The first record of Omosita nearctica Kirejtshuk (Coleoptera, Nitidulidae) in South Africa, with the first description of its mature larva

By

Williams, Kirstin A.
Clitheroe, Crystal-Leigh
Villet, M. H. (Martin Herrer)
Midgley, John M.

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2021-2-25

Original Publication

African invertebrates : a journal of biodiversity research

Volume

62

Series / Issue

Issue: 1

Pages

257--271

Subjects

biosecurity , Forensic entomology , Invasion biology , larval morphology , molecular identification , morphological key

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa Council of the Natal Museum 2001-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/afrinvertebr.62.58842

 

Abstract

Sap beetles of the genus Omosita Erichson are stored-product pests that are also associated with carrion, potentially making them biosecurity risks and forensic tools. The discovery of a specimen of the Nearctic species Omosita nearctica Kirejtshuk in South Africa prompted an investigation a decade later to determine if this species had established itself in the country, which was confirmed by the collection of further breeding specimens that also facilitated the first description of mature larvae of O. nearctica. A new key to adults of all Omosita species is presented.