Dinacoma sanfelipe

Gillett, Osborne, Reil & Rubinoff, 2020

Dinacoma sanfelipe is a melolonthine to southern California, described in 2020 as the first new in the in 90 years. The genus Dinacoma is restricted to California and contains cryptic species that are difficult to distinguish. One (D. caseyi) is federally listed under the U.S. , and all known species in the genus may be of concern.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dinacoma sanfelipe: //ˌdaɪnəˈkoʊmə sæn fəˈlipeɪ//

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Identification

males can be distinguished from other Dinacoma using the provided in the original description. The species was described based on examination of 141 specimens across the , with diagnostic characters detailed in accompanying photographs.

Distribution

Southern California, USA.

Human Relevance

Member of a of potential concern; one is federally endangered, suggesting similar may warrant protection.

Similar Taxa

  • Dinacoma caseyiCongeneric in the same California ; D. caseyi is federally listed under the U.S. and is morphologically similar, requiring diagnostic for separation.
  • Other Dinacoma speciesAll in this are cryptic and difficult to distinguish without detailed examination and identification .

More Details

Conservation status

Not formally listed, but described in context of concern for the entire Dinacoma.

Taxonomic significance

First new described in the Dinacoma in 90 years, highlighting ongoing discovery of cryptic diversity in this group.

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Sources and further reading