Nyssodrysternum cotopaxi Monné & Tavakilian, 2011

Nyssodrysternum cotopaxi Monné & Tavakilian, 2011 View in CoL

( Figs 50–55 View FIGURES 50–55 )

Nyssodrysternum cotopaxi Monné & Tavakilian, 2011: 460 View in CoL View Cited Treatment .

Remarks. Nyssodrysternum cotopaxi was described based on males and females from Ecuador ( Cotopaxi, Loja, Esmeraldas, Los Ríos, and Sucumbíos) ( Monné 2024b; Tavakilian & Chevillotte 2025). According to Monné & Tavakilian (2011), the “apex of the fifth urotergite and urosternite transversely truncate” in males, and in females the “fifth urosternite [ sic, urotergite] subacute, fifth urosternite transversely truncate.” In the specimens examined, the apex of the abdominal ventrite 5 is distinctly concave in male and slightly concave in female. We believe that the original description of these structures was inaccurate. Unfortunately, the type series was destroyed in a fire, and thus it is impossible to verify these structures in the holotype and paratypes. Comparing the photograph of the female holotype (see photographs on Bezark 2025 and in Monné & Tavakilian 2011) with the female we examined ( Figs 54–55 View FIGURES 50–55 ), it is possible to see some minor differences. For instance, the body and prothorax appear more slender in the holotype. However, we believe this is merely intraspecific variation, partially influenced by the angle of the photograph. Therefore, although the species is already known from the Ecuadorian province of Loja, we choose to illustrate a male and a female to facilitate future comparisons, which may confirm or refute our current opinion regarding their identity.

Other differences observed in the comparison with the holotype: 1) Central area of the pronotum ( Figs 50, 54 View FIGURES 50–55 ) with longitudinal yellowish pubescent band (absent in the holotype); and the lateral dark pubescent bands on the pronotum ( Figs 50, 54 View FIGURES 50–55 ) not fused posteriorly (fused in the holotype).

Material examined. ECUADOR, Loja: Vicinity of Macará , 700 m, collected in the pupal stage, 1 male, 1 female, 20–24 Feb 2024, J. Vlasak leg. ( MZSP) ; 2 males, 7 females, same data ( JVCO) ; 2 females El Oro: Arenillas, Hillary Nature Resort & Spa, 100m, 19 Feb 2024, J. Vlasak leg. ( JVCO) .