Euura groenlandica ( Malaise, 1933 )

326 Euura groenlandica ( Malaise, 1933)

Amauronematus groenlandicus Malaise, 1933: 3–4 .

Diagnosis

Most similar to Euura obscuripes ( toeniata group) and E. variator ( variator group) and synonymy with one of these species cannot be excluded. Except for its mostly black femora, the colouration of the holotype of groenlandicus is most similar to Euura obscuripes specimens DEI-GISHym19806 (Abisko, Torne Lappmark, Sweden) and DEI-GISHym84010 (Finnmark, Norway). Similarly to DEI-GISHym19806 (but not DEI-GISHym84010), the thorax of the holotype is noticeably wider than the head in dorsal view, which we have not observed in E. variator (as wide as head or only slightly wider). Malar space is about 2.3–2.5 times as long as diameter of front ocellus (1.9–2.1 times in DEI-GISHym84010), which is as in the opacipleuris group, but the shape of sawsheath does not fit this group. Based on the shape of serrulae and length of setae (rather short), the lancet (only tip visible in the holotype) seems to be most similar to some specimens of E. obscuripes (DEI-GISHym19904, DEI-GISHym12101: the other checked E. obscuripes specimens have longer setae). Although, overall, the holotype of groenlandicus seems to fit best with E. obscuripes , the combination of mostly black femora, extensively pale head and thorax, and long malar space suggest that it may be a different species. Sequencing of nuclear genes might be required to decide more confidently on the status of E. groenlandica and its group affinity.

In the absence of unequivocally determined specimens, we remove Euura groenlandica from the list of Palaearctic taxa. Benson (1962) did not examine the holotype of groenlandicus and based his concept of the species on specimens from Greenland that were compared with the holotype. Apparently, the specimens were mostly black, because Benson (1962) found them to be very similar to E. hyperborea , while the groenlandicus type is extensively pale. Benson (1962) synonymised carbonarius with groenlandicus , but we consider carbonarius to be a synonym of E. obscuripes . Therefore, the European records of E. groenlandica by Benson (1962) and Lindqvist (1959d; under the name Amauronematus carbonarius ) might refer to E. obscuripes or some other similar Euura .

Type material examined

Holotype Amauronematus groenlandicus

GREENLAND – Wollaston Forland • ♀; Landingsdalen; 74.47° N, 19.13° W; 28 Jul. 1929; Knaben leg.; ZMUN. GoogleMaps

Host plants

Not definitely known. Smith (1979) wrote “ Salix (?)”.

Genetics

COI

No data.

Nuclear No data.

Distribution and material examined

Nearctic. Only one specimen studied, from Greenland.