Three new species of Tiporus Watts (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) with redescriptions of the other species in the genus

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THREENEWSPECIES OF TIPORUS WATTS (COLEOPTERA: DYTISCIDAE)
WITH REDESCRIPTIONS OFTHE OTHERSPECIES IN THEGENUS
WATTS
C. H. S.
WATTS, C. H. S. 2000. Three new species of Tiporus (Coleoptera; Dytiscidae) with
redescriptions of the other species in the genus. Records of the South Australian Museum
33(2): 89-99.
Three new species of Tiporus Watts, 1985 (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) are described and
figured: Tiporus georginae, T. lachlani and T. moriartyensis. The original descriptions ofthe
existing species were based on a small number ofspecimens. Recent collections have allowed
these descriptions to be reviewed and, where necessary, corrected and/or enlarged. A key is
giventothe 11 knownspecies.
C. H. S. Watts, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000.
Manuscriptreceived 11 October 1999.
QM
The genus Hypodes Watts, 1978, later changed Queensland Museum, Brisbane
due to preoccupation to Tiporus Watts, 1985, was SAMA SouthAustralian Museum, Adelaide
erected for a group of small to moderate sized WAM WesternAustralian Museum, Perth
Australian Hydroporini related to Antiporus QDPIM Queensland Department of Primary
Sharp. Members of Tiporus are distributed across Industries, Mareeba
coastal Northern Australia where they appear to
be restricted to rivers and streams, or to the small
pools which form in their beds in the dry season. Systematics
In these habitats some species, such as T.
undecimmaculatus and T. josepheni, are often Thegenus TiporusWattsbelongs tothatsection
abundant. ofAustralianHydroporini with pseudotetramerous
The genus has not been reviewed since my protarsi and densely rugose/punctate bodies
1978 paper. Many more specimens are now including the legs. It can be distinguished from
available, among them the three new species the other genera in this section, Antiporus Sharp
described below. The taxonomy of the genus is andSekaliporusWatts, bythe formofthe humeral
based on the males, which have distinctive, angle of the elytron and the three-segmented
species-specific genitalia and secondary sexual protarsi in the male (see Watts 1997 for more
characters on the legs. Females are more difficult details).
taxonomically but the additional material has Within the genus there are two morphological
allowed these to be tentatively keyed for the first groupings, one group characterised by: lack of
time. Unfortunately, in the case of T.josepheni, I pronotal ridges/grooves, moderate to strong
mis-associated the sexes in my original dorsal colour pattern, a tendency for the edge of
description, which has led to confusion over the the elytron to bulge or extend outwards near the
identification ofthis species. The type material of tip, protibia of the male with a small tubercle
all species except T. collaris and T. on the outside near the base, and the other
undecimmaculatus hasbeen restudied. group characterisedby: pronotal ridges/grooves,
The collections from which specimens were dark colouring with only vague reddish patches,
examined are listed under the following edges of the elytron serrated but not extended
abbreviations: and the male protibia having a broad spine in
ANIC Australian National Insect Collection, the middle or towards the apex on the outside.
Canberra To what degree these groupings reflect
NTM Northern Territory Museum and Art phylogenetic relationships has yet to be
Gallery, Darwin determined.
90 C. H. S. WATTS
Keyto TiporusWatts Extreme front of elytron only slightly
— narrower than adjacent pronotum,
1 Disc of pronotum with a ridge/groove difference <= width of mid segments of
running backwards parallel to and at a antenna; edge of elytron with moderate
littledistancefromsides; edgeofelytron bulge near tip; males with either short
serrated in apical half, neverwith lateral stout proclaws or with moderately long
extensionneartip;sidesofpronotumdark, butthin proclaws (Figs 13, 14) 6
atmostdiffusely lighterincolour 7
— 6 Pronotumweaklyridgedatsides;edgeof
Disc of pronotum smooth, at most with elytra straight immediately prior to it
weak ridges; edges of elytron usually meeting pronotum; male proclaw short,
smoothbutoftenwithroundedortriangular thickenedbasally (Fig. 13 )
extension near tip; sides of pronotum T. denticularis(Watts)
usually with well-defined light coloured Pronotum smooth; edgeofelytraslightly
area 2
curved immediately prior to it meeting
—
2 Female with edge of elytron near apex pronotum; male proclaw elongate, thin
with large, triangularextension reaching (Fig. 14) T. centralis (Watts)
beyondtipofelytron(Fig.8);malewithout 7 Large (> 5.0 mm long); male proclaw
suchanextension,protibiawithtriangular thick (Fig. 2), protibia stout, with basal
spineonoutside nearmiddle spine (Fig. 3); apical segmentofprotarsi
— T.josepheni (Watts) large,deeplybifid(Fig. 3);Pilbararegion
Both sexes with elytron with at most a ofW.A T. lachlani sp. nov.
modest bulge near tip or with the tip Smaller (< 5.1 mm long); males not as
extended; males with small tubercle on above 8
outsideofprotibia atbase 3
— 8 Tipofelytronwithsmallbutdistinctpoint
mm
3 Larger (4.5 long); postcoxal lines (except in some T. alastairi); elytral
narrow, reaching metathorax; outer serrations usually strong; male protibia
metatibialspineinmalegreatlyelongated, withprominent,triangularenlargementin
about twice the length of the inner (Fig. apical half 9
12); (femaleunknown) Tip ofelytron rounded; elytral serrations
— T. moriartyensis sp. nov. weak; male protibia with small spine/
mm
Smaller(<4.1 long); postcoxal lines tubercle oninsidecloseto base
wide,oftenpoorlydefinedtowardsfront; T. collaris(Hope)
outermetatibialspineinmalenormal,not
greatly differentin lengthto inner 4 9 Viewedlaterally,theedgeofelytracurves
— forwardforshortdistancepriortomeeting
4 Femalewithtipofelytronclearlyextended pronotum; male protibia with large
(Fig. 15);edgeofpronotumweaklysinuate triangular expansion on front edge near
infront;malewithmetatibiaexpandedon apex; male proclaw squat
insidenearapex T. alastairi(Watts)
— T. tambreyi(Watts) Viewedlaterally,theedgeofelytranot,or
Tipofelytronnot,oronlyweakly,extended onlyslightly,curvedimmediatelypriorto
(edge of elytron may be moderately meeting lateral edge of pronotum; male
expanded near, but not at, tip); sides of protibia with small triangular expansion
pronotum with only a hint of sinuation; on frontedge in middleortowards apex;
male withnormal metatibia 5 maleproclaw thin 10
—
5 Extreme front of elytron considerably 10 Malewithtipofcentral lobeofaedeagus
narrower than adjacent pronotum, pointed(Fig. 20);protibiawithtriangular
difference > width of mid segments of expansionjustbeyondcentre
antenna(Fig.4):lateralextensiontoelytron T. giuliani (Watts)
neartipabsentorweak(Fig.4);malewith Malewith tipofcentral lobeofaedeagus
verylongdagger-shapedproclaw(Fig.7) broad,weaklytridentate(Fig. 16);protibia
T. georginae sp. nov. with triangular expansion on front edge,
SPECIES OFTIPORUS 91
eitherinmiddle(N.Qld.)ortowardsapex ventrally, apical segment cylindrical. Mesotarsi
(N.T..WA) much narrower.
T. undecimmaculatus (Clark)
Remarks
Resembling T. centralis and T. denticularis in
Tiporusgeorginae sp. nov. size and colour but with the mis-match of the
humeral angleofthe elytron andthe posterolateral
Types angle of the pronotum more noticeable (Fig. 4).
Holotype: male: 'W. Aust. Mitchell Plateau. Some specimens of T. centralis have this feature
14°40'S 125°44'E 23 Sept 1982. B. V. Timms', to a degree but the extremely long, dagger-like
dissected and mountedon card, SAMA. male proclaw in T. georginae (Figs 6, 7) readily
WA
CruPsahreart'ypCesA:L5M, "Si1t4e°592/1'S4 1k2m5°S50b'yE W Min'iTnhge sTeippaorruast.esThmealaeedsepaegcuismiesndsisftirnocmtivtehi(sFiga.nd5).otThheer
Camp Mitchell Plateau 2-6 June 1988 I. D. species is known only from the Kimberley region
Naumann", ANIC; 4, "14°25'S 126°40'E CALM whereit isbroadly sympatric with T. centralis.
Site 4/3 14 km S by E Kalumburu MissionW. A.
3-6 June 1988 T. A. Weir", ANIC (3), SAMA Distribution
(1). All labelled as collected at light in open The Kimberley regionofWesternAustralia.
CALM
forest except for one in closed forest at
site4/3.
Tiporus moriartyensis sp. nov.
DescriptionFigs4-7
Length 3.5 - 4.0 mm. Elongate-oval, wider in Types
middle, front edge of elytron considerably Holotype: male, 'Moriarty ck N.T. Reardon 8/
narrower than rear edge of pronotum (Fig. 4). 82', SAMA.
Pronotum smooth, without lateral ridges or
grooves; edgeofelytronturns forwardsharplyjust DescriptionFigs 9-12
before meeting edge of pronotum, very weakly Length 4.5 mm. Elongate-oval, widest in
serrate towards rear, usually slightly expanded middle. Pronotum narrower than elytra. Dorsal
near but not at tip, quite strongly acuminate. surface dark brown-black, rear of head, lateral
Whole body strongly rugose/punctate. Dorsal margins and rear margin of pronotum, three
surface dark testaceous-black, front margin of small lateral spots and two larger spots near
head, sides and parts of front and rear margins of suture on elytron testaceous. Ventral surface
pronotum, three lateral spots andoften some spots mottled dark and light testaceous, appendages
inwards from these on elytron, testaceous. Ventral including pro- and mesocoxae much lighter.
surface dark testaceous-black, appendages Whole body covered with rugose punctures,
including pro- and mesocoxae, much lighter. punctures smaller and less rugose than in other
Pronotal process narrow, keeled, bluntly pointed. Tiporus species. Disc of pronotum smooth,
Metacoxal lines relatively close in hind half, without lateral ridges or grooves. Side ofelytron
widening to a bit more than two times their curves forward immediately before meeting edge
narrowest width in frontquarter. of pronotum, very weakly serrate towards tip,
Male. Protarsi three-segmented, with adhesive apex obliquely truncated. Pronotal process
setae ventrally, anterior parts of segments relatively broad, keeled, tip blunt. Metacoxal
expanded, small spine on hind apical corner of lines close, diverging to about two times their
second segment, third segment about 2.5 times minimum width towards front, reaching
length of second, single claw extremely long, mesosternum.
expanded in middle (Fig. 6). Protibia with small Male. Protarsi three segmented, segments
tubercle on anterior edge at base (Fig. 7). expanded in front, with dense adhesive setae
Mesotarsi as for female. Metatibia with a slight ventrally, second segment with small tooth on
thickening on inside near apex. Apical ventrite hind margin, apical segment 2.5 times length of
with small, sharp, apical keel/spine. Median lobe second; claw short, rapidly narrowing to about
ofaedeagus broad incentre, very narrow in apical half its width in middle (Fig. 10). Protibia with
quarter(Fig. 5). weak tubercle/spine near base on anterior edge.
Female. Protarsi five-segmented, first three Metatibia with inner apical spine, twisted,
moderately expanded with adhesive setae flattened and broadened slightly at tip, about two
WATTS
92 C. H. S.
8
(]
10
11
15
FIGURES 1-15. 1-3,dorsal viewofmedianlobeofaedeagus, apical view ofproclaw andanteriorviewofprotibia
and tarsi ofT. lachlani; 5-7, ditto T. georginae; 9-11, ditto T. moriartyensis; 4, dorsal outline ofT. georginae; 8,
dorsal outline ofelytron of T.josepheni; 12, metafemur of T. moriartyensis; 13, apical view ofproclaw and third
tarsal segmentofT. denticulatus; 14,ditto T. centralis; 15,dorsaloutlineofelytronofT. tambreyi.
SPECIES OFTIPORUS 93
times length of outer, which is simple (Fig. 12). squat, broad but narrowing to sharp point (Figs 2,
Apex oflast abdominal ventrite broadly depressed 3). Protibia relatively short, thick, with strong
in middle, rear edge with two small spines in tubercle on outside atbase (Fig. 3). Apical ventrite
middle. Median lobe ofaedeagus broad inmiddle, with short well-marked keel near apex. Median
abruptly narrowingnearapex (Fig. 9). lobe of aedeagus relatively narrow, parallel-sided
Female. Not known. (Fig. 1), ending in pick-like beak (not visible
dorsally).
Remarks Female. Protarsi five-segmented, first three
Although only one specimen is available this is segments weakly expanded anteriorly, densely
enough to show that T. moriartyensis is a very covered with adhesive setae ventrally, fourth
distinctive species. It belongs to the group of segment very small, apical segment thin,
species lacking lateral pronotal ridges but is cylindrical, shorterthan third. Innerapicaledgeof
noticeably larger and less strongly punctured than metatarsal segments extended, extension
other members. No other Tiporus has the inner accentuatedby anumberofstrong spines.
apical spine on the metatibia modified as in this
species. The female is unknown but it is likely Remarks
thatthischaracteris restrictedto the male. Tiporus lachlani differs from other Tiporus
with ridged/grooved pronotum by its large size
Distribution — and strongly narrowedpronotal-elytraljunction, as
Known only from the type locality Moriarty wellas in malecharacters.
Creek, 160°4'S 129°12'E—in the Northern
Territory. Distribution
The Pilbara/Gascoyne region of Western
Australia.
Tiporus lachlani sp. nov.
Types Redescriptions OfTheOther SpeciesInThe
WA
Holotype: male, 'Wooramel R. 25°47.52'S Genus, AfterWatts (1978)
115°17.44'E 26.8.94 S.A. Halse', SAMA. (ListedInAlphabeticalOrder)
Paratypes: 1, female, as for holotype, SAMA;
1, male, 'Gregory Gorge Fortescue R W.A. 2
xii.74coll. K. F. Walker', SAMA. Tiporus alastairi (Watts, 1978)
Description Figs 1-3 DescriptionFig. 23
Length 5.6 mm. Elongate-oval, widest behind Length 4.0 - 5.2 mm. Oval, convex. Dark
middle, outline strongly indented at junction of red-brown, underside lighter. Strongly and
pronotum and elytra. Lateral edge of elytra not densely rugose-punctate all over. Pronotum
curved forward immediately prior to meeting with a distinct raised ridge parallel to and a
pronotum. Pronotum with well-developed lateral little distance inwards from each side, area
ridge/groove on each side, edge ofelytron weakly just inside ridge depressed, ridge and
serrated towards tip, tip weakly pointed. Dark depression strongest anteriorly, weak
testaceous, rear edge of head, lateral edges of posteriorly. Elytron weakly margined, weakly
pronotum, small patches at side of elytron near serrated towards apex, usually sharply pointed
apex and appendages slightly lighter. Densely (rounded in male holotype). Edge of elytron
rugose/punctate throughout. Pronotal process curves forward for short distance immediately
narrow, keeled, bluntly pointed. Metacoxal lines prior to meeting edge of pronotum.
raised, relatively wide apart, strongly diverging in Prothoracic process narrow, strongly convex,
anterior half to about 2.5 times their narrowest roundly pointed at apex, only slightly
width, raised lines not reaching metasternum. constricted between procoxae. Metacoxal
Epipleuron evenly narrows until close to apex lines strongly raised, well separated, quite
whereitabruptly ends. strongly diverging in anterior two-thirds, not
Male. Protarsi three-segmented, anterior quite reaching mesosternum.
portions greatly expanded and densely covered Male. Protarsus three-segmented. Anteriorsides
with adhesive setae ventrally, third segment as of segments of protarsus moderately expanded, a
long as first two; claw shorter than third segment, little expanded on mesotarsus. Single claw on
WATTS
94 C. H. S.
protarsus short, broad, weakly curved, near base. Tip of apical abdominal sternite broadly
dorsoventrally flattened, anterior edge deeply groovedinmidline. SeeFig. 24foraedeagus
notchedjust beyond middle. Protibia with a large Female. Protarsi five-segmented; basal three
sharp tooth on outside just anterior to middle. segments of roughly similar size, weakly
Apical sternite strongly carinate for a short expanded anteriorly, ventral surface covered in
distance in middle near apex. See Fig. 23 for adhesive setae; fourth segment very small;
aedeagus. apical segment narrow, cylindrical, about same
Female. Protarsus five-segmented. Anterior length as third segment; claws weakly
sides of pro-and mesotarsi less expanded than in developed.
male. Apical abdominal sternite with ashort sharp
ridge inmiddlenearapex. Remarks
Tiporus centralis is very—similar to T.
Remarks denticularis and T. georginae see discussion
Females are difficult to separate from those of underthose species.
T. undecimmaculatus or T. giuliani but are larger Originally known only from the male holotype,
thanmostspecimensofthese species andtheedge the species is now known to be reasonably
of the elytron curves forward for a short distance common in the Northern Territory and into
immediately before it meets the edge of the Western Australia. It seems to have a more inland
pronotum whereas it is straight or almost so in T. distribution than either T. collaris or 7".
giuliani and T. undecimmaculatus. The same undecimmaculatus, the other common Northern
applies to the males but in addition these have a Territory species.
much shorter and broader proclaw and a much
narrowercentral lobetotheaedeagusthan in these Distribution
species. The species is so farknown only from the Northern Territory
northofWesternAustralia. 2, 46 km SSWBorroloola, ANIC;W1,48 km SW
by S Borroloola, ANIC; 3, 45 km Borroloola,
Distribution SAMA; 1, Davenport Ranges, 40 km NE Murray
WesternAustralia W Downs Station, SAMA; 1, Elkedra Homestead,
2, Derby, SAMA; 3, 4 km King Cascade, NTM; 6, Gosse River, Murchison Ranges, NTM;
15°38S 125°15'E, ANIC; 1, Kings Sound, ANIC. 2, Kakadu Highway, 31 km from Pine Creek,
SAMA; 1, 35 mi NLarrimah, SAMA; 2, Moriarty
Creek, SAMA; 1, Skull Creek (Victoria River),
Tiporus centralis (Watts, 1978) SAMA; 10, VictoriaRiver, SAMA.
DescriptionFig. 24 WesternAustralia
Length 3.2 - 3.9 mm. Oval, convex. Black; 1, Stumpy Creek 'Glenroy', 16°55'S 125°34'E,
SAMA.
sides of pronotum and appendages reddish, sides
and portions of middle of pronotum and base of
elytron with vague red patches. Strongly and
densely rugose-punctate throughout. Reticulate. Tiporus collaris (Hope, 1842)
Pronotum not flanged. Elytron with a weak
shallow stria near the suture, edge curves forward Description Figs 18, 21
slightly immediately before meeting pronotum, Length 3.3 - 4.1 mm. Oval, convex. Black;
edge weakly to moderately expanded for a short undersides and appendages a little lighter.
distance near, but not at, tip which is pointed. Strongly and densely rugose-punctate all over.
Prothoracic process narrow, ridged in midline, Reticulate. Pronotum widely flanged at sides,
apex rounded, weakly constricted between lacking raised ridges between disc and flange
procoxae. Metacoxal lines strongly raised to except very slightly anteriorly. Elytron weakly
metasternum, quite strongly divergent in anterior margined, moderately serrate towards apex which
two-thirds. is rounded, base with vague longitudinal
Male. Protarsus three-segmented. Anterior sides impressions. Prothoracic process narrow, strongly
of segments of protarsus moderately expanded, convex, roundly pointed at apex, not constricted
mesotarsus slightly expanded. Single claw on between procoxae. Metacoxal lines raised, slightly
protarsus long, sharply curvednearbase, apicaltwo- to moderately diverginganteriorly.
thirds straight. Protibiawith asmalltoothon outside Male. Protarsus three-segmented. Anterior sides
SPECIESOFTIPORUS 95
FIGURES 16-24. 16, dorsal and lateral views of median lobe of aedeagus of T. undecimmaculatus; 17, ditto T.
tambreyi; 18, ditto(lateral view) T. collaris(holotype); 19, ditto T.josepheni; 20,ditto T. giuliani; 21,ditto(dorsal
view) T. collaris (holotype); 22, ditto T. denticularis; 23, ditto T. alastairi; 24, ditto T. centralis. From Watts
(1978).
WATTS
96 C. H. S.
of segments of protarsus moderately expanded, pronotum, some small patches on elytron and
those on mesotarsus alittle expanded. Single claw appendages yellowish. Strongly and densely
on protarsus thickandcurved, strongly toothed on rugose-punctate throughout. Pronotum not
underside near base. Protibia with a small tooth flanged, with a weak ridge with deep groove on
on outside near base. Tip of apical abdominal inside, parallel to and some distance inwards from
sternite moderately tuberculateinmiddle. SeeFigs sides. Apex ofelytron pointed. Epipleuron with a
18, 21 foraedeagus. small triangular expansion just before apex.
Female. Protarsus five-segmented. Anterior Prothoracic process relatively broad, ridged in
sides of segments of protarsus a little less midline, apex rounded, moderately constricted
expanded than in male. Protarsus with two simple between procoxae. Metacoxal lines straight in
claws. Apical abdominal sternite simple. posterior half, rapidly diverging in anterior half,
notreaching metasternum.
Remarks Male. Protarsus three-segmented. Anteriorsides
Tiporus collaris is very similar to T. giuliani of segments of protarsus moderately expanded.
and to T. undecimmaculatus. Males are readily Mesotarsus a little expanded. Single claw on
distinguished from both these species by the basal protarsus short, flat, spindle-shaped, rapidly
position ofthe tubercle on the protibia rather than narrowingnearapex on inside. Protibia with small
the central or more apical position in T. giuliani tooth on outside near base. Tip of apical sternite
and T. undecimmaculatus. In addition, T. collaris with small weak ridge in midline. See Fig. 22 for
is slightly more rounded, has slightly weaker aedeagus.
pronotal ridges/grooves and has rounded rather Female. Protarsus five-segmented, basal
thansharply pointedtips totheelytra. segments somewhatexpandedoninside.
The species occurs in small temporary streams
in stony country across the north of the Northern Remarks
Territory and Western Australia. Like T. Although the species has a weak ridge/groove
undecimmaculatus, with which it is often onthe sideofthepronotum, the testaceous margin
collected, it appears to be more coastal than T. of the pronotum, smooth elytron edge, lateral
centralis. expansion of the epipleuron near the tip and the
basal positionofthe tubercleon the male protibia,
Distribution ally it to the T. josepheni group of species.
NorthernTerritory Tiporus denticularis is very similarto T. centralis
8, 5 km SE Mt Borradaile, SAMA; 4, 6 km SE and females are difficult to separate, but they
Mt Borradaile, SAMA; 1, 19 km E by S Mt differ from this species by the greater
Borradaile, ANIC; 1, Canon Hill, Kakadu development of the pronotal ridge/groove and by
National Park, SAMA; 1, CooWper Creek near Mt the extreme front edge ofthe elytron immediately
Borradaile, SAMA; 17, 1 km Gubara, Kakadu before it meets the edge of the pronotum being
National Park, SAMA; 1, 20 km SSW Jabiru, slightly curved in T. centralis but straight in T.
SAMA; 1, Kambolgie Creek, SAMA; 4, 10 km E denticularis.
by N Mt Cahill, ANIC; 1, Nawurlandja, Kakadu Originally only known from the Cairns-
NationalPark, SAMA; 1, 6 km SWby S Oenpelli, Cooktown region of North Queensland the
SAMA. additional specimens extend its known range into
theNorthernTerritory.
WesternAustralia
1, Carson Escarpment, 14°49'S 126°49'E, Distribution
ANIC; 1, Drysdale River, 15°02'S 126°55'E, Queensland
ANIC; 2, Kimberley, SAMA; 4, Mitchell Plateau, 1, 34 km NW Chillagoe, SAMA; 8, 70 km SW
14°40'S 125°44E, SAMA; 1, UpperCamp Creek, Greenvale, SAMA; 7, Lakeland Downs, SAMA;
14°49'S 125°51'E, SAMA. 3, Laura, SAMA; 4, Mary Creek, 16°33'S 12°5E,
ANIC; 2, 11 km WSWPetford, QDPIM; 2, Walsh
River near Chillagoe, QDPIM; 1, Windsor
Tiporus denticulatus (Watts, 1978) Tableland, QDPIM.
DescriptionFig. 22 Northern Territory
Length 3.4 - 3.6 mm. Oval, convex. Dark red- 1, Bullita Outstation, 16°07'S 130°25'E, NTM;
brown; sides, base and portions of anterior of 1,VictoriaRiver, SAMA.
SPECIESOFTIPORUS 97
Tiporus giuliani (Watts, 1978) Distribution
Northern Territory
DescriptionFig. 20 4, Kakadu Highway, 31 km from Pine Creek,
Length 3.6 - 4.2 mm. Oval, convex. Black; SAMA.
appendages, some vague reddish areas at base of
pronotum and base and sides of elytron, lighter. WesternAustralia
Moderately strongly rugose-punctate throughout. 1, Beverley Springs, WAM; 2, Duncan
Pronotum with a raised ridge parallel to and a Highway, WAM; 2, nearDampierDowns, WAM;
little distant inwards from each side, area just 4, Logues Springs, 102 km SE by E Broome,
inside ridge depressed, ridge and depression ANIC; 1, 163 km SEby S Broome, ANIC.
strongest anteriorly, weak posteriorly. Elytron
weakly serrated towards apex which is pointed.
Prothoracic process narrow, strongly convex, Tiporusjosepheni (Watts, 1978).
bluntly pointed at apex, only slightly constricted
between procoxae. Metacoxal lines relatively DescriptionFigs 8, 19
close, strongly diverging in central third, weakly Length 3.5 - 4.1 mm. Oval, convex. Black,
in anterior and posterior third, reaching sides of pronotum narrowly vaguely reddish,
metasternum. appendages dark red-brown. Ventral surface
Male. Protarsus three-segmented. Anteriorsides moderately and densely rugose-punctate,
of segments of protarsus moderately expanded, dorsal surface closely and moderately
weakly soon mesotarsus. Singleclaw on protarsus punctate. Pronotum not laterally flanged or
short, narrow, with slight notch on underside in ridged. Tip of elytron weakly pointed.
middle. Protibia moderately strongly toothed on Prothoracic process narrow, strongly convex,
outside inmiddle. Apical sternite stronglycarinate only slightly constricted between procoxae,
for a short distance in middle near apex. See Fig. apex rounded, midline virtually impunctate.
20 foraedeagus. Metacoxal lines well separated, moderately
Female. Protarsus five-segmented. Pro- and diverging posteriorly and in middle,
mesotarsi less expanded than in male. Apical subparallel in anterior quarter, reaching
abdominal sternite very weakly carinate in middle metasternum.
nearapex. Male. Protarsus three-segmented. Anterior
sides of segments of protarsus strongly
Remarks expanded. Mesotarsus a little expanded. Single
Tiporus giuliani is close to T. claw on protarsus short, flat, narrowing abruptly
undecimmaculatus and T. collaris. It can be on inside near apex, base with a large rounded
separated from T. collaris by its stronger pronotal expansion beneath. Protibia with small tooth on
ridges/grooves, sharply pointed elytral tips, outside in middle. Tip of apical sternite
stronger colour pattern and the central position of depressed slightly in midline. See Fig. 19 for
the spineon the male protibia. aedeagus.
The only clear separation from T. Female. Protarsus five-segmented, robust, basal
undecimmaculatus is the shape of the tip of segments somewhat expanded on inside. Elytron
the median lobe of the aedeagus which is with very well developed lateral subapical spine
broad with three small spines at the tip in T. (Fig. 8).
undecimmaculatus (Fig. 16) and narrow and
bluntly pointed in T. giuliani (Fig. 20). In the Remarks
Northern Territory and Western Australia the Originally described from Beverley Springs and
more apical position of the spine on the male Wittenoom Gorge in the Kimberley and PiIbarra
protibia and the more pronounced dorsal regions of Western Australia respectively, the
colour pattern will separate it from T. species is now known to be much more
undecimmaculatus. However specimens of T. widespread, occurring right across coastal
undecimmaculatus from Queensland resemble Northern Australia. It is particularly common in
T. giuliani both in the central position of the North Queensland. It seems to favour larger and
spine on the male protibia and in the well morepermanentriversthan other Tiporus.
developed dorsal colour pattern. Unfortunately I mis-associated the sexes in my
A less common species than some and possibly original description. (The female paratype in
more inland thancoastal in distribution. ANIC belongs to T. tambreyi.)
WATTS
98 C. H. S.
Distribution sternite at apex raised for some distance either
NorthernTerritory side ofgroove. See Fig.17 for aedeagus.
2, CooperCreeknearMtBorradaile, SAMA; 7, Female. Smaller, more densely punctate.
MagelaCreek, SAMA; 2, MagelaCreek, 12km E Protarsus asymmetrically expanded as in male but
Jabiru, SAMA; 1, Nourlangie Creek, 20 km SSW not to same extent. With small triangular
Jabiru, SAMA. extension at tip of elytron, diverging from each
otherwhenelytraclosed (Fig. 15).
Queensland
1, Barron River, QDPIM; 52, 8 km N Remarks
Bluewater, SAMA; 1, 25 km N Coen, SAMA; 2, A relatively large species known only from the
2 km NW Daintree, QDPIM; 2, Emu Creek 5 km Pilbara region of Western Australia, readily
W
Petford, QDPIM; 8, Eubenangee Swamp near distinguished from all other Tiporus by the
Babinda, SAMA; 2, Helenvale, SAMA; 18, expanded male metatibia and the triangularly
Lakeland Downs, SAMA; 1, Laura, SAMA; 2, extended elytral tips in the female. The sides of
Mazlin Creek Atherton area, QDPIM; 1, 2 km S the pronotum straighten slightly in front giving
Mt Molloy, SAMA; 2, 20 km S Townsville, thepronotum aslightly sinuate outline.
RSiAvMerA;341k,m37NkWmCShiTlolwangsovei,llSeA,MSAA.MA; 7, Walsh Distribution
WesternAustralia
WesternAustralia 1, 17 kmNby ECaneRiverHomestead, ANIC;
1, Beverley Springs, WAM; 1, Stumpy Creek 15, Gregory Gorge, Fortescue River, SAMA; 16,
'Glenroy' 16°55'S 125°34'E, SAMA. MWbiyAllMWst;rMe9ia,lml,1stkArNmeIaNmC,;MAi1lN,lIMsCitl;rlesa1tm,r,eTaAamNm,IbPCrae;yl4,m,PW3oAkolMma;NreWa1,,
Tiporus tambreyi (Watts, 1978) WittenoomGorge, ANIC.
DescriptionFig. 17
Length 3.5 - 4.4 mm. Oblong oval, strongly Tiporus undecimmaculatus (Clark, 1862)
convex, pronotum a little constricted in anterior
quarter. Black, extreme anterior of head, sides DescriptionFig. 16
ofpronotum narrowly, a basal spot and extreme Length 3.4 - 4.6 mm. Oval, convex. Black or
lateral markings on elytron and appendages dark red-brown; underside and appendages a little
reddish. Moderately strongly and very densely lighter, baseofpronotum and sidesofelytron with
punctate all over, punctures on pronotum and vague red patches in many. Strongly and densely
elytron with short setae. Reticulation strongest rugose-punctate all over. Reticulate. Pronotum
anteriorly. Pronotum and elytron weakly with a distinct raised ridge parallel to and a little
margined, margins of elytron weakly serrated distance from each side, area just inside ridge
towards apex, extreme apex not margined. depressed, ridge and depression strongest
Prothoracic process lanceolate, quite strongly anteriorly, weak posteriorly. Elytron weakly
expanded behind procoxae, narrow between margined, strongly convex, rounded towards apex
procoxae, weakly flanged, strongly carinate. which is pointed. Prothoracic process narrow,
Metacoxal lines strongly raised, rapidly strongly convex, roundly pointed at apex, little if
diverging in anterior half, subparallel at all constricted between procoxae. Metacoxal
posteriorly. lines raised, slightly to moderately diverging
Male. Anterior sides of segments of protarsus anteriorly.
moderately expanded, posterior sides Male. Anterior sides of segments of protarsus
unexpanded. Basal segment of mesotarsus moderately expanded, those on mesotarsus a little
weakly expanded. Single claw of protarsus expanded. Single claw on protarsus weakly
greatly expanded in basal half, flattened curved, slightly thickened and with a small tooth
dorsoventrally. Metafemur robust, curved. on underside nearbase and anotherjust before the
Metatibia angularly thickened on inside near middle. Protibia with a small sharp tooth on
apex. Protibia with a small tooth on outside close outside in apical half. Tip of apical abdominal
to base. Last abdominal sternite widely and sternite weakly to strongly tuberculate in middle.
weakly grooved in midline with a small knob in SeeFig. 16foraedeagus.
middle of groove at extreme apex, edges of Female. Anterior sides ofsegments ofprotarsus