Beetles (Coleoptera) of Peru: A Survey of the Families. Erotylidae Latreille, 1802

Abstract

Diversity in Peru: 5 subfamilies, 41 genera, 303 species. Recognition: The common name for Erotylidae is the “Pleasing fungus beetles” due to the attractive adult coloration and mycophagous habits of many species. Erotylidae, including Languriidae, “Lizard beetles”, form a monophyletic group that is supported by phylogenetic analyses using morphological (e.g., Wegrzynowicz, 2002; Leschen and Buckley, 2007) and molecular (e.g., Robertson et al., 2004) data. Beetles in the erotylid familial clade may be recognized by the following combination of derived features: subocular glandular ducts present, supraocular line present, pronotal lateral carina simple, procoxal cavities with lateral extensions, trochantinal notch present, mesocoxal cavities laterally closed by metaventrite, and aedeagus laterally compressed with relatively long struts on penis (Leschen et al., 2010). Adults of Peruvian erotylids are 1.2–23.0 mm. long and range in body form from parallel-sided to oval. The base of the prothorax is not conspicuously narrower than the elytral bases. They vary in convexity from being dorso-ventrally flattened to having a hemispherical form. In some species (e.g., Gibbifer spp.) the elytra are highly vaulted. The dorsal surfaces are typically smooth and either glabrous or have fine setae. Erotylids bear fine pores for glandular ducts on many structures, especially the prothoracic lateral carina, genae, mentum, thoracic ventrites, and around the eyes. The antennae are 11-segmented and capitate. The club is flattened and 3–6 segmented. The mandibles are short and broad with a bidentate or tridentate apex and a well-developed mola and prostheca. The maxillae have a well-developed galea and lacinia. The terminal segment on the maxillary and labial palpi varies from fusiform to being strongly expanded and truncate apically. The pronotum usually has a smooth lateral margin and a complete carina with a raised margin or bead. The anterior lateral pronotal angles are either produced forward or simple, the posterior angles are not produced. The posterior margin is usually evenly rounded, but a mesal lobe occurs in some. The pronotal disc is typically smooth, but at the base there may be a pair of weak basal impressions, a pair of pits, or a transverse depression. The scutellum is visible dorsally and usually broadly rounded or broadly pentagonal. The elytra have striate to confused punctation. A scutellary striole may be present or absent. The epipleura are usually complete to apex. The procoxae do not project ventrally. The procoxal cavities are slightly transverse or circular and externally open or closed. Protrochantins are not exposed. The