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| Bulasconotus scaccarius Bernard & Gillett, 2020 |
Abstract
We describe Bulasconotus scaccarius sp. nov., a new species of cylindrical bark beetle (Zopheridae: Colydiinae: Synchitini), elevating the number of described species in its genus to two. Despite discovering this species in Hawaii, we suspect, based on collections and survey data, that it is endemic to the South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu and has only recently arrived in Hawaii. Evidence of the diet of closely related genera indicates that the new species may be a predator of ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae), conceivably posing a risk to those that are endemic to Hawaii.
Keywords: Coleoptera, Colydiidae, invasive species, Melanesia, New Hebrides, Oahu, Tenebrionoidea
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| Micrograph of Bulasconotus scaccarius sp. nov. collected by Josef and Marie Sedlacek on Vanuatu's Malekula Island in 1967, depicting coloration of A) dorsal and B) ventral aspects. Scale bars: 1 mm. |
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| Known locations of Bulasconotus scaccarius sp. nov. in A) the Vanuatu archipelago, scale bar: 100 km; and B) Oahu in the Hawaiian archipelago, scale bar: 50 km. C) Living B. scaccarius sp. nov. among entrance tunnels and frass of Hawaiian ambrosia beetles (Xyleborus lanaiensis) on Hawaiian trees (Planchonella sandwicensis) from the Honouliuli Forest Reserve on Oahu, scale bar: 1 mm. |
Bulasconotus scaccarius sp. nov.
Etymology. The specific epithet is the adjective form of the nominative singular noun scaccarium, meaning a chessboard, in reference to the chequered pattern on the elytra. This name thereby conforms to article 11.9.1.1 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Because the adjective suffix agrees with the masculinity of the generic name, the binomial name also conforms to article 31.2 even though the eponym is neuter.
Jared Bernard, Conrad P. D. T. Gillett. 2020. A New Species of cylindrical Bark Beetle (Zopheridae: Colydiinae) from Vanuatu establishes in Hawaii. Zootaxa. 4809(3); 593–599. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4809.3.12
