Nominotypical Subspecies Research Articles

MORPHOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF BLAPS SCABRIUSCULA MÉNÉTRIÉS, 1832 (COLEOPTERA: TENEBRIONIDAE)

Aim. Distribution, habitats and morphological variability of two subspecies of the endemic Caucasian species Blaps scabriuscula Menetries, 1832 are considered in the paper. Results and main conclusions. Nominotypical subspecies is very rare and inhabits deserts of eastern Azerbaijan (Gobustan). The subspecies Blaps scabriuscula subalpina is distributed in the Eastern and the Central Caucasus and inhabits steppe and alpine landscapes to 3000 m. Several morphological forms are separated from the Central (North Ossetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, KarachayCherkessia) and the Eastern Caucasus (Chechnya, Dagestan, southern slopes of the Big Caucasus from Azerbaijan to Georgia – Khevsureti). Blaps scabriuscula subalpina is found in Rostov-on-Don (the first record for Rostov Region) in sandy soil meadow during building works. Rostov population is morphologically differs from Caucasian populations of the species. It is assumed that this record is associated with the ancient human migrations because of many representatives of this species-group (B. mortisaga (Linnaeus, 1758), B. puella Allard, 1880, B. scabriuscula, B. kovali Abdurakhmanov, Nabozhenko, 2011) have a propensity to synanthropy. Morphological description of Rostov population and differential characters of Caucasian populations are given. Female genital tubes of different populations of B. scabriuscula are described and figured for the first time. Nominatypical subspecies is strongly differs from other Caucasian Blaps Fabricius, 1775 in the structure of female genital tubes.

Norfolk Island Robins are a distinct endangered species: ancient DNA unlocks surprising relationships and phenotypic discordance within the Australo-Pacific Robins

Uncertain taxonomy hinders the effective prioritization of taxa for conservation. This problem is acute for understudied island populations in the southwest Pacific Ocean, which are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, predation and climate change. Here, we offer the first test of taxonomic limits and phylogenetic affinities of the iconic Pacific Robin radiation (Petroica multicolor) in order to prioritize the conservation of its nominotypical subspecies, the endangered Norfolk Island Robin (P. m. multicolor). We integrate phylogenetic analyses of ancient DNA and quantitative measures of plumage and morphometric variation to show that the Norfolk Island Robin should be recognized as a distinct species. Phenotypic and genetic datasets contradict the longstanding treatment of Pacific Robins (including Norfolk Island Robins) and Scarlet Robins (P. boodang) as a single species. Instead, we show that Norfolk Island Robins are deeply divergent from Scarlet Robins and have more genetic similarity to Red-capped Robins (P. goodenovii) than to other Pacific Robins. This finding is unrepresentative of the current taxonomic and conservation status of the Norfolk Island Robin, which we propose should be recognised as an endemic endangered species. Our study clearly shows that in the absence of contemporary tissues, ancient DNA approaches using historical museum specimens can address taxonomic questions that morphological traits are unable to resolve. Further, it highlights the need for similar studies of other threatened Norfolk fauna with uncertain taxonomic status in order to ensure appropriate conservation prioritization.

Diagnosability and description of a new subspecies of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Sousa chinensis (Osbeck, 1765), from the Taiwan Strait.

Subspecies recognition can affect how people (scientists and non-scientists alike) view organisms and thus has important implications for research on, as well as the conservation of, these entities. Recently, a small group of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins was discovered inhabiting the waters off central western Taiwan. This geographically isolated population possesses pigmentation patterns that are subtly, but noticeably, different from their nearest conspecifics in the neighbouring waters of the Jiulong River Estuary and Pearl River Estuary of mainland China. Due to this population's low and declining numbers and the numerous threats it faces, it was assessed as critically endangered by the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The purpose of this study is to examine the degree of differentiation of the Taiwanese population to determine if subspecies recognition iswarranted. Analysis of the degree of differentiation in pigmentation patterns revealed nearly non-overlapping distributions between dolphins from Taiwanese waters and those from the Jiulong River + Pearl River estuaries of mainland China (the nearest known populations). The Taiwanese dolphins were clearly diagnosable from those of the Jiulong River + Pearl Riverestuaries under the most commonly accepted '75%rule' for subspecies delimitation (with 94% of one group being separable from 99+% of the other). Evidence of geographical isolation and behavioural differences also provided additional support for the distinctiveness of the Taiwanese dolphins. Together, the evidence strongly demonstrated that the Taiwanese humpback dolphin population is differentiated at the subspecies level and on an evolutionary trajectory that is independent from that of dolphins from adjacent waters of mainland China (i.e. Jiulong River + Pearl River estuaries). As a result, the taxonomy of Sousa chinensis was revised to include two subspecies: the Taiwanese humpback dolphin, Sousa chinensis taiwanensis subsp. nov., and the Chinese humpback dolphin, Sousa chinensis chinensis (the nominotypical subspecies). These subspecies are described, and the holotype and paratype specimens for S. c. taiwanensis are established.

A New Name for Alpine Populations ofHesperia colorado(Scudder) (Hesperiidae, Hesperiinae) in Colorado

ABSTRACT. A reevaluation of the lectotype and type locality of Pamphila (=Hesperia) colorado Scudder indicates that populations in Colorado which were described as Hesperia comma oroplata Scott (=H. colorado oroplata) are synonymous. Based on an examination of numerous specimens, a new subspecies is described for alpine (mainly above timberline) populations in Colorado, which were previously attributed to the nominotypical subspecies. Patterns of geographic variation observed among subspecies of H. Colorado in Colorado and bordering states are also reviewed.

Description of a new subspecies of Chicoreus (Triplex) cnissodus cnissodus (Euthyme, 1889) (Gastropoda, Muricidae) from Sri Lanka

new subspecies Chicoreus (Triplex) cnissodus ceylonensis is described from Sri Lanka. It is compared with the nominotypical subspecies C. (T.) cnissodus cnissodus (Euthyme, 1889) from The Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan and Japan and with C. (T.) peledi Vokes, 1978 from the northern part of the Red Sea. The geographical distribution area of the new subspecies is restricted to Sri Lanka and southeastern India.

New Zealand screw shells Maoricolpus roseus (Gastropoda: Turritellidae): two species, two subspecies or a single variable species?

The turritellid Maoricolpus roseus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1834) is abundant in low intertidal and shallow water marine environments around the coasts of New Zealand. It is currently divided into two regional subspecies: M. roseus roseus, common around much of New Zealand's coast; and M. roseus manukauensis, restricted to several west coast harbours in the North Island, specifically Manukau, Raglan and Kawhia. Molecular data, consisting of both mitochondrial (16S rRNA and cytochrome oxidase I (COI)) and nuclear (18S rRNA and 28S rRNA) genes, were collected and analysed to resolve the status of these subspecies. Our analyses reveal that neither subspecies is monophyletic in our phylogenetic trees, and that the genetic distances between them are no greater than those within. We thus argue that M. roseus manukauensis should be synonymised with the nominotypical subspecies. Maoricolpus roseus is a morphologically variable species, with low levels of 16S and COI genetic diversity within and among different populations.

Platyceps rhodorachis (JAN, 1863) - a study of the racer genus Platyceps BLYTH, 1860 east of the Tigris (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae)

Platyceps rhodorachis (Jan, 1863) is a euryoecious polytypic racer distributed from NE Iraq to Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan) and the Himalayas (probably westernmost Nepal). The nominotypical subspecies, occupying most of the species’ range, is polymorphic. The typical (striped) phenotype is absent from certain peripheral areas. Notable geographic variation is observed in the number of ventrals, subcaudals, dorsal scales, or maxillary teeth and in the colour pattern. P. r. ladacensis (Anderson, 1871) is only found from the eastern Hindu Kush into northern Himachal Pradesh (India). Its presence south of the Zanskar Range requires confirmation and the status of the Ladakh Cliff Racer is debatable. The identity and systematic position of racers from the vicinity of Ahvaz (Khuzestan) as well as Arabian and southern Red Sea populations commonly assigned to P. rhodorachis pend further investigation. Platyceps semifasciatus Blyth, 1860 is a senior subjective synonym of P. rhodorachis (nomen protectum, valid type species of Platyceps Blyth). P. ventromaculatus (Gray, 1834) from the Makran coast to low-lying NW India and Nepal, for a long time confused with Jan’s Cliff Racer (P. rhodorachis sensu stricto), is a mostly parapatric species. Two new taxa of the rhodorachis species group from montane NE Baluchistan Province (P. noeli sp. nov.) and the southern Indus Plain (P. sindhensis sp. nov.) are described. Another racer taxon from northern Azad Jammu and Kashmir remains undesignated. Distinctive morphological character states for P. rhodorachis vis-à-vis the southeast Mediterrano-Iranian P. najadum (Eichwald, 1831), P. karelini (Brandt, 1838) from Libya to the Lake Balqash area and inland SW Pakistan (hybridises in places with P. r. rhodorachis), Baluch endemics including P. mintonorum (Mertens, 1969), and Sindian species (sindhensis, ventromaculatus) are elaborated. An identification key embracing the Indian P. bholanathi (Sharma, 1976) and P. gracilis (Günther, 1862) as well as a review of Platyceps Blyth are provided. This genus is currently comprised of twenty-three mainly southern Palaearctic and Afrotropical as well as two Indian species referred to three (florulentus, najadum, rhodorachis-ventromaculatus) evolutionary lineages.

Systematics and phylogeography of Cerion sensu stricto (Pulmonata: Cerionidae) from Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire

The systematic relationships of the Cerion uva complex and its constituent taxa are reviewed based on partial sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase I and 16S rDNA genes from 19 populations spanning the geographic range of the species complex and including the type localities of 8 of the 9 subspecies and forms. Molecular data support the conclusion of prior morphometric studies that all living Cerion inhabit- ing Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire are members of a single species, C. uva. Sequence variability among and within populations is not sufficiently discontinuous to segregate populations into discrete, species- level taxa. Three of four subspecies, proposed on the basis of geographic isolation during the Quaternary, C. uva uva (Linnaeus, 1758), the nominotypical subspecies from eastern Curacao, C. uva knipensis Baker, 1924, from western Curacao, and C. uva bonairensis Baker, 1924, from Bonaire, are all supported by dis- tinctive haplotypes. Cerion uva arubanum Baker, 1924, a taxon based on living specimens from Aruba, is shown to be a synonym of C. uva uva, with which it shares a preponderance of haplotypes. It is conjec- tured that C. uva was widespread on Aruba during the Quaternary, but had become extinct on that island, and was reintroduced from a population near Willemstad in eastern Curacao by humans (either by Caquetio Indians or by European settlers) within the past 800 years. Further investigation is needed to determine if Quaternary Aruban Cerion warrant subspecific recognition. On the island of Curacao, molecular data lend support to the partition of the Cerion fauna into C. uva knipensis, which is confined to an isolated western region, as defined by Baker, and C. uva uva, which inhabits a broad, eastern region that is composed of Baker's central and eastern regions. A population at Ronde Klip in eastern Curacao has remained genetically isolated, and retains subspecific status as C. uva diablensis Baker, 1924. A neotype is designated for Turbo uva Linnaeus, 1758, as is necessary to provide an objective standard of ref- erence for this species-group taxon, and for the genus- and family-level taxa based upon it.

Phylogeography of the Asian softshell turtle Amyda cartilaginea (BODDAERT, 1770): evidence for a species complex

Using up to 2456 bp mtDNA and up to 2716 bp nDNA of fresh samples and short sequences of three mitochondrial genes of historical museum material, we examine the phylogeography of Amyda cartilaginea. This data set provides evidence for the existence of deeply divergent genetic lineages which we interpret as three distinct species, two of which are polytypic. On the Great Sunda Islands, the distribution ranges of the two subspecies of Amyda cartilaginea (Boddaert, 1770) sensu stricto and of an undescribed species match palaeodrainage systems. Amyda cartilaginea cartilaginea occurs in the East Sunda palaeodrainage, with records in eastern Borneo and Java. Also a record from Sulawesi, most probably not representing a native population, refers to A. c. cartilaginea. In the North Sunda palaeodrainage (Sumatra, western Borneo) lives Amyda cartilaginea maculosa subsp. nov., which is described herein. One sample from the Baram river (Sarawak, Malaysia) is genetically highly distinct and represents a new species. We refrain from naming this taxon until more material becomes available for morphological characterization. For the continental populations, we resurrect the species Amyda ornata (Gray, 1861). We identify Asian softshell turtles from the Mekong drainage with the nominotypical subspecies, while the genetically distinct populations from Thailand and Myanmar are assigned to Amyda ornata phayrei (Theobald, 1868). Samples from Bangladesh are also genetically distinct and represent an undescribed subspecies and the first country record for Amyda.

Review of East Asian Heliosia (Ledidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini)species, with description of a new genus.

Oriental species currently classified in the genus Heliosia Hampson, 1900 but in fact belonging to Nudariini are separated into the new genus Paraheliosia gen. nov.: Paraheliosia elegans (Reich, 1937) comb. nov. (type species) from South-East China; P.rufa (Leech, 1890) comb. nov. from North China (nominotypical subspecies) and Primorskiy Kray of Russia (P. r. ussuriensis (O. Bang-Haas, 1927) comb. nov.); and P.novirufa (Fang, 1992) comb. nov. from Sichuan. Presence of two strong apical spines at juxta apex and basal costal valve processes looks to be well marked autapomorphic characters of the new genus. Heliosia punctata Fang, 1992 is transferred into Elachistidae, Aeolanthinae but to unknown genus.

The hawkmoth fauna of Pakistan (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae).

This study represents the first complete modern account of the Sphingidae of Pakistan and takes the form of an annotated checklist, based on several national collections and those of a number of individuals. Of the 60 species and subspecies found, 14 are new records to the fauna of Pakistan, namely Agnosia orneus, Langia zenzeroides subsp. zenzeroides, Polyptychus trilineatus subsp. trilineatus, Dolbina inexacta, Ambulyx sericeipennis subsp. sericeipennis, Thamnoecha uniformis, Macroglossum belis, Macroglossum stellatarum, Cechetra scotti, Hippotion boerhaviae, Hyles euphorbiae subsp. euphorbiae, Rhagastis olivacea, Rethera brandti subsp. euteles and Theretra latreillii subsp. lucasii. Anambulyx elwesi subsp. kitchingi and Clanis deucalion subsp. thomaswitti are not recognised as valid subspecies and are synonymized with their respective nominotypical subspecies. An additional list is given of 30 taxa which may yet be found in Pakistan as they are present in neighbouring countries close to the border. Of the species/subspecies found, 24 are part of the Palaearctic fauna, 27 are part of the Oriental fauna and nine are Palaeo-Oriental/Palaeotropical. This reconfirms the transitional biogeographical position of the Pakistan fauna.

Ranges and cold hardiness of two earthworm subspecies (Eisenia nordenskioldi, Lumbricidae, Oligochaeta)

The ranges of two earthworm subspecies, Eisenia nordenskioldi nordenskioldi (Eisen 1879) and E. n. pallida Malevi 1956, differ in area and partially overlap. E. n. nordenskioldi populates the entire Asian Russia and eastern regions of the Russian Plain, from the lower reaches of the Volga and Don rivers to the Arctic Ocean coasts, while E. n. pallida has not expanded to the Asian permafrost zone and does not occur in European Russia and in the Urals. These subspecies “hold the record” in cold hardiness: the worms and cocoons of the nominotypical subspecies withstand temperatures down to −34 and −40°C, and those of E. n. pallida, to −28 and −23°C, respectively. Hence, their distribution is independent of subzero temperatures, and their ability to overwinter at any phase of the life cycle makes them also independent of heat supply during the summer period. Differences in geographic range may also be due to biological features of the subspecies. The nominotypical subspecies feeds belongs to the epiendogeic morphoecological type (feeding on the ground surface), whereas E. n. pallida is a true endogeic earthworm. Both subspecies have similar requirements for soil acidity; however, conditions in coarse-humus organomineral horizons of frozen soils appear to be unfavorable for E. n. pallida, which accounts for the absence of this subspecies in the permafrost zone.

Invasion of Yakushima Island, Japan, by the Subtropical LizardJapalura polygonatapolygonata (Squamata: Agamidae)

Abstract: Japalura polygonata is an arboreal agamid lizard native to the subtropical East Asian islands. Recent studies reported that this species had been introduced to southern and southeastern Kyushu, Japan. Here, we report that this species has also been introduced to Yakushima Island, a Natural World Heritage site located between Kyushu and Amamioshima Island (the northernmost extremity of its native range). Morphological examination of the Yakushima specimens revealed that this lizard population belongs to the nominotypical subspecies (J. p. polygonata), which is endemic to the Amami and Okinawa Groups of the Central Ryukyus, Japan. Observations of the gonadal condition revealed that females collected in April and June possessed shelled eggs in their oviducts. A few juveniles collected in late April and early August were considered hatchlings based on their body size. These lines of evidence strongly suggest that J. p. polygonata has already established a breeding colony on Yakushima Island. Based o...

To the knowledge of the leaf beetle genus Cystocnemis (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae)

Four subspecies of Cystocnemis discoidea are distinguished; two subspecies are described as new to science based on investigation of intraspecific variation in different parts of the species range, and ssp. gebleri was resurrected from synonymy. The ways of speciation in highland-hollow landscapes are discussed. The alpine subspecies C. discoidea oreas ssp. n. has an altibiome disjunction with the nominotypical subspecies. Similarity of the alpine subspecies of C. discoidea to the species from the subgenus Entomomela was found to be the reason of permanent confusion of representatives of these taxa. The subgenus Entomomela is transferred from the genus Oreomela to the genus Cystocnemis. A key to species and subspecies of the genus Cystocnemis is given.

Seasonal population dynamics of the common redstart, Phoenicurus phoenicurus (L.), in mountain Crimea: Contributions of local and migrating populations

Common Redstarts live in the Crimea mainly in the mountain part of the peninsula, which is occupied by birds of the Iranian subspecies, P. phoenicurus samamisicus. During seasonal migrations, migrating Common Redstarts of the nominotypical subspecies, P. phoenicurus phoenicurus, appear in the Crimea, and birds of both subspecies can occur together in the Mountain Crimea. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influ� ence of seasonal migration of Common Redstarts, nesting cycle phases, and other biological factors on the seasonal population dynamics of this species and estimate the contribution of local populations and those migrating via the peninsula to seasonal changes in its abundance. Studies on the biology of Common Redstarts, cen� sus trapping, and morphological analysis of trapped birds were performed in different areas of the Moun� tain Crimea, including the northern foothills and the southern Crimean coast, in 1989–2011. The results of observations in the steppe part of the peninsula were also included in analysis. Specimens of Common Redstarts from the Crimea were examined in collec� tions kept in the National Museum of Natural History, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and the Zoological Museum of Taras Shevchenko National University (Kiev). Published data from the catalogue of the ornithological collection in the Museum of Nature, Kharkov National University (Devyatko and Dzhamirzoev, 2008), were also taken into account. Male Common Redstarts were identified to subspecies in the course of analysis of museum specimens, exam� ination of trapped birds, and visual observations with optical devices or, at small distances, with naked eye: males of the subspecies P. p. samamisicus have a char� acteristic white spot on the wing, which is absent in males of the nominotypical subspecies. Most males can be reliably identified to subspecies by this crite� rion. It is only in rare cases that local birds have this spot so strongly reduced that it cannot be detected in the field. The main data on population dynamics were obtained in the mountain forest part of the Crimean Nature Reserve, in the central area of the Crimean Mountains, in 1989–1995 and 2009. The abundance of the birds was determined by the standard procedure (Ravkin, 1967) along permanent 2�km routes with an unlimited census zone width (the actual distance to Redstarts recorded during censuses was at most 50 m). The routes were laid so as to pass through various biotopes, with reference to the classification of bird habitats of the Crimean Nature Reserve (Kostin and

Notes on the ground beetle Pterostichus togyusanus (Coleoptera: Carabidae): Phylogenetic evidence for species status and new distribution record

A flightless carabid beetle, Pterostichus bellatrix (Tschitschérine, 1895), which is endemic to the Korean Peninsula, had been thought to comprise two subspecies: the nominotypical subspecies distributed in northern and central parts of the peninsula, and the subspecies P. bellatrix togyusanusPark and Kwon, 1996, distributed in the southern part of the peninsula. A recent study upgraded these two subspecies to species level, but no convincing evidence was provided for this taxonomic change. Our comparative morphology of external and male genital characters revealed that these two species are paraphyletic with respect to Pterostichus syleusKirschenhofer, 1997, which was described from Liaoning Province, China. Thus, separate species status of P. bellatrix and P. togyusanus was confirmed phylogenetically. Although P. togyusanus has only been known from the type locality, Mt. Deogyusan, we newly record this species from Mt. Jirisan, a mountain located south of the known locality. A revised key to species of the Pterostichus opacipennis species group (=the subgenus Koreonialoe (s. str.) Park and Kwon, 1996), which now includes 14 species, is also provided.

The Egyptian fruit bat Rousettus aegyptiacus (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) in the Palaearctic: Geographical variation and taxonomic status

AbstractTwo metrically defined subspecies have traditionally been recognised within the Palaearctic distribution range of the Egyptian fruit bat Rousettus aegyptiacus; the larger R. a. aegyptiacus in Egypt and the northern part of the Middle East and the smaller R. a. arabicus in the southern Middle East. An extensive material of R. aegyptiacus from all parts of this area, i.e. the Levant (incl. Turkey and Cyprus), Egypt (incl. Sinai), northern Sudan, Yemen, Oman, Iran, and Pakistan, as well as comparative samples from its sub-Saharan range, were tested using both morphological and genetic approaches in order to revise the species’ taxonomic status. The results indicated two possible processes, depending on the method used. Genetic analysis of the mitochondrial genome (nd1 and cytb) indicated low variation (< 2.0% of genetic distance) and lack of geographical structure while morphometric analysis indicated significant metric differences. Two basic size morphotypes were found within the Palaearctic range, with a rather mosaic-like geographical distribution and a lack of clear size distinction between the two categories, though intermediate types were detected. Thus, we suggest that all Palaearctic populations of R. aegyptiacus represent one form, the nominotypical subspecies, which is uniform in genetic traits but plastic in metric traits.

Kailasius autocrator (Avinov, 1913) (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae) found in the alai mountain ridge (the Pamir-Alai)

A new subspecies, Kailasius autocrator murun Korb, ssp. n., of the species Kailasius autocrator (Avinov, 1913) from the eastern part of the Alai Mountain Ridge is described. This subspecies differs from the other known ones in the smaller size (the fore-wing length is less than 23 mm) and in the presence of 5 black rounded spots in the submarginal area of the hind-wing upper side (4 spots in the nominotypical subspecies and K. a. pshartanus). The new subspecies is shown to be the most archaic one among the subspecies of the genus Kailasius by the wing pattern. Possible ways for the origin of local and small populations of morphologically different subspecies of the genus are discussed.

Review of Turkish crickets from the subfamily Gryllomorphinae (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)

The fauna of Gryllomorphinae of Turkey is reviewed. Sixteen species and subspecies are established. Ovaliptila anamur sp. nov., O. anitli sp. nov., O. alanya sp. nov., O. alanya proxima subsp. nov., O. alara sp. nov., O. teke sp. nov., O. ibrahimi sp. nov., Glandulosa borisi sp. nov. and Gryllomorpha dalmatina minutissima subsp. nov. are described. Ovaliptila beroni (Popov, 1975), Glandulosa kinzelbachi Harz, 1979, G. harzi Gorochov, 1996 and Gryllomorpha Antalya Gorochov, 2009 are briefly characterized based on the type material. Ovaliptila buresi Mařan, 1958 is indicated as a rather widely distributed species in the western part of Anatolia (but not in the southern coast of this peninsula). Gryllomorpha dalmatina pieperi Harz, 1979, G. miramae Medvedev, 1933 and the nominotypical subspecies of G. miramae are recorded from Turkey for the first time, but both subspecies remain open to question.

Pseudocryptic speciation of Chrysochroa fulgidissima (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) with two new species from Korea, China and Vietnam

In the present study, the jewel beetle Chrysochroa fulgidissima was taxonomically reassessed based on molecular analyses of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S) gene partial sequences, and morphological approaches, excluding the subspecies Chrysochroa fulgidissima adachii. Molecular (three data sets, COI, 16S, and COI + 16S in mtDNA) and morphological (quantitative and qualitative characters) evidence suggested that Ch. fulgidissima consists of four independent species found in seven geographical regions, namely Korea, Japan and Taiwan, China (GuangXi and Hainan) and Vietnam, and Okinawa Island. As a result of the large genetic divergences and subtle morphological differences amongst these populations, we were able to infer that the nominotypical subspecies, Chrysochroa fulgidissima fulgidissima, is divided into three pseudocryptic species that have undergone allopatric speciation events. Thus, we propose that the subspecies Chrysochroa fulgidissima alternans should be upgraded to valid specific status. We also provide a description of two new species, Chrysochroa coreana sp. nov. from Korea, and Chrysochroa pseudofulgidissima sp. nov. from China and Vietnam. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 164, 71–98.