Vauricia howdenae Chamorro and Anderson, a new genus and species of Rhinostomina from the Oriental Region, with a key to World genera of Orthognathini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Dryophthorinae)

Authors: Chamorro, Maria; ANDERSON, ROBERT - University Of Ontario

Submitted to: The Coleopterists Bulletin
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/13/2019
Publication Date: 12/19/2019
Citation: Chamorro, M.L., Anderson, R.S. 2019. Vauricia howdenae Chamorro and Anderson, a new genus and species of Rhinostomina from the Oriental Region, with a key to World genera of Orthognathini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Dryophthorinae). The Coleopterists Bulletin. 75(4):875-883.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1649/0010-065X-73.4.875

Interpretive Summary: Weevils in the subtribe Rhinostomina are borers of palms and yucca and are known to damage coconut palm, broom palm, oil palm, rattan palm, royal palm, palmettos, and yucca. We report the discovery of a new genus and species for the subtribe, Vauricia howdenae, named in honor of two pioneers in the field of entomology and weevil taxonomy, Patricia Vaurie and Anne Howden. This species is the ninth currently known in the subtribe. This new species is from Malaysia and Tibet and it is the second known Rhinostomina from the Oriental region. This new genus and species is large, measuring more than 2 cm long and is very distinctive. The morphological characters that distinguish this genus and species from all other species currently described are illustrated and described. An Identification tool is provided to distinguish all currently known genera in the tribe Orthognathini. The genus Yuccaborus, previously considered equal to Rhinostomus, is recognized here as valid and separate. Nothing is yet known about the biology of this new genus and species, but we predict it is associated with woody monocotyledons, such as palms, like most members of the tribe. This remarkable new discovery will better prepare farmers, foresters, federal and local regulatory and inspection agencies against the threat of invasive species around the country.

Technical Abstract: Vauricia howdenae Chamorro & Anderson, new genus and new species of Rhinostomina, is described from Malaysia and Tibet. The new species can be easily distinguished from all other Orthognathini by the uniquely shaped mandibles, the third tarsomere apically wide and medially shallowly emarginate, the subbasaly wide pronotum, and the contiguous forecoxae, among other characters. In addition to Vauricia, we here retain Yuccaborus as a distinct genus from Rhinostomus, henceforth; recognizing three genera in the subtribe. An updated key to World genera of Orthognathini is provided.