New species ofRhachomycesfrom Ecuador, one of which is dimorphic

Abstract

Six new species of Rhachomyces from Ecuador are described and illustrated. These are R. dimorphus, parasitic on Diploharpus rossii (Carabidae, Perigoninae); R. elsae, parasitic on Adelopsis carolinae (Cholevidae, Ptomaphaginae); R. falcatus, parasitic on Palaminus sp. (Staphylinidae, Paederinae); R. moreti, parasitic on Trechisibus calathiformis (Carabidae, Trechinae); R. otongaensis, parasitic on Perigona sp. (Carabidae, Perigoninae); and R. venustus, parasitic on Megalopinus robustus (Staphylinidae, Megalopsidiinae). Rhachomyces dimorphus is peculiar, displaying two different growth forms, one of which is found on the left foreleg of male host insects, the other on the inferior, posterior margin of the prothorax of females. Each of the other new species also displays one or more unusual features.