Probable distribution of Pachyrhynchus phaleratus dannylayroni

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[Main] [Weevils of PH] [Genus Pachyrhynchus]

Pachyrhynchus phaleratus dannylayroni Rukmane, 2019

Distribution

Figure 1. Color plate (artistic rendition) of female P. phaleratus dannylayroni (left), and map of the Philippine archipelago showing the Province of Aurora where the specimen was said to be collected (right) based on one article published in 2019 [1].

Luzon

Region III: Central Luzon

  • Province of Aurora
    • Municipality of Dingalan
Figure 2. Summary of data on P. phaleratus dannylayroni in video presentation format.


Comments on Locality Data

The paper [1] declared the distribution to be "Luzon Island, Aurora Province" (page 147, reference 1). Under type material, a specific location is indicated as "PHILIPPINES/ Luzon, Dingalan, Aurora" (page 147, reference 1).

Similar to the other species and subspecies declared "new" in the paper [1], GPS coordinates and images of the collection site were also not presented. Another paper published in 2019 has pointed out the possibility of mislabeling specimens by unidentified collectors (page 198, reference 2). The collector of P. phaleratus dannylayroni specimen in this paper is also unidentified and is only referred to as "local collector leg." (page 147, reference 1).

The lacking details in the locality data can be supplemented by performing actual fieldwork, as well as reviewing documentary provenance.

Revisiting the site and confirming that the species is present will be helpful. However, since the paper did not provide GPS coordinates or at least images of the area where the specimen was said to be collected, revisiting may be a bit difficult. It is imperative to perform actual fieldwork to verify if the specimen was truly collected from the Municipality of Dingalan, Province of Aurora.

Providing verifiable evidence will eliminate doubt on distribution data. This will be very significant in environmental impact assessments (EIA). Some may think that certain species are already extinct in some areas, but this would be an inappropriate conclusion when the baseline data is not reliable.

The Wildlife Gratuitous Permit (WGP) is a documentary provenance that can ascertain the correct locality data. The Wildlife Export Certification (WEC) is another documentary provenance that can confirm that the specimen is truly from the Philippines. According to the paper, the study was based on specimens deposited outside of the Philippines (page 141, reference 1). Thus, at least two documents can show for certain the accuracy of the locality data.

A copy of the WGP can be acquired through a Freedom of Information request to the issuing DENR regional office, in this case, Region III - Central Luzon.

The WEC is also issued by a regional office of the DENR. The paper, however, did not mention any DENR offices that have issued permits and certifications. Section 4.1 in the Wildlife Gratuitous Permit indicates that the DENR shall be acknowledged. Fortunately, a possible contact who "kindly provided material for the current research" (page 149, reference 1) may be able to shed light on these documentary provenances. 

Commentary on other related insights is discussed in the post for P. kirklayroni.

References:

[1] Rukmane A. 2019. Four new species and two subspecies of the genus Pachyrhynchus Germar, 1824 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Pachyrhynchini) from Luzon Island, Philippines. Baltic J. Coleopterol., 19(2): 141 - 150.

[2] Yoshitake, H., Bollino, M., and Sandel, F. 2019. Pachyrhynchus elenae Rukmane, 2016, a new synonym of Pachyrhynchus phaleratus Waterhouse, 1841 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae). Zootaxa, 4585 (1): 197-200

[Main] [Weevils of PH] [Genus Pachyrhynchus]

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