Ellescus ephippiatus (Say, 1832)

Lewis, Jake H. & Anderson, Robert S., 2023, A review of EllESCUS (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in North America: new species and synonyms revealed through integrative taxonomy, The Canadian Entomologist (e 15) 155 (2023), pp. 1-27 : 16-23

Ellescus ephippiatus (Say, 1832)

Figs. 3B , 5E , 9

Alyca ephippiata LeConte, 1876 (description).

Elleschus ephippiatus ; Blatchley and Leng 1916: 284 (identification; distribution); Hatch 1971: 342 (identification; catalogue); O’ Brien and Wibmer 1982: 116 (catalogue, distribution).

Ellescus ephippiatus ; Hight 1988: 276 (apparent alternate host use; dubious); Ciegler 2010: 71 (identification, distribution); Prena 2018: 382 (taxonomic comments, syntype location); Bousquet et al. 2013: 326 (catalogue, distribution); Webster et al. 2016: 374 (distribution).

Eririhinus ephippiatus Say, 1832 (original description)

Eririhinus rufous Say, 1832 (description)

Eririhinus rufus ; O’ Brien and Wibmer 1982: 116 (catalogue, distribution)

Notes about the type series. This species was described from an unknown number of specimens collected in Indiana, United States of America. Here, we adopt a definition of E. ephippiatus that is based on a syntype specimen deposited in the Swedish Museum of Natural History ( NHRS) Schönherr collection (NHRS-JLKB000073656), the type locality, and the original description. See Remarks.

Specimens examined

Syntype. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Indiana (see Remarks), (1, NHRS), NHRS-JLKB000073656 .

Other material. CANADA: Alberta: Calgary , 31.vi.1957 – 19.v.1978, B.F. and J.L. Carr (3, CNCI) ; Elbow Falls , 13.vi.1959, B.F. and J.L. Carr (5, CNCI) ; Exshaw , 27.vi.1954, B.F. and J.L. Carr (1, CNCI) ; Fort Macleod , 20.vi.1976 – 23.vii.1977, B.F. and J.L. Carr (3, CNCI) ; Fitzgerald , 15.vi.1988, B.F. and J.L. Carr (1, CNCI) ; Lethbridge , 24.vi.1956, O. Peck (1, CNCI) ; Lethbridge, Oldman River , 22.vi.1956, E.E. Sterns (3, CNCI) ; Lethbridge , 6.v–30.vi.1930, J.H. Pepper (9, CNCI) ; Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park (25 mi. E), 15.vii.1980, G. Gibson, sweeps (2, CMNC) ; Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park (0.5 mi. E), 14.vi.1982, R.S. Anderson and G.A.P. Gibson, sweeping (6, CMNC) ; Sandy Point campground, 32 km S of Empress, 2.viii.1981, R.S. Anderson (2, CMNC) ; Medicine Hat, Kin Coulee Park , 13.vi.1982, R.S. Anderson and G.A.P Gibson (13, CMNC) ; Medicine Hat , 3.vi.1920 – vi.1930, F.S. Carr (3, CNCI) ; Medicine Hat , 17.vi.1930, J.H. Pepper (1, CNCI) ; Medicine Hat , 21.vii.1962 – 5.viii.1979, B.F. and J.L. Carr (8, CNCI) ; Manyberries , 30.vi.1930, J.H. Pepper (2, CNCI) ; McMurray , 4.vi.1953, W.J. Brown, on Salix (6, CNCI) ; Edmonton , 27.v.1985, B.F. and J.L. Carr (1, CNCI) , CNC COLEO DNA 00157038 (BOLD sample ID); Edmonton , 15.v.1915 – 26.iv.1922, F.S. Carr (3, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727086, MCZ-ENT00727188, MCZ-ENT00727189; British Columbia: Oliver (5–7 mi. N), 21.v.–2.vi.1958, H. and A. Howden (2, CNCI) ; Oliver , 15.v.1959, L.A. Kelton (11, CNCI) ; Manitoba: Churchill , 10.vii.2008, S. McCubbin and J. Sones (1, CBG) , CHU-MXC-090, JSCOC148-09; Churchill , 13–17.vi.1952, J.G. Chillcott (2, CNCI) ; Aweme , 28.vi.1920, N. Criddle (1, CNCI) ; Aweme , 24.v.1912, H.C. Fall Collection (2, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727196, MCZ-ENT00727197; Glenboro , 9.vi.1920, S. Criddle (1, CNCI) ; Eastman Region, Victoria Beach , 6.vii.1985, I.S. Askevold (2, CMNC) ; Eastman Region, Brokenhead, road crossing at Hwy #15, 20 km E of Anola, I.S. Askevold and D.A. Pollock (4, CMNC) ; Wapusk National Park (58.7231° N, 93.4597° W), 15.vi–22.vi.2014, D. Iles (1, CBG) , BIOUG17638 - A05 , CNWAA700-14 ; Gillam , 18.vi–1.vii.1950, W.J. Brown (3, CNCI) ; Carberry , 20.v.1953, Brooks – Kelton (4, CNCI) ; Riding Mountain National Park , 5–11.vi.1938, W.J. Brown (2, CNCI) ; Warkworth Creek (near Churchill ), 21.vi.1952, J.G. Chillcott (6, CNCI) ; New Brunswick: Sunbury Co., Maugerville (off Route 105 (45.8662° N, 66.4559° W), 4.vi.2014, R.P. Webster, flood plain forest, sweeping roadside foliage (1, RWC) ; Northwest Territories: Yellowknife , 29.v.1953, J.G. Chillcott (2, CNCI) ; Yellowknife , 24.vi.1949, R.R. Hall (1, CNCI) ; Ontario: Prince Edward Co., 19.viii.1923 – 17.v.1950, J.F. Brimley (15, CNCI) ; Rouge National Urban Park, west of Glen Rouge campground (43.8040° N, 79.1455° W), 7.vi.2013 (1, CBG) , BIOUG13533 - G06 , SSROB2985-14 ; Kitchener, Huron Heights Secondary School (43.3924° N, 80.4663° W), 22.iv.– 3.v.2013, Chris Roth (1, CBG) , BIOUG05652 - F10 , SMTPB14415-13 ; Bruce Co., Inverhuron Provincial Park (front dunes) (44° 17' 33'' N, 81° 35' 28'' W), 15.vi.2003, M. Buck (1, DEBU) , DEBU01127408 ; Huron Co., Goderich , 22.vi.1977, K. Barber (1, DEBU) , DEBU01089105 ; Wellington Co., Fergus , 5.iv.1997, S.A. Marshall (1, DEBU) , DEBU01068482 ; Middlesex Co., Ailsa Craig , 22–22.vi.1983, E. Zaborski, flight intercept trap in turnip field (1, DEBU) , DEBU01089107 ; Northumberland Co., Presqu’ ile Provincial Park , Stonehedge Cottage , 16.vi.2003, P.D. Careless (1, DEBU) , DEBU01089106 ; Wellington Co., Guelph , 10.vii.1978, K.N. Barber, reared from Populus tremuloides cotton balls (9, DEBU) , DEBU01089088 - DEBU01089096 ; Kenora District , 14 mi. S of Pickle Lake, 20.vi.1973, Henry and Anne Howden (1, CMNC) ; Wellington Co., Erin , 17.vi.1979, Jessica Ernst (1, CMNC) ; Quebec: Nord-du-Québec, James Bay, Long Point (53.9752° N, 79.0685° W), 7.vii.2018, Pierre de Tonnacour , beaten from Salix brachycarpa var. brachycarpa (6, CMNC; 2, CNCI); Kazubazua , 25.v.1933, W.J. Brown (7, CNCI) ; Saskatchewan: Elbow , 23.vi.1954, Brooks – Kelton (7, CNCI) ; Saskatoon , 3.vi.1949, J.R. Vockeroth (3, CNCI) ; Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park (50° 39' N, 107° 56' W), 25.v.1955, J.R. Vockeroth (8, CNCI) ; Hatton , 11.vi.1929, K.M. King and R. Glen (5, CNCI) ; Township 6, Region 28, 23.vi.1990, B.F. and J.L. Carr (1, CNCI) , CNC COLEO DNA 00157037 (BOLD sample ID); Township 8, Region 29, 23.vi.1990, B.F. and J.L. Carr (1, CNCI) , CNC COLEO DNA 00157036 (BOLD sample ID); Yukon: Fort Yukon , 2.vii.1924, H.C. Fall Collection (2, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727194, MCZ-ENT00727195; Dawson , 16.vi.1916 – 26.vi.1924, H.C. Fall Collection (4, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727190 – MCZ-ENT00727193; Tatchun Creek , 25.vi.1979, B.F. and J.L. Carr (2, CNCI) , CNC COLEO DNA 00157039 (BOLD sample ID); Mayo , 5.vii.1955, B.F. and J.L. Carr (5, CNCI) ; Willow Creek, at kilometre 621 along Klondike Highway , 5.vi.1980, R.J. Cannings (2, CMNC) ; McQuesten (10 km E), 1.vi.1980, R.J. Cannings (1, CMNC) ; Ross River, 9 km S on Campbell Highway (61° 54' N, 132° 25' W), 12.vi.1981, C. Guppy (2, CMNC) ; Ross River (132° 30' N, 61° 56' W), 20–22.vi.1960, J.E.H. Martin and E.W. Rockburne (5, CNCI) ; Stewart Crossing (18 km W), 2.vi.1980, R.J. Cannings (2, CMNC) ; Hwy 2, 22 mi. N of Hwy 1, 25.vi.1979, B.F. and J.L. Carr (2, CNCI) , CNC COLEO DNA 00157040 (BOLD sample ID); Kirkman Creek , 13.vi.1928, A.C. Davis (36, CNCI) ; Swim Lakes (133° 00' N, 62° 13' W), 15.vi.1960, J.E.H. Martin (1, CNCI) ; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Alabama: Monroe Co., Haines Island Park (31° 43' 23'' N, 87° 28' 10'' W), 26–31.v.1995, T.L. Schiefer, mercury vapour and blacklight trap (3, MEM) ; Macon Co., 4 mi. E Shorter along I-85, 16.iv.1984, D.A. Rider (1, LSAM) ; LSAM0144883 , LSAM0144885 ; Mobile , 2.iv.1911, H.P. Loding, on willow (4, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00726996 – MCZ-ENT00726999; Alaska: Fort Yukon , 2.vii.1924, H.C. Fall Collection (2, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727195, MCZ-ENT00727195; Eagle , 18.vi.1928 (10, CNCI) ; Washington Creek , 21.vi.1977, J. Cowling (1, UAM) , UAM100008612 ; Selawik National Wildlife Refuge (66.85873° N, 158.16618° W), 24.vi.2010, D.S. Sikes, open sand dunes sweep (11, UAM) , UAM100283227 , UAM100283242 , UAM100283250 , UAM100283254 , UAM100283256 , UAM100283481 (LEW_78; OP215787 (GenBank CO 1 accession number), OP218946 (GenBank ITS 2 accession number)), UAM100283503 , UAM100283520 (LEW_79; OP215788 (GenBank CO 1 accession number), OP218947 (GenBank ITS 2 accession number)), UAM100283521 , UAM100283568 , UAM100283596 ; Nogahabara Dunes ( Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge ) (65.65846° N, 157.49608° W), 13.vi.2010, J.A. Slowik, willow sweep (1, UAM) , UAM100327118 , LEW_77, OP215786 (GenBank CO 1 accession number), OP765915 (GenBank ITS 2 accession number); Arizona: Apache Lake , 10.v.1932, H.C. Fall Collection (1, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727174; Santa Cruz Co., 4.iv.1937, R.A. Flock (2, UAIC) , UAIC1072923 ; Coconino Co., Oak Creek, Chavez King south of Sedona , 14.vi.1978, M.W. Sanderson (1, UAIC) , UAIC1072941 ; Graham Co., Aravaipa Canyon , 24.viii.1976, D.S. Chandler, sift oak litter (1, UAIC) , UAIC1072925 ; Pima Co., Tucson, “Apr, 191” (2, UAIC; 4, MCZC), UAIC1072924 , UAIC1072939 , MCZ-ENT00727170 – MCZ-ENT00727173; Yavapai , Co. , Oak Creek , Baldwin’ s King , 9.vi.1978, M.W. Sanderson (1, UAIC) , UAIC1072940 ; Yavapai Co., Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Verde River near bridge (34.7502° N, 112.0217° W), 5.vi.2011 (1, CBG) , BIOUG02273 - E11 , BBCCA2871-12 ; Maricopa Co., 4 mi. E of Buckeye along Gila River , 1.v.2018, Kyle E. Schnepp, beaten from willow ( Salix sp. ) (3, CMNC) ; Maricopa Co., Pheonix , 3.iv.1942, P.C. Grassman (3, UAIC) , UAIC1072926 ; Maricopa Co., Pheonix , 9.iii.1941, T. Parker (7, UAIC) , UAIC1072928 - UAIC1072934 ; Javapaj Co., Cottonwood , 24–25.vi.1978, C.V. Nidek (3, CMNC) ; “Ariz” (2, DEBU), DEBU01089100 , DEBU01089102 ; Arkansas: Knobel, viii., Liebeck Collection (2, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727002, MCZ-ENT00727003; Washington Co., 2 mi. SW of West Fork , 12.v.1991, C. Carleton (1, LSAM) , LSAM0210499 ; Washington Co., Devil’ s Den State Park , 1–2.vii.1984, E.G. and M.A. Riley (1, LSAM) , LSAM0143750 ; Toad Suck Park , campground transition between park and forest (35.0724° N, 92.5449° W), 2.vii.2011 (1, CBG) , BIOUG02327 - D08 , BBCCA4766-12 ; Colorado: Boulder , 22.v.1907, S.A. Rohwer (1, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727143; La Veta Pass (13 mi. W), 12.vi.1982, B.F. and J.L. Carr (1, CNCI) ; Chaffee Co., O’ Hayer Lake , 22.vi.1983, I.S. Askevold (1, UAIC) ; Las Animas , 15–16.vi.1982, B.F. and J.L. Carr (5, CNCI) ; Pueblo Co., Colorado City , 9.vi.1982, B.F. and J.L. Carr (1, CNCI) ; Pueblo Co., 18.vi.1957, G.H. Nelson, beating Salix (2, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727097; “Col.”, Liebeck Collection and W.G. Dietz Collection (3, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727012, MCZ-ENT00727042, MCZ-ENT00727043; Garland, F.C. Bowditch Collection (1, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727030; Florida: DeSoto Co., Fort Ogden , 8.iv.1952, J.R. Vockeroth (4, CNCI) ; Seminole Co., Sanford , 19.iv.1927, A.C. Davis (1, CNCI) ; Liberty Co., Apalachicola River, Hwy 20 near Bristol (30° 26.2' N, 85° 00.0' W), 17.iv.2010, S.M. Clark (2, UAIC) ; Leon Co., Tall Timbers Res. Station, Sheep Island , 17.iv.1978, G.J. Wibmer (1, UAIC) ; Leon Co., Tallahassee, 3.iv.1976, G.B. Marshall, on fruiting Salix (2, CMNC; 60, UAIC); Alachua Co. , Archer (2 mi. W), 23.iii.1953, Henry F. Howden (1, CMNC) ; Alachua Co., Gainesville NATL, 23.iii.2016, Kyle E. Schnepp, beaten from Salix (5, CMNC), LEW_74, OP215785 (GenBank CO 1 accession number), OP218945 (GenBank ITS 2 accession number); Glades Co., Palmdale , 31.iii.2018, Kyle E. Schnepp, swept from vegetation (1, CMNC) ; Miami – Dade Co., Paradise Key , 6.iv.1951, Henry and Anne Howden (1, CMNC) ; Volusia Co., South Daytona , 17.iv.1959, “S.F.B.” (1, CMNC) ; Miami – Dade Co., Chekika Street (recreation area), 50 km SW of Miami, 1.xi.1984 – 3.xii.1985, Stewart and Jarmila Peck, “Grossman HammockFor. Malaise-FIT” (1, CMNC) ; Georgia: Savannah , 27.v.1926, H.C. Fall Collection (5, MCZC) , MCZ00727165 – MCZ00727169 ; “Geo.”, F.C. Bowditch Collection (3, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727035 – MCZ-ENT00727037; Idaho: Cassia Co., Burley , 2.vi.1986, B.F. and J.L. Carr (1, CNCI) ; Nez Perce Co., Lewiston , 22.v.1986, B.F. and J.L. Carr (2, CNCI) ; Cincinnati , 17.vi.1906, C.A. Frost Collection (1, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727078; Illinois: Union Co., Dongola ( Hogam Bottoms ), 19.vi–4.ix.1968, D. Dillow, maple/cypress/beech buttress (6, LSAM) LSAM0210492 – LSAM0210497 ; Coles Co., Charleston , 12.v.1951, D.M. Tuttle Collection (39, UAIC) , UAIC1072875 , UAIC1072878 - UAIC1072898 , UAIC1072905 - UAIC1072914 , UAIC1072916 - UAIC1072921 , UAIC1072935 ; “Ill.”, Frederick Blanchard Collection (1, MCZC), MCZ-ENT00727062; Indiana: Jackson Co., Muscatatuck N.W.R., 26.iv.2013, Gareth S. Powell (1, CMNC) ; Jackson Co., Muscatatuck N.W.R., 10.v.–7.vi.2013, Kyle E. Schnepp, Lindgren funnel trap (1, CMNC) ; Iowa: Clinton Co., DeWitt , 21.v.1928, G.S. Walley (1, CNCI) ; Ames , 1.vi.1931, G. Hopping (2, CAS) ; Kansas: Riley Co., 20.iv.1958 – 9.v.1960, J.R. McCoy Collection (7, MEM) ; Logan Co., State Lake, 7.vi.1964, C.W. O’ Brien (5, UAIC; 6, CAS); Douglas Co. , F.H. Snow (4, CNCI) ; Douglas Co., Lawrence , iv.1930 – 23.iv.1962, L.W. Brown and W.J. Brown (13, CNCI) ; Reno Co., Medora , 2.v.1962, W.J. Brown (2, CNCI) ; Stockton , 7.vii.1939, J.W. Green (1, CAS) ; W. Knaus (1, CAS) ; “Kan.”, F.C. Bowditch Collection, W.G. Dietz Collection, Frederick Allen Eddy (1, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727029, MCZ-ENT00727038 – MCZ-ENT00727041, MCZ-ENT00727106 – MCZ-ENT00727113; Louisiana: Harahan , 26.vii.1944, F.G. Werner (1, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727120; Tallulah , 22.vi.1933, C.A. Frost Collection (2, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727074; East Baton Rouge Parish, Baton Rouge, Mississippi River Levee , 21.iii.2003, M.G. Radtke, sweepnet (1, LSAM) ; East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana State University campus (30° 24.5' N, 91° 10.5' W), 22–23.v.2010, J.S. Park (1, LSAM) , LSAM0201337 , MDM2010 ; East Baton Rouge Parish, Baton Rouge , 12.v.1986, E.G. Riley (1, LSAM) ; East Baton Rouge Parish, Baton Rouge , 26.iv.1986, E.G. Riley, flight trap (1, LSAM) , LSAM0143498 ; East Baton Rouge Parish, Baton Roufe GSRI, 1.iv.1991, V.L. Moseley, mating on willow fruit (9, LSAM) , LSAM0145660 - LSAM0145664 , LSAM0145673 , LSAM0145675 , LSAM0145679 , LSAM0145681 ; East Baton Rouge Parish, Baton Rouge , 8.v.1988 – 17.v.1989, D.A. Rider, mercury vapour and blacklight (6, LSAM) , LSAM0143031 , LSAM0143038 , LSAM0146124 , LSAM0146127 , LSAM0146137 , LSAM0146167 ; East Baton Rouge Parish, Baton Rouge , 28.v.–3.vi.1986, C.B. Barr and E.G. Riley, yellow sticky board trap in cypress tree (3, LSAM) , LSAM0142726 - LSAM0142728 ; East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana State University Campus , 16.v.1984 – 15.vii.1985, D.A. Rider (17, LSAM) , LSAM0143151 , LSAM0143173 , LSAM0143175 , LSAM0143177 , LSAM0143197 , LSAM0143200 , LSAM0143203 , LSAM0143315 , LSAM0143319 , LSAM0143357 , LSAM0143358 , LSAM0143816 , LSAM0144843 , LSAM014497 , LSAM0145201 , LSAM0145277 , LSAM0145281 ; Jefferson Parish, Harahan , iv.1944, F.G. Werner (1, UAIC) , UAIC1072871 ; Jefferson Parish, Jean Lafitte National Park , 8.v.1983, C.B. Barr (1, LSAM) , LSAM0145397 ; East Baton Rouge Parish , “E of LA 3025, 1.2 mi. S. Central”, 27.iv.–12.v.1985, C.B. Barr, mercury vapour and black light (3, LSAM) , LSAM0144680 , LSAM0145456 , LSAM0145457 ; St. Tammany Parish, I-10 at Pearl River , 17.vi.1982, C.B. Barr and E.G. Riley, black light (1, LSAM) , LSAM0145329 ; Tangipahoa Parish, Tangipahoa River between Arcola and Tickfaw, 12.iv.1986, C.B. Barr (1, LSAM) , LSAM0144655 ; Orleans Parish, New Orleans , 3.vii.1969, light trap (1, MEM) ; Orleans Parish, New Orleans, LA Nature Center , 25.iv.1984, C.B. Barr, black light trap (2, LSAM) , LSAM0144780 , LSAM0144782 ; Vermillion Parish, Pecan Island , 11.iii.1982, C.B. Barr (1, LSAM) , LSAM0145323 ; Vermillion Parish, White Lake Research Station (29° 55.141' N, 92° 30.830' W), 20.iii.2009, M. Gimmel, UV light (1, LSAM) , LEW_109, OP215789 (GenBank CO 1 accession number), OP218953 (GenBank ITS 2 accession number); West Feliciana Parish , Feliciana Preserve (30° 47' N, 91° 15' W), 14.iv.2003, A. Tishechkin, beating low vegetation (1, LSAM) ; Corney Lake , 25–28.vi.1983, B.F. and J.L. Carr (6, CNCI) ; Maryland: Easton , 22.vi.1918, J.G. Sanders (2, MCZC), MCZ-ENT00727199, MCZ-ENT00727200; Massachusetts: Lowell, H.C. Fall Collection and Frederick Blanchard Collection (8, MCZC), MCZ-ENT00727137, MCZ-ENT00727138, MCZ-ENT00727057 – MCZ-ENT00727061; Milton , 17.v.1903, P.G. Bolster Collection (1, MCZC), MCZ-ENT00727052; Michigan: Lansing, Liebeck Collection (2, MCZC), MCZ-ENT00727016, MCZ-ENT00727017; Mississippi: Attala Co., 1 mile east McCool (33° 12' 46'' N, 89° 23' 21'' W), 23.v.2005, J.A. MacGown and J.G. Hill, Berlese – soil and litter in mixed forest (1, MEM) ; Claiborne Co., Natchez Trace Parkway, Grindstone Ford (32° 00' 10'' N, 90° 53' 41'' W), 7.iii.2005, J.G. Hill, Berlese litter (1, MEM) ; Harrison Co., Gulfport C.T. Nature Ar. (30° 22' 55'' N, 89° 03' 23'' W), 9.v.2000, T.L. Schiefer, blacklight trap (1, MEM) ; Oktibbeha Co., 3 mi. W of Adaton (33° 29' 00'' N, 88° 58' 13'' W), 26.iii.2000, T.L. Schiefer, on flowering Prunus serotine (1, MEM) ; Oktibbeha Co., near Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (33° 18' 03'' N, 88° 46' 08'' W), 3.iv.1998, T.L. Schiefer, on flowering Salix nigra (2, MEM) ; Oktibbeha Co., 8.5 mi. S Starkville (33° 19' 58'' N, 88° 49' 05'' W), 20.iv.1995, T.L. Schiefer, beating recently cut oaks (1, MEM) ; Oktibbeha Co., Starkville, MSU north of North Farm , 21.iv.1994, D.M. Pollock, sweeping (1, MEM) ; Oktibbeha Co., Starkville , 13.iii.1985, W.P. Chan (1, MEM) ; Oktibbeha Co., Noxubee Refugee , 5.ii.1982, G.L. Snodgrass, Berlese – litter hardwood forest (1, MEM) ; Oktibbeha Co., Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (33° 24' 11'' N, 88° 53' 33'' W), 6.x.2008, J. MacGown and J.G. Hill, litter mixed pine hardwood forest (1, CMNC) ; Oktibbeha Co., 4 mi. E of Mississippi State University (33° 23' 04'' N, 88° 46' 02'' W), 23.ii.2014, J.L. Gesell (1, MEM) ; Issaquena Co., Shipland W.M.A. (32° 45' 15'' N, 91° 07' 44'' W), 3.viii.2005, J.A. MacGown and J.G. Hill, in leaf litter in floodplain hardwood forest (4, MEM) ; Jackson Co., Ocean Springs , 13.v.1984, Paul K. Lago (1, CMNC) ; Lafayette Co., Oxford , 4.vi.1982 – 30.vi.1983, Paul K. Lago (2, CMNC) ; Oktibbeha Co., Sessums (33° 23' 31'' N, 88° 42' 40'' W), 22.iv.–28.iv.1998, J.A. MacGown, Malaise trap (47, MEM) ; Sharkey Co., Sunflower WMA (32° 50' 55'' N, 90° 48' 24'' W), 21.vii.2003, R.L. Brown, Berlese trap – bottomland hardwood litter (2, MEM) ; Noxubee Co., Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (33° 16' 44'' N, 88° 46' 39'' W), 8.vi.1998, T.L. Schiefer (8, MEM) ; Noxubee Co., Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (33° 15' 04'' N, 88° 44' 51'' W), 31.vii.2008, J.A. MacGown, litter in pine–hardwood forest (2, MEM) ; Lee Co., Tombigbee State Park , 7.vi.1995, T.L. Schiefer, beating trees and shrubs (1, MEM) ; Smith Co., 1 mile North of Raleigh , 14–15.vi.1985, R. Brown and G. Burrows (1, MEM) ; Tate Co., Senatobia Wetlands (34° 37' 05'' N, 89° 56' 50'' W), 31.v.2018, R.J. Whitehouse, sweeping grasses and plants along water edge and field (1, MEM) ; Winston Co., Tombigbee National Forest (33° 11' 50'' N, 89° 03' 20'' W), 5.iv.1999, T.L. Schiefer, blacklight trap in mixed mesic forest (1, MEM) ; Missouri: St. Louis, M. Schuster (1, DEBU) , DEBU01089103 ; Kansas City, Liebeck Collection (4, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00726989 – MCZ-ENT00726991, MCZ-ENT00727000; St. Louis , Liebeck Collection (3, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727004 – MCZ-ENT00727006; “Mo.”, F.C. Bowditch Collection (1, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727027; Montana: Deer Lodge Co., Anaconda , 4.vii.1962, J.B. Karren, on Salix (1, UAIC) ; Fergus Co., Little Box Elder Creek (by Hwy 19), 13.viii.1990, B.F. and J.L. Carr (1, CNCI) ; Kalispell, F.C. Bowditch (2, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727033, MCZ-ENT00727034; Nebraska: Thomas Co., Halsey , 29–31.vii.1973, Henry and Anne Howden (1, CMNC) ; W. Knaus, A. Fenyes Collection (3, CAS) ; “Nebr.”, H.C. Fall Collection (4, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727139 – MCZ-ENT00727142; Nevada: Elko Co., North Fork, Humboldt River at Elburz , 22.vi.1995, R.W. Baumann (1, UAIC) ; McCook, R. Hopping Collection (3, CAS) ; New Jersey: Phillipsburg , 8.viii.1909 – 12.vi.1931, J.W. Green (17, CAS) ; Camden, Liebeck Collection (1, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727013; Newark, F.C. Bowditch Collection (1, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727028; New Mexico: Jemez Mountains , v.1913, Jno. Woodgate (13, CAS) ; “N.M.”, W.G. Dietz (2, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727045, MCZ-ENT00727046; New York: Staten Island , 6.vi.1986, Van Dyke Collection (53, CAS) ; North Carolina: Southern Pines , 8.vi.1911, A.H. Manee (1, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727104; Oklahoma: Pushmataha Co., Clayton , 21.vi.1983, B.F. and J.L. Carr (1, CNCI) ; Cimarron Co., Lake Etling , 10.vi.1983, B.F. and J.L. Carr (1, CNCI) ; Cleveland Co., Norman ( Oliver Woods ), 30.vi.1969, W. Suter, nest in stump (1, LSAM) , LSAM0142642 ; Marshall Co., 2 mi. SE of Willis, 5.iv.1968 – 24.vi.1969, willow swamp cedar, W. Suter (12, LSAM; 2, UAIC), LSAM0141740 , LSAM0142383 , LSAM0142623 , LSAM0142629 , LSAM0210485 - LSAM0210491 ; Marshall Co., 2 mi. E Willis , Buncombe Creek Campground , 24.vi.1969, W. Suter, oak forest floor (1, UAIC) ; Marshall Co., University of Oklahoma Biological Station on Lake Texoma ( Willis ), 17.iv.1968, W. Suter (2, LSAM) , LSAM0141724 , LSAM0141725 ; Oregon: Grant Co., John Day , U.S. Hwy 30, 23.v.1959, Joe Schuh, on willow (1, CMNC) ; Columbia Co., 5 mi. N– 2 mi. E of Burlington , app. 30, 7.x.1972, oak tree hollow debris and soil, E.M. Benedict (12, CMNC) ; Minam , 13.vi.1984, B.F. and J.L. Carr (1, CNCI) ; Dayton, Dorsey Gravel Bar , 8–22.vii.1962, K.M. Fender (5, CAS) ; Eugene , 29.v.1933, O.H. Swezey (2, CAS) ; Corvallis Co., 11.vi.1925, E.P. Van Duzee (1, CAS) ; Pennsylvania: Harrisburg , 20.vi.1920 – 27.v.1921, H.C. Fall Collection (3, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727201 – MCZ-ENT00727203; Westmoreland Co., Jeannette, H.G. Klages (1, CNCI) ; New Cumberland , 30.iv.1910, H.C. Fall Collection (1, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727198; Allegheny, F.C. Bowditch Collection (4, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727023 – MCZ-ENT00727026; South Carolina: Clemson College , 20.vi.1936, O.L. Cartwright (1, CUAC) ; Georgetown Co., Georgetown , 4.iv.1957, Chamberlain (1, CUAC) ; Tennessee: Hamilton Co., 10 mi. S of Chattanooga , 8.iv.1981, P. Ramey, sweeping (1, MEM) ; Texas: Gonzalez Co., Palmetto State Park , 2.x.1973, A. Newton (3, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727117 – MCZ-ENT00727119; Bandera Co., Bear Creek , 7 mi. NE of Bandera, 4.v.1999, S.M. Clark (4, UAIC) ; Berleson Co., 5.ii.1958 (1, UAIC) ; Briscoe Co., Quitaque Creek , 6.v.1970, on Salix (4, UAIC) ; Burnett Co., Inks Lake State Park , 21.v.1989, E.G. Riley (1, UAIC) ; Cameron Co., Brownsville , iv.1978, W.L. Johnson, in Boll Weevil Mitchell trap on cottonfield margin (1, MEM) ; Cameron Co., Brownsville, Palmetto Grove , 5–9.v.1978, A.E. and D.S. Lewis (1, UAIC) ; Crosby Co., White River , 3 mi. E of Crosbyton, 3.v.1970, C.W. O’ Brien (1, UAIC) ; Dickens Co., White River Lake , 16.iv.–8.vi.1989, R. Morris (4, CMNC) ; Culberson Co., Guadalupe National Park, Choza Springs , 22.vii.1982, G.A.P. Gibson (1, CMNC) ; Grayson Co., Juniper Pt., L. Texoma (12 mi. N of Whitesboro), 6.iv.1969, W. Suter, litter around log (2, UAIC) ; Gonzales Co., Palmetto St. Park , 30.v.1977, E.G. Riley, blacklight (2, UAIC) ; Gray Co., Lake McClellan , 4.vii.1970, G.B. Marshall (2, UAIC) ; Eastland Co., 1 mile south of Eastland , 4.iv.1985, G.B. Marshall (1, UAIC) ; Harris Co., Hwy 59 at San Jacinto , 4.vi.1968 (1, UAIC) ; Jim Wells Co., Lake Corpus Christi , 7.vi.1954, Henry F. Howden (1, CMNC) ; Floyd Co., Lake Marvin , 14 mi. E Canadian, 23.iv.1970, L.B. and C.W. O’ Brien (7, UAIC) ; Brazos Co., Peach Creek at Hwy 6, 8 mi. S of College Station, 13.iv.1987, R.S. Anderson (57, CMNC) ; Cameron Co., Southpoint Nursery (1 mile south of Southmost Ranch ), 5–6.vii.1982, G.A.P. Gibson (2, CMNC) ; Jeff Davis Co., 3.4 km E of Fort Davis , 10–11.ix.1988, R.S. Anderson, Berlese funnel trap with mixed hardwood litter (6, CMNC) ; Jeff Davis Co., 5 mi. N of Fort Davis , 14.vii.1956, Henry and Anne Howden (1, CMNC) ; Red River Co ., 2 mi. NW of Talco , 8.vi.1965, C.W. O’ Brien, on Salix nigra var. vallicola (6, UAIC) ; Val Verde Co., Langtry , 4.xi.1982, J. Huber and A. Gonzalez, sweep along river edge (2, CMNC) ; Kerr Co., Kerrville , 4.iv.–22.iv.1959, Becker and Howden, beating Salix (92, CNCI) ; Brewster Co., Lajitas , 19.v.1959, Howden and Becker (1, CNCI) ; El Paso, Fenyes (1, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727144; Bandera Co., Vanderpool , 18.iv.1987, B.F. and J.L. Carr (5, CNCI) ; Utah: Provo, Utah Lake , 4.vii.1964, L.B. and C.W. O’ Brien (2, UAIC) ; Sevier Co., Sevier River , 24.vi.1966, W. Gagne (1, UAIC) ; Wayne Co., Torrey (2 mi. E), 2.viii.1968, Anne T. Howden (2, CMNC) ; Washington Co ., 7 mi. W Sta. Clara , 8.iv.1963, L.B. and C.W. O’ Brien, on Salix laevigata Bebb (5, UAIC) ; Washington Co ., 7 mi. E Gunlock , 8.iv.1963, C.W. O’ Brien, on Salix laevigata Bebb (1, UAIC) ; Washington Co., Virgin – 3400’, 7.iv.1963, C.W. O’ Brien, swept from Salix (3, UAIC) ; Washington Co., St. George , 8.iv.1963, C.W. O’ Brien, on Salix exigua (1, UAIC) ; Washington Co., Virgin , 10.iv.1963, L.B. and C.W. O’ Brien, at night on fruiting Populus fremontii (1, UAIC) ; “ Ut. ”, Liebeck Collection (1, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727014; Fort Douglas , Wickham (2, MCZC) , MCZ-ENT00727032, MCZ-ENT00727033; Virginia: Accomack Co., Deep Creek, Dismal Swamp , 5.v.1951, G.H. Nelson (1, CMNC) ; Fairfax Co., Quirsfeld (4, CAS) ; Washington: Snohomish Co., Sulton , 11.v.1933, R.A. Flock (2, UAIC), UAIC1072872 , UAIC1072873 ; West Virginia: Cabell Co., Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area , 25.iv.1996, L. Torres-Miller (1, CMNC) ; Wyoming: Park Co., junction between Hwy 120 and Hwy 296, 27.vi.1982, B.F. and J.L. Carr (1, CNCI) .

Diagnosis. Length (2.0– 2.9 mm). Scales on pronotum usually not uniform in colour, with discoloured central and lateral bands. Metaventrite and metepisternum with scales relatively sparse not obscuring underlying cuticle. Distinct swelling at the tip of last ventrite of males (no longitudinal carina at the middle of ventrite; often reduced or absent in smaller specimens). Apex of aedeagus rounded and coming to a distinct point, with two prominent tufts of setae. Internal sac with protruding basal structures. Widespread across North America (absent from California and southern Oregon).

Distribution in North America. This is the most widespread species of Ellescus in North America, with records across Canada and the United States of America (except for California and the southern tip of Oregon). Records from southern Texas and southern Arizona suggest that the species may also be present in Mexico.

Variation. This species is extremely variable in size and colour across its range (see Fig. 9 ), and most instances of misidentification of Ellescus in North America previously were cases of confusion with this species.

Natural history. This species has been collected on a wide variety of Salix and Populus species, including Populus tremuloides , Populus fremontii , Salix brachycarpa var. brachycarpa Nuttall , Salix nigra var. vallicola , Salix exigua , and Salix laevigata Bebb. Blatchley and Leng (1916) note the rearing of E. ephippiatus from the willow galls of Rhabdophaga strobiloides (Osten Sacken, 1862) . LeConte (1876) also report the rearing of E. ephippiatus from the galls of Rabdophaga rigidae (Osten Sacken, 1862) on Salix interior Rowlee (= S. longifolia ). Hight (1988) reported collecting the larvae of E. ephippiatus from the terminal bud of Lythrum salicaria L.; however, this identification is questionable given the lack of other such reports and the strong association of the family with members of Salicaceae . A large series from northern Oregon, United States of America, were taken from oak tree hollows, debris, and soil. This species is known to be attracted to lights ( Ciegler 2010).

Remarks. Despite being described from specimens collected in Indiana, United States of America, label data for a syntype of E. ephippiatus deposited in the Carl Schönherr collection (NHRS) read as follows: “epphippiatus [sic]/ Say./ Connecticut./Say” ( Prena 2018). The locality (Connecticut) appears to have been erroneously introduced by Say during preparation of a list of specimens shipped to Schönherr, or by Schönherr who may have misinterpreted Say’ s list. A handwritten copy of the list of specimens sent by Say is preserved in the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia (ANSP) and suggests that the Connecticut collection locality for Phyxelis rigidus (Say, 1831) may have been erroneously mistaken for the collection locality for the E. ephippiatus , which follows subsequently in the same list.

Figures

Fig. 3. Morphological characters used to distinguish Ellescus in North America: A, glabrous carina extending longitudinally across last ventrite (male E. bipunctatus); B, swelling at the tip of last ventrite (male E. californicus, E. ephippiatus, and E. michaeli new species); C, metaventrite and metepisternum with dense, heavily appressed scales covering cuticle (found only in both sexes of E. scanicus); and D, metaventrite and metepisternum without dense, heavily appressed scales (Ellescus species other than E. scanicus).

Fig. 5. Aedeagi of Ellescus species: A, Ellescus scanicus; B, Ellescus bipunctatus; C, Ellescus californicus; D, Ellescus michaeli new species; and E, Ellescus ephippiatus.

Fig. 9. Ellescus ephippiatus (Say, 1832): A, dorsal view of red specimen with conspicuous pattern of scales on elytra; B, lateral view of red, patterned specimen; C, dorsal view of piceous, dark specimen; D, lateral view of piceous, dark specimen; E, dorsal view of red and black specimen lacking conspicuous pattern on elytra; and F, lateral view of red and black specimen.