Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Paranametis Burke, 1960 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae: Byrsopagini) in North America

Abstract

The genus ParanametisBurke, 1960 is revised for North America (including northern Mexico). Paranametis distinctaBurke, 1960 is known from western Texas, New Mexico, and northern Mexico. Phyxelis latirostrisBlatchley, 1916 is resurrected from synonymy with Phyxelis rigidus (Say, 1832) and treated as a valid species transferred to the genus Paranametis as Paranametis latirostris (Blatchley, 1916), resurrected status, new combination. Two new species are described herein: Paranametis burkei Anderson, new species (type locality Big Bend National Park, Brewster County, Texas); and Paranametis howdenae Anderson, new species (type locality Mexico, Nuevo Leon, 5.3 mi. S La Escondida). All species are described or redescribed, natural history information is summarized, and a listing of locality data from all specimens examined is included and mapped. A key is provided to the species of the genus. All species are represented by habitus images and images of taxonomically significant structures. Paranametis species share a similar ramose/papillate/microfilamentous scale form with species of the genera Phyxelis Schoenherr, 1843 and LeptopinaraO'Brien, 1981, which is unique among North American Byrsopagini.