Laccomimus pumilio
(LeConte, 1878)
Laccomimus pumilio is a small diving (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) and the type of the Laccomimus, described in 2015. It was previously misidentified as a member of the genus Laccodytes. The species is notable as the only member of its genus to occur in the Nearctic region, reaching Florida, USA, while the remaining eleven species are restricted to the Neotropics. Identification requires examination of male genitalia due to the genus's morphological uniformity.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Laccomimus pumilio: //lækˈkoʊ.mɪ.məs puˈmɪ.li.oʊ//
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Identification
Laccomimus pumilio can be distinguished from other Laccomimus only through examination of male genitalia; the is morphologically uniform in body shape, size, and coloration. The genus Laccomimus differs from the superficially similar Laccodytes by characters of the female genital structures and the shape of the prosternal process. It is distinguished from Laccosternus by geographic distribution (Neotropical/Nearctic vs. Oriental).
Images
Distribution
Florida, USA; also occurs in Middle America. It is the only in the Laccomimus to reach the Nearctic region.
Similar Taxa
- LaccodytesFormerly misidentified as Laccodytes; distinguished by female genital structure characters and prosternal process shape.
- LaccosternusSister sharing similar body size and shape; distinguished by geographic distribution (Oriental region vs. Neotropical/Nearctic).
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described by LeConte in 1878, this was transferred to the new Laccomimus as Laccomimus pumilio (LeConte, 1878) comb. n. in 2015. It is the type species of Laccomimus.
Genus diversity
Laccomimus contains twelve total; eleven are newly described species restricted to the Neotropics, with L. pumilio being the only previously described species and the only one occurring north of tropical America.