Zyras (Zyras) montanus (BERNHAUER, 1915)

(Figs 271–275)

Astilbus montanus BERNHAUER, 1915: 152 f.

Zyras (Zyras) montanus (BERNHAUER, 1915): PACE (2008: 110).

Zyras (Zyras) montanus (CAMERON) [sic]: PACE (2008: 141, 144, 152).

Material examined: Borneo: 16 exs., Indonesia, Kalimantan Tengah, Busang–Rekut confluence, 0°03'S, 113°59'E, flight interception trap, VIII.2001, leg. Brendell & Mendel (BMNH, cAss) ; 1 ex., Brunei, Kuala Belalong FSC, 4°34'N, 115°07'E, 260 m, dipterocarp forest, flight interception trap, 16.VI.1991, leg. Mawdsley (BMNH) ; 1 ex., Malaysia, Sabah, Sandakan, Sepilok, flight interception trap, X.1996, leg. Chung (BMNH) .

Comment: Astilbus montanus was described from a unique female collected in “ Sarawak: Mt. Matang” (BERNHAUER 1915). The holotype was studied and figured by PACE (2008), who moved the species to Zyras sensu strictu and attributed the species partly to Bernhauer and partly to Cameron.

A study of the examined material revealed that it perfectly matches the original description provided by BERNHAUER (1915). This species is highly distinctive also in external characters such as the coloration (especially of the antennae), the conspicuous punctation of the head, pronotum, and eytra, and the shape of the postero-median impression of the pronotum. Moreover, as can be inferred also from the observation that the examined material was exclusively collected with flight interception traps, the species is an active flyer.

For illustrations of the habitus and the genitalia of this species see PACE (2008) and Figs 271–275, respectively. The figures of the median lobe of the aedeagus provided by PACE (2014) are somewhat misleading and possibly refer to a different species.

Zyras montanus is currently known only from Borneo. It seems likely, however, that it is more widespread in the Oriental region. The above material represents the first records from Indonesia and Brunei.