The Rhipiphoridae of California (Coleptera)

Ripiphorus rex omitted

Readers should be warned that Ripiphorus rex does not appear in this article. Evans and Hogue (1), perhaps due to more recent records, state that it is found in CA. R. rex is very similar to R. vierecki. I found that the male of the former keys to the latter after a clerical error is fixed (step 2 should lead to 5 or 3, not 4 or 3). To distinguish the two, Evans and Hogue state R. rex "is unique among the species of Ripiphorus in having a serrated outer edge of the middle tibiae". I have posted an image of its right middle leg, profiling these serrations.

… Edward L. Ruden, 10 May, 2012 - 8:28am

Revision of the Rhipiphoridae of North and Central America

The subject paper(1), which I've just added to Books, has a more complete key and descriptions which separate R. rex and R. vierecki based on other features, should tibia serrations, or lack thereof, not be resolvable.

… Edward L. Ruden, 12 May, 2012 - 10:16am

thank you very much for the important note, Ed!

i'll add notes to the relevant guide pages

… v belov, 10 May, 2012 - 10:59am