A TAXONOMIC REVISION OF THE GENUS CORDYLOSPASTA (COLEOPTERA: MELOIDAE) WITH AN ANALYSIS OF GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION IN C. OPACA

Abstract

Distributional and anatomical characteristics of the species of the western North American genus Cordylospasta are analyzed. The current concept of this genus is a considerable modification from that of earlier classifications.Of the two species belonging to Cordylospasta, C. fulleri Horn is unique among North American blister beetles in having antennae with 8 to 10 antennal segments. This species is strictly allopatric to the second species, C. opaca (Horn), in which the antennae are 11-segmented.Step-clinal geographic variation in seven anatomical characters is recorded for C. opaca. On this basis six biological races are recognized as occurring in central and southern California. These are considered the equivalent of subspecies. An informal approach to the recognition of these infraspecific taxa is followed since, due to limited material, interracial reproductive relationships cannot be inferred confidently at the present time.