Species Alleloplasis darwinii Waterhouse, 1839

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• Alleloplasis darwinii Waterhouse, G.R. 1839. Descriptions of some new species of exotic insects. Transactions of the Royal Entomological Society of London 2: 188-196 [194].

  Type data:

   Syntype(s) BMNH ♂ (coll.: C. Darwin; possible holotype by monotypy), King George's Sound, Western Australia.

 

Introduction

This species was described, possibly from a single male specimen (Fennah 1949, described the aedeagus of "the type of A. darwini" [sic.]), from King George's Sound in WA. It may be widespread across southern Australia to western New South Wales or these records may be of undescribed species. In the original description, Waterhouse (1839) comments "This extraordinary insect was discovered by C. Darwin, Esq. whilst 'sweeping in coarse grass and brushwood; King George's Sound.' I have therefore named it after this gentleman, who has done so much towards the advancement of science, and to whom Entomology owes so much, since he has brought to this country an immense collection of insects from various parts of the world, and particularly of the minute species which had been comparatively neglected."

 

Distribution

IBRA and IMCRA regions

IBRA

WA: Jarrah Forest (JF)

Australian Region

• Australia
  • Western Australia: SW coastal

Ecological Descriptors

All stages: phloem feeder.

 

Diagnosis

Pitchy-brown; under part of the thorax pale testaceous. Abdomen black, with two white spots at the base on each side; above brown; beneath pale testaceous; the sides with two oblique white bands, each with a series of black spots. Wings spotted alternately with black and white. Legs pitchy-testaceous. Length 1½ lin.; wings included 2 1/3 lin. (Waterhouse 1839).

 

Diagnosis References

Waterhouse, G.R. 1839. Descriptions of some new species of exotic insects. Transactions of the Royal Entomological Society of London 2: 188-196 [194]