Pending projects on the fauna of Mexico and the Neotropics
Synopsis of the genus Cactopinus with descriptions of new species.
Wood’s 1982 monograph included 14 species. Later he described 4 additional species. I have desribed 3 new species bringing the total known to 21. With a few exceptions, most species in this genus have only been collected at or near their type localities. My suspicion is that there are a lot more species out there to be found. I have managed to get SEM photographs of many of the species and identify the actual host species and genera of those species breeding in cacti. The article has finally made it to proofs and should be out soon. As a follow up I would like to work up the phylogeny.
New species of Neotropical Scolytus with a key to the Mesoamerican species
Until recently I thought that I had 2 undescribed Mesoamerican species. In December, 2008 I had the opportunity to examine the type material of Scolytus nevermanni Schedl 1935 (from Costa Rica) and Scolytus incognitus Eggers 1951 (from Mexico) and realized that they are conspecific with each other and with material of one of my "new species" from Honduras, Belize, and southeastern Mexico. Both were described from short series from specimens in mediocre condition. The other species from southeastern Mexico is new. I also have a new species from Guyana with sufficient material for a good description. A key to the Mesoamerican species will be included as part of an ongoing project on bark and ambrosia beetles of Mexico.
New species of Phloeocleptus with a key to the Mesoamerican species
I recently came across a new species in the genus from Oaxaca. An illustrated key to the Mesoamerican species will be included as part of an ongoing project on bark and ambrosia beetles of Mexico.
Notes on hosts and distribution of Neotropical Scolytinae
Over the last few years I have had the opportunity to revise significant accumulations of Neotropical specimens in the Florida State Collection of Arthropods, the California Academy of Sciences, Texas A&M University, the University of Arkansas, and the private collection of Robert H. Turnbow, Jr. In addition I have made recent collections in various parts of Mexico and Nicaragua. These records need to be written up.