The Coleopterists Bulletin, 61(2):000–000. 2007.

A NEW SPECIES OF PLEOCOMA LECONTE FROM CALIFORNIA (COLEOPTERA:

SCARABAEOIDEA: PLEOCOMIDAE)

DELBERT A. LA RUE
Research Associate, Entomology Research Museum
University of California
Riverside, CA 92521, U.S.A.

Abstract
Pleocoma hovorei La Rue, new species, is described and illustrated from Shasta and
Tehama Counties, California, U.S.A. Included are remarks on taxonomy, adult behavior,
and ecology. Based upon congruent morphological characters the new taxon is associated
with the P. staff species group.

Heretofore, the P. staff species group of the genus Pleocoma LeConte was
considered monotypic, being comprised solely of the nominate species distributed
in the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains: Butte, Nevada, and Yuba Counties,
California (Fig. 5). Recent collections and field surveys, guided in part by prior
literature (Linsley 1945:113–114; Hovore 1977:231, 1981:2) have revealed an
undescribed species from Shasta and Tehama Counties, California, whose salient
morphological characters are synapotypically congruent with the P. staff species
group.
Specimens examined are deposited in the private collections of the respective
collectors except where indicated by the following codens: CRSC - C.R. Smith,
Anderson, CA; DALC - D.A. La Rue, Willcox, AZ; FTHC - F.T. Hovore, to be
deposited at the California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA; LRBC -
L.R. Bronson, Summit City, CA.

Pleocoma hovorei La Rue, new species

(Figs. 1–2)

Type data. Holotype male (Deposited at the California Academy of Sciences

#17942). ‘‘U.S.A., California, Shasta County, Black Butte Rd., 27-29.XI.1999,
L.R. Bronson, D.A. La Rue, C.R. Smith, 8w BLT, Pinus-Arctostaphylos.’’
Allotype female (also deposited at the California Academy of Sciences), same
data as holotype except ‘‘on soil surface.’’
Paratypes (244). Same data as holotype (25 males, 1 female, DALC); same
locality as holotype except labeled as ‘‘Black Butte Rd. and Alpine Way,’’
20.XII.1995, R. Meadville (1 male, LRBC); 06.XII.1996, R. Meadville (13 males,
LRBC 12, DALC 1); 26.XII.1997, C.R. Smith (4 males, DALC 1); 04.XII.1998,
R. Meadville (2 males, CRSC); Palo Cedro, 30.X.1986, D.C. Rogers (2 males,
FTHC); 06.XII.1997, D.C. Rogers (1 male, FTHC); Old Rt. 44, 18-20.XI.1998,
M. Cassells, F.T. Hovore (19 males, FTHC); 09-10.XI.2002, F.T. Hovore, R.L.
Penrose (4 males, FTHC); 15-17.XII.2002, F.T. Hovore, R.L. Penrose (34 males,
6 females, FTHC); 10-13.XII.2002, F.T. Hovore, R.L. Penrose (10 males,
FTHC); 02-03.XII.2003, F.T. Hovore, R.L. Penrose (2 males, 2 females, FTHC);
W. of Old 44 Bridge, North Cow Creek, 09.II.1988, D.C. Rogers, M. Cassells
(2 males, FTHC); 04.II.1996, D.C. Rogers (6 males, FTHC); 09.XI.1998, D.C.

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Figs. 1–4. Dorsal habitus photos of Pleocoma hovorei, new species, and P. staff. 1)
holotype male, P. hovorei; 2) allotype female, P. hovorei; 3) male, P. staff; 4) female, P. staff.

Rogers (1 male, FTHC); Route 44 & Dersch Rd., 01.XII.2003, F.T. Hovore, R.L.
Penrose (1 male, FTHC); Redding, Mountain Gate at Old Oregon Trail & I-5,
29.IX.1988, D.C. Rogers (1 male, FTHC); Keswick Dam Rd. & A-18,
22.XII.1991, D.C. Rogers (1 male, FTHC); Lake Blvd. & Walker Mine Rd.,
24.II.1991, D.C. Rogers (2 males, FTHC); Williamson Rd. & Walker Mine Rd.,
29.XI.1999, D.A. La Rue (2 males); Larkspur Lane & E. Cypress Ave.,
15.XII.2003, M.K. Fowler (1 male, DALC); Shasta City, 09.XI.-13.XII.2002,
L.R. Bronson (7 males); 16.XII.2002, F.T Hovore, R.L. Penrose (1 male, FTHC);
09.XI.-15.XI.2003, L.R. Bronson (15 males); Summit City, 11.XII.-12.XII.1994,
L.R. Bronson (9 males); 6.XII.-15.XII.1995, L.R. Bronson (12 males, CRSC 1);
19.XI-10.XII.1996, L.R. Bronson (8 males, DALC 5); 27-29.XI.1999, D.A. La
Rue (3 males).
California, Tehama County, Lyman Springs, near Lyonsville, 12.X.2000, D.A.
La Rue (3 males); 08-11.XI.2002, J. Dalton (6 males, FTHC); 24.XI.2002, I.P.
Swift (1 female, FTHC); 07.XI.2003, F.T. Hovore, I.P. Swift (5 males, FTHC);
Jct. Plum Creek Rd. & Ponderosa Rd., 12.X.2000, D.A. La Rue (3 males); Little
Giant Mill Rd., 1 mi. NW of Lyonsville, 31.X.2001, C.R. Smith (1 male); 0.5 mi.
S. Jct. Plum Creek Rd. & Ponderosa Rd., 09.XI.2004, I.P. Swift (1 male, FTHC);

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Fig. 5. Distribution map (modified from Hovore 1977:238). P. hovorei, new species,
circles; P. staff, squares.

2 mi. S. Jct. Plum Creek Rd. & Hogsback Rd., 09.XI.2004, I.P. Swift (1 male,
FTHC); Ponderosa Sky Ranch, 12.X.2000, D.A. La Rue (14 males); 31.X.2001,
C.R. Smith (2 males); 16.XI.2001, C.R. Smith (9 males).
Paratypes are deposited at the California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco,
CA), the Entomology Research Museum, University of California, Riverside;
Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History (Washington,
DC); and the private collections of L.R. Bronson (Summit City, CA); R.A.
Cunningham (Chino, CA); F.T. Hovore (to be deposited at the California
Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA); H.F. Howden (deposited at the
Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada); R.E. Jensen (Canoga
Park, CA); S. McCleve (Douglas, AZ); R.H. McPeak (Battle Ground, WA); C.R.
Smith (Anderson, CA); B.D. Streit (Tucson, AZ); G.C. Walters (La Puente, CA);
W.B. Warner (Chandler, AZ); and the author.
Description. Holotype. Male (Fig. 1). Length. 27.5 mm. Greatest width.
17.5 mm. (15.0 mm. at elytral humeri). Form. Stout, robust, oval, moderately
convex dorsally. Color. Dorsal integument uniformly shining concolorous black;
posteromedial pronotal disk indistinctly clouded with cupreous red to reddish-
brown when viewed under magnification (.253); head with frons, vertex,
anteocular margin, eyes, reflexed anterior surface of vertical horn, black; tibia
dark reddish-brown to black; dorsal surface of ocular canthi, medial scutellar
disk, antennae and other appendages of head, remainder of legs and venter,
reddish-brown; lamellae of antennal club light brown with a golden pruinose
sheen; pubescence bright golden reddish-brown. Head. Convex, narrow, entirely,
densely, coarsely to rugosely punctate, obscuring frontoclypeal suture, with long,

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golden reddish-brown setae. Eyes large, prominent, partially divided by canthus;

dorsal surface of ocular canthi glabrous and shining, obtusely rounded distally,
anterior edge produced obliquely, weakly reflexed at confluence with vertical
horn, posterior edge coarsely punctate, eroded, each puncture with a long golden
reddish-brown seta. Clypeal horn erect, bifurcated, deeply emarginate, broadly
rounded at basal coalescence, apex divergent, weakly reflexed posteriorly, frontal
surface glabrous, irregularly, coarsely punctate, heavily provided with golden
reddish-brown setae at basal constriction. Vertex with subtriangular to conical,
coarse to rugosely punctate, protuberance (head horn). Antennae with 11
antennomeres; scape elongate, tapering posteriorly, provided with scattered,
erect, golden reddish-brown bristle-like setae; antennomere 2 transverse;
antennomere 3 long, arcuate, strongly, obtusely, angulate anteriorly at apex,
subequal in length to that of scape and antennomere 2 combined, with few
scattered golden reddish-brown bristle-like setae. Antennomere 4 angulate
anteriorly with lamellate projection approximately 1/2 length of antennomere 5,
irregularly setose, provided with long bristle-like setae; antennomeres 5 through
11 elongate, subequal in length, forming lamellate club, distal tip of each lamella
weakly curved outward, irregularly provided with short golden spiculae; receptors
present on entire surface of each lamella (603). Mentum transverse, coarsely
punctate; mouthparts fused, reduced; mandibles non-functional; maxillary palpi
4-segmented, each palpomere long, cylindrical, subequal in length, variably
setose, provided with golden reddish-brown bristle-like setae; labial palpi 4-
segmented, palpomere 1 bulbous, transverse, palpomeres 2–4 long, cylindrical,
subequal in length, variably setose, provided with long golden reddish-brown
bristle-like setae. Pronotum. Broad, strongly convex, transverse, approximately
2.53 wider than length at midline, widest at anterolateral angles. Basal angles
broadly obtuse and explanate; marginal bead complete, slightly raised and
reflexed. Disk glabrous, finely to moderately, irregularly punctate except for
narrow, smooth, longitudinal band at midline. Margins heavily fimbriate with
golden reddish-brown pubescence of variable length, especially evident and
recumbent at occipital and elytral articulation; tumid, transverse prominence
medially, anteromedial impression lacking, posteromedial impression immediate-
ly behind transverse prominence deeply depressed, spatulate in shape; surface of
propleura finely punctate, densely clothed with a mixture of short, fine golden
and long reddish-brown setae; very finely punctate with fine short pale setae
anteriorly. Scutellum. Transverse, subtriangular, weakly concave, punctate as
pronotum, medially with a small, shining, translucent impunctate area, posterior
margin broadly rounded, medially provided with short, recumbent, golden
reddish-brown setae. Elytra. Elongate, lateral margins arcuate; longitudinally
2.53 greater than wide, weakly explanate at posterior 2/3. Marginal bead
complete, heavily fimbriate with long, erect reddish-brown setae; humeral angles
sharply rounded anteriorly; posterior angles broadly, obtusely rounded. Distinct
linear pattern of discal striae and costae that are well defined and deeply
impressed by coarse, contiguous punctation and fine to moderate, scattered
punctures; both extending longitudinal distance of elytra. Intervals weakly
convex, deeply, rugose with coarse contiguous punctures; sutural costae raised,
smooth, glabrous, very finely, sparsely punctate; humeral calla noticeably tumid,
glabrous, anteriorly abruptly obvolvent. Metathoracic wings. Completely de-
veloped, infuscated; radial posterior and median posterior+2 veins sinuate,
reduced to a narrow loop; Anal anterior vein long and arcuate. Pygidium.
Transverse, subtriangular; margin obtusely rounded at distal apex, weakly sinuate

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at posterolateral 1/2, bead coarsely eroded with rugose punctures, heavily

provided with reddish-brown setae of variable lengths. Disk translucent, very
finely, evenly punctate, vestiture composed of very fine, short, recumbent pale
setae (403), and irregularly scattered, long, reddish-brown setae. Venter. Densely
pubescent with long, golden reddish-brown setae, obscuring ventral integument. 4
abdomeres variably exposed, slightly convex, each with a fine posterior marginal
bead, surface finely to rugosely punctate. Legs. Procoxae large, prominent,
conical; meso-, metacoxae contiguous, prominent; anterior surfaces of pro-,
meso-, and metafemora glabrous, finely punctate. Dorsal surfaces finely to
rugosely punctate, with elongate elliptical vestiture of fine, short, pale to reddish-
brown setae. Protibiae with a short, blunt, linear apical spur, heavily
quadridentate on outer margin, proximal tooth greatly obtuse, anterior 2nd
through 4th subequally separated; surface deeply, rugosely punctate, submarginal
edge with long, coarse reddish-brown setae following contour of dentition; length
of proximal edge with row of short, pale spiculae; meso-, metatibiae strongly
ridged on outer margin; finely to coarsely, contiguously punctate, longitudinally
with a row of long reddish-brown setae; meso-, metatibiae with 2 stout, short,
asymmetric linear apical spurs; all tarsomeres simple, subcylindrical, elongate;
tarsomeres 1 through 4 subequal in length, tarsomere 5 subequal in length to
preceding 3 combined; irregularly provided with short recumbent to long reddish-
brown setae; unguifer plate extending slightly beyond articulation of tarsomere 5;
tarsal claws elongate, symmetrical, strongly uncinate. Genitalia. Number
examined. 5. Typical of genus; symmetrical, simple, internal sac reduced, feebly
setose; of no apparent intraspecific diagnostic value.
Allotype. Female (Fig. 2). Length. 33.5 mm. Greatest width. 20.5 mm.
(16.5 mm. at elytral humeri). Form. Large, robust, ovoid, heavy bodied, strongly
convex. Color. Dorsal integument uniformly shining, appearing bicolorous; head,
pronotum rich reddish-brown; elytra, pronotal marginal bead, dorsal surface of
ocular canthi, scutellum, antennae and other appendages of head, remainder of
legs and venter, dark reddish brown, appearing piceous to unaided eye; eyes,
reflexed margin of vertical horn, margins of protibial dentition, black; tibia dark
reddish-brown to black; exposed abdomeres yellowish-brown; pubescence bright
golden reddish-brown. Head. Moderately convex, wide, entirely, densely, coarsely
to rugosely punctate, obscuring clypeo-frontal suture; variably with long, golden
reddish-brown setae. Ocular canthi broadly obtuse to subquadrate at apex,
shining, glabrous, with an oblique shallow carina. Vertical horn short, transverse,
disc weakly tumid, anterior margin strongly reflexed, medially deeply emarginate,
outer edge coarsely eroded; frontal surface irregularly, coarsely punctate, heavily
provided with short golden reddish-brown setae. Vertex with feeble, transverse,
subtriangular, coarse to rugosely punctate protuberance (head horn); 2 shallow,
glabrous symmetrical swellings immediately behind head horn; occipital band
glabrous, shining. Antennae with 11 antennomeres; scape elongate, with erect
setae; antennomere 3 elongate, subarcuate, tapering posteriorly; antennomere 4
transverse; antennomeres 5 through 11 with stout, sinuate lamellae forming club;
each lamella finely punctate, variably with short pale spiculae at apical tip.
Mentum weakly transverse, moderately punctate, variably with reddish-brown
setae. Mouthparts fused, reduced; maxillary palpi 4-segmented, palpomere 2 long,
cylindrical, greater in length than palpomeres 3 and 4 combined, heavily setose,
apically with golden reddish-brown bristle-like setae; labial palpi 4-segmented,
each palpomere cylindrical, subequal in length, variably setose with short golden
reddish-brown bristle-like setae. Pronotum. Broad, transverse, strongly convex,

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approximately 2.53 wider than length at midline, widest anterolaterally; anterior

angles rounded; basal angles widely, obtusely rounded, extending over elytral
humeri; anteriorly emarginate; marginal bead incomplete, absent anteriorly,
feebly crenulate mediolaterally; disk glabrous, finely to rugosely punctate, heavily
rugose laterad; explanate mediolaterally; margins entirely, heavily fimbriate with
golden reddish-brown pubescence of variable length; surface of propleura finely
punctate, densely clothed with a mixture of short, fine golden and long reddish-
brown setae. Scutellum. Strongly transverse, subtriangular, feebly concave,
posterior margin broadly rounded, very finely punctate, with few scattered short,
recumbent, golden reddish-brown setae. Elytra. Elongate, anterolateral margins
weekly divergent, strongly arcuate posterolaterally; longitudinally approximately
2.253 greater than wide. Marginal bead present at lateral 2/3, eroded to
crenulate; heavily fimbriate throughout with long, erect reddish-brown setae.
Humeral angles sharply rounded; posterior angles very broadly, obtusely
rounded. Distinct linear pattern of discal striae and costae that are well defined
and shallowly to moderately impressed by coarse, contiguous punctation and fine
to moderate, scattered punctures; both extending longitudinal distance of elytra;
intervals deeply, rugose with coarse contiguous punctures; sutural costae feebly
raised, smooth, glabrous, very finely to rugosely, sparsely punctate. Humeri
glabrous, smooth, abruptly obvolvent. Metathoracic wings. Brachypterous, non-
functional. Pygidium. Transverse, subtriangular; partially obscured from above
by elytral apices; margin obtusely rounded at distal apex, bead coarsely eroded
with rugose punctures, heavily provided with reddish-brown setae of variable
lengths; disk finely, evenly, rugosely punctate, provided with irregularly scattered,
short golden setae. Venter. Densely pubescent with variably short to long, bright
golden reddish-brown setae; visible areas of pterothoracic integument finely
coriaceous; 4 abdomeres variably exposed, each slightly convex with a fine
posterior marginal bead; surface of each finely coriaceous. Legs. Procoxae large,
prominent, conical; meso-, metacoxae contiguous, prominent; anterior surfaces of
pro-, meso-, and metafemora rugosely to finely punctate; dorsal surfaces rugosely
to finely punctate, with irregular vestiture of fine, short, pale to reddish-brown
setae. Protibiae large, heavily quinquedentate on outer margin, proximal 1st and
2nd tooth short, contiguous, greatly obtuse; anterior 3rd through 5th subequally
separated; anterior surface deeply, rugosely punctate, submarginal edge with
long, coarse reddish-brown setae following contour of dentition; length of
proximal edge with row of short, pale spiculae. Mesotibiae with 2 linear, short,
blunt asymmetric apical spurs, inner spur subequal in length to 23 outer spur;
outer margin with a produced, thin, sinuate flange, extending obliquely outward;
meso-, metatibiae finely to coarsely, contiguously punctate, longitudinally with
a row of long reddish-brown setae and coarse, short yellowish spiculae. All
tarsomeres simple, globose; tarsomeres 1 through 4 subequal in length, tarsomere
5 elongate, globose at apex, subequal in length to preceding 3 tarsomeres
combined; variably with short recumbent to long reddish-brown setae; tarsal
claws short, symmetrical, weakly uncinate. Genitalia. Not examined.
Diagnosis. Adults may be recognized by the following combination of
morphological characters:
Males. Size moderate (length 22.5–29.0 mm); robust oval; dorsal integument
uniformly shining concolorous black, scutellum, appendages and venter reddish-
brown, pubescence bright golden reddish-brown. Ocular canthi obtusely rounded
at apex. Vertical horn bifurcated and deeply emarginate, apex divergent, reflexed
posteriorly, narrowing toward base. Antennomere 3 elongate, arcuate, angulate

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anteriorly at apex; antennomere 4 angulate anteriorly as a lamellate projection 1/4

to 2/3 length of antennomere 5; antennomeres 5 through 11 forming club,
lamellae elongate and subequal in length. Pronotum glabrous, convex, broadly
transverse, approximately 2.53 wider than long at midline, widest at broadly
rounded anterolateral angles with basal angles obtuse and narrowing, disk finely,
evenly punctate, medially with a prominent transverse carina; anteromedial
impression lacking, posteromedial impression moderately to deeply depressed and
spatulate in shape. Elytra with discal striae distinctly incised and complete
through linear length, rugosely contiguous to finely, moderately punctate;
intervals deeply rugose with coarse, contiguous punctures; costae smooth.
Protibiae moderately robust; tarsomeres elongate.
Females. Size large (length 30.0–35.5 mm); broadly robust; elytral integument
uniformly shining dark reddish-brown to piceous, pronotum reddish-brown;
appendages and venter chestnut brown, pubescence bright golden reddish-brown.
Ocular canthi broadly obtuse at apex; vertical horn short, reflexed, transverse,
deeply emarginate at apex. Antennae with antennomere 3 elongate, subarcuate;
antennomere 4 transverse, angulate anteriorly; antennomere 5 through 11 with
stout lamellae forming club. Pronotum broad, transverse, evenly convex, widest
anterolaterally, basal angles obtuse; discal surface glabrous, coarsely punctate
with rugose areas. Scutellum glabrous, coarsely punctate. Elytra glabrous,
coarsely punctate with heavy rugose areas, discal striae and costae distinct,
moderately incised and complete through linear length.
Intrapopulational variation. Primary intrapopulational character variation
includes dorsal color, antennal profile of antennomeres three and four, relative
lamellar configuration, pronotal shape and punctation, and elytral sculpture.
Variation of these characters apparently combine at random without any notable
phenotypic, populational, or geographic correlation.
Males (234). Intermediate examples in elytral coloration are perceptible in
a small percentage of males from the more extensively sampled populations,
particularly in western Shasta County, as well as variance in the posteromedial
pronotal disk being faintly infused with cupreous red to reddish-brown primarily
when viewed under magnification (.253). These specimens are well within the
diagnostic range and acceptable intrapopulational variation of P. hovorei. Dorsal
coloration in Pleocoma is often subject to transitional phenotypic variance and
rarely, if ever, may be employed exclusively as species-diagnostic. This subtle
colorational gradient may indicate a fundamental response to a divergent
selective environmental regime exerted by the habitat (Baum and Larson 1991)
perhaps resulting from discrete elevational, edaphic or host diversity.
Notable antennal variation is exhibited in the profile of antennomere three
which is typically uniformly elongate, subcylindrical, and arcuate with the distal
anterior apex strongly angulate. Variation being expressed in the degree of
anterior angulation which is prominent and obtuse to feebly indicated.
Antennomere four is angulate anteriorly being produced as a distinct lamellate
projection which varies from 1/4 to 2/3, rarely 1/8 or 3/4, the length of
antennomere five. Antennomeres five through eleven, forming the lamellate club,
are uniformly elongate and subequal in length with variation being expressed in
the outward curvature at the distal 1/3. In some specimens, being subparallel and
devoid of significant curvature with an isolated example exhibiting subsinuous
lamellae.
Pronotal variation is expressed in the medial transverse ridge which is
typically displayed as a raised, abrupt carina or variably reduced to a gibbous

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swelling; the posteromedial impression sometimes deeply excavated or very

shallowly depressed; the longitudinal glabrous midline may be lacking, being
obscured by fine to moderate punctation; and the explanate discal surface at
the anterolateral angles may be heavily punctate to rugosely, contiguously
punctate.
Elytral sculpture is remarkably uniform within material examined. An isolated
example exhibits a longitudinally broken or discontinuous 3rd or 4th interval of
one elytron; the outer 4th striae sometimes evanescent or feebly indicated; the
marginal bead rarely subcrenulate posteriorly.
Females (10). Interpopulational variation is remarkably stable in the few
specimens available for analysis. Most notable variation is expressed in elytral
coloration which varies from rich reddish-brown to dark reddish brown,
appearing piceous to the unaided eye. Apices of the protibial dentition may
appear blunt or worn. This condition is likely attributable to fossorial behavior.
Taxonomy. Based upon congruent synapotypic structural similarities, suggest-
ing a common progenitor, P. hovorei is considered the sister species of P. staff
(Figs. 3–4), at present, the only other member of the P. staff species group.
Linsley (1946) provided a provisional key to the species of Pleocoma, and to
date it remains the only published key. It may be used to distinguish several
common species. Males of P. hovorei will key to couplet 17 where the following
modification will serve to distinguish species:

17. Pronotum with transverse ridge feebly to moderately developed; elytral

intervals distinct; confluently punctate or subrugose; striae moderate;
northern Oregon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
17(1). Pronotum with transverse ridge prominent and distinct; elytral intervals
finely, sparsely punctate; striae moderately impressed; dorsal coloration
bicolorous (pronotum piceous, elytra chestnut to reddish-brown);
California: northern Sierra Nevada Mountains (Butte, Nevada, and
Yuba Counties) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. staff Schaufuss
17(2). Pronotum with transverse ridge moderately to prominently developed;
elytral intervals deeply rugose with coarse contiguous punctures; striae
deeply impressed; dorsal coloration concolorous (pronotum and elytra
black); California: northern San Joaquin Valley to southern Cascade
Range (Shasta and Tehama Counties) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. hovorei La Rue, new species

Ecology. Pleocoma species are apparently able to exploit a variety of soil

conditions, slopes, exposures, and plant communities. Based upon field
observations, specific host plant association is not a predominate ecological
factor with distribution closely oriented to soil conditions. While primarily
radicicolous, larvae will consume any organic matter within the soil to the extent
of consuming the soil itself under conditions of environmental stress and
starvation (F.T. Hovore, 2004, pers. comm.). Consequently, P. hovorei has been
encountered in a diversity of ecological associations.
The type locality, Black Butte Road, is situated upon a south-facing slope of
hard-packed, rocky red clay soil supporting an open yellow pine (Pinus sp.) forest
with an understory of mixed manzanita scrub (Arctostaphylos sp.) adjacent to
a small residential area. Males were taken at black light traps and lights of private
dwellings, with larvae and a paratype female being dug from the soil beneath
Arctostaphylos manzanita Parry.

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The various Redding sites are located within residential or commercial areas
surrounded by remnants of oak (Quercus sp.) and pine woodland and introduced
ornamental vegetation.
Shasta City and Summit City localities are within or adjacent to residential
communities in pine, oak, and manzanita scrub growing in heavy, red, clay soils
intermixed with pale sandstone. Specimens were taken at lights of private
dwellings and community businesses.
The Palo Cedro site is in an area of valley oak and gray pine with an understory
of riparian and upland scrub growing on heavy, clay silts adjacent to a seasonal
creek. Male specimens were taken primarily within open fields beneath a scattered
oak-pine canopy, while females were encountered within a residential backyard
lawn area far removed from the oak-pine influence.
A male collected at Dersch Road was in undisturbed scrub oak with an
understory of mixed chaparral growing in light, loamy soil interspersed with areas
of reddish clay adjacent a residential area.
Lyman Springs and Lyonsville areas are a mix of incense cedar (Libocedrus sp.)
and black oak forest with an understory of buckbrush (Ceonothus sp.) in open
and disturbed areas growing on rocky, red, clay soil oriented on a north-facing
slope. South-facing slopes support an oak, incense cedar, and yellow pine
woodland with an understory of manzanita thickets or open rabbit brush
(Chrysothamnus sp.) growing on a dark, rocky, clayish loam. A female was found
within an area of incense cedar, while males were taken in open pine and oaks.
The small hamlet of Ponderosa Sky Ranch is a continuation of the Lyonsville
woodland community with similar soils. Males were taken at lights of private
dwellings and community businesses.
Adult Behavior. Males of P. hovorei fly most numerously at daybreak in light to
heavy rainfall with continued activity over subsequent mornings and dusk with or
without precipitation. Females were excavated at depths of 30–60 cm, often with
one to three males still within the plugged burrow above. The allotype female was
encountered on the soil surface with antennae extended in an exposed lawn area
in late morning following a night of precipitation.
Because of topography and elevation, the upper San Joaquin Valley receives
less precipitation in contrast to the higher environments of the southern Cascade
Range. Consequently, adult activity generally starts over a month earlier in the
Lyonsville area as compared to the type locality at Black Butte Road and Palo
Cedro localities. The atypically late appearance of the few specimens in February
may be attributable to winters with a prevailing El Niño climatic regime indicated
by aberrant precipitation patterns and delay of suitable conditions that are part of
an assemblage of stimuli influencing adult emergence and activity. These late
appearances are indicative of phenotypic plasticity (Schlichting and Smith
2002:190).
Remarks. Pleocoma hovorei is the species reported by Linsley (1945:113–114)
from near Lyonsville, Tehama County, and Hovore (1977:231, 1981:2) from
Redding, Shasta County.
Etymology. It is a privilege to name this new species in honor of the late Frank
T. Hovore, eminent coleopterist and foremost authority of the genus Pleocoma,
and for the many years of friendship and encouragement he gave me.

Acknowledgments
The generous contributions and assistance of several individuals have greatly
enhanced this paper. The author extends his gratitude to L.R. Bronson (Summit

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City, CA), M.K. Fowler (Redding, CA), and C.R. Smith (Anderson, CA) and
their families for hospitality, lodging, specimens, field assistance and data. The
late F.T. Hovore for discussions on Pleocoma taxonomy and bionomics, early
manuscript comments and unpubl. data cited herein. G.E. Ball (Edmonton,
Alberta, Canada), and B.D. Streit (Tucson, AZ), provided pertinent literature
resources. W.B. Warner (Chandler, AZ) for photographic expertise; S. McCleve
(Douglas, AZ), B.C. Ratcliffe (Lincoln, NE), and W.B. Warner (Chandler, AZ)
kindly reviewed the manuscript and offered constructive editorial suggestions
toward its improvement.

Literature Cited
Baum, D. A., and A. Larson. 1991. Adaptation reviewed: a phylogenetic methodology for
studying character macroevolution. Systematic Zoology 40:1–18.
Hovore, F. T. 1977. New synonymy and status changes in the genus Pleocoma LeConte.
Coleopterists’ Bulletin 31(3):229–238.
Hovore, F. T. 1981. Notes on Pleocoma LeConte. Part II. Scarabaeus: A newsletter for those
interested in Scarabaeidae (A. R. Hardy, D. C. Carlson, and W. D. Edmonds,
editors). November 1981. Issue #5. 6 pp.
Linsley, E. G. 1945. Further notes on some species of Pleocoma. Pan-Pacific Entomologist
21(3):110–114.
Linsley, E. G. 1946. A preliminary key to the species of Pleocoma. Pan-Pacific Entomologist
22:61–65.
Schlichting, C. D., and Smith, H. 2002. Phenotypic plasticity: linking molecular mechanisms
with evolutionary outcomes. Evolutionary Ecology 16:189–211.
(Received 6 March 2007; accepted 16 April 2007. Publication date xx July 2007.)

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