A New Species of Vetubrachypsectra from Mid-Cretaceous Amber of Northern Myanmar (Coleoptera: Brachypsectridae)

Insects. 2022 Jan 25;13(2):122. doi: 10.3390/insects13020122.

Abstract

A new species, Vetubrachypsectra huchengi Li, Kundrata & Cai sp. nov., is described from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber on the basis of a single adult female. The species is assigned to genus Vetubrachypsectra Qu & Cai based on its serrate antennae, long maxillary palps, presence of tibial spurs, and elytra without clear striae. Vetubrachypsectra huchengi differs distinctly from V. burmitica Qu & Cai, the only other species in the genus, in having the pedicel apically attached to the scape. Some other differences between the female of V. huchengi and the male of V. burmitica include less serrate antennae, a broader pronotal disc, a broader scutellar shield and smaller tibial spurs. However, at least some of these characters can be considered sexually dimorphic.

Keywords: Brachypsectridae; Burmese amber; Elateroidea; sexual dimorphism.