A new termitophilous genus and species of the tribe Amarygmini Gistel, 1848 from China (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Zootaxa. 2021 Jul 22;5004(4):577-586. doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.5004.4.6.

Abstract

A new genus and species, Termitocnemis huangi gen. et sp. nov., of the tenebrionine tribe Amarygmini Gistel, 1848 is described from Fujian Province, southeastern China. All specimens were collected from a healthy nest of the termite genus Nasutitermes Dudley, 1890, implying that this species is truly termitophilous. Transitional habitus characters of the new species shed further light on the evolution of amarygmine beetles from free-living to termitophily. Given the discovery of this new genus a revised key is provided to the Oriental genera of termitophilous Amarygmini.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Distribution
  • Animals
  • China
  • Coleoptera*
  • Isoptera*