Curtomerus flavus Click here for a larger view

Diagnosis.--Key characters: Ommatidial size coarse (Fig. 39b); prosternal process not planar, apex usually slightly expanded (Fig. 18); mesal antennal spines absent; lateral projections into mesocoxae present (Fig. 21); procoxal cavities closed laterally (Fig. 27); antennomere three one-half length of pronotum or less (Fig. 46a); eyes with lower lobes widely separated and situated on an extension from head; femoral apices unspined (Fig. 26); tibial carinae absent; femora clavate (Fig. 37b); elytral apices rounded and without spines (Fig. 41e); metasternal sulcus incomplete. Length: 5-8 mm.

Distribution and Diversity.--Southeastern United States, West Indies. Seven species.

Discussion.--Curtomerus + Elaphidion portoricensis may represent a clade including several other West Indian genera which I was unable to include in the phylogenetic analysis (Fig. 50). These other genera (Linsleyonides, Nesiosphaerion, and Nesanoplium) all have an incomplete metasternal sulcus which may be an indication of their relationship. Further study with these taxa is needed.

Curtomerus is recognized by the strongly clavate femora, unspined antennae, eyes situated on lateral extensions of head as viewed from venter, and extremely widened terminal palpomeres with thickened setae.