A new Cardiophorinae-like click-beetle from mid-Cretaceous amber of northern Myanmar (Coleoptera: Elateridae)

Abstract

A new click-beetle, Cretocardiophorus laminatus gen. et sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on a well-preserved female specimen from the mid-Cretaceous amber of northern Myanmar. Two potential male specimens of this new species are also reported and illustrated. Cretocardiophorus gen. nov. may be related to the morden subfamily Cardiophorinae by its typical habitus, especially the heart-shaped scutellar shield. This new genus is also notable by the flat and slightly enlarged pedicel of antenna, the presence of styli in ovipositor, as well as the shape of aedeagus, which distinguish it from the modern Cardiophorinae. In addition, its leg has elongated tarsi covered with extremely long bristles, which is rare in Elateridae and similar to those beetles that inhabit sandy environments. This is the eighth Elateridae known from mid-Cretaceous of Northern Myanmar amber.