Abstract
Cryptalaus alveolatus sp. nov. is described and illustrated from India. The species has unique morphological characters: conspicuous longitudinal median ridge on pronotum, elytral interstria II more depressed than interstriae I and III. The Indian fauna of the genus Cryptalaus Ȏhira, 1967 is updated and represented by seven species: C. alveolatus sp. nov., C. assamensis (Schwarz, 1902) comb. nov., C. eryx (Candèze, 1874), C. lynceus (Candèze, 1874), C. nodulosus (Waterhouse, 1877) comb. nov., C. sculptus (Westwood, 1848) and C. sordidus (Westwood, 1848). Genitalia and terminalia of male and female C. sordidus are also illustrated. A key to the Indian species of Cryptalaus is given.
Highlights
Cryptalaus Ȏhira, 1967 was established as a subgenus of Alaus Eschscholtz, 1829 to include species with the presence of mesometaventral junction
We provide literature with relevant information on the taxon, type locality, information on type material with its depository, Indian material examined, distribution within India, measurements, diagnostic characters and remarks, wherever applicable
Aedeagus with median lobe longer than parameres; parameres articulated with median lobe and fused at base; each paramere with lateral subapical hook, setose apex; basal piece wide
Summary
Cryptalaus Ȏhira, 1967 was established as a subgenus of Alaus Eschscholtz, 1829 to include species with the presence of mesometaventral junction. Cate (2007) reported 15 species from the Palaearctic region, five of which, namely, C. cenchris (Candèze, 1857), C. eryx (Candèze, 1874), C. lynceus (Candèze, 1874), C. sculptus (Westwood, 1848) and C. sordidus (Westwood, 1848), were from the North Indian region. Chandra et al (2018) catalogued two more species, C. berus (Candèze, 1865) and C. griseofasciatus (Schwarz, 1902), from the Indian Himalayan region. The present knowledge on Cryptalaus species from the Indian region is scarce because it is based mainly on the above recent checklist or catalogue. This study aims to evaluate and validate the actual presence of Cryptalaus species from the Indian subcontinent, describe a new species, and provide an identification key to the Indian species of this genus
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