Tisamenus polillo ( Rehn & Rehn, 1939 )

Tisamenus polillo ( Rehn & Rehn, 1939) View in CoL

( Fig. 36-37, 46 S-T)

Hoploclonia polillo Rehn & Rehn, 1939: 483 View in CoL , pl. 31: 6.

HT, ♂: Polillo Is., P.I. (Taylor) View in CoL ; Hoploclonia polillo Rehn & Rehn View in CoL , Type #. 1254; Data Base Serial No. Assigned as Type No. September 2008. Type #9127 [ANSP].

- Otte, 1978: 79. ( Type data)

Tisamenus polillo, Zompro, 2004: 207 View in CoL .

- Otte & Brock, 2005: 335.

- Brock & Büscher, 2022: 521.

- Hennemann, 2023b: 128.

Type #.1346; Data Base Serial No. Assigned as Type No. September 2008. Type #9128

Material examined

1 ♂: Philippines,C.S. Banks, 1908-228; Acc. No.8541,LotBu. of Sci., P.I.; Obrimus sp. juv.; Hoploclonia cf. lachesis Rehn & Rehn , 19039 ♂, det. O. Zompro X.2000; NHMUK 012497255 [ NHMUK];

1 ♀: Coll. R.I.Sc.N.B., Philippines, E Luzon, Quirino, Sierra Madre , ii.2014, Purchased from I. Lumawig, Gift from B. Kneubühler, I.G.: 32.613 [ RBINS] ; 2 ♂: Coll. R.I.Sc.N.B., Philippines, E Luzon, Quirino, Sierra Madre , ii.2014, Purchased from I. Lumawig, Gift from B. Kneubühler, I.G.: 32.613 [ RBINS] ; 1 ♀: Coll. R.I.Sc.N.B., Philippines, N Luzon, Calinga, Pinukpok , IX.2014, local collector, I. Lumawig [ RBINS] ;

1 ♀, 1 egg (ex ovipositor): Philippinen, Ost Luzon Island, Provinz Aurora, Sierra Madre , Dingalan , 230 m, local collector X.2012 [ FH, No. 1182-1 & E] ; 1 ♂: Philippinen, Zentral Luzon, Provinz Laguna, Santa Rosa , local collector, VII.2004 [ FH, No. 1182-2] .

Differentiation. – The ♀ of this fairly distinctive species are morphologically closest to those species with four mesopleural spines, namely T.napalaki n. sp. and T. draconinus ( Westwood, 1848) , but also to T. lachesis ( Rehn & Rehn, 1939) , all of which are also distributed on the island of Luzon. These ♀ however differ from the two former species by the slenderer overall shape and slenderer, proportionally longer limbs as well as having only three prominent mesopleural spines, with the anterolateral just moderately spiniform and the metapleurae unarmed except for a single but fairly distinct metapleural spine that bears a much smaller tubercle or spine above. Moreover, the meso- and metanotum lack intero-posteriors ( Fig. 36D, G), the converging carinae of the mesonotal triangular area are only triangularly produced anteriorly and lack any notably enlarged spines ( Fig. 36L)M), the medio-longitudinal carina of the meso- and metasternum is much less pronounced ( Fig. 36C) and the metatibiae are merely supplied with some obtuse nodes and lack distinct spines on the ventral carinae. From lachesis they may be separated by the somewhat smaller size, having only three mesopleural spines, of which only the mesopleural is frequently spinose (always five distinct mesopleuralspinesin lachesis ), entire lack of metapleural laterals, lack of paired inter-posterior meso- and metanotals, weakly protruded anterior angle of the carinae of the triangular mesonotal area (strongly raised and more or less spinose in lachesis ) and lack of second paired posterior spines on abdominal tergum V ( Fig. 36B, F). Males of polillo are morphologicallymostsimilar to T.kalahani Lit & Eusebio, 2005 from Luzon and T.lachesis ( Rehn & Rehn, 1939) . With the first species they share the unusually slender overall shape and often reduced lateral armature of the meso- and metapleuare. These ♂ are however readily separable by the more pronounced head and body armature including large and spinose supra-orbital spines, prominent bi- or tri-spinose anterior pronotals ( Fig. 37 L-M), distinct spinose meso- and metapleurals, a spinose anterior angle of the carinae of the triangular mesonotal area and presence of small second paired posterior spines on abdominal terga II and III.Moreover, the limbs are comparatively more robust in this species and have all the teeth more pronounced than in kalahani . From lachesis , the ♂ of polillo can be distinguished by the slenderer overall shape and more delicate limbs, having at best four mesopleural spines (always five distinct spines in lachesis ), lack of a metapleural lateral, lack of paired inter-posterior meso- and metanotals ( Fig. 37E), weakly protruded anterior angle of the carinae of the triangular mesonotal area ( Fig. 37 L-M; strongly raised and more or less spinose in lachesis ) and less acute medio-longitudinal carina of the mesosternum ( Fig. 37F). The eggs ( Fig. 46 S-T) rather resemble those of draconinus but are less wide and also differ by the much shorter micropylar plate, that covers only about three-quarters of the capsule length and has the three extensions notably broader. In aspect of the sculpturing of the capsule they represent an intermediate between the almost smooth capsule seen in draconinus and the capsule of napalaki , that is all over covered with a dense network of fringy ridges.

Description

♀ ( Fig. 36)

Form and colouration. – Medium-sized (body length 54.5-58.0mm); general form rather elongate with the elements of armature moderately developed and with only three mesopleural spines; limbs comparatively very slender and elongate. Colour ranging from chestnut brown to reddish dark brown with darker and lighter areas, the carinae of the triangular mesonotal area and the medio-longitudinal keel of the meso- and metanotum contrastive to base colour of body. Limbs but meso- and metatibiae to a variable degree flecked with ochraceous tones. Meso- and metasternum buff; all the larger spines of thorax and abdominal terga dark brown with orange tips. Antennae with the terminal four joints lighter in colour than all preceding and rather ochraceous.

Head. – Essentially like in ♂, the genae very slightly widening towards posterior; supra-orbitals fairly prominent, conical and accompanied by small tuberclesaround base; occipitals small, tubercular;coronals somewhatmore pronounced, tubercular; surface of vertex generally unevenly granular to sub-tubercular ( Fig. 36 L-M). Genae only with 2-3 very low, granular gulars. Eyes comparatively smaller than in ♂, sub-globose and their diameter corresponding to somewhat more than 0.4x the length of gena. Antennae slightly surpassing apex of protibiae and with 26 segments; scapus sub- A. Dorsal view (from Quirino Province, Sierra Madre, E-Luzon) [ RBINS]. B. Dorsolateral view (from Quirino Province, Sierra Madre, ELuzon) [ RBINS]. C. Ventral view (from Quirino Province, Sierra Madre , E-Luzon) [ RBINS]. D. Lateral view (from Quirino Province, Sierra Madre , E-Luzon) [ RBINS]. E. Dorsal view (from Dingalan , Aurora Province, Sierra Madre , E-Luzon) [ FH 1182-1 ]. F. Dorsolateral view (from Dingalan , Aurora Province, Sierra Madre , E-Luzon) [ FH 1182-1 ]. G. Lateral view (from Dingalan , Aurora Province, Sierra Madre , E-Luzon) [ FH 1182-1 ]. H. Terminalia in lateral view (from Quirino Province, Sierra Madre , E-Luzon) [ RBINS]. I. Terminalia in dorsal view (from Quirino Province, Sierra Madre , E-Luzon) [ RBINS]. J: Terminalia in ventral view (from Quirino Province, Sierra Madre , E-Luzon) [ RBINS]. K. Closeup of head, pro- and mesosternum (from Dingalan , Aurora Province, Sierra Madre , E-Luzon) [ FH 1182-1 ]. L. Closeup of head,pro- and mesosternum (from Quirino Province, Sierra Madre , E-Luzon) [ RBINS]. M. Closeup of head, pro- and mesonotum (from Dingalan , Aurora Province, Sierra Madre , E-Luzon) [ FH 1182-1 ]. trapezoidal in dorsal aspect and almost 2x longer than wide; pedicellus about half as long as scapus, round in cross-section and a little constricted towards apex; III slightly longer than pedicellus, IV much shorter and the following up to XIV somewhat increasing, the following decreasing in length; terminal antennomere elongated and about as long as two preceding joints combined ( Fig. 36M) .

Thorax. – Pronotum sub-trapeziform, the triangular area more pronounced in the post-sulcal area and marked by low tubercles; anteriors prominent, covering entire length of pre-sulcal area, crest-like and 3 to 5- tuberculate, with the anterior element largest and projecting over anterior margin of notum ( Fig. 36 L-M). Mesothorax rather elongate and slightly but progressively widening towards posterior, about 2.4x longer than prothorax. Mesonotum almost rectangular with a slight constriction about one-third before posterior margin; 2.1x longer than width at anterior margin; triangular mesonotal area very slightly surpassing middle of notum, notably longer than width over anterolateral angles, the convergent lateral margins arched anteriorly and distinctly tuberculate with the anterolateral angles protruded into a somewhat enlarged sub-spiniform tubercle; interior surface shallowly concave ( Fig. 36 L-M); posterior portion of notum with a distinct, granular medio-longitudinal carina that is weakly indicated in the posterior portion of the triangular area. Mesopleurae moderately expanding towards posterior with outer margin minutely tuberculate and armed only with two spines inposterior two-thirds, that range tubercular to long and acutely spinose and bear two minute tubercles at their base; antero-lateral ranging from sub-obsolete to conical and tubercular; mesopleural strong, spinose but more stout than laterals and compound, bearing 1-3 small tubercles at base. Metanotum trapeziform, about0.4x lengthof mesonotum and withthe medio-longitudinal keel like inmesonotum. Metapleuraewithlateralsmerelyrepresentedby subtuberculate swellings; the expanded supra-coxal angle with a fairly strong, conical spine that is accompanied by a small tubercle at the base; metapleural low, conical. Mesosternum weakly tri-carinate with only the medio-longitudinal keel acute and the lateral carinae rather faintly indicated and medially supplied with 3–4 low mesosternals that are marked by black spots ( Fig. 36K). Metasternum only with a weakly indicated medio-longitudinal carina ( Fig.36C).

Abdomen. – Median segment distinctly transverse, pentagonal and obtusely keeledmedio-longitudinally. Segments II-VII all distinctly transverse and slightly gradually narrowing with II about 2x and VII only 1.6x wider than long. Terga all with two weakly indicated, closely spaced medio-longitudinal carinae that are marked by low granules, which are more decided on VII than on preceding; II-IV with a strong, spinose pair of second posteriors, which are merely represented as low tubercles V. Sterna II-VII rather smooth but weakly tectate with a shallow medio-longitudinal keel; V-VII with a pair of low, converging bulges that terminate in an obtuse swelling posteriorly on VII ( Fig. 36J). Terga VIII-X narrowing; the two medio-longitudinal carinae more distinct than on preceding terga and posteriorly terminating in a triangular, dentiform protrusion ( Fig. 36 H-I). Anal segment trapezoidal in outline, declining with a distinct medio-longitudinal keel and anteriorly with a pair of obtuse, verrucose nodes; the lateral margin obliquely convergentin posteriorhalf and the posterior margin rather angular ( Fig.36 HI). Epiproct convex with a faint indication of a medio-longitudinal carina, weakly convergent and the apex flattened and obtusely rounded to roundly angular ( Fig. 36I). Subgenital plate navicular, distinctly carinate apically and progressively narrowing towards a pointed apex, that very slightly surpasses the epiproct ( Fig. 36J).

Legs. – Long andslender for the genuswithweakly developed armature; tibiae wholly unarmed except for 3-4 minute, dentiform swellings on ventral carinae. Pro- and mesofemora notably shorter than mesothorax, metafemora slightly surpassing posterior margin of abdominal segment V and metatibiae almost attaining tip of subgenital plate. Basitarsi rather elongate if compared to congenerics and about as long as following three tarsomeres taken together.

Measurements [mm]. – Body 54.5-58.0, pronotum 4.3-4.6, mesonotum 10.0-12.0, metanotum 4.2-4.5, median segment 2.6-2.8, profemora 9.5-11.8, mesofemora 8.2-10.0, metafemora 11.0-13.7, protibiae 9.4-11.5, mesotibiae 8.4-9.8, metatibiae 12.4-14.0, antennae 17.2-19.5.

Variability. – The few available specimens show considerable morphological variability in both sexes, especially concerning the body spination. The ♂ holotype from Polillo ( Fig. 37 G-H) is smaller (36.0 mm) and slightly stockier than the specimens from Luzon, but very well matches with these in basically all other aspects. The ♂ (body length 38.5 mm) from an unknown locality in the collection of NHMUK corresponds to the Luzonian specimens in shape and with the holotype in aspect of the head and body armature.Both specimens have only the meso- and metapleurals distinct and represented as spines, whereas the mesopleurae are otherwise only supplied with three slightly enlarged tubercles ( Fig. 37A). The two ♂ in RBINS differ considerably from each other in aspect of the mesopleural armature. While the example from Sierra Madre has the spines along the lateral margin of the mesopleurae strongly developed and represented as long, slender spines ( Fig. 37B), these are merely small tubercles in the example fromNagtipunan ( Fig.37A) and the holotype ( Fig. 37G). Moreover, the latter specimen also has the second paired posterior spines of abdominal terga II-III much less developed ( Fig. 37C), but all the other elements of head and body armature are essentially similar in size and shape to the Sierra Madre specimen. Even slight variability is seen in the relative length of the elongate triangular mesonotal area, which is slightly more than half of the length of the mesonotum in the holotype ( Fig.37G) and example from Nagtipunan ( Fig. 37B), but a little less than half as long as the mesonotumin the other two specimens ( Fig. 37A).The range of body length in ♂ is 36.0- 44.8 mm and a full set of measurements for the two specimens in RBINS is given below. Similar variability is seen in the ♀, with the two mesopleural laterals only strongly developed in the example from Dingalan in the authors collection ( Fig. 36E) but merely represented as rather small, spiniform tubercles in the two other specimens ( Fig. 36A). Notable variability can also be observed in the shape of the pronotal anteriors, which are distinctly 4-spinose in the example from Dingalan ( Fig. 36M) but have a notably more enlarged anterior spine that is followed by a gap and a variable number of much smaller spines in the other two ♀ ( Fig. 36L).

Measurements of ♂ from Luzon [mm]: Body 42.0-44.8, pronotum 3.4-3.6, mesonotum 8.3-8.7, metanotum 3.4-3.7, median segment 2.1-2.3, profemora 8.2-9.0, mesofemora 7.0-8.0, metafemora 9.7-10.2, protibiae 8.2-9.1, mesotibiae 7.1-7.7, metatibiae 10.0-10.8, antennae 15.0-16.5.

Egg ( Fig. 46 S-T)

The only available egg in the authors collection (FH No. 1182-E), that was extracted from the ovipositor of the ♀ from Dingalan, is contaminated and shows anomalies in the colouration, having a large and irregularly shaped ochre marking ventro-laterally. This marking is also less sculptured than the rest pf the capsule and careful cleaning could not remove all of the contamination.

Fairly small for the genus; capsule barrel-shaped with dorsal surface much more bulgy than ventral surface and the polar-area with a shallow indention; oval in cross-section and higher than wide; capsule slightly more than 1.5x longer than wide. The anterior portion with a slight constriction just below the somewhat swollen anterior margin. Surface minutely granular and all over unevenly rugulose with some of the rugulae somewhat tubercular in shape. Micropylar plate fairly large and over 0.8x as long as capsule; Y-shaped with the median portion broad, roughly parallel-sided and clearly not approaching lower margin of anterior constriction of capsule; the two posterolateral extensions very broad with the interior margin distinctly rounded, narrowing apically and distinctly surpassing axis of egg on lateral surfaces of capsule. Posterior portion narrowly V-shaped with an angle of only about 40° and with a large bowl-shaped micropylar cup in centre. Outer margin of plate obtusely inflated and the entire plate slightly raised from capsule surface; the interior portion somewhat inflated and sculptured like capsule; the narrow space in between slightly indented. Operculum almost round in outline, the outer margin with a slight tubercular collar, then slightly indented and the interior portion weakly convex with a shallow pit in centre; the raised interior area unevenly rugulose. Colour plain mid to dark brown. Measurements [mm]: Length incl. operculum 3.5, length 3.5, width 2.3, height 2.8, length of micropylar plate 2.9.

A. Dorsal view of specimen with weakly developed mesopleurals (from Nagtipunan, Quirino Province, Sierra Madre, E-Luzon) [RBINS]. B. Dorsal view of specimen with strongly developed mesopleurals (from Quirino Province, Sierra Madre, E-Luzon) [RBINS]. C. Dorsolateral view of specimen with weakly developed mesopleurals (from Nagtipunan, Quirino Province, Sierra Madre, E-Luzon) [RBINS]. D. Dorsolateral view of specimen with strongly developed mesopleurals (from Quirino Province, Sierra Madre, E-Luzon) [RBINS]. E. Lateral view (from Quirino Province, Sierra Madre, E-Luzon) [RBINS]. F. Dorsolateral view of specimen with strongly developed mesopleurals (from Quirino Province, Sierra Madre, E-Luzon) [RBINS]. G. HT, dorsal view [ANSP]. H. HT, dorsal view [ANSP]. I. Terminalia in lateral view. J. Terminalia in dorsal view. K. Terminalia in ventral view. L. Closeup of head, pro- and mesonotum of specimen with weakly developed mesopleurals (from Nagtipunan, Quirino Province, Sierra Madre, E-Luzon) [RBINS]. M. Closeup of head, pro- and mesonotum of specimen with distinct mesopleurals (from Nagtipunan, Quirino Province, Sierra Madre, E-Luzon) [RBINS].

Remarks. – The ♀ and egg are here described and illustrated for the first time.

Distribution. – Polillo [USNM – type locality]. E-Luzon: Province Quirino (Sierra Madre [RBINS]; Nagtipunan Municipality [RBINS]); Province Aurora (Sierra Madre, Dingalan 230 m [RBINS]). Central Luzon: Province Laguna (Santa Rosa [FH]). N-Luzon: Province Kalinga (Pinukpok [RBINS]). “ Philippine Islands ” [NHMUK].