Scanning Electron Microscope of Genus Leichenum Dejean, 1834 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Tenebrioninae: Pedinini) in Egypt

Neven Elmetwly,Galhoum M,Dalia Elshewy,Manal Elshaier

doi:10.21608/eajbsa.2017.12648

Abstract

In Egypt genus Leichenum is represented by two species, Leichenum mulleri Grid., 1939 and Leichenum pulchellum Kust., 1849. Few studies have reported on both species all over the world. Both species are difficult for species identification so, the present study was examined specimens by SEM and found microstructural characters that facilitate identification of them. A number of new characters were added to the previous e.g. shape of setae and other vestitures, shape and structure of the intercoxal processes and submentum, also some old characters were emended.

Highlights

Alfeiri (1976) and El-Torkey et al (2009) classified genus Leichenum within subfamily Opatrinae, tribe Leichenmini
Leichenum pulchellum pulchellum was found in a narrow strip of the seashore beside a sand dune (Fattorini 2002)
The present study aimed to present an attempt to review the taxonomic status of the Egyptian species of genus Leichenum and contribute towards confirming or cancelling the old taxonomic characters, previously suggested by ancient taxonomists, the study used Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) technique which offer high magnification and high-quality micrographs enabling the researchers to describe precisely and take the right decisions

Summary

Introduction

Alfeiri (1976) and El-Torkey et al (2009) classified genus Leichenum within subfamily Opatrinae, tribe Leichenmini. Iawn and Löbl (2008) recorded the genus as belongs to subfamily Tenebrioninae, tribe Pedinini. The opatrine native to Ethiopian and Palearctic faunal regions (James and Warren, 2007). Spilman (1959) stated that species of Leichenum have no economic damage. In recent studies James and Warren (2007) recorded L. canaliculatum on grass, cotton, soil among turnips and associated with damaged peach trees. Hagstrum (2009) recorded L. canaliculatum on soybeans feed on grass roots. Leichenum pulchellum pulchellum was found in a narrow strip of the seashore beside a sand dune (Fattorini 2002). Mouna et al (2009) recorded this species in the sandy beaches Leichenum pulchellum pulchellum was found in a narrow strip of the seashore beside a sand dune (Fattorini 2002). Mouna et al (2009) recorded this species in the sandy beaches

Methods

Results

Conclusion