Discovery of the genus Zonitodema Péringuey, 1909 in Madagascar, with description of a new species, a new key and biogeographic notes (Coleoptera: Meloidae: Nemognathinae)

Abstract

The Afrotropical genus Zonitodema is recorded for the first time from Madagascar, and the species Zonitodema madagascarensis sp. nov. is described. Some taxonomic remarks are presented, including the new synonymy Zonitis nigricollis Beauregard, 1890 = Zonitodema collaris (Laporte de Castelnau, 1840), and the possible new synonymy Zonitis abyssinica Fairmaire, 1882 = Zonitodema collaris (Laporte de Castelnau, 1840). Moreover, new faunistic records are published and a new key to the species is given. Finally, biogeographic remarks on the blister beetles of Madagascar are included.