Protoliota paleus sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) – new long antennae beetle in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber

Abstract

A new species of silvanid flat bark beetle, Protoliota paleus sp. nov., is described from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. Protoliota paleus nov. sp. differs from a previous member of the genus described in Burmese amber by its small body size, weakly protruding eyes, long mandibles, and narrow pronotum. The new fossil is characterized by extremely elongate antennae and setiferous pads on its fore tarsus. Discussion is presented on the purpose of both of these attributes and how they could play a role in the survival of the species. A list of the superfamily Cucujoidea described from Burmese amber is included.