ARS | Publication request: Meringodes Wappes and Lingafelter (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae), a new genus of Rhopalophorini from Bolivia

Submitted to: The Coleopterists Bulletin
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: January 25, 2011
Publication Date: March 18, 2011
Citation: Lingafelter, S.W., Wappes, J.E. 2011. Meringodes Wappes and Lingafelter (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae), a new genus of Rhopalophorini from Bolivia. The Coleopterists Bulletin. 65(1):33-38.

Interpretive Summary: Longhorned beetles are very important to agriculture and the economy due to their destruction of wood during their development. Many species of woodboring beetles are intercepted at ports-of-entry in the United States and are potential pests. This study describes 1 new genus and 1 new species of beetle from Bolivia. This species is a member of a large confusing tribe that is widespread throughout North, Central, and South America. Numerous figures are provided to allow easy identification of the genus and species. This study will be important to port identifiers, regulatory personnel associated with APHIS-PPQ, and scientists and laypersons concerned with woodboring beetles and tropical biodiversity.

Technical Abstract: Meringodes Wappes and Lingafelter, a monotypic new genus of Rhopalophorini, is described from Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia. Meringodes is most similar to Disaulax Audinet-Serville, although it also possesses characters of Thalusia Thomson and Cosmisoma Audinet-Serville. A diagnosis and description of the genus is given and a new species, Merangodes solangeae Wappes and Lingafelter, is described. Images of both Disaulax hirsuticornis (Kirby) and M. solangeae are included to facilitate identification.