Research Article Journal of Orthoptera Research 2020, 29(1): 101-114 Studies on neotropical Phasmatodea XXII: Two new species of Taraxippus (Phasmatodea: Cladomorphinae: Hesperophasmatini) and the first record of the genus from Central America Oskar V. Con _e!, FRANK H. HENNEMANN2, PABLO VALERO? 1 Am Freischiitz 16, 47058, Duisburg, Germany. 2 Tannenwaldallee 53, 61348, Bad Homburg, Germany. 3 Aachrain 1, 87534, Oberstaufen, Germany. Corresponding author: Oskar V. Conle (conle@phasmatodea.com) Academic editor: Matan Shelomi | Received 20 February 2020 | Accepted 6 March 2020 | Published 29 May 2020 http://zoobank.org/BB2E7A21-C67E-444D-941A-E77CBBABAF71 Citation: Conle OV, Hennemann FH, Valero P (2020) Studies on neotropical Phasmatodea XXII: Two new species of Taraxippus (Phasmatodea: Clado- morphinae: Hesperophasmatini) and the first record of the genus from Central America. Journal of Orthoptera Research 29(1): 101-114. https://doi. org/10.3897/jor.29.51328 Abstract Two new species of Taraxippus Moxey, 1971 are described and illustrated: T: samarae sp. nov. from Costa Rica and Panama and T. perezgelaberti sp. nov. from the Dominican Republic. Both sexes and the previously unknown eggs are described. The genus is recorded from Central America for the first time. A distribution map and a discussion of the distributional pattern of Taraxippus are provided. Keywords Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Hispaniola, morphology, Panama, phas- mids, stick insects, taxonomy Introduction Phasmatodea is one of the few insect orders that still lack a ro- bust higher-level phylogeny. The relationships between many New World taxa in particular are still speculative. Numerous genera are only known from a few specimens and sometimes only from one sex. One of these seldom encountered genera is Taraxippus Moxey, 1971, a member of the predominantly Caribbean tribe Hespero- phasmatini (subfamily Cladomorphinae). The intergeneric rela- tionships and the definitions of some of the genera of this particu- lar tribe are still insufficient, and further work is needed to clarify relationships within Hesperophasmatini. This is the 22"4 part of an on-going study of New World Phas- matodea and describes two new species of the very distinctive and stunning genus Taraxippus Moxey, 1971. Until now, this genus was known only from the type species, Taraxippus paliurus Moxey, 1971, which was only known from a unique female specimen from Hai- ti. A male described by Pérez-Gelabert (1999) from the Domini- can Republic was proven to represent an unknown species that is here described as a new species. A further new species is described from Costa Rica and Panama and is the first record of this peculiar genus from outside the Caribbean. The eggs of Taraxippus are de- scribed and illustrated for the first time. A survey of Hispaniolan orthopteroid insects was carried out by the Hispaniolan Orthopteroids Project from 2002 through 2004 in the Dominican Republic. Besides many interesting Orthoptera, a large number of Phasmatodea were collected that significantly increase the number of Phasmatodea species known from His- paniola. Almost all regions and habitats of the island still harbor many undescribed taxa. In several previous papers, the authors have dealt with the material collected by the Hispaniolan Orthop- teroids Project and described four new genera and 17 new species (Conle et al. 2006, 2008, 2014, Hennemann et al. 2016, in press). Material and methods The material for this study is exclusively dried and pinned. In- sects and eggs were examined using an entomological lens with 4x magnification and a stereoscope (Zeiss Stemi SV 6). Eggs were examined at 10x magnification. Measurements were taken using a long ruler or a digital caliper and are given to 0.1 mm. Aver- age measurements are given. Eggs were examined fully developed after they were laid. The terminology used for the descriptions of external and internal egg structures follows that of Sellick (1997). Photos were taken using either a Nikon D7100 camera with a AF-S Nikkor 60 mm f/2.8 G ED lens, or, for the eggs, a Sony A7RIII with a Tamron 90 mm f/2.8 DI VC USD MACRO and Raynox DCR- 250. Lighting was produced with a Nikon SU-800 dual speed light system and background lighting provided by a 18W 6000K LED panel light plate. Depositories of specimens and type status are abbreviated as follows: INBIO_ Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad, Costa Rica. USNM United States National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA. ZSMC_ Zoologische Staatssammlung Miinchen, Germany. FH Personal collection of Frank H. Hennemann, Bad Hom- burg, Germany. OC Personal collection of Oskar V. Conle, Duisburg, Germany. HT, PT holotype, paratype. JOURNAL OF ORTHOPTERA RESEARCH 2020, 29(1) 102 Results Phasmatidae: Cladomorphinae: Hesperophasmatini Taraxippus Moxey, 1971 Figs 1-8 Type-species. —Taraxippus paliurus Moxey, 1971: 67, by original des- ignation. Comments.—The genus compromises three species including the two new species described here. It is so far recorded from Hispanio- la Island (Haiti and Dominican Republic), Costa Rica, and Panama. Diagnosis of genus. —Medium to small member of the tribe Hespero- phasmatini (body length 99 including subgenital plate 39.8-71.1 mm, 66 38.2-54.2 mm), body prominently spinose and mesono- tum with a prominent hump-like median swelling (more pro- nounced in females). Females apterous, males either winged or ap- terous. Body in both sexes all over armed with distinct spines, bulges, and/or irregular foliaceous lobes. Head with vertex strongly conically raised and armed with spines, higher than long; no ocelli. Antennae filiform; longer than head, pro-, and mesothorax combined. Anten- nomeres considerably longer than wide and gradually shortening in apical portion, more or less club-like in females. Scapus with spines on outer lateral margin. Mesothorax >2.5x longer than prothorax, strongly widened and deflexed medially; mesonotum prominently swollen and hump-like in central portion (females in particular). Metapleurae with a distinct multispinose supracoxal projection. Tegmina in males ovoid and with a fairly pointed central projec- tion. Anal region of alae translucent greyish. Abdomen excluding median segment slightly longer than head and thorax combined. In females, segment VII longest segment, II quadrate, and II-VII wider than long; abdomen swollen and broadened medially. In males, all segments longer than wide and roughly uniform in width. Abdomi- nal tergum VII in both sexes strongly deflexed laterally; II-VI and VIII occasionally with lateral lobes. Praeopercular organ on abdomi- nal sternum VII of females distinct and positioned a considerable distance anterior to posterior margin. Epiproct of females scale-like and noticeably projecting over posterior margin of anal segment. Subgenital plate shovel-like and projecting notably beyond apex of abdomen; the apical portion more or less decidedly narrowed. Anal segment of males slightly convex and notched medially; the outer posterior angles set with a variable number of minute teeth ventrally. Vomer well developed, principally triangular in shape and with a single fairly acute terminal hook. Poculum (= subgenital plate) cup-shaped, strongly convex, and conical in center, and the posterior margin more or less labiate. Cerci laterally compressed in females, lancet-like, circular in cross-section in males, with tipped apex, projecting over the anal segment. All legs slender and bearing spines and/or variably sized and shaped foliaceous lobes; all femora shorter (females) or longer (males) than pro- and mesothorax com- bined. Profemora almost straight and just slightly compressed ba- sally. Femora with medioventral carina almost obsolete and armed with a variable number of medium-sized spines. Tarsi elongated with basitarsus longer than following two tarsomeres combined. Eggs: Capsule flattened laterally; the anterior, posterior, and lat- eral margins set with rows of long fringes. Lateral surfaces more or less flattened and rugulose. Micropylar plates less than half as long as capsule, spear-shaped, and roughly placed in center of dorsal capsule surface. Operculum oval, flat; outer margin with long setae or fringes. Differentiation: This very distinctive genus is well differenti- ated from other members of the tribe Hesperophasmatini by the O.V. CONLE, FH. HENNEMANN AND P. VALERO extremely prominent body armature and almost straight profemo- ra. Females further differ from all other known genera of the tribe by the strongly swollen and hump-like median portion of the me- sonotum and males by having a very large pair of antler-like, me- dian projections on the mesonotum. The eggs are very distinctive, being laterally flattened and somewhat angular and having the an- terior, posterior, and lateral margins set with rows of long fringes. Comments: This previously monotypic genus currently compro- mises three species including the two new species described herein. It is so far recorded from the Caribbean island of Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic) as well as Central America (Costa Rica and Panama). The disjunct distribution of Taraxippus is remarkable and may be subject to speculation on the mechanisms and reasons that led to the distributional pattern now seen. Very few phasmid genera are known to have representatives in both the Caribbean and in Central America; e.g., Pterinoxylus Serville, 1838 (Hennemann et al. 2016). But while Pterinoxylus is found throughout various alti- tudinal ranges including coastal lowland forests, Taraxippus seems to be confined to mountainous habitats. This would suggest a rel- ict distribution for Taraxippus, meaning that the genus or its direct ancestors might once have had a considerably larger range but has subsequently become locally extinct in most areas. Distribution.—Hispaniola, Costa Rica, and Panama. Species included.— Taraxippus paliurus Moxey, 1971: 70, figs 2, 5. [Hispaniola: Haiti] Taraxippus perezgelaberti sp. nov. [Hispaniola: Dominican Republic] Taraxippus samarae sp. nov. [Costa Rica and Panama] Keys to species of Taraxippus Moxey, 1971 okoul 1 RCT OUS Hat ATS ANT Olena cl sot casas an chat cbt T. perezgelaberti sp. nov. - Winged. Costa Rica and Panama............ccceeeeeees T. samarae sp. nov. e9 1 Armature of head and mesonotum formed by acutely pointed spines or multispinose processes. Lateral lobes of abdominal tergum VII larger than all preceding. Sternum VII armed with at least six distinct Spines. Hispainiolacte tice. 8ecie erecta hod eede eee Mech airenaceate th: 2 - Armature of head and mesonotum with blunt apices. Lateral lobes of abdominal tergites V and VI largest. Sternum VII unarmed. Costa RCA ATG PAT SAA ds ap diatodal hades dives daa Rt tates T. samarae sp. nov. 2 Small (body length <52 mm). Mesonotum medially armed with a transverse row of four very large, laterad directed, multispinose, alter la epTOCESSES.. . .isieit stirs tri MagtoWelieucnet4 T. perezgelaberti sp. nov. - Larger (body length 57 mm). Mesonotum very prominently raised and swollen medially and armed with several simple spines ........ T. paliurus Eggs’ * 1 Capsule roughly rectangular in cross-section with lateral surfaces flat- tened and distinctly rugulose; dull. Marginal fringes setae-like, long and slender, usually branched and free at apex. Micropylar plate surrounded by a row of fringes. Costa Rica and Panama............... T. samarae sp. nov. - Capsule trapezoidal in cross-section with lateral surfaces gently convex and weakly coriaceous; glossy. Marginal fringes irregularly branched and net-like. Micropylar plate not surrounded by fringes. Hispaniolats: «us -ciuaser.urtaaser vasties-.coplunsserivds T. perezgelaberti sp. nov. * Males of Taraxippus paliurus are unknown. ** Egos of Taraxippus paliurus are unknown. JOURNAL OF ORTHOPTERA RESEARCH 2020, 29(1) O.V. CONLE, EH. HENNEMANN AND P. VALERO Taraxippus perezgelaberti sp. nov. http://zoobank.org/A2D89729-BEC4-42F9-BB2F-58256292C70C Figs 1-3b, e, h, 4d-f Taraxippus paliurus Pérez-Gelabert, 1999: 23, figs 1, 2. Differentiation.—Females can easily be distinguished from the two other species in the genus by the armature of the mesonotum and the more elongate subgenital plate (ratio length/max. width >3; Fig. 3). Males are readily differentiated from those of T. samarae sp. nov. by the lack of wings (Fig. 1). Eggs differ from those of T. samarae sp. nov. by their triangular cross-section, gently concave lateral margins, glossy surface, and strongly branched, net-like marginal fringes (Fig. 4). Type material and specimens examined.— HT, 6: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-043, on Trail Arroyazo to La Sal, Reserva Cientifica Ebano Verde (RCEV), La Vega Prov., on path between 19°02.374'N, 70°32.684'W, 1249 m and 19°02.021'N, 70°32.584'W, 1102 m, 10.vii.2002, D. E. Pérez- Gelabert (DEPG), B. Hierro (BH), R. Bastardo (RB) [USNM]. PT, 2: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, Parque Nacional Armando Bermtidez (PNAB), Los Tablones, La Vega Prov., 1250 m, 4.ix.1997, DEPG, K. Grasela (KG) [USNM]. PT, 9: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, La Sal, RCEV, La Vega Prov., 21.v.1992, S. Navarro [USNM]. PT, nymph 2: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, PNAB, Arroyo Gurabo, Santiago Prov., 13.ii1.1999, A. del Monte [USNM]. PT, @: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, PNAB, Los Tablones, La Vega Prov., 1250 m, 4.1x.1997, DEPG, KG [USNM]. PT, 2: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, PNAB, in bamboo forest approx. 400 m from park entrance, La Vega Prov., 9.i.1986, S. Larcher, DEPG [USNM]. PT, 6: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, PNAB, Jamamucito, dentro de yagua, Santiago Prov., 10.iv.1999, night, RB [USNM]. PT, 43, nymph 4, nymph 2: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-043, on Trail Arroyazo to La Sal, RCEV, La Vega Prov., on path be- tween 19°02.374'N, 70°32.684'W, 1249 m and 19°02.021'N, 70°32.584'W, 1102 m, 10.vii.2002, DEPG, BH, RB [USNM]. PT, 3 6d: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-042, Arroyazo, RCEV, La Vega Prov., 19°01.945'N, 70°32.593'W, 1066 m, 9-10. vii.2002, DEPG, BH, RB [USNM]. PT, 5 3, 3 29, nymph 9: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-044, La Sal, RCEV, La Vega Prov., 19°04.101'N, 70°34.089'W, 1043 m, 11-12.vii.2002, DEPG, BG, RB [USNM]. PT, 2 ¢¢: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-128, PNAB, around ca- seta La Sierrecita, Santiago Prov., 19°14.889'N, 71°04.735'W, 752 m, 9.iv.2003, DEPG, BH, RB [USNM]. PT, 3, 9: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-149, Loma La Golon- drina, RCEV, La Vega Prov., 19°03.498'N, 70°32.670'W, 11.vii.2003, day and night, DEPG, RB, BH, ex coll USNM [OC, No. 0535-2, 3]. PT, 2 99: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-043, on Trail Arroyazo to La Sal, RCEV, La Vega Prov., on path between 19°02.374'N, 70°32.684'W, 1249 m and 19°02.021'N, 70°32.584'W, 1102 m, 10.vii.2002, DEPG, BH, RB [USNM]. PT, 3 22: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-128, PNAB, around ca- seta La Sierrecita, Santiago Prov., 19°14.889'N, 71°04.735'W, 752 m, 9.iv.2003, DEPG, RB, BH [USNM]. PT, 9: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-218, 1 km ESE Cortico, Barahona Prov., 18°06.520'N, 71°12.898'W, 1347 m, 9-10. iv.2004, day and night, DEPG, BH, RB [USNM]. 103 PT, 2 Gd: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-157, PNAB, Los Tablones, La Vega Prov., 19°03.308'N, 70°53.049'W, 1270 m, 23.vii.2003, night, DEPG, RB, BH [USNM]. PT, 2: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-148, ~100 m up from EI Sitio del Agua, cloud forest, N Los Bolos, Sierra de Neiba, Indepen- dencia Prov., 18°39.339'N, 71°39.279'W, 1520 m, 9.vii.2003, day and night, DEPG, RB, BH [USNM]. PT, 4 64: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-023, Loma Casabito, RCEV, La Vega Prov., 340-522 m E 2106-146 m N, 1390 m, 31.1.2002, RB, BH, DEPG [USNM]. PT, 6 33,2 29, 3 nymph 39: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-022, La Sal, RCEV, La Vega Prov., 19°04.42'N, 70°34.18'W, 1010 m, 28-30.i.2002, RB, BH, DEPG [USNM]. PT, nymph 3: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-021, Arroyazo, RCEV, La Vega Prov., 19°02.27'N, 70 32.64'W, 990 m, 26-27.1.2002, RB, BH, DEPG [USNM]. PT, 3, 2: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-025, Km 10 on Rd to Los Anones, S Ocoa, San José de Ocoa Prov., 347-605 m E 2052- 511 mN, 1070 m, 1-2.ii.2002, RB, BH, DEPG [USNM]. PT, 2: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, near Los Tablones River, W La Cié- naga de Manabao, E Pico Duarte, Cordillera Central, La Vega Prov., ca. 1200 m asl, 28.vi.2012, C. Vogt [OC, No 0535-4]. PT, nymph 2: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-043, on Trail Arroyazo to La Sal, RCEV, La Vega Prov., on path between 19°02.374'N, 70°32.684'W, 1249 m and 19°02.021'N, 70°32.584'W, 1102 m, 10.vii.2002, DEPG, BH, RB [USNM]. PT, nymph 2: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-128, PNAB, around caseta La Sierrecita, Santiago Prov., 19° 14.889'N, 71°04.735'W, 752 m, 9.iv.2003, DEPG, RB, BH [USNM]. PT, 4 eggs: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-149, Loma La Golon- drina, RCEV, La Vega Prov., 19°03.498'N, 70°32.670'W, 11.vii.2003, day and night, DEPG, RB, BH [USNM]. PT, 2 eggs: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-149, Loma La Golon- drina, RCEV, La Vega Prov., 19°03.498'N, 70°32.670'W, 11.vii.2003, day and night, DEPG, RB, BH, ex coll USNM [OC, No 0535-1]. PT, 2: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-151, La Sal, RCEV, La Vega Prov., 19°04.101'N, 70°34.089'W, 1043 m, 12.vii.2003, night, DEPG, RB, BH, ex coll USNM [FH, No 1220-1]. PT, @: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-149, Loma La Golondrina, RCEV, La Vega Prov., 19°03.498'N, 70°32.670'W, 11.vii.2003, day and night, DEPG, RB, BH, ex coll USNM [FH, No 1220-2]. PT, egg: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, RD-14, Loma La Golondrina, RCEV, La Vega Prov., 19°03.498'N, 70°32.670'W, 11.vii.2003, day and night DEPG, RB, BH, ex coll USNM [FH, No 1220-E]. Distribution.—So far only known from the provinces of La Vega, Santiago, Barahona, Independencia, and San José de Ocoa in Do- minican Republic (Fig. 9). Etymology.—This species is dedicated to Dr. Daniel E. Pérez-Ge- labert (USNM) who collected the type specimens and provided specimens for the present study. Description.—°Q (Figs 2, 3b, e, h). Small for the genus (body length 39.8-50.5 mm). Apterous. General color variable and more or less lichenose to moss-like; various shades of brown and green. Eyes dark brown with a yellowish-green reticulate pattern. Head: Slightly longer than wide, broadest at the eyes and slightly narrowed towards the posterior. Vertex strongly raised, rounded, convex, and armed with a crown-like ornamentation formed by six prominent and acute spines and four dentate foliaceous projections. JOURNAL OF ORTHOPTERA RESEARCH 2020, 29(1) 104 O.V. CONLE, EH. HENNEMANN AND P. VALERO Fig. 1. Male (HT) of Taraxippus perezgelaberti sp. nov. Habitus: a. Dorsal; b. Lateral; c. Ventral. Head and thorax: d. Dorsal; e. Lateral; f. Ventral. End of the abdomen: g. Dorsal; h. Lateral; i. Ventral. JOURNAL OF ORTHOPTERA RESEARCH 2020, 29(1) O.V. CONLE, FH. HENNEMANN AND P. VALERO 105 ti ie f N \% Fig. 2. Female (PT) of Taraxippus perezgelaberti sp. nov. Habitus: a. Dorsal; b. Lateral; c. Ventral. Head and thorax: d. Dorsal; e. Lateral; f. Ventral. End of the abdomen: g. Dorsal; h. Lateral; i. Ventral. JOURNAL OF ORTHOPTERA RESEARCH 2020, 29(1) 106 O.V. CONLE, FH. HENNEMANN AND P. VALERO Fe on a ; a ~~ Cc 10 mm Fig. 3. Comparison of females of Taraxippus. Note: (d-i) not in scale. Habitus in lateral view: a. Taraxippus paliurus Moxey, 1971; b. Taraxippus perezgelaberti sp. nov.; c. Taraxippus samarae sp. nov. Head, pro-, and mesothorax in lateral view: d. Taraxippus paliurus Moxey, 1971; e. Taraxippus perezgelaberti sp. nov.; f. Taraxippus samarae sp. nov. End of the abdomen in ventral view: g. Taraxippus paliurus Moxey, 1971; h. Taraxippus perezgelaberti sp. nov.; i. Taraxippus samarae sp. nov. JOURNAL OF ORTHOPTERA RESEARCH 2020, 29(1) O.V. CONLE, FH. HENNEMANN AND P. VALERO Genae usually with a pale cream longitudinal postocular line. Eyes prominent, almost spherical and their length about 2x that of genae. Antennae filiform, reaching to abdominal segment IV. Scapus slightly compressed dorsoventrally, constricted at base, about 2x longer than wide and with a distinct dorsal spine towards apex. Pedicellus cylindrical and somewhat constricted towards apex. Thorax: Pronotum slightly wider than long and the trans- verse median sulcus distinctly impressed; entire surface irregularly granulated. Four enlarged spines in posterior half, two towards the lateral and two towards the dorsolateral. Mesonotum 3.7x longer than pronotum; distinctly swollen premedially, densely granulose and with irregular spines; at widest area with four dorsal distinctly outward-directed, multispinose processes, two towards the lateral and two dorsolateral, larger, and somewhat pointing towards the anterior; two dorsal, smaller ones close to the posterior margin. Mesosternum rough, with small spines along the lateral margins. Metanotum widened towards the posterior; sculptured with two distinct, dorsal, multispinose projections medially, slightly point- ing towards the posterior; 0.5x longer than mesonotum. Meta- pleurae with large supracoxal multispinose projection near the base, supplied with several shorter spines. Abdomen: Median segment almost half the length of meta- notum. Abdomen excluding median segment almost as long as head and thorax combined. Segments III-IV slightly increasing in width, V widest segment (2x wider than long), VI-VII tapered towards the posterior. Terga IH-VIII with the lateral margins pos- teriorly expanded into a small dentate and dorsally carinate lobe; the smallest in tergum III, larger and almost equal in size in terga IV-VI, which projects laterally by less than one-third the width of segment; the largest in tergum VII, which projects laterally by more than half the width of segment. All abdominal terga with two irreg- ular and sub-parallel longitudinal median carinae; along each of them, with one medium to large multispinose process per segment (II-VI); very small in VII. In VIII-IX, with expanded dentate lobes pointing towards the posterior, the biggest in VIII. Praeopercular organ formed by several concentric circular carinae, surrounded by eight small spines. Anal segment 0.7x longer than tergum IX, tec- tiform, broadened basally with expanded dentate lobes pointing towards the posterior; posterior margin with acute spines. Supra- anal plate weakly developed, tectiform, triangular, and pointed at apex; slightly projecting over the anal segment and never reaching the end of the subgenital plate. Cerci usually green, long, and flat- tened, projecting over the anal segment. Subgenital plate slightly convex, shovel-like, widened medially, and strongly compressed towards the posterior third; granulated, with a median keel; ratio length/max. width ~ 3x, posterior margin rounded at apex. Legs: Profemora slightly compressed basally. Dorsal and ven- tral carinae of all femora, as well as dorsal carinae of all tibiae, armed with some irregular dentate foliaceous lobes. Tarsi elon- gated and slender. 4 (Fig. 1). Small for the genus (body length 38.2-45.0 mm). Apterous. Generally similar to female but much more slender. Color similar to female except for the yellowish green markings along the lateral margins of pro-, meso-, and metathorax as well as abdominal terga II-VI. Head: Similar to female except for the narrowed and more acute dorso-laterally directed and multispinose antler-like projec- tions. Antennae filiform, long, slightly longer than the entire body. Thorax: Meso- and metasternum with irregular spines. Prono- tum similar to female. Mesonotum 3.7x longer than pronotum; slightly swollen premedially, densely granulose and with irregular spines; at widest area with two small spines towards the lateral 107 and two dorsal distinctly outward-directed, multispinose process- es (composed of less spines than in females); two dorsal, small spines close to the posterior margin. Mesosternum rough, with small spines. Metanotum 0.6x longer than mesonotum, roundly constricted medially and widened towards the posterior; sculp- tured with two distinct, dorsal, multispinose projections medially, slightly pointing towards the posterior. Metapleurae with large su- pracoxal spine near the base, supplied with several shorter spines. Abdomen: Median segment almost half the length of meta- notum, with two small spines close to the posterior margin. Ab- domen excluding median segment slightly longer than head and thorax combined. Segments II-VI almost equal in length. Sterna II-VI armed with two ventral small spines medially and two tiny spines close to the posterior margin. Terga II-IV (sometimes even V) armed with two dorsal pairs of spines close to the posterior margin and joined at base; each pair of spines consists of a small one pointing towards the anterior and a larger one (at least 2x in length) pointing towards the posterior. VI only with a pair of spines close to the posterior margin. The size of the spines on the terga de- creases towards the posterior. Tergum VII with the lateral margins deflexed into a prominent, irregularly denticulate lobe, which lat- erally projects by more than one-third the width of segment. Anal segment 1.4x longer than tergum IX, tectiform, broadened basally, strongly narrowed medially, with a rounded incision at apex. Cer- ci brown, long, and narrowed towards the apex, projecting over the anal segment. Vomer triangular, widened at base, and acute at apex. Poculum strongly convex, the posterior portion granulated, with an irregular median keel; posterior margin rounded. Legs: Profemora slightly compressed basally. Dorsal and ven- tral carinae of all femora, as well as dorsal carinae of all tibiae, armed with some irregular dentate foliaceous lobes. Tarsi elon- gated and slender. Measurements (in mm).—<, HT: Body 42.5, head 4.2, pronotum 2.1, mesonotum 9.7, metanotum 5.6, median segment 1.5, pro- femora 14.0, mesofemora 10.9, metafemora 14.2, protibia 14.7, mesotibia 12.2, metatibia 16.3, antennae >40.0. So, PT: Body 38.2-45.0, head 4.3-4.5, pronotum 2.3-2.5, mesonotum 8.3-10.6, metanotum 5.2-6.0, median segment 1.6- 2.3, profemora 12.1-14.8, mesofemora 9.9-11.9, metafemora 12.8-15.2, protibia 12.7-16.2, mesotibia 10.9-13.2, metatibia 13.8-18.2, antennae >28.8. OQ, PT: Body 39.8-50.5, head 5.2-6.4, pronotum 2.8-3.0, mesonotum 8.7-10.9, metanotum 5.6-6.8, median segment 2.3- 3.3, profemora 9.5-11.6, mesofemora 7.3-9.7, metafemora 9.9- 13.3, protibia 9.1-12.0, mesotibia 9.0-10.7, metatibia 11.4-15.1, antennae >29.0. Egg: (Fig. 4d-f) General color various shades of brown. Capsule 2x longer than wide and 1.6x longer than high. Gen- eral shape of capsule triangular prism, with the lateral surfaces slightly convex and the dorsal surface almost flat. Lateral longi- tudinal carinae set with a net-like structure of branched and tan- gled fringes, without free standing apices. Lateral surfaces wavy and glossy. Dorsal surface of egg without a longitudinal median row of hairy structures. Micropylar plate positioned in the an- terior half in the dorsal egg surface and roughly half the length of capsule; shape spearhead-like pointing towards anterior; sur- face unarmed and outer margin set with moderately long hairy structures. Micropylar cup placed almost in posterior margin of plate. Median line pale brown, not reaching the posterior pole. Operculum oval, slightly convex; surface variable from smooth to rough, with a raised concentric central plateau from whose JOURNAL OF ORTHOPTERA RESEARCH 2020, 29(1) 108 margin a network of fringes is born and connects with that of the lateral margins of the capsule, intertwining with each other; between the central plateau and the margin of the operculum a crown-like ornamentation is present, formed by sets of multispi- nose processes. Measurements (in mm).—Egg, PT: length 3.1, width 1.4, height 2.0, length of micropylar plate 1.4. Comments.—The male of this new species was mistaken for T. pa- liurus Moxey, 1971 by Pérez-Gelabert (1999), who provided a de- scription and illustrations of the terminalia. Taraxippus samarae sp. nov. http://zoobank.org/400FD424-309B-41 D6-ADF5-8A2FFO0C37 B08 Figs 3c, f, i, 4a—c, 5-8 Differentiation.—Males are readily differentiated from those of T. perezgelaberti sp. nov. by being winged. Furthermore, they differ from that species by bearing distinct lateral foliaceous projections on abdominal segments V-VII and having the apex of the ant- ler-like mesonotal processes bifurcate (Figs 5, 6). Females differ from the other two known species of the genus by the broadened subgenital plate, apically bifurcate antler-like processes of the me- sonotum, and unarmed abdominal sternum VI (at best tiny gran- ules) and terga (Fig. 3). Eggs readily differ from those of T. perezge- laberti sp. nov. by their rectangular cross-section, flattened lateral surfaces, setae-like long, slender marginal fringes that usually are free at the apex, as well as having fringes along the outer margin of the micropylar plate (Fig. 4). O.V. CONLE, FH. HENNEMANN AND P. VALERO Type material and specimens examined.— HT, 3: COSTA RICA, Siquirres, Lim6én Prov., 10°03'17.1"N, 83°33'05.6"W, 610 m, iii.2018, J. Sommerhalder [ZSMC]. PT, 9: COSTA RICA, Siquirres, Lim6én Prov., 10°03'17.1"N, 83°33'05.6"W, 610 m, iii.2018, J. Sommerhalder [ZSMC]. PT, 2 do, 2 29, 9 nymph: COSTA RICA, Siquirres, Lim6n Prov., 10°03'17.1"N, 83°33'05.6"W, 610 m, iii.2018, J. Sommerhal- der [OC, No. 0536-(3-7)]. PT, 2: COSTA RICA, Pocoa, Finca INBio, Bosque Lluvioso, Limon Prov., 200-300 m, 22.ix.2004, night, J. Mata, Colecta Libre, L_N_241740_S851770, #95228; INBO004179712, INBIOCRI COSTA RICA; DNA Barcoding E. Ulate, CCDB-15936 D04 [INBIO]. PT, 2, 15 eggs: PANAMA, Parque Nacional General de Division Omar Torrijos Herrera, Coclé Prov., 8°40'5.53"N, 80°35'33.48"W, vii.2019, O. Conle, P. Valero [OC, No. 0536-1, 2]. PT, 11 3d, 10 22, 12 eggs: COSTA RICA, Siquirres, Lim6n Prov., ili.2018, J. Sommerhalder, Ex Zucht B.Kneubtihler 2019, F1 [OC, No. 0536-(8-29)]. PT, 3, 2, egg: COSTA RICA, Siquirres, Lim6n Prov., iii.2018, J. Sommerhalder, Ex Zucht B. Kneubithler 2019, F1 [FH, No. 1200-1, 2 and E]. Distribution.—So far only known from Costa Rica (Limon Prov- ince: Siquirres and Pocoa) and Panama (Coclé Province, Parque Nacional General de Division Omar Torrijos Herrera) (Fig. 9). Etymology.—This stunning new species is named after Samara, the daughter of Jiirg Sommerhalder (Switzerland), who found the ho- lotype and several paratypes in March 2018 in Costa Rica. UUL | Fig. 4. Comparison of eggs: Taraxippus samarae sp. nov.: a. Dorsal; b. Lateral; c. Frontal. Taraxippus perezgelaberti sp. nov.: d. Dorsal; e. Lateral; f. Frontal. JOURNAL OF ORTHOPTERA RESEARCH 2020, 29(1) O.V. CONLE, EH. HENNEMANN AND P. VALERO 109 Fig. 5. Male (HT) of Taraxippus samarae sp. nov. Habitus: a. Lateral; b. Dorsal. JOURNAL OF ORTHOPTERA RESEARCH 2020, 29(1) 110 O.V. CONLE, FH. HENNEMANN AND P. VALERO Fig. 6. Male (PT) of Taraxippus samarae sp. nov. Habitus: a. Dorsal; b. Lateral; c. Ventral. Head and thorax: d. Dorsal; e. Lateral; f. Ventral. End of the abdomen: g. Dorsal; h. Lateral; i. Ventral. JOURNAL OF ORTHOPTERA RESEARCH 2020, 29(1) O.V. CONLE, FH. HENNEMANN AND P. VALERO Description.—In this species, all spines and multispinose processes have blunt apices. 9 (Figs 3c, f, i, 7, 8a-c). Medium to large for the genus (body length 54.7-71.1 mm). Apterous. General color various shades of brown, usually with green markings (especially in foliaceous pro- jections) and a dorsal longitudinal pale cream stripe from the head to the end of the abdomen. Eyes dark brown with a yellowish- green reticulate pattern. Entire body (including antennae) setose. Head: Slightly longer than wide, broadest at the eyes and slightly narrowed towards the posterior. Vertex slightly raised, rounded, convex, and armed with a crown-like ornamentation formed by eight prominent antler-like projections, with reddish brown and blunt apex. Genae with a pale cream longitudinal postocular carina that ends in a small spiniform tubercle. Eyes prominent, almost spherical, and their length about 2x that of ge- nae. Antennae filiform, reaching to median segment. Scapus com- pressed dorsoventrally, about 2x longer than wide and with two exterior foliaceous projections towards apex. Pedicellus cylindrical and somewhat constricted towards apex. Thorax: Pronotum slightly wider than long and the trans- verse median sulcus distinctly impressed, expanding over the en- tire width of segment; entire surface irregularly granulated. Four enlarged, spiniform tubercles in posterior half, two towards the lateral and two towards the dorsal. Mesonotum 3.2 longer than pronotum; distinctly swollen premedially, densely granulose and with irregular spiniform tubercles; at widest area with two dor- sal distinctly outward-directed, multispinose processes bifurcated at apex; two smaller dorsal multispinose projections towards the posterior margin; lateral margins bearing multispinose projec- tions, increasing in size towards the widest area. Mesosternum rough, with small spiniform tubercles along the lateral margins. Metanotum widened towards the posterior, roundly constricted medially; sculptured with four dorsal small multispinose projec- tions, two medially and two close to the posterior margin; 0.5x longer than mesonotum. Meso- and metapleurae granulated and with a marginal row of small spiniform tubercles. Abdomen: Median segment almost half the length of metano- tum, usually with two dorsal multispinose projections towards the posterior, variable in size. Abdomen excluding median segment almost equal in length to head and thorax combined. Segments I-IV strongly increasing in width, V widest segment (2.5x wider than long), VI-VII narrowing towards the posterior. Terga II-VIII with the lateral margins posteriorly expanded into a dentate and foliaceous projection; this strongly increasing in size from II-VI and decreasing in size towards VII. All terga with two irregular and sub-parallel longitudinal median carinae, usually with expanded foliaceous projections, distinctly large in VIII-IX. Praeopercular or- gan formed by a small dark blunt tubercle close to the posterior margin of sternum VII. Anal segment 0.8 longer than tergum IX, tectiform, broadened basally; posterior margin rounded. Supraan- al plate well developed, tectiform, slightly longer than wide, pro- jecting over the anal segment and almost reaching the end of the subgenital plate to form a beak-like structure. Cerci green, long, lat- erally compressed, with tipped apex, projecting over the anal seg- ment. Subgenital plate slightly convex, shovel-like, with a median keel, ratio length/max. width ~ 1.8, posterior margin narrowed but not acute and usually not projecting over the anal segment. Legs: Profemora slightly compressed basally. Dorsal and ventral carinae of all femora, as well as dorsal carinae of all tibiae, armed with some irregular dentate lobes. Tarsi elongated and slender. J (Figs 5, 6, 8d). Medium to large for the genus (body length 45.8-54.2 mm) and fully winged. General color various shades 111 of brown, usually with irregular green markings (especially in fo- liaceous projections and tegmina). Anal area of the wings greyish brown, translucent. Eyes dark brown with a yellowish-green re- ticulate pattern. Entire body (including antennae) setose. Head: Slightly longer than wide, broadest at the eyes and slightly narrowed towards the posterior. Vertex slightly raised, rounded, convex, and armed with a crown-like ornamentation formed by eight prominent antler-like projections, with reddish brown and blunt apex. Genae with a longitudinal postocular ca- rina that ends in a small spiniform tubercle. Eyes prominent, al- most spherical and their length about 2x that of genae. Antennae reaching to abdominal segment V. Scapus compressed dorsoven- trally, about 2x longer than wide and with two exterior foliaceous projections towards apex. Pedicellus cylindrical and somewhat constricted towards apex. Thorax: Pronotum slightly wider than long and the trans- verse median sulcus distinctly impressed, expanding over the en- tire width of segment; entire surface irregularly granulated. Four enlarged, spiniform tubercles in posterior half, two towards the lateral and two towards the dorsal. Mesonotum 2.8 longer than pronotum; swollen premedially, densely granulose and with ir- regular spiniform tubercles; at widest area with two dorsal dis- tinctly outward-directed, multispinose processes bifurcated at apex; two smaller dorsal multispinose projections towards the posterior margin; lateral margins bearing spines, increasing in size towards the widest area. Mesosternum rough, with small, spini- form, pale cream tubercles along the lateral margins. Metanotum slightly widened towards the posterior; 0.7x longer than mesono- tum. Meso- and metapleurae granulated and with a marginal row of small spiniform tubercles. Tegmina not reaching the posterior margin of metanotum and with a fairly acute central spine; the basal portion notably narrowed and the posterior margin round- ed. Alae reaching to abdominal segment VII. Abdomen: Unarmed. Median segment about one-quarter the length of metanotum. Abdomen excluding median segment slightly longer than head and thorax combined. Segments II-VI almost equal in length and width. Terga III-IV with the lateral margins deflexed into a tiny irregularly foliaceous projection. Ter- ga V-VIII with the lateral margins deflexed into a prominent irreg- ularly foliaceous projection, which projects laterally by more than two-thirds the width of segment in V-VII and one-third in VIII. Anal segment 0.7x longer than tergum IX, tectiform, broadened basally; posterior margin rounded. Cerci green, long, and almost cylindrical, projecting over the anal segment. Vomer triangular, widened at base, and acute at apex. Poculum strongly convex, the posterior portion granulated, with an irregular median keel; pos- terior margin rounded. Legs: Profemora slightly compressed basally. Dorsal and ventral carinae of all femora, as well as dorsal carinae of all tibiae, armed with some irregular dentate lobes. Tarsi elongated and slender. Measurements (in mm).—<', HT: Body 47.3, head 3.6, pronotum 2.3, Mesonotum 7.8, metanotum 7.2, median segment 1.8, pro- femora 11.4, mesofemora 9.1, metafemora 10.7, protibia 10.2, mes- otibia 10.3, metatibia 12.8, tegmina 6.4, alae 30.1, antennae >27.0. 33, PT: Body 45.8-54.2, head 3.8-4.5, pronotum 1.9-3.0, mesonotum 7.3-7.9, metanotum 6.4-7.9, median segment 1.5-1.9, profemora 10.3-12.3, mesofemora 9.1-10.7, metafem- ora 11.4-12.7, protibia 10.2-12.2, mesotibia 10.2-11.4, metatibia 12.2-15.2, tegmina 6.4-7.1, alae 27.5-31.1, antennae >30.0. QQ, PT: Body 54.7-71.1, head 6.6-7.8, pronotum 3.7-4.7, mesonotum 11.5-14.8, metanotum 6.3-8.5, median segment JOURNAL OF ORTHOPTERA RESEARCH 2020, 29(1) 112 O.V. CONLE, RH. HENNEMANN AND P. VALERO 5mm Fig. 7. Female (PT) of Taraxippus samarae sp. nov. Habitus: a. Dorsal; b. Lateral; c. Ventral. Head and thorax: d. Dorsal; e. Lateral; f. Ven- tral. End of the abdomen: g. Dorsal; h. Lateral; i. Ventral. JOURNAL OF ORTHOPTERA RESEARCH 2020, 29(1) O.V. CONLE, FH. HENNEMANN AND P. VALERO Fig. 8. Living specimens of Taraxippus samarae sp. nov. a. Adult female from Cope, Panama, in its natural habitat; b, c. Adult females from Siquirres, Costa Rica, showing intraspecific variability in the coloration; d. Adult male from Siquirres, Costa Rica. JOURNAL OF ORTHOPTERA RESEARCH 2020, 29(1) 114 O.V. CONLE, FH. HENNEMANN AND P. VALERO Samael Mexico Fig. 9. Distribution map of all known Taraxippus species. 2.2-2.7, profemora 11.4-14.9, mesofemora 9.7-13.2, metafemo- ra 11.5-16.0, protibia 11.3-15.2, mesotibia 11.1-14.4, metatibia 14.4-18.6, antennae >26.0. Egg (Fig. 4a—c): General color chestnut brown. Capsule 2.6x lon- ger than wide and 1.6x longer than high. General shape of capsule cuboid, with the lateral surfaces flattened and almost parallel and the dorsal surface slightly convex. In lateral aspect, slightly widened medially. Lateral longitudinal carinae set with a row of long and slender fringes, usually branched and somewhat connected laterally by a kind of brownish translucent membrane. Lateral surfaces with a reticulate pattern of carinae. Dorsal and ventral surfaces of egg each with a longitudinal median row of hairy structures. Micropylar plate positioned medially on the dorsal egg surface and roughly half the length of capsule; shape spearhead-like and pointed towards ante- rior; surface unarmed and outer margin set with moderately long hairy structures. Micropylar cup small and placed in posterior one- quarter of plate. Operculum oval, flat, and with the outer margin set with a row of the same long feather-like fringes seen along the longitudinal outer carinae of the egg-capsule; no capitulum. Measurements (in mm).—Egg, PT: length 3.6, width 1.2, height 2.3, length of micropylar plate 1.9. Acknowledgments Our appreciation to all the biologists from the Dominican Re- public who contributed to the successful expeditions of the His- paniolan Orthopteroids Project (Daniel E. Pérez-Gelabert, Ruth H. Bastardo, Brigido Hierro, and others). The Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (then Secretaria) en Santo Domin- go, graciously provided collecting and export permits. The Minis- terio de Ambiente, Panama, and Dr. Roberto A. Cambra (Universi- dad de Panama - Museo de Invertebrados G. B. Fairchild, Panama City) are kindly thanked for collecting and export permits. Jiirg Sommerhalder (Switzerland) collected Taraxippus samarae sp. nov. in Costa Rica and kindly contributed his specimens together with detailed information about the type locality. Dr. Bruno Kneu- Hispaniola. T. paliurus Moxey, 1971 T. perezgelaberti sp. nov. © T. samarae sp. nov. bithler (Luzern, Switzerland) kindly provided a culture stock of Taraxippus samarae sp. nov. 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Novitates Caribaea 7: 28-36. https://doi. org/10.33800/nc.v0i7.57 Hennemann FH, Conle OV, Pérez-Gelabert DE (2016) Studies on neo- tropical Phasmatodea XVI: Revision of Haplopodini Giinther, 1953 (rev. stat.), with notes on the subfamily Cladomorphinae Bradley & Galil, 1977 and the descriptions of a new tribe, four new genera and nine new species (Phasmatodea: “Anareolatae”: Phasmatidae: Cladomorphinae). Zootaxa 4129: 1-211. https://doi.org/10.11646/ zootaxa.4128.1.1 Hennemann FH, Conle OV, Valero P (in press) Studies on neotropical Phas- matodea XXI: Sigaruphasma gen. nov., a new genus of Hesperophasma- tini Bradley & Galil, 1977 from Hispaniola with the descriptions of two new species (Phasmatodea: Cladomorphinae). Novitates Caribaea. Moxey CF (1971) Notes on the Phasmatodea of the West Indies: Two new genera. Psyche 78: 1-67. https://doi.org/10.1155/1971/927579 Pérez-Gelabert DE (1999) Taraxippus paliurus (Phasmatodea: Phasmati- dae) en Repttblica Dominicana: Primera cita y descripci6n del macho. Cocuyo 9: 22-24. Sellick JTC (1997) Descriptive terminology of the phasmid egg cap- sule, with an extended key to the phasmid genera based on egg structures. Systematic Entomology 22: 97-122. https://doi. org/10.1046/j.1365-3113.1997.d01-30.x JOURNAL OF ORTHOPTERA RESEARCH 2020, 29(1)