Pachybrachis laevis, Bowditch, 1909

1. PACHYBRACHIS lAevIS Bowditch, 1909

( Figs. 1 View Fig , 2 View Fig , 6 View Fig )

Pachybrachys laevis Bowditch 1909: 316 ; Fall 1915: 443 (taxonomy).

Pachybrachis laevis : Riley et al. 2003: 158 (catalog).

Pachybrachys mercurialis Fall 1915: 347 . New synonymy.

Pachybrachis mercurialis : Riley et al. 2003: 160 (catalog).

Type. Out of a series of four males and one female, Bowditch (1909) designated one male the type and the others as cotypes via hand-written labels. One of the males, hereby designated lectotype, is labeled “ ♂ // Colo.Spr.Colo / H. F. Wickham / June15-30 ’96 / 6,000 -7,000 [printed, white paper] // laevis / Type [hand-inked, white paper] // TYPE / F. C. B. Coll. [printed, pink paper] // Type [printed] / 8772 [hand-inked, red paper] // LECTOTYPE [printed, red paper] // Pachybrachys / laevis Bowd. [hand-inked, white paper with black border] // [cork-stoppered vial containing cleared median lobe of aedeagus in fluid]” ( Figs. 1A–D View Fig ). A female from the syntype series now becomes a paralectotype because of the above lectotype designation and is labeled “Colo.Spr.Colo / H. F. Wickham / June15-30 ’96 / 6,000 -7,000 [printed, white paper] // ♀ // laevis / Type ♀ [hand-inked, white paper] // TYPE / F. C. B. Coll. [printed, pink paper] // ALLOTYPE [printed, red paper]”. Bowditch or a subsequent curator placed red paratype and hand-inked laevis cotype labels on five additional specimens: a male and female from the syntype series, a male from Winslow, Arizona, a female from Reno   GoogleMaps , Nevada, and a female from San Juan Valley   GoogleMaps , New Mexico (see Specimens Examined   GoogleMaps ). Two females were also designated as cotypes: one from Durango, Colorado and one from Coolidge   GoogleMaps , New Mexico. Interestingly   GoogleMaps , there are three females from the syntype series that do not contain cotype labels, two of which are labeled with “?”. The Fall Collection   GoogleMaps contained a female from the syntype series with a laevis cotype label.

Due to the fact that the aedeagus of Bowditch’s male “type” had been previously removed, and being reluctant to open the vial to examine the median lobe, I dissected another male from the series, labeled “ ♂ // Colo.Spr.Colo / H. F. Wickham / June15-30 ’96 / 6,000 -7,000 [printed, white paper] // laevis / cotype [hand-inked, white paper] // PARATYPE [printed, red paper] // [circular blue disc signifying dissection by RJB] // PARALECTOTYPE / Pachybrachys / laevis Bowditch / R. J. Barney 2020 [printed, yellow paper]” ( Figs. 1E–G View Fig ).

In Fall’s (1915) description of P. mercurialis , he mentioned a “type series” and designated a male from Isabella , California as type ♂, hereby designated lectotype, labeled “Kern Co / Cal. [hand-inked, white paper] // Isabella / 6/ 1 / 13 [hand-inked, white paper] // ♂ [printed, white paper] // TYPE [printed] / mercurialis [hand-inked, white paper] // M.C.Z. / Type [printed] / 24951 [hand-inked, red paper] // H.C. FALL / COLLECTION [printed, white paper] // [circular blue disc signifying dissection by RJB] // LECTOTYPE / Pachybrachys / mercurialis Fall / R. J. Barney 2020 [printed, red paper]”, was examined, dissected, and photographed ( Fig. 2 View Fig ).

Redescription. Male. Small, yellow, pale brown punctate, elytra often with brown maculation ( Figs. 1 View Fig , 2 View Fig ); L = 2.16–2.95 mm (mean = 2.57 mm, n = 20); W = 1.03–1.48 mm (mean = 1.31 mm, n = 20); L/W = 2.42–2.89 (mean = 2.56, n = 20). Head: Distinctly wider than thoracic apex; HW = 0.87–1.08 mm (mean = 0.96 mm, n = 20); IOD = 0.23–0.43 mm (mean = 0.30 mm, n = 20); IOD/HW = 0.34–0.52 (mean = 0.40, n = 20); face yellow with thin brown macula descending from vertex to between eyes; ocular lines faint very near upper lobes of eyes; antenna not reaching elytral declivity. Pronotum: Yellow, M-shaped macula broadly diffuse to almost imperceptible, three basal spots often well defined; incomplete punctation, side margins smooth; PL = 0.62–0.90 mm (mean = 0.78 mm, n = 20); PW = 0.90–1.29 mm (mean = 1.12 mm, n = 20); PL/PW = 0.86–0.96 (mean = 0.90, n = 20). Elytra: Yellow, striae mostly regular, punctures brown, standard maculae brown diffuse to wanting. Pygidium: Yellow, with base, a median and two side spurs black. Venter: Black, upper sides of last ventrites yellow. Legs: Yellow, front claws not enlarged. Genitalia: Median lobe in en-face view rectangular, with prominent terminus extended from “level” DEO. However, the terminus is often obscured from view by the eversible endophallus ( Fig. 2E View Fig ). In lateral view the terminus is usually visible as is the expanded base of the median lobe. The sub view reveals the reverse curvature and thickening of the lateral edges of the median lobe, and the setae on either side of the terminus. Fifty-four males from thirteen states were dissected.

Female. As in male, except, L = 2.60–3.12 mm (mean = 2.86 mm, n = 20); W = 1.31–1.95 mm (mean = 1.47 mm, n = 20); L/W = 2.43–2.57 (mean = 2.52, n = 20); HW = 0.98–1.14 mm (mean = 1.05 mm, n = 20); IOD = 0.29–0.47 mm (mean = 0.36 mm, n = 20); IOD/HW = 0.38–0.55 (mean = 0.46, n = 20).

Remarks. Fall’s (1915) description of P. mercurialis specimens from California and Utah provides evidence of his concern with variability, as he used terms like “provisionally”, “tendency”, and “more or less evidence”. In Fall’s final description of a California specimen, he concluded that “it may possibly be a variety of laevis ”.

A comparison of the male lectotypes of P. mercurialis and P. laevis , in conjunction with the original descriptions, established that P. mercurialis had a greater IOD, beginning of ocular lines, was lighter in color and had smaller punctures, and had little to no brown maculae compared to P. laevis . An early cursory comparison of median lobes seemed to indicate that the median lobes of P. mercurialis as being shorter and thicker than P. laevis . However, the more specimens that were examined, the less confident I was in separating species. Therefore, I resorted to separating specimens on the presence ( P. laevis ) or absence ( P. mercurialis ) of maculae. I measured the width of median lobes at the ALM or median lobe width (MLW), and length from the apex of the terminus to the end of the OS or median lobe length (MLL): Pachybrachis mercurialis MLW = 0.22–0.29 mm (mean = 0.26 mm, n = 13); MLL = 0.27–0.42 mm (mean = 0.34 mm, n = 13) and P. laevis MLW = 0.25–0.31 mm (mean = 0.26, n = 11); MLL = 0.27–0.42 mm (mean = 0.35 mm, n = 11). No obvious differences were found as the ranges overlapped.

Distribution. Riley et al. (2003) reported P. laevis from Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, South Dakota, and Texas, and P. mercurialis from California, Colorado, Idaho, and Utah, all states situated west of the 100th meridian. New state records are reported here for Illinois, Montana, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Wyoming ( Fig. 6 View Fig ).

Biological Notes. A series of P. laevis was collected on Ericameria nauseosa (Pall. ex Pursh) G. L. Nesom & G. I. Baird ( Asteraceae ) in Wyoming, Ericameria bloomeri (A. Gray) J. F. Macbr. in California, and Purshia stansburyana (Torr.) Henrickson ( Rosaceae ) in Nevada.A specimen from Texas was labeled as found on Gutierrezia microcephala (DC.) A. Gray ( Asteraceae ). Clark et al. (2004) reported P. mercurialis on Holocarpha heermannii (Freene) D. D. Keck ( Asteraceae ) in California.

Specimens Examined. Lectotypes, paralectotypes + 235 specimens. USA: ARIZONA: Apache Co., Nelson Reservoir, 7422′, 34.047392°N 109.187467°W, 18.vi.2012, R. J. Barney [ 1♂, RJBC]; Coconino Co., Fairfield Snow Bowl rd., 7400′, 35°16.350’N / 111°43.170’W, 12.viii.2001, F. Andrews and A. Gilbert [ 5♂♂ 2♀♀, AJGC]; Navajo Co., Winslow, vi, Wickham [ 1♂, laevis PARATYPE, MCZ-BOW]. CALIFORNIA: Alpine Co., Ebbets Pass, 24.vii.1974, A. J. and M. E. Gilbert [ 5♂♂, AJGC]; Kern Co., Isabella, 1.vi.1913, Pilate [ 1♂, mercurialis LECTOTYPE, MCZ-FALL]; Siskiyou Co., vii [ 1♂, mercurialis PARATYPE, USNM]; 5 mi E Mt. Shasta City, 18.vii.1979, ex blooming Ericamerica ( Haplopappus) bloomeri , A.J. and M.E. Gilbert [ 9♂♂ 36♀♀, AJGC]; Tulare Co., Monache Meadows, 8–8,300 ft., 17.vii–13.viii [ 5♂♂ 4♀♀, MCZ-FALL]; Ventura Co., 4 mi SW Frazier Park, 20–24.vi.1989, A. J. Gilbert [ 1♂ 8♀♀, AJGC]. COLORADO: Eagle Co., Eiby Creek at Eagle, 39°39.7′N, 106°49.7′W, 6630 ft., 17.vi.2012, S. M. Clark [ 2♂♂, BYUC]; El Paso Co., Colorado Springs, 6,000 to 7,000 ft., 20–26.vii.1896, H. F. Wickham [ 3♂♂ ( 1 ♂ laevis LECTOTYPE) 1♀ ( laevis ALLOTYPE ), MCZ-BOW]; Garfield Co., Rt. 215, 7 mi NW Parachute, 39.5366°N, 108.1202°W, elev. 1,740 m, 20.vi.2014, S. M. Clark and A. J. Gilbert [ 1♂ 1♀, BYUC]; Lincoln Co., Limon, 4.vii.1998, S. M. Clark [ 2♂♂ 2♀♀, BYUC]; Weld Co., Pawnee National Grasslands, Pawnee Buttes , 40.80750°N 104.01194°W, 21–22.vi.2018, R. J. Barney and S. M. Clark [ 8♂♂ 3♀♀, RJBC; 3♂♂, BYUC]; same data, except CR 112, 40.80027°N 104.03444°W [ 1♂ 2♀♀, RJBC]. ILLINOIS: Mason Co., Revis Hill Prairie Nature Preserve, 5.5 mi S of Easton, 40.1533°N 89.8529°W, 15.vi.2016, R. J. Barney and S. M. Clark [ 2♀♀, BYUC; 1♂ 4♀♀, RJBC]; same data, except Parking trail hill, 11.vi.2020 [ 1♂, RJBC]. MONTANA: Beaverhead Co., 7.5 mi WSW Dell, 6.0 mi up Big Sheep Cr., 14.vii.2015, J. L. Harry [ 1♂, BYUC]. NEBRASKA: Cherry Co., Rt. 97 N of Mullen near North Loup River, 43.40000°N 101.03055°W, 26.vi.2018, R. J. Barney [ 4♂♂ 3♀♀, RJBC]; Sheridan Co., Rt. 358 Trail between Rts. 250 and 27, 42.35916°N 102.33888°W, 23.vi.2018, R. J. Barney [ 2♂♂, RJBC]; 2.8 mi NW Green Lake, 42.3579°N 102.3622°W, 24.vi.2018, S. M. Clark and A. J. Gilbert [ 3♂♂ 4♀♀, BYUC]; Sioux Co., Oglala National Grasslands, Toadstool Geological Park, 42.85777°N 103.58388°W, 24.vi.2018, R. J. Barney and S. M. Clark [ 3♂♂ 1♀, RJBC; 1♂ 1♀, BYUC]. NEVADA: Esmeralda Co., White Mts., 7,091 ft., 12.5 air mi NW Dyer, N 37.81697°/W 118.23414°, 13.vii.2011, ex Purshia stansburyana, N. J. Smith and A. J. Gilbert [ 2♂♂ 1♀, AJGC]; Washoe Co., Reno, vii, Wickham [ 1♀, laevis PARATYPE, MCZ-BOW]. NEW MEXICO: Eddy Co., El Paso Ridge, 32°07.4′N, 104°50.1′W, 7.viii.2001, S. M. Clark [ 3♂♂ 6♀♀, BYUC]; Hidalgo Co., Peloncillo Mountains, Rt. C2 near Arizona border, 31°30.1′N, 109°02.9′W, elev. 5,320 ft., 22.vii.2003, S. M. Clark and R. C. Mower [ 1♂, BYUC]; Lincoln Co., near Alto, 33°22.7′N 105°44.4′W, 14.viii.2001, S. M. Clark [ 1♂ 1♀, BYUC]; McKinley Co., Coolidge, Hubbard and Schwarz [ 1♂, laevis Fall 1915 Revis., USNM ]; Taos Co., San Juan Valley, 4,500 ft., 1–4. viii.1885 [ 1♀, laevis PARATYPE, MCZ-BOW]; unknown county, N.M. [ 2♂♂ 1♀, MCZ-FALL]. SOUTH DAKOTA: Harding Co., Buffalo, 28.vi.1947, H. C. Severin [ 1♂ 1♀, SDSU]. TEXAS: Brewster Co., Chisos Mts., 1.viii.1949, ex Gutierrezia microcephala, J. L. Ward [ 1♂, CDFA]; Culberson Co., Pine Springs Campground, 31°53.8′N, 104°49.8′W, 6.viii.2001, S. M. Clark [ 3♂♂ 9♀♀, BYUC]; Guadalupe Mountains, 31°53.7′N, 104°50.2′W, 6.viii.2001, S. M. Clark and R. E.Acciavatti [ 3♂♂ 4♀♀, BYUC]; Hemphill Co., Black Kettle National Grasslands, Lake Marvin, 35.8815°N 100.1830°W, 6.vi.2019, R. J. Barney, S. M. Clark and H. Douglas [ 3♂♂ 2♀♀, RJBC]. UTAH: Beaver Co., Frisco, 38.4608°N, 113.2621°W, 1,985 m, 23.vi.2014, S. M. Clark and R. L. Westcott [ 1♂ 3♀♀, BYUC]; Wah Wah Mountains, Revenue Basin, 1,825 m, 38.3647°N, 113.5077°W, 23.vi.2014, S. M. Clark [ 8♂♂ 10♀♀, BYUC]; Davis Co., Antelope Island, Fielding Garr Ranch, 40.926°N, 112.168°W, 21.vi.2017, S. M. Clark [ 2♂♂, BYUC]; Duchesne Co., Lake Canyon Ranger Sta., Manti F., 3–6.ix.1937 [ 1♂, BYUC]; Timber Canyon at Water Hollow, 40.061°N, 110.873°W, 12.viii.2016, S. M. Clark [ 1♂, BYUC]; Garfield Co., Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Right Hand Collet Canyon, jct. Smoky Mountain Road, N 37°32′33′′ W 111°38′25′′, 30–31. vii.2001, C. R. Nelson [ 1♂, BYUC]; Juab Co., Tintic Valley, 39.72314°N, 112.20226°W, elev. 5,233 ft., 4–24.v.2006, R. L. Johnson [ 2♂♂ 1♀, BYUC]; same data, except 1–28.vi.2006 [ 2♂♂ 3♀♀, BYUC]; same data, except 12–25.vii.2006 [ 2♀♀, BYUC]; same data, except 10–23.viii.2006 [ 1♂ 3♀♀, BYUC]; Sevier Co., Peterson Creek, Hwy. 24, 10 mi S Sigurd, 38.7097°N, 111.8937°W, elev. 7,085 ft., 30.viii.2013, S. M. Clark and R. L. Johnson [ 1♂, BYUC]; Uintah Co., Island Park Road, N of Split Mountain, 40°30.5′N, 109°14.2′W, elev. 5,300 ft., 20.v.2012, S. M. Clark [ 2♂♂, BYUC]; Willow Creek Wildlife Management Area, Rt. 5570, 39.6671°N, 109.5514°W, elev. 1,700 m, 6.viii.2014, S. M. Clark and A. R. Myrup [ 1♂ 1♀, BYUC]; Washington Co., Grafton, 37.167°N 113.082°W, 10.vii.2017, S. M. Clark [ 1♂, BYUC]; Beaver Dam Wash, Lytle Ranch Preserve, 37.144°N 114.023°W, 13.vii.2016, S. M. Clark [ 1♂, BYUC]. WISCONSIN: Crawford Co., Hogback Prairie SNA, 43.2145°N 90.8716°W, 7.vi.2016, E. G. Riley [ 1♂ 1♀, RJBC]. WYOMING: Campbell Co., 20 mi N Gillette, Hwy. 59, 44°33.507′N 105°22.837′W, 7.vii.2006, on Chrysothamnus nauseosus, E. G. Riley [ 1♂ 1♀, RJBC]; Natrona Co., Sweetwater River, Highway 220, near Independence Rock, 42°29.6′N 107°08.2′W, elev. 5,900 ft., 2.vi.2012, S. M. Clark [ 1♂, BYUC].