Discovery of the Genus Anapleus Horn, 1873 from Cretaceous Kachin Amber (Coleoptera: Histeridae).

Abstract

Simple SummaryHistorically, researchers have suggested different resolutions of the basal relationships of the family Histeridae based on various datasets and methods of phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic analyses combining extant and fossil forms will doubtlessly shed further light on its early evolution. The present study describes the first fossil Anapleus species from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber. This new discovery enriches the fossil record of histerid beetles and has important implications for efforts to understand their early evolutionary history.For the first time, an extant histerid genus Anapleus Horn, 1873 is described from a specimen found in mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber. Anapleus kachinensis sp. nov. Although the genus Anapleus has not been precisely defined by synapomorphies, the new species shares numerous features with extant species while differing in comparatively few external characteristics. Anapleus kachinensis represents the first record of an extant histerid genus from Cretaceous deposits and provides further evidence of the ancient origin of the genus.