Moluris gibbosa (Thunberg 1787) - Hairy Hunchback Toktokkie

Moluris gibbosa (Hairy Hunchback Toktokkie) is a very distinctive species with long pale setae and strongly sculpted elytron, the striation forming three subcrenular costae.

Illustrated in:
Olivier G. A. Entomologie, ou, Histoire naturelle des insectes: avec leurs caractères génériques et spécifiques, leur description, leur synonymie, et leur enluminée Coléoptères.

Description in:
Haag-Rutenberg, G. 1871. Beiträge zur Familie der Tenebrioniden (II. Stück). Coleopterologische Hefte VII: 21–111.
https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/81206#page/205/mode/1up
Translated from Latin & German:
Black, dark, oval; thorax globular, sparsely punctate and rugose, decorated with gray hairs, elytral suture and three costae equally elevated; interstices wide, finely granulated, covered with gray hairs, pointing backwards. Length 18-20 mm, width 10-11 mm.
The only Moluris I know of that has a long-haired surface and therefore is easily recognizable. The pronotum is not highly arched like a cushion like in other species, but more evenly transversely convex; it is partly finely wrinkled, with individual punctures bearing long gray hairs. The elytra are ovoid, moderately convexed, with raised suture and three strong, somewhat curved costae, the outermost of which reaches the furthest. The intervals are dull, finely wrinkled and have long gray hairs. Underside and epipleurae of the elytra hairless. Legs short.
Cape.

iNat observation:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/191914659

Publicado el febrero 16, 2024 08:16 MAÑANA por traianbertau