Description of a new monospecific genus of South African Trichiina, with a key to the related genera (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Enrico Ricchiardi

doi:10.5852/ejt.2015.159

Abstract

A new monospecific genus, Pseudostegopterus gen. nov., endemic to the northwestern region of South Africa, is erected. The type species is described as Pseudospegopterus melonthinoides sp. nov. and is currently known only from male specimens. A provisional dichotomic key of the African Trichiina genera is also provided, in order to facilitate the identification of male specimens to the genus level.

Highlights

The number of described Trichiina species endemic to South Africa has increased substantially during the last two decades (Evans 1987; Ricchiardi 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000; Ricchiardi et al 2004, 2008; Sipek et al 2012; Ricchiardi & Perissinotto 2013, 2014) and currently ranges around 40. These species are grouped into nine genera, with three of them regarded as tropical intruders and represented in South Africa by one single species each
While undertaking a close analysis of the specimens preserved at the Iziko South African Museum (ISAM) in Cape Town and in my private collection, I have recently identified a series of eight males belonging to an undescribed species, which superficially resembles members of the genus Stegopterus Burmeister & Schaum, 1840
On closer scrutiny it is clear that a new genus is involved

Summary

Introduction

The number of described Trichiina species (sensu Smith et al 2006) endemic to South Africa has increased substantially during the last two decades (Evans 1987; Ricchiardi 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000; Ricchiardi et al 2004, 2008; Sipek et al 2012; Ricchiardi & Perissinotto 2013, 2014) and currently ranges around 40. Description of a new monospecific genus of South African Trichiina, with a key to the related genera (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

Results

Conclusion