A new species of Rhagophthalmus Motschulsky, 1854 (Coleoptera, Rhagophthalmidae) from Laos represents the smallest known member of the genus

By

Packova, Gabriela
Kundrata, Robin

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2023

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

1184

Pages

81--89

Subjects

Bioluminescent beetles , Distribution , diversity , Elateroidea , identification key , neoteny , Oriental realm , Southeast Asia , taxonomy

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1184.112437

 

Abstract

Rhagophthalmus Motschulsky, 1854 is the most speciose genus in Rhagophthalmidae, distributed in the region encompassing South, East, and Southeast Asia. Here, we describe R. nanussp. nov. from the Houaphanh Province of eastern Laos, which represents the smallest known species in Rhagophthalmus and one of the smallest in Rhagophthalmidae. We compare it with the morphologically similar and geographically close congeners and provide a preliminary identification key to adult males of Rhagophthalmus species from mainland Southeast Asia. Additionally, we discuss the morphology and variability of male genitalia within Rhagophthalmus.