal tubercle of Neopyrochroa sierraensis

 

Sp. nov.

Posterior lateral marginal tubercle of Neopyrochroa femoralis
(LeConte).

 

Fourth abdominal segment of Dendroides canadensis Latreille;
dorsal view.

 

Fourth abdominal segment of Neopyrochroa sierraensis Sp. nov.;
dorsal view.

 

Posterior marginal tubercles of Schizotus cervicalis Newman.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20.

21.

22.

70

PLATE III

Larva of Dendroides canadensis Latreille; dorsal view.

 

Mandibles of Neopyrochroa flabellata (Fabricius); ventral view.

 

Abdominal segments 8—10 of Dendroides canadensis Latreille; ventral
view.

 

 

’- -l- -

 

 

, PARABASAL

71

 

LATERAL

LINE ~~..

fl

 

\

t‘ ‘1
- ANUS
2

TERGO-STERNAL
SUTURE

q

ASPERIEES

X l I I
n. '1

\

2

 

 

\\

I till“ll'l0'll
i
‘l‘l‘l. (

 

23.

24.

72

PLATE IV

Urogomphal Plate of Neopyrochroa flabellata (Fabricius); dorsal
view.

 

Urogomphal Plate of Neopyrochroa femoralis (LeConte); dorsal view.

 

 

 

 

REFERENCES

REFERENCES

 

Abdullah, M. 1964. A revision of the genus Pilipalpus (Coleoptera,
Anthicidae: Pedilinae). Beitr. z. Entomol. 14: 3-9.

 

1965a. New Anthicidae and Pyrochroidae (Coleoptera) from
the Baltic Amber (Oligocene). The Entomol. 98: 38—42.

. 1965b. A revision of the Madagascan genus Incollogenius
Pic, with remarks on the primitive and advanced characters of
the family Pyrochroidae (Coleoptera). Entomol. Mo. Mag. 100:
241—245.

 

1967. Observations on the Chilean Pilipalpus (Coleoptera,
Pyrochroidae) including new synonymy and transfer from Anthicidae
(sensu lato). Entomol. Tidskr. 88: 63-65.

 

Arnett, R. H., Jr. 1951. A preliminary key to the neotropical genera
of Oedemeridae. Coleopt. Bull. 5: 57—59.

1963. The beetles of the United States: A manual for
identification. Catholic Univ. Press: Washington, D.C.
1112 pp.

Blackwelder, R. E. 1945. Checklist of the coleopterous insects of
Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and South America.
Part 3. Bull. U. 8. Nat. Mus. 185: 343-550.

Blair, K. G. 1914. A revision of the family Pyrochroidae (Coleoptera).
Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. 13 (ser. 8): 310-326, 1 p1.

1920. Notes on the coleopterous genus Ischalia Pascoe
(Fam. Pyrochroidae), with descriptions of two new species from
the Philippine Islands. Entomol. Mo. Mag. 56: 133-135.

Blatchley, W. S. 1910. An illustrated descriptive catalogue of the
Coleoptera or beetles (exclusive of the Rhynchophora) known to
occur in Indiana. The Nature Publ. Co.: Indianapolis 1386 pp.

Borror, D. J. and R. E. White. 1970. The Peterson field guide series.

A field guide to the insects of America north of Mexico.
Houghton Mifflin Co.: Boston 404 p.

74

75

Boving, A. G. and F. C. Craighead. 1931. An illustrated synopsis of
the principal larval forms of the order Coleoptera. Entomol.
Americana 11 (NS): 1-351, 125 pls.

Clark, M. E. 1956. An annotated list of the Coleoptera taken at or
near Terrace, British Columbia. Part 3. Proc. Entomol. Soc.
British Columbia 52: 39-43.

Crowson, R. A. 1955. The natural classification of the families of
Coleoptera. Nathaniel Lloyd and Co., Ltd.: London 187 p.

 

 

f.“
Doyen, J. T. 1966. The skeletal anatomy of Tenebrio molitor
(Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Misc. Publ. Entomol. Soc. Amer.
5: 101-150.
Forbes, W. T. M. 1922. The wing—venation of the Coleoptera. Ann.
Entomol. Soc. Amer. 15: 328-352, 7 pls.
Hatch, M. H. 1965. The beetles of the Pacific Northwest. Part IV: 5?

Macrodactyles, Palpicornes, and Heteromera. Univ. Washington
Publ. Biol. 16: l-268, 28 pls.

Horn, G. H. 1888. Miscellaneous coleopterous studies. Trans. Amer.

Kano, H. 1929. Die Pyrochroiden Japans. Ins. Matsumurana 3: 62—72.

LeConte, J. L. 1855. Synopsis of the Pyrochroides of the United
States. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 7: 270—277.

1862. Classification of the Coleoptera of North America.
Smiths. Misc. C011. 3: 209-286.

. 1873. Synonymical remarks upon the North American
Coleoptera. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 25: 321-336.

Lindroth, C. H. 1957. The principal terms used for male and female
genitalia in Coleoptera. Opusc. Entomol. 22: 241-256.

MacGillivray, A. and C. O. Houghton. 1902. A list of insects taken
in the Adirondack Mountains, New York, I. Entomol. News 13:
247-253.

Moody, H. L. 1880. Larvae of the family Pyrochroidae. Psyche 3: l6.

Pascoe, F. P. 1860. Notices of new or little known genera and species
of Coleoptera. J. Entomol. 1: 36-64, 98—132.

Payne, N. M. 1931. Food requirements for the pupation of two
coleopterous larvae, Synchroa_punctata Newn. and Dendroides
canadensis LeC. (Melandryidae, Pyrochroidae). Entomol. News
42: 13-15.

 

 

 

76

Peterson, A. 1951. Larvae of insects. An introduction to Nearctic
species. Part II. Coleoptera, Diptera, Neuroptera, Siphonaptera,
Mecoptera, Trichoptera. Alvah Peterson: Columbus, Ohio 416 p.

Procter, W. 1938. Biological survey of the Mount Desert region,
Part VI: The insect fauna with references to methods of capture,
food plants, the flora and other biological features. Mem.
Wistar Institute Anat., Biol. Philadelphia 1938: 1-496.

Rozen, J. G. 1959. Systematic study of the pupae of the Oedemeridae
(Coleoptera). Ann. Entomol. Soc. Amer. 52: 299-303.

Sharp, D. and F. Muir. 1912. The comparative anatomy of the male
genital tube in Coleoptera. Trans. Entomol. Soc. London
1912: 477-642, 78 pls.

Snodgrass, R. E. 1957. A revised interpretation of the external
reproductive organs of male insects. Smiths. Misc. Coll.
135: 1—60.

Spilman, T. J. and W. H. Anderson. 1961. On the immature stages
of the North American Pyrochroidae. Coleopt. Bull. 15: 38-40.

Swan, L. A. and C. S. Papp. 1972. The common insects of North
America. Harper and Row Publ.: New York 750 p.

Tanner, V. M. 1927. A preliminary study of the genitalia of female
Coleoptera. Trans. Amer. Entomol. Soc. 53: 5—50.

Townsend, C. H. T. 1936. Manual of Myiology. Part 4: Oestroid
classification and habits. Charles Townsend & Filhos, Itaqua-
quecetuba: Sa6 Paulo 365 pp., 84 pls.

Van Dyke, E. C. 1938. New species of Pacific Coast Coleoptera
(Cleridae, Pyrochroidae, Chrysomelidae). Entomol. News 49:
189-195.

Van Emden, F. I. 1943. Larvae of British beetles IV. Various
small families. Entomol. Mo. Mag. 79: 259-270.

Werner, F. G. 1964. A revision of the North American species of
Anthicus 3. str. (Coleoptera: Anthicidae). Misc. Publ.
Entomol. Soc. Amer. 4: 193-242.

Wickham, H. F. 1894. On the larvae and pupae of Hololepta and
Pyrochroa. Amer. Naturalist 28: 816—820, 1 pl.

Wood, S. L. 1952. Observations on the homologies of the copulatory
apparatus in male Coleoptera. Ann. Entomol. Soc. Amer. 45:
613-617.

Young, D. K. and R. L. Fischer. 1972. The pupation of Calopteron
terminale (Say) (Coleoptera: Lycidae). Coleopt. Bull. 26: 17—18.

 

HICHIGRN STRTE UNIV. LIBRRRIE

|3||||3 ||| 3||| |3|3|||

|||||3| ||3|| 3|