3377
Author
Gustafsson, Daniel R.
Author
Olsson, Urban
text
Zootaxa
2012
2012-07-04
3377
1
85
journal article
11755334
Lunaceps wilsoni
Carriker, 1956
, nomen dubium
Lunaceps wilsoni
Carriker, 1956: 76
Lunaceps wilsoni
Carriker
;
Price
et al.
, 2003: 196
Type
host
:
Charadrius wilsonia wilsonia
Ord, 1814
Other host
:
Charadrius wilsonia beldingi
(
Ridgway, 1919
)
Discussion
: The only
Lunaceps
described from a
Charadrius
plover. No material was studied, but
Carriker’s (1956)
description would place this species near
L. incoenis
, as the re-entrant heads of the tergites are clearly visible in his drawing. Carriker’s measurements fit well with those of
L. incoenis
and their genitalia are also similar.
The species was described from a single male—though a second male is mentioned in a footnote—and a partial drawing, lacking the middle segments of the abdomen is included. The shape of the “acetabular bars of the 2nd pair of coxae” is the only distinct character of Carriker’s (1965) description, however similar structures can be seen in many other species, and this seems to be an artefact of mounting caused by the bending of the lateral edges of the dorsal thoracic plates.
While only a study of the original material can establish whether
Lunaceps wilsoni
is really a distinct species or not, the low number of known individuals, and their similarity to other species makes the status of
L. wilsoni
uncertain. It is likely to be synonymous with
L. incoenis
, originating on one of its hosts, but an origin from either
C. bairdii
or
C. fuscicollis
cannot be excluded.
Etymology
: Named after the host species, which in turn is named in honour of Alexander Wilson
(1766–1813), ornithologist and painter, who published the book series
American Ornithology
(1808–1814).
Material examined
:
None. Attempts have been made to gain access to the
holotype
, but they have been fruitless.