Revision of the genus Exaesiopus Reichardt, 1926 (Coleoptera, Histeridae, Saprininae).

The genus Exaesiopus Reichardt, 1926 is revised herein. It now contains seven species; one new combination is proposed: Pachylopusglaucus = Exaesiopusglaucus (Bickhardt, 1914), comb. n., and one species is described as new: Exaesiopustherondi sp. n. from Afghanistan. Subspecies Exaesiopusgrossipesberberus Peyerimhoff, 1936 is sunk in synonymy with Exaesiopusgrossipes (Marseul, 1855), syn. n. Lectotypes and paralectotypes, respectively, for Saprinusgrossipes Marseul, 1855, Exaesiopusgrossipesberberus Peyerimhoff, 1936 and a neotype for Pachylopusglaucus Bickhardt, 1914 are designated. Exaesiopusgrossipes is re-described; other species are provided with diagnostic descriptions and supplemented by SEM micrographs, colour images, and line drawings of their male genitalia. A key to species is given. Exaesiopusglaucus (Bickhardt, 1914) is newly recorded from the Republic of South Africa; Exaesiopustorvus Reichardt, 1926 is new to Uzbekistan and Russia; Exaesiopusatrovirens Reichardt, 1926 is new to Ukraine and Tajikistan; and Exaesiopushenoni (Schmidt, 1896) is new to Libya and Djibouti.

Introduction

The genus PageBreak was erected by Reichardt (1926) based on the species Marseul, 1855. Reichardt (1926) mainly used the presence of prosternal vestiture as the discriminating character from the presumably closely related genus C. Thomson, 1867. In the same paper he described two further species from ex-Soviet Middle Asia, and , and combined the species Schmidt, 1896 into . Peyerimhoff (1936), based on the elytral punctation, split the species into two subspecies: from the northern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and South Europe, and from North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia). Thérond (1964) added an additional species, from Somalia, to the genus. Lackner (2010) included a diagnosis and a brief discussion of the monophyly of in his Review of the Palaearctic Genera of (), without having examined the Somali species. In the discussion pertaining to I mentioned that the genus is most likely non-monophyletic and its relationship to the genus should be the focus of future studies. The single synapomorphy of Old World (ciliate pronotal hypomeron) is prone to parallelism and shared with at least two Nearctic species of . The present revision of the genus is therefore meant to act chiefly as a tool for identifying -like species with ciliate pleura and sterna from the Old World. These are grouped here under the currently valid genus ; however, a worldwide review and phylogenetic study of all -like taxa is a prerequisite for a sound classification of this difficult group of beetles. During the years 2009–2014 I have had the opportunity to examine many rare taxa, including from Somalia and (Bickhardt) from Namibia. The results of these examinations are presented below. This work presents another contribution to on-going revisionary work on the genera of the subfamily (Lackner 2009a, b, c, 2010, 2011a, b; Lackner 2012; Lackner 2013a, b; Lackner and Gomy 2013; Lackner 2014a, b, c, d; Lackner and Tishechkin 2014; Tishechkin and Lackner 2012).

Material and methods

All dry-mounted specimens were relaxed in warm water for several hours or overnight, depending on the body size. After removal from their original cards, the beetles were side-mounted on triangular points and observed under a Nikon 102 stereoscopic microscope with diffused light. Some structures were studied using methods described by Ôhara (1994): the head and male genitalia were macerated in a hot 10% KOH solution for about 15 minutes, cleared in 80% alcohol, macerated in lactic acid with fuchsine, incubated at 60 °C for two hours, and subsequently transferred into a mixture of glacial acetic acid 1 part and methyl salicylate 1 part heated at 60 °C for 15 minutes and cleared in xylene. Specimens were then observed in α-terpineol in a small glass dish. Digital photographs of the male terminalia, mouthparts and antenna were taken by a Nikon 4500 Coolpix camera and edited in Adobe Photoshop CS4. Based on the photographs or direct observations, the genitalia were drawn using a light-box Hakuba klv-7000. SEM photographs were taken with a JSM 6301F microscope at the laboratory of Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan as well as at the Laboratory of the Electron Microscopy at the Faculty of Biology, Charles University, PageBreakPrague, Czech Republic. Colour images were produced by F. Slamka (Bratislava, Slovakia). All available specimens were measured with an ocular micrometre. Beetle terminology follows that of Ôhara (1994) and Lackner (2010). Separate lines of the same label are demarcated by a slash (/). The following acronyms of museums and private collections are used throughout the text:

CAS

Collection Alexander Sokolov, Moscow, Russia;

CYG

Collection Yves Gomy, Nevers, France;

NHM

The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom (R. Booth);

MNHN

Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (A. Taghavian);

ZMHUB

Museum für Naturkunde, Leibnitz Geselschaft, Berlin, Germany (B. Jaeger);

MSNM

Museo Civico di Storia Naturale, Milano, Italy (F. Rigato);

NCB

Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, Leiden, Netherlands (B. Brugge);

TLAN

Tomáš Lackner collection, temporarily housed at Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, Leiden, Netherlands;

TMSA

Transvaal Museum of Natural History, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa (R. Müller);

ZIN

Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia (B. Kataev).

Abbreviations of morphological measurements follow Ôhara (1994) and are used throughout the text as follows:

APW

Width between anterior angles of pronotum

EL

Length of elytron along sutural line

EW

Maximal width between outer margins of elytra

PEL

Length between anterior angles of pronotum and apices of elytra

PPW

Width between posterior angles of pronotum.

Taxonomy

Reichardt, 1926

:

Diagnosis.

Although the genus has been recently diagnosed (Lackner 2010: 111), it requires modification to accommodate the newly examined species PageBreak, the newly included (Bickhardt), and the newly described . Body in most species strongly convex, especially dorsally; cuticle light to dark brown to almost black, in several species with (feeble) green lustre. Clypeus anteriorly elevated (Fig. 4); frontal stria carinate (Fig. 2); frons with several chevrons, occasionally surrounded by numerous tiny rugae (Fig. 2); pronotal hypomeron setose (Fig. 55). Elytra in most species with punctation; in all species striate; pleura and sterna furnished with short setae (Fig. 41). Prosternum with both sets of striae complete, and occasionally with weakly impressed prosternal foveae (Fig. 6). Protibia with 2–3 (large) teeth topped by triangular denticle; protibial spur in most species inconspicuous (apparently absent); metafemora thickened; metatibiae triangularly dilated and thickened (except for ).

Figures 2–9.

(Marseul, 1855) 2 head, dorsal view 3 mentum, ventral view 4 clypeus 5 propygidium + pygidium 6 prosternum 7 mesoventrite 8 lateral disc od metaventrite + metepisternum 9 protibia, dorsal view.

Figure 55.

Reichardt, 1926 habitus.

Figures 36–43.

(Schmidt, 1896) 36 mentum, ventral view 37 head, dorsal view 38 propygidium and pygidium 39 prosternum 40 mesoventrite 41 lateral disc of metaventrite + metepisternum 42 protibia, dorsal view 43 ditto, ventral view.

Differential diagnosis.

Members of are generally morphologically most similar to the Old World species of the genus , differing from them chiefly by the setose pronotal hypomeron, strongly convex body, thickened metafemora and triangularly dilated and thickened metatibiae. In North America, however, there are at least two species of ( (Casey, 1893) and Casey, 1893) that are characterized by the presence of hypomeral setae.

Biology.

species are almost exclusively found in sandy soils, beach dunes, river sands, and are also found in sandy areas further inland (e.g. Sahara desert). Morphologically they are well adapted to their fossorial habits. Species are often collected on rotting biological matter, e.g. under faeces, dead fish etc., and are occasionally found under coastal wrack or by shore washing. The middle Asian and are sometimes found burrowing under . The biology of and is unknown, the latter has been found inside the stomach of Kentish plover ( L. ()).

Distribution.

Genus has a generally circum-Mediterranean-Caspian-Turanian distribution, most westerly occurring on the Canary Islands, reaching Afghanistan in the east. Its members have also been collected in the Sahara desert (Laghouat, Algeria), reaching as far east as northern Somalia () or Djibouti (). is known only from the Republic of South Africa and Namibia.

(Marseul, 1855)

Figs 1 , 2–9 , 10–13 , 14–16 , 17–25 , 26–34

Figure 1.

(Marseul, 1855) habitus.

Figures 10–13.

(Marseul, 1855) 10 protibia, ventral view 11 mesotibia, dorsal view 12 ditto, ventral view 13 metatibia, dorsal view.

Figure 14–16.

14 (Marseul, 1855) sensory structures of the antenna 15 mandibles, dorsal view 16 labrum, left half depicting dorsum; right half depicting underside.

Figures 17–25.

(Marseul, 1855) from Bulgaria, 8th sternite and tergite, 17 ventral view 18 ditto, dorsal view 19 ditto, lateral view 20 9th + 10th tergites, dorsal view 21 ditto, lateral view 22 aedeagus, dorsal view 23 ditto, lateral view 24 spiculum gastrale, ventral view 25 ditto, lateral view.

Figures 26–34.

(Marseul, 1855) from Tunisia, 8th sternite and tergite, 26 ventral view 27 ditto, dorsal view 28 ditto, lateral view 29 9th + 10th tergites, dorsal view 30 ditto, lateral view 31 spiculum gastrale, ventral view 32 ditto, lateral view 33 aedeagus, dorsal view 34 ditto, lateral view.

Marseul 1855: 718, t. XX, fig. 153; Schmidt (1885): 315.

Schmidt 1890: 19 (

:

:

:

Type locality.

Spain, France: Bayeux, Marseille.

Type material examined.

: Lectotype, present designation, sex undetermined, pinned, right mesotibia, left mesotarus, both hind legs missing, with the following labels: “153 / / / m / Marseille / Barage ?” (round illegible label, written); followed by: “MUSEUM PARIS / COLL. / DE MARSEUL 1890” (printed); followed by: “TYPE” (red-printed label); followed by: “ / Marseul, 1855 / LECTOTYPE 2014 / des. T. Lackner” (red label, written).

: Lectotype, ♀, side-mounted on a triangular point, final two metatarsomeres on right hind leg missing, with the following labels: “Laghouat” (written); followed by: “Coll. Hénon / T Théry” (written); followed by: “ / / Peyerimhoff / TYPE” (written); followed by: “ / / Peyerimhoff, 1936 / LECTOTYPE / des. T. Lackner 2014” (red label, written) (MNHN). Paralectotypes, 2 ♂♂, both mounted on a single pin on triangular mounting points with extracted genitalia, with the following label: “Bône” (written); followed by: “Coll. Hénon / T Théry” (written); followed by: “ / Peyerimh / TYPE” (written); followed by: “ / / Peyerimhoff, 1936 / PARALECTOTYPE / des. T. Lackner 2014” (red label, written) (MNHN).

Note.

Peyerimhoff (1936: 227) distinguished the subspecies from the nominotypical one based on elytral punctation that should cover almost the entire elytral disc basally and laterally up to the second dorsal elytral stria. Among the three specimens that he furnished with type labels, however, only the female from Laghouat (Algeria) exhibits these characteristics; the two males from Bône [=Annaba, Algeria] have their apical half (approximately) impunctate and the punctation of their elytral discs terminates in third elytral stria. Therefore, a female from Laghouat has been selected for the Lectotype. Peyerimhoff (1936: 227) himself did not specify which specimen(s) belonged to the type series; he listed several localities with his extremely brief diagnosis of the new subspecies. Both Laghouat and Bône [=Annaba] were among the listed localities.

Additional material examined.

Bulgaria: 1 ♀, Asenovgrad, vi.1963, A. Olexa leg. (TLAN); 1 spec., Nessebar, 30.v.1996, O. Majzlan leg. (TLAN); 1 spec., Kazanlak, vi. 1963, A. Olexa leg. (TLAN); 1 spec., Plovdiv, Rektořík leg. (TLAN); 1 ♂, Newrokop, 19.vi.1938, leg. Hlinikowski (TLAN); 1 spec., SW Bulgaria, 2 km N Gara Pirin, 11.-12.vi. 1983, leg. Hieke (NCB). BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA: 1 ♀, Mostar, V. Zoufal leg. (ZMHUB). MACEDONIA: 2 specs., 5 km E of Velandovo, 31.v.1992, P. Zahradník leg. (TLAN). Slovakia: 1 ♂, 1 ♀ + 1 spec., Čenkov, 24.vi. 1987, V. Kubáň lgt. (TLAN); 1 spec., ibid, but, 29.v.1993, T. Růžička leg. (TLAN); 2 specs., Kameničná-Balvany 8174c, 13.vii.2000, O. Majzlan leg. (TLAN). Serbia: 1 spec., Veliko Gradište, 2.ix.1955, Stanćić leg. (TLAN); 1 spec., Vranje, 4.vi.1968, collector unknown (TLAN). ITALY: 1 ♀, Piemont, coll. Bickhardt (MNHN); 1 ♂, Torino, coll. Fea (MNHN); 1 ♂ +1 ♀, Lagnola (?), xi. 1910, Sekera leg. (TLAN); 1 spec., PO, Fiume, Piacenza, 2.vi.1963, leg. P. Ratti (NCB); 1 spec., Veneto, Caorle, v. 1999, Clereau leg. (CAS); 2 ♂♂ + 1 ♀, Ponferrada, Paganetti (ZMHUB). FRANCE: 1 ♂, Bouches-du-Rhône, Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, 18.iv.1978, P. Queney leg. (CYG); 1 ♀, Charente Maritime, île de Ré, viii.1978 (P. Queney leg. (CYG); 1 ♂+1 ♀, Gard, Le Grau-du-Roi, 31.viii.1947, J. Thérond leg. (CYG); 4 ♂♂+1 ♀, Gironde, Soulac, 12.iv.1890, E. Giraud leg. (CYG); 1 ♀, idem, but 6.vii.1975, G. Tempère leg. (CYG); 1 ♀, Manche, Portbail, beach, 22.vi.1955, H. Chevin leg. (CYG); 1 ♂, Pyrénées, (CYG); 1 ♂, Montelimar, 7.v.1912, Laboissere leg. (MNHN); 1 ♀, Plouharnel, 1878, no further data (MNHN); 5 specs., Bretagne, Nicolas, no further data (MNHN); 1 ex., Var, Nice, flooding, v. 1951 (MNHN); 3 specs., Grande Coté, Royau, v. 1918, Chobaut & R. Lebon (MNHN); 1 spec., Aveyron, Millau, 6.iv.1960, Fages lgt. (MNHN); 2 specs., Ile de Ré, coll. Bonnaire, no further data (MNHN); 3 specs., La Rochelle d’Orbigny, no further data (MNHN); 4 specs., Carcassonne, no further PageBreakPageBreakdata (MNHN); 2 specs., Pluharnel, dept. de Morbihan, no further data (MNHN); 2 specs., St. Jean de Monts, P. Sirguey (MNHN); 1 spec., Agen, 30.v.1908, G. Nicolas (MNHN); 2 specs., Toulouse, Col. D. Grenier (MNHN); 1 spec., Grau du Roi, 11.iv.1955, J. Thérond leg. (MNHN); 2 specs., ibid, but 2.ii.1938, J. Thérond leg. (MNHN); 1 spec., ibid, but 10.ix.1948, J. Thérond leg. (MNHN); 1 spec., ibid, but 19.v.1970, J. Thérond leg. (MNHN); 1 spec., ibid, but 15.v.1951, J. Thérond leg. (MNHN); 1 spec., ibid, but 1.x.1949, J. Thérond leg. (MNHN); 2 specs., ibid, but 9.iii.1940, J. Thérond leg. (MNHN); 2 specs., Pont du Gard, 3.iii.1927, J. Thérond leg. (MNHN); 2 specs., ibid, but 29.v.1928, J. Thérond leg. (MNHN); 2 specs., ibid, but 22.ix.1931, J. Thérond leg. (MNHN); 1 spec., Camargue, St. Maries, 9.x.1928, L. Puel leg. (MNHN); 5 specs., Vendée, St. Jean de Monts, vi.1926, P. Sirguey leg. (NCB); 2 ♂♂ + 1 ♀, ibid, but MNHN; 1 spec., Morgat, Brittany, no further data (BMNH); 2 specs., France, no further data (BMNH); 1 spec., Erqny, Côtes du Nord, H.D. Preston leg. (BMNH); 1 spec., Provence, no further data (BMNH); 3 specs., St. Jean de Monts (Vendée), P. Sirguey leg., 1926 (BMNH); 1 spec., Manche, Utah Beach, 6.vi.[19]64; 1 spec., Beziers, no further data (BMNH) 1 spec., ibid but ZMHUB; 1 spec., Grau du Roi, 29.iii.1943, J. Thérond leg. (ZIN); 1 spec., Lyon, in Rhône, no data or collector (ZIN). HUNGARY: 1 spec., Hungary, no further data (BMNH); 1 ♂, Jarabszállás, 30.v.1971, P. Polák leg. (TLAN); 1 ♂, Dunakeszi, no further data (ZMHUB). SPAIN: 1 spec., Valencia, no further data (MNHN). IRAQ: 1 spec., Mesopotamia, Millingen, no further data (BMNH); 1 ♀, Mesopotamia, no further data (ZMHUB). Russia: 1 spec., Volgogradskaya obl., Tsimlya, 27.vii.1894, collector unknown (ZIN). Ukraine: 1 spec., Stan. Luganskaya, Lugansk okr., 17.vi.1928, collector unknown (ZIN); 2 ♀♀, Khersonskaya oblast, Alyoshki, Dneprovskij uezd, 26.v.1926, D. Znojko leg.; 2 specs., ibid, but 19.v.1929, N. Kostenko leg.; 1 spec., Khersonskaya oblast, Burkutskie plavni [zapovednik], 17.v.1929, N. Kostenko leg.; 1 spec., ditto, but Kazach village, 7.vi.1928, N. Kostenko leg. (all exs. ZIN). Greece: 1 spec., Peloponese occid., Epitalion, Alfios River, nr. Pyrgos, 13.iv.1995, T. Kopecký leg. (TLAN); 1 ♀, Pirgos, 1.v.1971, leg. Wewalka leg. (TLAN); 1 spec., Peloponesus, Xylokatron, 22.v.1962, H. Pochon leg. (MNHN); 1 spec., Thessalia, no further data (ZMHUB). MOROCCO: 1 ♀, Tauorirt, 10.iii.1993, G. Chavanon leg. (CYG); 1 ♂, Morocco centr., Moyen Atlas, Aguelmame Azegza lake, 22.–26.vi.1998, T. Lackner leg. (TLAN); 1 spec., Ouarzazate prov., Oued Draa River valley, Agdz env., N 30.40.52 W 006.25.08, 29.iii.2011, in human faeces, A. Gusakov leg. (CAS); 1 ♂, Beni Ounif near Figuig, 11.v.1944, Barbier leg. (MNHN). TUNISIA: 1 ♂, Medjez el Bab, v.1935, R. Demoflys leg. (CYG); 1 ♂, Gabès, v. 1944, R. Demoflys leg. (CYG); 1 spec., Zarzia, 5.–11.v.1977, M.A. Hielkema leg. (NCB). 1 ♀, Tunis, i–ii.1882, G. & L. Doria leg. (ZMHUB); 1 spec., Hammamet mer., 25.iii.-4.iv.1992, A. Pütz leg.; 2 ♀♀, 1 ♂ & 1 spec., 6-11.vi.1982, Kairuan, A. Olexa leg. (TLAN). ALGERIA: 1 ♀, Bona [=Bône?], Desbr., no further data (ZMHUB); 2 ♂ + 1 ♀, Oued Sebaou near Tizi-Ouzou, 25.vi.1908, collector unknown (MNHN); 2 ♀♀, Aïn Sefra, v. 1936, collector unknown (MNHN); 1 ♂, ibid, but coll. Bonnaire (MNHN); 1 ♀, Bou-Ktoub, S of Oran, Déchoguat leg. (MNHN); 1 ♀, Biskra, v. 1885, L. Bleuse leg. (MNHN); PageBreak1 ♀, Bou-Saada, no further data (MNHN); 1 ♀, south of Oran, no further data (MNHN) 1 ♂ + 1 ♀, Colomb-Béchar, 1912, P. Germain leg. (MNHN).

Redescription.

Although this species has been recently re-described by the author (Lackner 2010: 112–116), I prefer to repeat this re-description here for the reason that the following species are morphologically rather similar to . Those species are consequently provided only with diagnostic descriptions outlining their respective differences.

Body length: PEL: 2.10–2.75 mm; APW: 0.825–1.00 mm; PPW: 1.625–2.25 mm; EL: 1.25–2.00 mm; EW: 1.875–2.50 mm.

Body (Fig. 1) oval, convex, cuticle light to dark brown, sometimes with feeble bronze or greenish metallic tinge; legs, mouthparts and antennae rufopiceous.

Antennal scape with few short setae; club (Fig. 2) round, entire surface with thick short yellow sensilla intermingled with sparse slightly longer setae; sensory structures of the antennal club (Fig. 14) in form of stipe-shaped vesicle situated under circular sensory area on internal distal margin of the ventral side of antennal club.

Mouthparts: mandibles (Fig. 15) stout, outer margin slightly curved; mandibular apex bluntly pointed; sub-apical tooth of left mandible large, almost perpendicular; labrum (Fig. 16) sparsely punctate, shallowly depressed medially, two labral pits present, two labral setae arising from each; epipharynx almost completely hidden under labral fold; terminal labial palpomere elongated, its width less than half its length; mentum (Fig. 3) square-shaped, with deep antero-median notch; anterior margin with few long setae, lateral margins with single row of sparse shorter ramose setae; cardo of maxilla with few short setae on lateral margin; stipes triangular, with three much longer setae; terminal maxillary palpomere somewhat thickened, its width less than half its length, about twice as long as penultimate.

Clypeus (Fig. 4) rectangular, almost smooth, can be slightly rugose, anterior margin elevated, clypeus depressed medially; frontal stria well impressed, almost straight (sometimes somewhat curved outwardly), carinate, continued as carinate supraorbital and postorbital striae; frons with two to several irregularly shaped carinate transverse rugae or chevrons; eyes flattened, inconspicuous from above.

Pronotal sides slightly convergent forwards; apical angles blunt; marginal stria complete; pronotal disc convex, with round dense punctation, forming transverse rugae laterally, postero-median part of disc usually smooth, at times entire disc punctate (punctation can also stop short of lateral pronotal margin); pronotal base with a double row of round dense punctures; pronotal hypomeron with amber setae; scutellum small, visible.

Elytral humeri slightly prominent, elytra broad, almost as broad as long at its widest point; elytral epipleura with microscopic punctures, almost smooth; marginal epipleural stria complete; marginal elytral stria deeply impressed, continued as well impressed apical elytral stria; regular row of round punctures present along elytral marginal stria. Humeral elytral stria weakly impressed on basal third, sometimes doubled; inner subhumeral stria present medially, deep and rather long, rarely joining marginal elytral stria; elytra with four dorsal punctate elytral striae 1–4, all striae approximately reaching elytral half PageBreakapically (occasionally slightly surpassing it), fourth elytral stria basally connected with sutural elytral stria; sutural stria deeply punctured, apically joining apical elytral stria. Elytral punctation variable, often confined to apical half of elytra, along elytral suture reaching almost anterior third of elytral disc, punctures regular and deep, separated by about half to their own diameter, occasionally (often in specimens from North Africa) covering most part of elytral disc (elytral flanks and humeri almost always smooth).

Propygidium (Fig. 5) almost completely exposed, long, covered with coarse and dense regular punctation; punctation of pygidium (Fig. 5) sparser and finer, punctures separated by about 1–3 times their diameter.

Anterior margin of median portion of prosternum (Fig. 6) regularly rounded; prosternal foveae weakly to well impressed, small and often indiscernible under conventional binocular microscope; prosternal process slightly to deeply concave, dorsally impunctate, laterally substrigulate-punctate, few microscopic setae present; carinal prosternal striae divergent between procoxae, subparallel, vaguely united in front, at times obliterated on their anterior third; lateral prosternal striae well impressed, carinate, convergent anteriorly, united in front of apices of carinal prosternal striae.

Mesoventral disc (Fig. 7) somewhat convex, almost smooth, slightly wider than long; meso-metaventral sutural stria well impressed, with several accompanying puncPageBreaktures; intercoxal disc of metaventrite with longitudinal depression in male, smooth, basally with irregular sparse shallow fine punctures; lateral metaventral stria (Fig. 8) well impressed, carinate, obliquely arcuate, apically almost reaching metacoxa; lateral disc of metaventrite concave, with shallow setiferous punctures of various sizes, separated by approximately their own diameter; metepisternum with even denser and coarser punctation and setae, on apical third + metepimeron punctation much finer and sparser; metepisternal stria deeply impressed, present on metepimeron and approximately apical third of metepisternum.

Intercoxal disc of first abdominal sternite almost completely striate laterally; disc almost smooth, with sparse punctures along apical margin; lateral portion of disc of all visible abdominal sternites with short setae.

Protibia (Fig. 9) on outer margin with two to three low teeth, topped with triangular to rounded (blunt, if worn) denticle followed by two inconspicuous rounded denticles; setae of outer row sparse, moderately long; setae of median row shorter than those of outer row, sparse; anterior protibial stria shortened apically; protibial groove shallow; protibial spur (Fig. 10) minuscule, growing out from apical margin of protibia; outer part of posterior surface of protibia (Fig. 10) obscurely variolate, vaguely separated from comparatively narrower median part, posterior protibial stria complete, PageBreakterminating in two minute inner posterior denticles; inner margin of protibia with double row of short dense ramose setae.

Mesotibia (Fig. 11) moderately dilated and thickened, outer margin with two rows of sparse short denticles; setae of outer row well sclerotized, comparatively short; setae of median row shorter and sparser, covering most of posterior surface; PageBreakposterior mesotibial stria vaguely impressed, shortened apically; mesotibial spur stout, prominent and long; anterior face of mesotibia (Fig. 12) smooth; anterior mesotibial stria shortened apically; claws of last tarsomere bent, shortened, shorter than half its length.

Metatibia (Fig. 13) triangularly dilated and thickened apically; outer margin with four widely-spaced short rounded denticles, a single row of tiny sparse rounded denticles present dorsally on thickened anterior face of metatibia; setae of intermedian row shorter and denser, cover almost the entire posterior face of metatibia; otherwise metatibia similar to mesotibia.

Male genitalia. Eighth sternite (Figs 17–18) on apical half longitudinally separated medially, with tiny asetose vela, eighth sternite and tergite fused laterally (Fig. 19). Ninth tergite (Figs 20–21) apically with faint emargination; basally deeply emarginated; tenth tergite (Fig. 20) apically outwardly arcuate, basally faintly inwardly arcuate. Spiculum gastrale (Figs 24–25) typical for the subfamily representing the most common type with ‘head’ and ‘tail’ (sensu Caterino & Tishechkin, 2013); ‘tail’ cordate, ‘head’ with two narrow, curved arms. Aedeagus (Figs 22–23) tube-like, slender, basal piece of aedeagus rather short, ratio of its length: length of parameres 1:3.5; parameres fused along their basal two-thirds, aedeagus slightly curved ventrad (Fig. 23).

differs from the three species , and chiefly by the shape of its protibia, which is on its outer margin furnished with three low teeth topped by triangular or rounded denticles (Figs 9, 10), whereas the three other mentioned species have their protibia furnished with two large teeth topped by triangular denticles on outer margin (Figs 61, 79 & 114). From and it differs chiefly by the absence of a green metallic hue of the dorsum (compare Figs 1 with 73 & 98); from it differs furthermore by thickened and dilated metatibia (compare Figs 13 with 106). On the other hand, some specimens of (especially from N. Africa that formerly belonged to the subspecies ) can resemble the specimens of Middle-Asian by their densely punctate dorsum. These specimens differ, however, from by their respective male genitalia (compare Figs 17–34 with 64–72) and the less punctate pronotal disc (see also Key to the species for details, below). Most specimens of , however (especially those from the northern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and South Europe) have distinctly less punctate dorsum than the specimens of .

Figures 56–63.

Reichardt, 1926 56 clypeus 57 head, dorsal view 58 propygidium + pygidium 59 prosternum 60 mesoventrite 61 protibia, dorsal view 62 mesotibia, dorsal view 63 metatibia, dorsal view.

Figures 74–79.

Reichardt, 1926 head, 74 dorsal view 75 propygidium + pygidium 76 prosternum 77 mesoventrite 78 lateral disc of metaventrite + metepisternum 79 protibia, dorsal view.

Figure 114.

sp. n. habitus, dorsal view.

Figure 73.

Reichardt, 1926 habitus.

Figure 98.

(Bickhardt, 1914) habitus.

Figure 99–106.

(Bickhardt, 1914) mentum, 99 ventral view 100 head, dorsal view 101 propygidium + pygidium 102 prosternum 103 mesoventrite 104 protibia, dorsal view 105 ditto, ventral view 106 metatibia, dorsal view.

Figures 64–72.

Reichardt, 1926 8th sternite + tergite, 64 ventral view 65 ditto, dorsal view 66 ditto, lateral view 67 9th + 10th tergites, dorsal view 68 ditto, lateral view 69 spiculum gastrale, ventral view 70 ditto, lateral view 71 aedeagus, dorsal view 72 ditto, lateral view.

This species is found on the beach under coastal wrack as well as further away from the waterfront, almost exclusively on sandy soil. Beetles can be found under rotting fish, excrements or buried under vegetation.

Known from the Canary Islands, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Iraq.

Remarks.

A variable species, covering vast area from the Canary Islands in the west to Iraq in the east. Its external morphology as well as male genitalia exhibit a certain degree of variation (compare Figs 17–25 and 26–34), but I find it difficult to discern discrete states among the variation and prefer to lump all examined specimens under the same species.

(Schmidt, 1896)

Figs 35 , 36–43 , 44–45 , 46–54

Figure 35.

(Schmidt, 1896) habitus.

Figures 44–45.

(Schmidt, 1896) 44 mesotibia, dorsal view 45 metatibia, dorsal view.

Figures 46–54.

(Schmidt, 1896) 8th sternite and tergite, 46 ventral view 47 ditto, dorsal view 48 ditto, lateral view 49 9th + 10th tergite, dorsal view 50 ditto, lateral view 51 spiculum gastrale, ventral view 52 ditto, lateral view 53 aedeagus, dorsal view 54 ditto, lateral view.

: Bickhardt 1910: 106.

:

Aïn Sefra, Algeria.

Lectotype, ♀, side-mounted on triangular point, left metatarsus missing, with the following labels: “♀” (printed); followed by: “ m / Aïn Sefra” (written); followed by: “coll Schmidt- / Bickhardt” (printed); followed by: “ / Schmidt / Coll. Schmidt-Bickhardt” (printed); followed by: “LECTOTYPE / N. Dégallier” (red label, printed) (ZMHUB). 1 ♂ paralectotype, with the following labels: “Aïn Sefra / Hénon” (printed); followed by: “ / / Schm. Type” (written); followed by: “PARA- / LECTOTYPE / N. Dégallier” (printed) (BMNH). 1 ♀, paralectotype, with the following labels: “Aïn Sefra / Hénon” (printed); followed by: “ / / Cotype ‘96 Sch.” (written); followed by: “PARA- / LECTOTYPE / N. Dégallier” (printed) (BMNH); Paralectotypes: 1 ♂ & 4 specs., with the following labels: “Aïn-Sefra / Hénon” (printed); followed by: “Museum Paris / ex coll. / P. de Peyerimhoff” (printed); followed by: “PARA - / LECTOTYPE / N. Dégallier” (red label, printed) (MNHN).

1 Syntype, ♀, side-mounted on a triangular point, with the following labels: “♀” (printed); followed by: “Type” (brick-red label, printed); followed by: “Aïn-Sefra / Hénon” (printed); followed by: “ / typ” (written); followed by: “ / Schmidt / Coll. Schmidt-Bickhardt” (printed); 1 Syntype, ♀, side-mounted on a triangular point, with the following labels: “♀” (printed); followed by: “Type” (brick-red label, printed); followed by: “Aïn-Sefra / Hénon” (printed); followed by: “ / m” (written); followed by: “coll. J. Schmidt” (printed); followed by: “ / Schmidt / Coll. Schmidt-Bickhardt” (printed); 1 Syntype, ♀, side-mounted on a triangular point, with the following labels: “♀” (printed); followed by: “Type” (brick-red label, printed); followed by: “Aïn-Sefra / Hénon” (printed); followed by: “ / m” (written); followed by: “ / Schmidt / Coll. Schmidt-Bickhardt” (printed) (all syntypes ZMHUB).

ALGERIA: 1 spec., Mraier, D. de Constantine, coll. de Vauloger (ZIN); 4 ♂♂ + 1 ♀ + 3 specs., Aïn Sefra, Hénon (MNHN); 1 spec., idem, but, v-vi.1896, L. Bleuse leg. (MNHN); 1 ♂ + ♀, idem, but CYG; 3 specs., Colomb-Béchar, 27.iv.1923, J. Thérond leg. (MNHN); 1 spec., ibid, but 30.iv.1923 (MNHN); 2 specs., Mraier, D. de Constantine, Vauloger (MNHN); 1 spec., Biskra, Dr. H.J. Veth leg. (NCB); 3 specs., Aïn Sefra, 26.iv.1987, A. Olexa (TLAN); 1 ♀, ibid, but 25.–27.iv.1987, D. Král leg. Djibouti: 1 ♀, As-Eyla, viii.1976 (NCB). Libya: 1 spec., Tripolitania, Wadi Sofeggin, 21.–23.v.1963, no collector (MNHN).

Diagnostic description.

Body length: PEL: 2.50–2.75 mm; APW: 0.875–1.00 mm; PPW: 1.875–2.00 mm; EW: 2.125–2.20 mm; EL: 1.625–1.80 mm. Body (Fig. 35) similar to , but without any trace of metallic tinge; antennae similar to those of ; sensory structures of the antennal club not examined. Mouthparts generally similar to those of ; mentum (Fig. 36) sub-quadrate, feebly inwardly arcuate on anterior margin; anterior margin with several long setae, lateral margins with single row of sparse shorter ramose setae; stipes of maxilla with four setae (three in ); rest of the mouthparts as in . Clypeus (Fig. 37) as in , almost smooth; frontal and supraorbital striae as in ; postorbital stria missing (present in ); frons with two deep chevrons.

Pronotal disc (Fig. 35) with ellipsoid to round, rather sparse punctation, punctures separated by their own to several times their diameters, postero-median part of disc always smooth, punctation stopping short of lateral pronotal margin leaving a narrow impunctate band; rest of the pronotum as in PageBreakPageBreak. Elytra generally as in ; inner subhumeral stria shortly present medially; dorsal elytral striae for short distance surpassing elytral half; elytral punctation variable, in most specimens present only on fourth elytral interval, but can also at times be present on other elytral intervals (a specimen from Libya), or almost completely missing (a specimen from Algeria); along elytral suture can reach almost elytral base, punctures irregular, variously deep, separated often by several times their own diameter, elytral flanks and humeri always smooth. Propygidium (Fig. 38) and pygidium similar to those of ; punctation somewhat sparser (compare Figs 5 and 38). Prosternum (Fig. 39) generally similar to that of , but prosternal foveae very weakly impressed, often indiscernible (absent?); prosternal process deeply concave, constricted, prosternal structures and configuration of the two sets of prosternal striae similar to those of . Disc of mesoventrite (Fig. 40) almost smooth, similar to that of , but almost as long as wide; meso-metaventral sutural stria undulate; intercoxal disc of metaventrite with longitudinal depression in both sexes, more prominent in male, smooth, basally with several irregular rows of sparse punctures; lateral metaventral stria (Fig. 41) obliquely arcuate, apically almost reaching metacoxa; lateral disc of metaventrite (Fig. 41) and metepisternum generally similar to those of , but metepisternum with denser and coarser punctation and longer setae; meterpisternal stria unrecognizable beneath setae (absent?). Intercoxal disc of first abdominal sternite as in . Protibia (Figs 42–43) on outer margin with a single massive triangular tooth, followed by another lower tooth; both teeth topped by triangular denticle followed by two-three inconspicuous rounded denticles entombed in outer protibial margin; protibial spur inconspicuous (absent?); outer part of posterior surface of protibia (Fig. 43) smooth, separated from comparatively narrower median part by a definite ridge, posterior protibial stria complete, terminating in two minuscule inner posterior denticles; inner margin of protibia with double row of long dense lamellate setae. Mesotibia (Fig. 44) as in , but denticles on outer margin longer. Metatibia (Fig. 45) even more triangularly dilated and thickened than that of ; outer margin with about four strong denticles larger in size apically; dilated anterior margin dorsally with several irregular rows of scattered tiny rounded denticles.

Male genitalia. Eighth sternite (Figs 46–47) apically with a brush of sparse setae and a moderately sized velum; eighth tergite apically faintly inwardly arcuate; eighth sternite and tergite fused laterally (Fig. 48). Ninth tergite (Fig. 49) apically faintly PageBreakinwardly arcuate; tenth tergite apically rounded; spiculum gastrale (Figs 51–52) similar to that of . Aedeagus (Figs 53–54) short and stout, slightly dilated apically; apex with pseudopores; parameres fused on their apical half. Basal piece of aedeagus short; ratio basal piece: parameres approximately 1:4.

is most similar to the species and , with which it shares the shape of protibia (see also Key to species for details). From it differs by sparsely punctate pronotum, frons that is devoid of tiny irregular rugae, and anterior face of protibia, which is glabrous in , whereas it is obscurely variolate in . From it differs by punctate body (almost impunctate in ) and present inner subhumeral stria (absent from ). From the remaining species of the genus differs by the shape of the protibia (see also Key to species for details).

A typical psammophile, found in sand.

So far known only from Algeria and Morocco (Gomy et al. 2011). New to Libya and Djibouti.

Reichardt, 1926

Figs 55 , 56–63 , 64–72

Yanidarya, Kyzyl-Ordinskij Rayon, Kazakhstan.

Holotype, ♀ side-mounted on a triangular point, with female genitalia extracted and glued to the subsequent label with female sign, with following labels: “♀” (printed); followed by circular golden label; followed by: “Yany - Darya / perovsk u / Kyzyl-Kum / 24.iv.[1]911” (hand-written); followed by: “Type / / m. / A. Reichardt det.” (written-printed label); followed by: “Holotypus” (red label, printed) (ZIN).

Kazakhstan: 1 ♀, left bank of the river Ural, Saraichikovsk, 8.vi.1932, Lukyanovich leg.; 1 ♀ + 2 specs., left bank of Ural river, opposite of Saraychik, 8.vi.1932, Lukyanovich leg.; 1 ♂, western bank of Aral Sea, Komsomolsk na Ustyurte, 31.v.1978, G. Medvedev; 1 spec., W Kazakhstan obl. [=reg.], Bilj-Agach, 4.vii.1952, L. Arnoldi (in leaf litter). (all exs. ZIN); 1 spec., 1933-102, left bank of the Ural River, Saraychik, 8.vi.[19]32, Lyukanovich (BMNH). Uzbekistan: 1 ♀, Karakum, Khiva, 3.v.1978, leg. Olexa; 1 ♂, ibid, but 1.–5.v.1979 (both exs. TLAN); RUSSIA: 1 spec., Astrakhan Region, Krasniy Yar district, near Dosang vill., 8.v.2009, A. Kovalyov leg. (CAS); 1 spec., ibid, but 14 km NE Dosang vill., barkhan [=sand dune] Tuvayak, 23-24.iv.2008, M. Smirnov leg. (CAS).

Body length: PEL: 2.15–2.575 mm; APW: 0.575–0.875 mm; PPW: 1.625–1.925 mm; EW: 1.75–2.125; EL: 1.375–1.625 mm. Body (Fig. 55) strongly convex, cuticle as in , but without metallic tinge; legs, mouthparts and antennae dark yellow to light brown. Antennae as in ; sensory structures of the antennal club not examined. Mouthparts: labrum obscurely variolate, shallowly depressed medially; mentum as in ; rest of the mouthparts similar to those of ; terminal labial and maxillary palpomeres truncate. Clypeus (Fig. 56) as in , but rugulose-lacunose; frontal, supraorbital and postorbital striae (Fig. 57) as in ; frons rugose, with several irregularly shaped carinate transverse rugae or chevrons intermingled with sparse microscopic punctures. Pronotum: pronotal disc, except for irregularly-shaped impunctate (or weakly punctate) median part entirely covered with round dense punctation, forming transverse rugae and confluent laterally, punctation reaches lateral margins; rest of pronotum as in .

Elytral humeri not particularly enlarged; inner subhumeral stria present only as a row of several punctures; elytral punctation variable, in most specimens reaching elytral base along fourth elytral interval, punctures often present in all elytral intervals, elytral flanks impunctate; punctures regular and deep, separated by about half to several times their own diameter. Propygidium (Fig. 58) and pygidium as in , but covered with denser punctation. Prosternum: prosternal foveae (Fig. 59) weakly impressed; prosternal process otherwise similar to that of . Disc of mesoventrite (Fig. 60) with scattered shallow punctures; intercoxal disc of metaventrite, lateral disc of metaventrite and metepisternum generally similar to those of . Intercoxal disc of first abdominal sternite as in . Protibia (Fig. 61) more dilated than that of ; on outer margin with two widely-spaced low teeth, topped by large triangular denticle followed by two low rounded denticles imbedded in outer protibial margin; protibial spur inconspicuous (absent?) protibia otherwise similar to that of . Mesotibia (Fig. 62) generally similar to that of . Metatibia (Fig. 63) perhaps most triangularly dilated and thickened of all congeners; outer margin with approximately three widely-spaced tiny denticles; inner margin with a dense row of minuscule rounded denticles; no rows of denticles present between the two rows, surface rugulose-lacunose.

Male genitalia. Eighth (Figs 64–65) sternite apically asetose, with tiny vela; eighth tergite apically faintly inwardly arcuate medially; eighth sternite and tergite fused laterally (Fig. 66). Ninth tergite (Figs 67–68) apically almost straight; tenth tergite apically outwardly arcuate, basally only faintly inwardly arcuate. Spiculum gastrale (Figs 69–70) generally similar to that of . Aedeagus (Figs 71–72) almost parallel-sided, apex with pseudopores, parameres fused along their apical half (approximately); aedeagus slightly curved ventrad from the lateral view (Fig. 72).

Generally the most punctate species of , which can be confused only with densely punctate specimens of from N Africa. It clearly differs from them by the punctation of pronotum as well as male genitalia (see also Key to species for details).

Similar to that of other congeners – beetles are found in sand.

Kazakhstan; new to Uzbekistan and Russia.

Reichardt, 1926

Figs 73 , 74–79 , 80–88

Figures 80–88.

Reichardt, 1926 aedeagus, 80 dorsal view 81 ditto, lateral view 82 spiculum gastrale, lateral view 83 ditto, ventral view 84 8th sternite + tergite, lateral view 85 9th + 10th tergites, dorsal view 86 8th sternite + tergite, ventral view 87 ditto, dorsal view 88 9th + 10th tergites, lateral view.

Arys, Kazakhstan.

Holotype, ♂, with male genitalia extracted and glued to the subsequent label with male sign, with following labels: “♂” (printed); followed by circular golden label; followed by: “St. Arys / Tashkenskaya Zh d. / 27.v.[1]921 / na sklonach / saye, na osypyach / on the other side of the same label is written: “obryvystych kra- / yov i vypotov / soli. neredko / k reke / sb. I. Ivanov” (hand-written label on both sides); followed by: “ / sp. n. / A. Reichardt det.” (written-printed label with black margin); followed by red, printed label: “Holotypus” (ZIN). Paratypes: 1 ♂ +1 ♀, with circular golden label, followed by written label: “St. Aris / Tashkenskaya Zh. d. / I. Ivanov 27.v.[1]921”; followed by: “ / sp.n. / A. Reichardt det. (printed-written); followed by red label, written: “Paratypus”; followed by: “Zoological / Institute RAS / St. Petersburg” (yellow label, printed). 1 ♂, with circular golden label, followed by written label: “Askhabad”; followed by: “ / sp. n. / A. Reichardt det.” (written-printed); followed by: “Paratypus” (hand-written red label); followed by: “Zoological / Institute RAS / St. Petersburg” (yellow label, printed); followed by yellow, pencil-written label: “09-060” (added by myself); 1 spec., with circular golden label, followed by: “Caucas, further illegible”; (black-turned, formerly red label, printed-written); followed by: “Coll. / Semenov Tian-Shansky” (written-printed); followed by: PageBreak“ / sp. n. / A. Reichardt det.” (written-printed label); followed by: “Paratypus” (hand-written red label); 1 ♂, with male genitalia extracted and glued to the subsequent label with male sign, with following labels: “♂” (printed); followed by circular golden label; followed by: “Caucasus / Coll. Kusnetzov / A. Semenov Tian-Shansky” (written-printed label); followed by: “ / sp. n. / A. Reichardt det.” (written-printed label); followed by: “Paratypus” (hand-written red label); 1 spec., with circular golden label; followed by: “Owtshaly? / 11 mai / 1880” (written); followed by: “62” (pink label, written); followed by: “k. [=coll.] G. Siversa” (printed label in Russian); followed by: “ / / Mrs.” (written label); followed by: “ / sp. n. / A. Reichardt det.” (written-printed label); followed by: “Paratypus” (hand-written red label); 1 spec., with golden circular label, followed by: “Turkestan / Sansar / Glasunov 1892” (black-margined printed label); followed by: “prope group / Hls. mit lang / Wimperhaaren / nur nicht / Akinini” (written); followed by: “k. [=coll.] A. Jacobsona” (printed); followed by: “Paratypus” (red label, written); 1 spec., with golden circular label, followed by: “St. Aris / Tashk. PageBreak[Tashkentskaya] Zhe. [iron] d. [railway] / I. Uvarov 27.v.[1]921”; followed by: “ / sp. n. / A. Reichardt det.” (written-printed label); followed by hand-written red label: “Paratypus”; followed by: “Zoological / Institute RAS / St. Petersburg” (yellow label, printed) (all type specimens ZIN).

Armenia: 1 spec., Yerevan, 19.v.1938, Richter (ZIN). Tajikistan: 1 ♀ & 1 spec., Pyandzh, from Khorog to Ishkashim, 6.vi.1928, Grishin leg. (ZIN); 1 spec., ibid, but BMNH. Azerbaijan: 1 spec., PageBreakKhudat, SE Samura, 8.vii.1913, Lyukyanovitsh leg. (ZIN); Kazakhstan: 1 spec., Kazakhstan, river Ural near Kharkin, 7.v.1951, Gurjeva leg. (MNHN); 1 ♀, r. Ural near Kharkin, 13.v.1951, L. Arnoldi leg., under PageBreak in the sand (ZIN); 1 spec., Uralskaya obl., Kalmykov, 31.vii.1908, Borodin (ZIN); Russia: 2 specs., Volgogradskaya obl. Kamyshyn, 7.v.1939, Lyubyshev leg. (ZIN); 1 ♂, Dagestan, Terekli-Mekteb, Karanogaysk. steppe, 15.v.1925, Kirichenko leg. (ZIN); 5 specs., Astrakhan Region, Krasniy Yar district, near Dosang vill., 8.v.2009, A. Kovalyov leg. (CAS); 1 spec., ibid, 17.v.1998, 46°54'N, 47°54'E, K. Makarov & A.Brinyov leg (CAS). TURKEY: 1 spec., vill. Artvin, Cankurtaran Geç., 3.vi.2000, J. Mertlik leg. (TLAN); 1 spec., 21.vi.2003, Erzurum vill., ca 50 km S, Hamzalar - Hot Springs, 39°27'N, 41°07’, 1935 m, Jiří Hájek & Josef Hotový leg. (TLAN); 1 spec., Adana, 1903, no further data (BMNH). IRAN: Dorahi, 16.vi.1973, collector unknown (MNHN). Afghanistan: 1 ♂, Central, Gesab, 1400 m, 14.vi.1970, Kabakov leg. (ZIN). Georgia: 1 ♀, Mzcheta near Tbilisi, 12.–13.vi.1987, leg. Wrase & Schülke (NCB). UKRAINE: 1 spec., Kherson reg. Golaya Pristan distr. near Ribalche, 6.–9.v.1994, I. Melnik leg. (CAS).

Body length: PEL: 2.50–2.75 mm; APW: 1.00–1.10 mm; PPW: 2.00–2.25 mm; EW: 2.125–2.40 mm; EL: 1.50–1.875. Body shape (Fig. 73) as in its congeners, cuticle with greenish metallic tinge; legs, mouthparts and antennae reddish-brown. Antennae as those of ; sensory structures of the antenna not examined. Mouthparts: mandibles somewhat more slender than those of ; labrum with large antero-median depression, otherwise similar to that of ; mentum and rest of the mouthparts likewise. Clypeus (Fig. 74) rectangular, rugose, anterior margin elevated, depressed medially; frontal, supraorbital and postorbital striae (Fig. 74) as in ; frons with several irregularly shaped carinate transverse rugae intermingled with numerous tiny rugae; at times transverse rugae obliterated under numerous tiny rugae; eyes flattened, but visible from above. Pronotum as in . Elytra similar to that of ; inner subhumeral stria present medially; elytral punctation, however, mostly confined to apical half of elytra, only rarely punctures present on other than fourth elytral interval. Punctation of propygidium (Fig. 75) and pygidium similar to those of , but punctures on propygidium almost confluent. Prosternum (Fig. 76) most similar to that of , foveae small but deep; prosternal process asetose. Mesoventrite (Fig. 77) occasionally sparsely and finely punctate, otherwise similar to that of ; intercoxal disc of metaventrite similar to that of ; longitudinal depression in female very faint; lateral metaventral stria, rest of lateral disc of metaventrite, metepisternum + fused metepimeron (Fig. 78) most similar to those of , but the amber setae distinctly longer and denser. Intercoxal disc of first abdominal sternite most similar to that of . Protibia (Fig. 79) similar to that of , differing from it chiefly by lower teeth topped by large triangular denticle. Mesotibia and metatibia similar to those of ; metatibia, however, slightly more thickened and dilated.

Male genitalia. Eighth sternite (Fig. 86–87) fused along its entire length, apically asetose, velum tiny; eighth tergite apically faintly inwardly arcuate; eighth sternite and tergite fused laterally (Fig. 84). Ninth tergite (Figs 85, 88) apically faintly inwardly arcuate; spiculum gastrale (Figs 82–83) similar to other congeners. Aedeagus (Figs 80–81) short and stout, gradually dilated anteriorly, apex with pseudopores, parameres fused along their basal two-thirds (approximately), aedeagus slightly curved ventrad (Fig. 81).

is most similar externally to , differing from it by longer vestiture on underside of the body, numerous irregular rugae of frons, more thickened and dilated metatibia, larger triangular denticles of protibia, and male genitalia (compare Figs 80–88 with Figs 107–113; see also Key to species for details). From the rest of the congeners it differs chiefly by its greenish metallic hue of the dorsum (other species are not metallic).

Figures 107–113.

(Bickhardt, 1914) 8th sternite + tergite, 107 ventral view 108 ditto, dorsal view 109 ditto, lateral view 110 9th + 10th tergites dorsal view & spiculum gastrale, ventral view 111 9th + 10th tergites & spiculum gastrale, lateral view 112 aedeagus, dorsal view 113 ditto, lateral view.

Found in sand, often under .

Known from Turkey, Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Iran, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. New to Ukraine and Tajikistan.

Thérond, 1964

Figs 89 , 90–97

Figure 89.

Thérond, 1964 holotype, habitus.

Figures 90–97.

Thérond, 1964 holotype, mentum, 90 ventral view 91 holotype, head, dorsal view 92 holotype, propygidium + pygidium 93 holotype, prosternum 94 holotype, mesoventrite 95 holotype, protibia, dorsal view 96 ditto, ventral view 97 holotype, metatibia, dorsal view.

Guardafui, Somalia.

Holotype, ♀, mounted on its side on a triangular point, right protibia missing, with printed label: “SOMALI REP. / North region”, followed by another printed label: “Guardafui / XI. 1959 / C. Hemming”; with another printed-written label: “J. Thérond det., 1962 / / n. sp.” and a red label attached to it (printed-written): “TYPE / Esemplare / unico”; with another yellow, pencil-written label: “D08-092”, added by myself (MSNM).

Body length: PEL: 2.375 mm; APW: 0.825 mm; PPW: 1.75 mm; EL: 1.50 mm; EW: 2.00 mm.

Body (Fig. 89) without metallic tinge; legs, mouthparts and antennae light brown; antennal club amber. Antennae as in ; sensory structures of the antennal club not examined. Mouthparts: mentum (Fig. 90) glabrous, sub-quadrate, shallowly inwardly arcuate on anterior margin; anterior margin with several rather long setae intermingled with short sparse ramose setae; rest of the mouthparts as in . Clypeus and frons (Fig. 91) similar to those of . Pronotum almost smooth, only laterally and behind head with vague patches of shallow sparse punctation; otherwise similar to that of . Elytra: inner subhumeral stria absent; elytral disc entirely smooth. Propygidium and pygidium (Fig. 92) similar to other congeners, but only sparsely punctate, punctures separated by several times their own diameter. Prosternum (Fig. 93): prosternal foveae tiny, almost invisible; prosternal process otherwise similar to that of other congeners. Mesoventrite (Fig. 94) glabrous, about as long as wide; metaventrite smooth; lateral disc of metaventrite and metepisternum similar to those of . Intercoxal disc of first abdominal sternite similar to that of . Protibia (Figs 95–96) similar to that of , but outer margin of teeth topped by large triangular denticles, more similar in size than those of , furthermore outer part of posterior surface of protibia of obscurely variolate, whereas it is glabrous in . Mesotibia generally similar to that of , but denticles on outer margin shorter. Metatibia (Fig. 97) likewise generally similar to that of , but denticles on outer margin more numerous.

Male unavailable.

This species is most similar to , from which it differs by almost impunctate pronotum (punctate in ), smooth elytra (punctate in ) and obscurely variolate posterior surface of protibia (glabrous in ). From the rest of species it differs by the characters given in the Key to species (below).

Unknown, possibly similar to the congeners.

Known only from north-extreme tip of Somalia: Guardafoui.

This species is morphologically rather similar to , which is known also from the neighbouring Djibouti. The discovery of a male of would help to elucidate the identities of the two respective species.

(Bickhardt, 1914) comb. n.

Figs 98 , 99–106 , 107–113

:

Gobabeb, Namibia.

Neotype, ♂, side-mounted on a triangular mounting point, right antennal club broken off, both terminal metatarsomeres broken off, with male genitalia mounted in Canada balsam on a separate slide under specimen, with the following labels: “S.W. Afr., Namib / Gobabeb / 23.34S–15.03E” (printed); followed by: “24.9.1974; E–Y: 376 / shore washing / leg. Endrödy-Younga” (printed); followed by: “ / / Bickh. / det. J. Thérond” (printed-written); followed by: “D08-029” (yellow, pencil-written label, written by myself); followed by: “ / Bickhardt, 1914 / NEOTYPE det. T. / Lackner 2014” (red label, written) (TMSA).

This species has been described based on a single specimen collected in Okahandja (Namibia) (Bickhardt 1914: 280). According to the personal information by the curator of ZMHUB B. Jaeger, the specimen was deposited at the Hamburg Museum of Natural History (Germany), which has been destroyed during WWII. The type specimen of this species can thus be considered as lost and hence a Neotype is designated herein.

NAMIBIA: 1 ♂ + 1 ♀, Gobabeb, 23.34S – 15.03E, 24.ix.1974, Endrödy-Younga leg., shore-washing (TMSA); 1 ♂ + 1 ♀, ibid, but MNHN; 1 ♀, Swakop River, 3 miles S of Okahandja, 7.iv.1972, floating refuse (MNHN). REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA: 1 ♂, Cape-Cedarbg, Olifants R., Boshof, 32.20S – 18.59E, 20.viii.1983, Endrödy-Younga & Penrith leg., sand banks, river (TMSA).

Body length: PEL: 2.50–2.60 mm; APW: 0.80–1.00 mm; PPW: 1.83–2.00 mm; EW: 2.00–2.18 mm; EL: 1.50–1.60 mm. Body (Fig. 98) similar to the species PageBreakPageBreakPageBreak, with feeble metallic tinge; legs, mouthparts and antennae light brown. Antennae as in . Mouthparts: as in ; labrum with median keel-like elevation, surface anterad of it semi-circularly depressed; mentum (Fig. 99) sub-trapezoid, anterior margin without median notch, fringed with several long setae, lateral margins with single row of sparse shorter ramose setae; stipes with four setae; other mouthparts similar to those of . Clypeus (Fig. 100) rectangular, obscurely variolate, anterior margin elevated, formed by two transverse tubercles that can occasionally be connected forming thus a ridge-like structure; clypeus and frons otherwise similar to those of , but without numerous irregular rugae. Pronotum: sides slightly convergent on basal 3/4, strongly convergent on apical ¼; disc with round dense punctation, laterally punctures larger in size and increasingly ellipsoid, occasionally confluent; postero-median part of disc smooth, punctation stops short of lateral pronotal margin leaving a narrow impunctate band; pronotal base with a single row of round punctures; pronotal hypomeron with short amber setae almost invisible from dorsal view; scutellum small, visible. Elytra: humeral elytral stria well impressed on basal fourth; inner subhumeral stria present medially as a short median fragment; elytral punctation confined to apical half of elytra, along elytral suture reaches up to 2/3 of elytral length anteriorly, punctures in most cases do not enter elytral intervals, regular and deep, separated by about their own diameter, punctation does not become denser apically; rest of elytra impunctate. Propygidium and pygidium (Fig. 101) similar to other congeners, with coarse and dense regular punctation. Prosternum (Fig. 102): prosternal foveae well impressed, rather small, but deep; prosternal process slightly concave, otherwise similar to that of other congeners. Mesoventrite (Fig. 103) slightly wider than long, almost smooth; meso-metaventral sutural stria well impressed, undulate; intercoxal disc of metaventrite with longitudinal depression in both sexes, more prominent in male, almost smooth, except for several rows of variously-sized deep punctures along base; lateral metaventral stria, lateral disc of metaventrite and metepisternum similar to those of PageBreak. Intercoxal disc of first abdominal sternite as with the rest of congeners. Protibia (Fig. 104) on outer margin with two moderately large triangular teeth, topped by rounded denticle followed by another two lower teeth topped by small round denticle and another tiny denticle entombed in outer protibial margin; setae of outer row regular and short; setae of median row shorter than those of outer row; anterior protibial stria almost complete; protibial groove deep; protibial spur (Fig. 105) distinct but tiny, growing out from apical margin of protibia; outer part of posterior surface of protibia rugulose-lacunose, clearly separated from comparatively narrower glabrous median part; posterior protibial stria complete, terminating in two tiny inner posterior denticles; inner margin of protibia with single row of short lamellate setae. Mesotibia not particularly dilated or thickened, outer margin similar to that of ; posterior mesotibial stria fine, shortened apically; mesotibial spur stout, prominent and long; anterior surface of mesotibia smooth; anterior mesotibial stria shortened apically; claws of last tarsomere almost straight, their length approximately half the length of apical-most mesotarsomere. Metatibia (Fig. 106) slightly more dilated and thickened than mesotibia, but always more slender than that of the rest of the congeners; two rows of denticles on outer margin widely separated permitting for placement of another two denticles between the two rows; claws of apical-most metatarsomere shorter than half its length; otherwise metatibia similar to mesotibia. Male genitalia. Eighth sternite (Figs 107–108) entirely fused medially, apically with a setose velum; apex of eighth sternite with short dense setae. Eighth tergite apically weakly inwardly arcuate; eighth sternite and tergite fused laterally (Fig. 109). Ninth tergite (Fig. 110) on apical margin faintly inwardly arcuate; tenth tergite on apical margin regularly rounded, weakly inwardly arcuate basally. Spiculum gastrale (Figs 110–111) with typical ‘head’ and ‘tail’; aedeagus (Figs 112–113) tube-like, sub-parallel, slightly widening apically; parameres fused along their basal three-fourths, apex of aedeagus with pores; basal piece short, ratio of its length : length of parameres approximately 1:5.

is arguably the most distinctive species of the genus differing from all other members by only slightly dilated metatibia (strongly dilated in all other species, compare Fig. 106 with e.g. 97); present and observable protibial spur (very tiny or absent in the rest of species, compare Fig. 105 with e.g. 43). Furthermore, the setae of the pronotal hypomeron are rather short and invisible from dorsal view (in all other species they are protruding from underside of the pronotum and are observable from dorsal view).

Found on a beach by the technique of shore-washing as well as on a river bank on deposited debris.

Described from Namibia; newly recorded from the Republic of South Africa.

The placement of this species in must be regarded as tentative, as it differs from the rest of the members chiefly by only slightly instead of strongly dilated metatibiae. from the Old World, however, does not contain any species with ciliate pronotal hypomera, and keeping in would make it heterogeneous. Note that it was already Reichardt (1926) who remarked that this species should be, based on its ciliate pronotal hypomeron, moved into the genus . Thérond, in the 1960’s and 1970’s identified this species as ‘’, rather than ‘’ glaucus.

sp. n.

http://zoobank.org/E2EBDF60-6401-43CB-B106-3EF5E926E3EF

Figs 114 , 115 , 116 , 117 , 118–126

Figure 115.

sp. n. head, dorsal view.

Figure 116.

sp. n. propygidium + pygidium.

Figure 117.

sp. n. habitus, ventral view.

Figure 118–126.

sp. n. 8th sternite + tergite, 118 ventral view 119 ditto, dorsal view 120 spiculum gastrale, lateral view 121 aedeagus, dorsal view 122 8th sternite + tergite, lateral view 123 9th + 10th tergites, dorsal view 124 ditto, lateral view 125 spiculum gastrale, ventral view 126 aedeagus, lateral view.

Hamud-i-Sabari, Afghanistan.

Holotype, ♂, side-mounted on a triangular point, right hind leg missing, genitalia glued to the same mounting point as the specimen, with the following labels: “N AFGHANISTAN: / Hamud-i-Sabari / 26.iii.1949 Danish / Central Asian Expedn.” (written in black ink); followed by: “ / sp. not in BM / J. Balfour-Browne det. / v. 1964” (written-printed); followed by: “St. No. / 7” (printed-written); followed by: “Brit. Mus. / 1964-302” (printed-written); followed by: “Ex stomach of / / L.” (written in black ink); followed by: “PageBreak / n. sp. ? / J. Thérond det. 1964” (written-printed); followed by: “ / n.sp. / HOLOTYPE / det. T. Lackner 2014” (red label, written) (BMNH).

Body length: PEL: 2.125 mm; APW: 0.875 mm; PPW: 1.825 mm; EW: 2.05 mm; EL: 1.55 mm. This species (Fig. 114) is externally very similar to PageBreak, differing from it chiefly by its densely punctate pronotum, which is furnished with two round glabrous patches amongst the punctation laterally. The structure of frons (Fig. 115) is also different; whereas always possesses only two well-defined chevrons on a completely glabrous surface, has its chevrons beset on all sides with irregular rugae. The punctation of propygidium and pygidium (Fig. 116) is similar to that of (Fig. 38). The prosternal process (Fig. 117) of is more setose than that of ; prosternal foveae are absent. Anterior face of profemora (Fig. 117) is covered with dense amber setae in , whereas only several sparse short setae are present in . Anterior face of protibia (Fig. 117) is rugulose-lacunose in while it is glabrous in . Further differences are found on male genitalia: Eighth sternite (Figs 118–119) is more slender, setae on apex are shorter; eighth sternite and tergite apically more slender (seen from lateral view; compare Figs 48 and 122). The rest of the male genitalia is markedly similar between the two species.

most resembles the Saharan species , differing from it by rugulose-lacunose anterior face of protibia (glabrous in ), and the different structure of the frons ( has its frons glabrous with two chevrons whereas has the chevrons surrounded by tiny rugae).

Unknown, found in a stomach of Kentish plover ( L.).

Known only from Afghanistan: Hamud-i-Sabari.

Although this newly described species does strongly resemble the Saharan species PageBreak, and it has furthermore been found in a stomach of a bird, it is unlikely that they are conspecific, given the vast geographic stretch between African Sahara and Afghanistan. If it had been consumed by a Kentish plover in Africa and discovered in its stomach in Afghanistan it would have probably passed through the digestive tract of the bird by the time the bird migrated from the Sahara Desert to Afghanistan and would be beneath recognition at best. Instead, given the perfect shape of the insect, I consider it highly probable that the bird consumed it in Afghanistan and thus this species is an element of the Afghan fauna.

Discussion

is a taxon that is morphologically well adapted to the psammophilous and fossorial way of life by the thickened metafemora as well as dilated pro- and especially metatibiae. A setose underside of the body is common to most obligate psammophiles in and serves as further adaptation to life in sand; setae possibly prevent tiny particles of sand entering the body cavities. Although morphologically united by at least one weak synapomorphy (ciliate pronotal hypomeron), which is possibly a parallelism shared by some spp. from North America, the monophyly of the genus is likely questionable. The taxonomical uncertainties between (mostly) littoral taxa , , , , , etc. lie chiefly in the morphological similarities resulting from ecological pressures causing multiple parallelisms and convergences of characters. A future phylogenetic analysis of all littoral -like taxa should focus on characters in systems putatively independent of the environmental selection pressures; otherwise characters that are prone to homoplasies (e.g. setae, denticles, rugae, trichomes etc.) could continue to obscure true phylogenetic relationships. In the recently published phylogeny of the subfamily by the author (Lackner 2014d), which included mostly the type species of the genera, the type species of was recovered among the members of a large clade of mostly psammophilous taxa whose inter-relationships are unresolved.

Members of are found in sandy soils or in sand over a vast geographic area rivalling perhaps only the distribution of Wollaston, 1864 (see also Lackner 2012). The distribution of covers the area from the Canary Islands, circum-Mediterranean, South Europe, Caucasus, Iraq, Somalia, Djibouti, as far east as Afghanistan. Identity of the Somali species Thérond, 1964 is uncertain; the species is known from a single female only. Other related genera (sensu Lackner, 2014) e.g. the species-rich and widespread or , or monotypic and localized , etc., are distributed along most of the world beaches, as well as inland sand-systems; their inter-relationships shall be the focus of future phylogenetic studies.

1 (2)	Mesotibia only slightly thickened and dilated (Fig. 106); protibial spur distinct (Fig. 105); species from Namibia and the Republic of South Africa	Exaesiopus glaucus (Bickhardt, 1914), comb. n.
2 (1)	Mesotibia strongly dilated and thickened (Fig. 97); protibial spur tiny, not easily observable to outright absent (Fig. 96), species from the Palaearctic Region or Horn of Africa.
3 (8)	Protibia with two large teeth topped by large triangular denticle followed by one to three tiny denticles entombed in outer protibial margin (Figs 43, 96, 117).
4 (5)	Anterior face of protibia (Fig. 43) glabrous; prosternal foveae (Fig. 39) inconspicuous (absent?); species from the Sahara (Morocco, Algeria, Libya) and Djibouti	Exaesiopus henoni (Schmidt, 1896)
5 (4)	Anterior face of protibia (Figs 96, 117) obscurely variolate to rugulose lacunose; prosternal foveae tiny, but observable (Fig. 93); species from Somalia and Afghanistan.
6 (7)	Almost completely glabrous species, with scattered faint punctation on pronotum only (Fig. 89); inner subhumeral stria absent; frons (Fig. 91) with two well-marked chevrons without additional rugae, species from extreme northern tip of Somalia	Exaesiopus laevis Thérond, 1964
7 (6)	Punctate species (Fig. 114); frons (Fig. 115) except for chevrons also with additional tiny rugae, species from Afghanistan	Exaesiopus therondi sp. n.
8 (3)	Protibia on outer margin with two to three low teeth topped by large triangular or rounded denticles, followed by two to three lower rounded denticles entombed in outer protibial margin (Figs 10, 61, 79).
9 (10)	Elytral punctation mostly confined to apical third to half of elytra, never occupying all elytral intervals; species with feeble to distinct green metallic hue (Fig. 73)	Exaesiopus atrovirens Reichardt, 1926
10 (9)	Elytral punctation occasionally entering elytral intervals, in extreme cases covering entire elytral disc (Fig. 55); species without metallic hue.
11 (12)	Punctation of pronotum reaches pronotal margin, covering almost entire pronotal disc (Fig. 55); male genitalia: eighth tergite and sternite slightly more dilated than in the following species; aedeagus parallel-sided (Figs 64–72), species from S Russia and Middle Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan)	Exaesiopus torvus Reichardt, 1926
12 (11)	Punctation of pronotum does not reach pronotal margin, leaving antero-median part of pronotum glabrous (Fig. 1); male genitalia: eighth sternite and tergite slightly more slender than in the preceding species; aedeagus on apical half slightly thickened (Figs 17–34), species from the circum-Mediterranean, Canary Islands, S Europe and Iraq	Exaesiopus grossipes (Marseul, 1855)