This subgenus is rather easily distinguished from the other congeneric taxa by 1) compact, small (< 4 mm), and 2) strongly spindle-shaped body; 3) 4-5-5 tarsal formula (5-5-5 in the other subgenera of Aleochara); 4) fully carinate mesoventrite; 5) wide and 6) truncate apex of intercoxal process of mesoventrite, 7) and its apex reaching to apex of intercoxal process of metaventrite; 8) median lobe of aedeagus with developed flagellum; 9) female spermatheca without apical invagination of spermathecal head (sensuWelch 1997) and, 10) coiled basally. Minute characters on mouthparts probably define the subgenus as well, e.g., setula a on the first segment of labial palpi located at nearly apical margin of the segment (Fig. 5; see also Sawada 1987).

See other characters mentioned in detail by Hanley (2002) and Klimaszewski et al. (2002).

Sharp’s (1833) original description of Tinotus placed this taxon in the group Myrmedoniina (= Lomechusini) due to its 4-5-5 tarsal formula. Since, Tinotus has also been placed in Hoplandriini (e.g., Seevers 1978) or Aleocharini(e.g., Lohse 1974), mainly based on the presence of a pseudosegment on the maxillary and labial palpi (see Hanley 2002 for a historical review).

In contrast to these ambiguities, recent studies have refuted all tribal placements other than Aleocharini. Hanley (2002) recognized Tinotus within Aleocharini, suggesting a close relationship with the genus Aleochara, based on the seven shared morphological characteristics of the genus, e.g., bifid to crescent-shaped apex of the ligula. According to the extensive molecular study of Aleochara by Maus et al. (2001), Tinotus was fully resolved within the “bilineata clade” of Aleochara. Similarly, Osswald et al. (2013), who used significantly fewer species (only four species of Aleochara, one of which is Tinotus) but analyzed them with much more molecular markers (4599 bp), also supported the assignment of Tinotus to Aleochara.

In our morphological study of Tinotus and Aleochara species, we found numerous morphological similarities between these genera, including a long intercoxal process of mesoventrite, except for the 4-5-5 tarsal segmentation in Tinotus (5-5-5 in Aleochara). Among the subgenera of Aleochara, Tinotus shares characters with the subgenus Xenochara Mulsant & Rey, 1874, i.e., carinate mesoventrite and fusiform body (including convexed pronotum). Remarkably, the subgenus Coprochara Mulsant & Rey, 1874 seems to be significantly more closely related to Tinotus. In fact, they share some important characters, including a completely carinate mesoventrite and a coiled spermatheca (Yamamoto and Maruyama 2013). Maus et al. (2001) also implied that both subgenera are phylogenetically close to Tinotus. Reduction of the antennal segment or tarsal segmentation in Aleocharinae is associated rather frequently with miniaturization of their body size (e.g., tribes Hypocyphtini and Mesoporini), and Tinotus species are possibly no exception. Therefore, no significant character exists to distinguish Tinotus from Aleochara at the genus level. We herein transfer Tinotus, as the 19th subgenus, to the genus Aleochara.

Braunschweig, Germany.

JAPAN: Hokkaidô: 1 male, Nemuroshibetsu, Shibetsu-chô, 18.vii.1977, S.-I. Naomi leg. (KUM); 1 male, Lake Toro, Shibecha, 27.vii.1986, S. Nomura leg. (KUM); 1 male, 3 spec., Kamishumbetsu, Betsukai-chô, 20.vii.1977, S.-I. Naomi leg. (KUM); 1 male, Mt. Mashû-dake (just below the summit), 820 m, Teshikaga-chô, 15.vii.1990, sweeping of Carex-grass, K. Haga leg. (KUM); 1 female, Shiretoko-tôge Pass, Rausu-chô, 3.viii.1989, bottom of gutter on roadside, K. Haga leg. (KUM); 1 male, 1 spec., Sakae-machi, Oshidomari, Rishirifuji-chô, S.-I. Naomi leg. (KUM); 2 females, 1 spec., Nukanan Dam (right bank), Memuro, Ashoro-chô, 30.vii.1988, human excrement, K. Haga leg. (KUM); 1 male, 1 female, 7 spec., Shihoro, Kamishihoro-chô, GPS 43°32’03.9”N, 143°09’58.5”E, 13.vii.2014, bear dung, S. Yamamoto leg. (KUM); 2 males, 1 female, 1 spec., Obihiro-shi, 6.vi.1980, H. Togawa leg. (KUM); 2 spec., Obihiro-shi, 7.vii.1980, H. Togawa leg. (KUM); Honshû: 1 female, Inashiki, Ibaraki-ken, 29.iv.1983, S. Ohmomo leg. (KUM); 1 male, Sugaya, Ranzan-machi, Saitama-ken, 10.iv.1994, K. Toyoda leg. (KUM); 1 female, Mt. Gagyû-san, Takahashi-shi, Okayama-ken, 29.v.1977, S.-I. Naomi leg. (KUM). RUSSIA: Far East: 1 male, Maltsevskaya Cape, Churkin, Vladivostok, Primorsky, 22.vi.1997, human excrement, M. Ôhara leg. (HUM).

AUSTRIA: Niederösterreich: 1 spec., “Ulrichskirchen / N. Ö., J. Spurny // morion [HW] / grh. [HW] // Chicago NHMus / M. Bernhauer / Collection” (FMNH); ITALY: Calabria: 1 spec., “Calabria / Cimina / lg. Paganetti // morion [HW] / grh. [HW] / det. Bernh. // Chicago NHMus / M. Bernhauer / Collection” (FMNH).

(see Klimaszewski et al. 2002). This species can be distinguished from most members of the subgenus Tinotus by the following combination of characters: body entirely black, rarely light brown (Fig. 1); median lobe of aedeagus of male with a basal protuberance in lateral view (Fig. 16: arrow); spermatheca with a simple and oblong spermathecal head, equally serrate inner walls inside spermathecal head, and with four coils at base (Fig. 19). Aleochara morion is extremely similar to A. (T.) rougemonti (Pace, 1993), comb. n. from China, including male-female genital structures, but the former species is discriminated from the latter by having longer sclerites inside a median lobe of the male aedeagus (Pace 1993: Fig. 160), and by having four coils of the female spermatheca (A. rougemonti with two coils; Pace 1993: fig. 162).

Measurements (in mm, n = 30): BL = 2.448 (1.777–2.996); HL = 0.382 (0.315–0.453); HW = 0.392 (0.332–0.451); PL = 0.421 (0.355–0.485); PW = 0.632 (0.518–0.724); EW = 0.737 (0.595–0.853).

Body (Fig. 1): fusiform, compact, and robust; dorsal surface moderately glossy and pubescent, covered with large micro-reticulation. Color (Fig. 1): usually uniformly black to blackish brown; antennomeres I–III dark brown, but segments IV to X darker with numerous minute whitish setae; mouthparts and legs yellowish brown to brown; pubescence yellowish brown to brown.

Figures 1–3. 

Dorsal habitus of Japanese species of Aleochara (Tinotus): 1Aleochara (Tinotus) morion2A. (T.) eoa3A. (T.) takashii.

Head (Fig. 1): subquadrate, as long as width (HW/HL = 1.03, n = 30), widest at just behind eyes; setae on vertex rather dense, directed anteriomedially. Eyes: small, occupying approximately one third of head length, very slightly protruding laterally.

Mouthparts (Figs 5–8): labrum (Fig. 7) moderately transverse, approximately 1.70 times as wide as long (excluding basal apodeme), anterior margin slightly emarginate medially, basal apodeme semi-transparent; surface with pseudopores scattered scarcely. Labial palpus (Fig. 5): setula a well-developed, situated near apical margin of labial palpomere I, while that of b and c strongly reduced. Maxilla (Fig. 6): lacinia with a distal comb consisting of dense-thin spines; galea rather short, as long as maxillary palpomere II; maxillary palpomere IV narrow and short, less than half length of that of III. Mentum (Fig. 8): anterior margin broadly emarginate.

Figures 4–8. 

Body parts of Aleochara (Tinotus) morion of male: 4 right antenna 5 labium 6 maxilla 7 labrum 8 mentum.

Antennae (Fig. 4): short, moderately shorter than head and pronotum combined; thick, setaceous, becoming gradually and slightly broaden apically in segments IV to X, with segments IV to X clearly transverse; segment XI symmetrical, obtusely pointed at apex; approximate relative length of segments from basal to apex: 22: 14: 16: 5: 5: 5: 6: 6: 7: 7: 19.

Pronotum (Fig. 11): convex above dorsally, transverse (PW/PL = 1.50, n = 30), moderately longer than sutural length of elytra, widest around below of basal half, basal margin weakly rounded; pubescence rather long, dense, directed laterally and posterolaterally; micro-reticulation conspicuous.

Figures 9–11. 

Body parts of Aleochara (Tinotus) morion of male: 9 mesoventrite and metaventrite 10 right elytron, posterior margin 11 pronotum.

Mesoventrite (Fig. 9): completely carinate along midline; inter coxal process broadly elongate, with truncate apex, completely reaching to inter coxal process of metaventrite.

Elytra (Figs 1, 10): together, transverse, rather small, widest at middle; pubescence short, finely scattered densely, diverging posterolaterally in each elytron; dorsal surface rough, somewhat deeply impressed; posterolateral corner of each elytron moderately sinuate.

Legs (Fig. 1): simple, short and, moderately slender; fore and midtibia with dozens of undeveloped spines, respectively.

Abdomen (Fig. 1): first three visible tergites rather shallowly impressed transversely at base; dorsal and ventral surface covered with setae densely.

Male. Tergite VIII (Fig. 12): basal suture fully developed (see Maruyama 2006: 20); posterior margin very weakly serrate, insignificantly emarginate medially; dorsal surface covered with setae rather densely, with five macrosetae. Sternite VIII (Fig. 14): basal suture fully developed; posterior margin very weakly pointed; ventral surface covered with setae densely, with approximately six macrosetae. Median lobe of aedeagus (Figs 16, 17): very slender in parameral view; apical lobe slender, weakly narrowing apically, and gently curved paramerally in lateral view; a conspicuous protuberance present at base of apical lobe (see arrow); a pair of simple sclerites, narrowly elongate, longer than half length of apical lobe; flagellum well developed, slightly shorter than median lobe, sharply curved near basal plate. Apical lobe of paramerite (Fig. 18): narrowly elongate, widest just above middle, with sharply pointed apex.

Figures 12–19. 

Terminalia of Aleochara (Tinotus) morion: 12 tergite VIII of male 13 tergite VIII of female 14 sternite VIII of male 15 sternite VIII of female 16 median lobe of male aedeagus, lateral view 17 ditto, parameral view 18 apical lobe of paramerite 19 female spermatheca.

Female. Tergite VIII (Fig. 13): basal suture fully developed; posterior margin very weakly serrate, insignificantly emarginate medially; dorsal surface covered with setae rather sparsely, with five macrosetae. Sternite VIII (Fig. 15): basal suture fully developed; posterior margin rounded; ventral surface covered with setae densely, with approximately seven macrosetae. Spermatheca (Fig. 19): L-shaped; spermathecal head and neck fused together, forming a narrowly elongate capsule; attachment of spermathecal duct inconspicuous; basal part of spermathecal stem moderate in size, slightly longer than spermathecal neck, with four coils attached at base; each part of spermatheca entirely and very weakly sclerotized; inner wall of spermathecal head and neck, along border with head, finely and densely striate.

This species has a wide range in distribution covering the entire Holarctic region, mainly Europe and North Africa (Schülke and Smetana 2015). The records in the Nearctic region are regarded as those species introduced from Europe (Klimaszewski et al. 2002). In Russia, the easternmost record reported is from West Siberia (Schülke and Smetana 2015). We provide new distributional records of A. morion as follows: new country record, Japan (Hokkaidô, Honshû); new regional record, the Russian Far East.

SY collected eight specimens from one Hokkaido brown bear (Ursus arctos) dung found on the roadside of a mixed needleleaf and broadleaf forest in Hokkaidô, Japan (Fig. 36). Aleochara morion has been found among various habitats, such as decaying organic matter, including fungi, compost, animal excrement, and carrion (Horion 1967). In addition, this species is found in moss, bark debris, straw, hay, and on sandy soil (Klimaszewski et al. 2002).

Three dipteran families are known as its host (Maus et al. 1998): Sepsidae, Drosophilidae, and Sarcophagidae.

Whether this species is native to East Asia or just an introduction from Europe is unknown, although the records from North America suggest this species has been introduced (Klimaszewski et al. 2002). Recently, Pace (2013) recorded A. morion on the mainland of China.

Kobe, Japan.

Tinotus japonicus: Lectotype (here designated): male, “SYN- / TYPE [BRL] // JAPAN / Kobe // J. E. A. Lewis // M. Cameron / Bequest. / B. M. 1955-147 // Tinotus / japonicus / TYPE Cam [HW] // Tinotus / japonicus / P. M. Hammond / det. 1973 / SYNTYPE // Lectotype / Tinotus japonicus / Cameron, 1933 / des. Maruyama, 2011” (abdominal segments VIII-X and aedeagus were dissected and mounted in Euparal by MM) (PL, 0.42 mm; PW, 0.59 mm; Hind tibial length, 0.40 mm) (BMNH). Paralectoypes: 3 males, 1 female, same original labels as lectotype but without the label “Tinotus / japonicus / TYPE Cam [HW]” (abdominal segments VIII-X and spermatheca were dissected and glued on paper card together with body by MM) (BMNH).

JAPAN: Honshû: 1 female, Shigasaka-tôge Pass, Kanna-machi, Gunma-ken, 17-19.vi.2008, Flight Interception Trap, T. Watanabe leg. (KUM); 1 male, 2 females, Sugaya, Ranzan-machi, Saitama-ken, 10.iv.1994, K. Toyoda leg. (KUM). TAIWAN: Nantou: 1 male, 3 females, 5 spec., Songkang, 2000m, 14.iv.1986, M. Ôhara leg. (KUM).

This species is distinguished from the other congeneric species of the subgenus by a following combination of character states: body reddish brown to dark brown (Fig. 2); median lobe of aedeagus of male with a coiled flagellum, and with two pairs of characteristic sclerites (Figs 24, 25); spermatheca with a curved spermathecal head, unequally serrated inner walls inside spermathecal head, and with multiple coils at base (Fig. 26). Aleochara eoa is the most similar externally to A. (T.) rougemontiana (Pace, 1999a), comb. n., from mainland China, differing from it additionally by having much less coiled spermatheca in the female (Pace 1999a: Fig. 183).

Figures 20–26. 

Terminalia of Aleochara (Tinotus) eoa: 20 tergite VIII of male 21 tergite VIII of female 22 sternite VIII of male 23 sternite VIII of female 24 median lobe of male aedeagus, lateral view 25 ditto, parameral view 26 female spermatheca.

Measurements (in mm, n = 13): BL = 2.709 (2.288–3.011); HL = 0.427 (0.358–0.511); HW = 0.439 (0.380–0.486); PL = 0.466 (0.368–0.565); PW = 0.666 (0.514–0.758); EW = 0.780 (0.605–0.948).

Body (Fig. 2): fusiform, compact, and robust; dorsal surface somewhat strongly glossy and pubescent, covered with small and inconspicuous micro-reticulation.

Color (Fig. 2): usually uniformly dark reddish brown to dark brown; antennomeres I–IV much lighter, but segments V to XI darker with numerous minute whitish setae; mouthparts and legs light-yellowish brown to reddish brown; pubescence yellowish brown to brown.

Head (Fig. 2): subquadrate, as long as width (HW/HL = 1.03, n = 13), widest at base of eyes; setae on vertex rather dense, directed anteriomedially. Eyes: small, occupying approximately one third of head length, very slightly protruding laterally.

Antennae (Fig. 2): short, moderately shorter than head and pronotum combined; relatively thick, setaceous, becoming gradually and slightly broaden apically in segments IV to X, with segment V spherical and segments VI to X clearly transverse; segment XI symmetrical, obtusely pointed at apex; approximate relative length of segments from basal to apex: 21: 17: 14: 6: 7: 7: 7: 7: 7: 7: 18.

Pronotum (Fig. 2): strongly convex above dorsally, transverse (PW/PL = 1.43, n = 13), moderately longer than sutural length of elytra, widest around below of basal half, basal margin weakly rounded; pubescence rather long, rather dense but thin, directed laterally and posterolaterally; micro-reticulation inconspicuous.

Elytra (Fig. 2): together, transverse, rather small, widest at middle; pubescence short, finely scattered densely, diverging posterolaterally in each elytron; dorsal surface moderately rough, shallowly impressed; posterolateral corner of each elytron moderately sinuate.

Abdomen (Fig. 2): first three visible tergites rather shallowly impressed transversely at base; dorsal and ventral surface covered with setae densely.

Male. Tergite VIII (Fig. 20): basal suture fully developed; posterior margin very weakly serrate, insignificantly emarginate medially; dorsal surface covered with setae rather sparsely, with six macrosetae. Sternite VIII (Fig. 21): basal suture fully developed; posterior margin rounded to only weakly produced; ventral surface covered with short setae sparsely, with approximately nine macrosetae. Median lobe of aedeagus (Figs 24 & 25): ovular in lateral and limuloid in parameral view; apical lobe rather slender, gently curved paramerally, weakly narrowing apically in parameral but with weakly dilated apex in lateral view; without a protuberance at base of apical lobe; a pair of sclerites S-shaped, longer than half length of apical lobe; flagellum strongly developed, much longer than median lobe, coiled 1.5 times at base.

Female. Tergite VIII (Fig. 21): basal suture fully developed; posterior margin very weakly serrate or almost truncate; dorsal surface covered with setae rather sparsely, with six macrosetae. Sternite VIII (Fig. 23): basal suture fully developed; posterior margin rounded; ventral surface covered with setae rather sparsely, with approximately nine macrosetae. Spermatheca (Fig. 26): deformed M-shaped; spermathecal head curved at middle; attachment of spermathecal duct inconspicuous; basal part of spermathecal stem moderate in size, clearly longer than spermathecal neck, with approximately ten coils attached complicatedly at base; each part of spermatheca entirely and very moderately sclerotized; inner wall of spermathecal head and neck, along border with head, finely and densely striate irregularly.

The replacement name is derived from “Eos” of the Greek mythology which is a Titaness and the goddess of the dawn because “Nippon” (= Japan, type locality) means a country of the dawn.

Japan, Taiwan (new record).

One individual was caught with a flight interception trap (FIT).

No host record is available.

Five syntypes were found. Among them, a male specimen (Fig. 35) labeled “Tinotus / japonicus / TYPE Cam [HW]” is designated as the lectotype herein.

Since the name Aleochara japonica was already preoccupied by Sharp (1874), a new replacement name, Aleochara (Tinotus) eoa nom. n., for Tinotus japonicus Cameron, 1933 [nec. Sharp, 1874: 8 (Aleochara)], is proposed herein. No record of this species exists since its original description.

Japan, Honshû: Takahachiyama, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Holotype: male, “Takahachiyama / Fujinomiya-shi / Shizuoka, JAPAN / 17-24. VIII. 2010 / T. Watanabe leg. [printed] // Flight / Intercept. / Trap [printed] // Aleocharini / Gen. / sp. / det. T. Watanabe 2013 [yellow square paper card, printed]” (KUM).

Paratypes: 1 male, “Teppogino-atama / Nishitanzawa / Kanagawa, Japan / 5-12. VII. 2007 / T. Watanabe leg. // Flight / Intercept. / Trap” (KUM); 1 male, “Teppogino-atama / Nishitanzawa / Kanagawa, Japan / 5-12. VII. 2007 / T. Watanabe leg. // Flight / Intercept. / Trap // Aleochara / sp. / det. T. Watanabe 2007” (KUM); 1 male, “Teppogino-atama / Nishitanzawa / Kanagawa, Japan / 5-12. VII. 2007 / T. Watanabe leg. // Flight / Intercept. / Trap // Aleochara / sp. / det. T. Watanabe 2008” (KUM); 1 male, “Idenzawa / Nishitanzawa / Kanagawa, Japan / 31. V – 6. VI. 2006 / T. Watanabe leg. // Aleochara / sp. / det. T. Watanabe 2007” (KUM); 2 spec., “Yanagisawa-toge / Enzan-shi / Yamanashi, Japan / 2-9. VIII. 2006 / T. Watanabe leg. // Flight / Intercept. / Trap // Aleochara / sp. / det. T. Watanabe 2007” (KUM); 1 female, “Yanagisawa-toge / Enzan-shi / Yamanashi, Japan / 9-15. VIII. 2006 / T. Watanabe leg. // Flight / Intercept. / Trap // Aleochara / sp. / det. T. Watanabe 2006” (PCTW); 2 females, “Karumizu-rindo / Narusawa-mura / Yamanashi, JAPAN / 30. VIII-14. IX. 2010 / T. Watanabe leg. // Aleochara / sp. / det. T. Watanabe 2012” (KUM); 1 female, “Karumizu-rindo / 1600 m, Narusawa / Yamanashi, JAPAN / 3-10. VIII. 2011 / T. Watanabe leg. // Flight / Intercept / Trap // Aleochara / sp. / det. T. Watanabe 2012” (KUM); 1 male, “Aokigahara, Fuji- / Kawaguchiko / Yamanashi, JAPAN 11-17. V. 2012 / T. Watanabe leg. // Flight / Intercept. / Trap / Aleochara / sp. / det. T. Watanabe 2013” (KUM); 1 male (head mounted on slide), 1 spec., “Fujisan 1-gome / Subashiri (1400 m) / Shizuoka, JAPAN / 20-26. V. 2011 / T. Watanabe leg. // Flight / Intercept. Trap // Aleochara / sp. / det. T. Watanabe 2012” (KUM); 1 male, 1 female, “Ohbuchi (alt. 950m) / Fuji-shi / Shizuoka, JAPAN / 13-18. V. 2010 / T. Watanabe leg. // Flight / Intercept. / Trap // Aleochara / sp. / det. T. Watanabe 2012” (KUM); 1 spec., “Ohbuchi (alt. 950m) / Fuji-shi / Shizuoka, JAPAN / 16-22. VII. 2010 / T. Watanabe leg. // Flight / Intercept. / Trap // Aleochara / sp. / det. T. Watanabe 2012” (KUM); 1 spec., “Ohbuchi (alt. 950m) / Fuji-shi / Shizuoka, JAPAN / 24. X. 2012 / T. Watanabe leg. // Aleocharinae” (KUM); 1 male, “Takahachiyama / Fujinomiya-shi / Shizuoka. JAPAN / 28. VIII. 2012 / T. Watanabe leg. // Aleocharinae” (KUM); 1 male, “Nishiusuzuka / Fujinomiya-shi / Shizuoka, JAPAN / 22-31. V. 2013 / T. Watanabe leg. // Flight / Intercept. / Trap // Aleochara / sp. / det. T. Watanabe 2013” (PCTW); 1 male, “Nishiusuzuka / Fujinomiya-shi / Shizuoka, JAPAN / 8-16. VII. 2010 / T. Watanabe leg. // Flight / Intercept. / Trap // Aleochara / sp. / det. T. Watanabe 2010” (PCTW); 1 male, 1 spec., “Nishiusuzuka / Fujinomiya-shi / Shizuoka, JAPAN / 16-22. VII. 2010 / T. Watanabe leg. // Flight / Intercept. / Trap // Aleochara / sp. / det. T. Watanabe 2011” (KUM); 1 spec., “Nishiusuzuka / Fujinomiya-shi / Shizuoka, JAPAN / 17-24. VIII. 2010 / T. Watanabe leg. // Flight / Intercept. / Trap // Aleochara / sp. / det. T. Watanabe 2012” (KUM).

This species can be easily distinguished from the other members of the subgenus by a following combination of characters: body entirely reddish brown (Fig. 3); abdominal segments III-V (first three visible terga) deeply impressed laterobasally; both tergite and sternite VIII with weakly developed basal sutures (Figs 27–30); median lobe of aedeagus with long apical lobe, notched deeply and medially at apex in ventral view (Fig. 33); spermatheca with a curved spermathecal head, unequally serrated inner walls inside spermathecal head, and with approximately three coils at base (Fig. 34). Aleochara takashii is the most similar to the North American species, A. (T.) imbricata (Casey, 1894), comb. n., of which shares including the similar configuration of male genitalia. From A. imbricata, it can be distinguished additionally by having much more developed sclerites inside the median lobe of the aedeagus and by overall shape of the spermatheca (Klimaszewski et al. 2002: 289: Figs 13–16, 31–33).

Figures 27–34. 

Terminalia of Aleochara (Tinotus) takashii: 27 tergite VIII of male 28 tergite VIII of female 29 sternite VIII of male 30 sternite VIII of female 31 median lobe of male aedeagus, lateral view 32 ditto, parameral view 33 ditto, apex of apical lobe, parameral view 34 female spermatheca.

Figures 35–36. 

Type material and habitat of Aleochara (Tinotus): 35 lectotype of Tinotus japonicus (= A. eoa) 36 Habitat of A. (T.) morion at Shihoro (Hokkaidô, Japan), red star indicating bear dung where eight specimens were collected.

Measurements (in mm, n = 23): BL = 3.156 (2.637–3.669); HL = 0.419 (0.361–0.483); HW = 0.488 (0.418–0.760); PL = 0.528 (0.421–0.605); PW = 0.756 (0.599–0.866); EW = 0.880 (0.693–1.019).

Body (Fig. 3): fusiform, compact, and robust; dorsal surface moderately glossy and pubescent, covered with small and inconspicuous micro-reticulation.

Color (Fig. 3): usually uniformly dark reddish brown to dark brown; elytra lighter; antennomeres I–IV lighter, but segments V to XI darker with numerous minute whitish setae; mouthparts and legs yellowish brown to dark reddish brown; apices of tergites III-V pale reddish brown transversely; pubescence yellowish brown to brown.

Head (Fig. 3): subquadrate, slightly transverse (HW/HL = 1.17, n = 23), widest just behind base of eyes; setae on vertex rather dense, directed anteriomedially. Eyes: small, occupying approximately one third of head length, very slightly protruding laterally.

Antennae (Fig. 3): short, moderately shorter than head and pronotum combined; relatively thick, setaceous, becoming gradually and moderately broaden apically in segments V to X, with segment V elongate and segments VI to X clearly transverse; segment XI symmetrical, obtusely pointed at apex; approximate relative length of segments from basal to apex: 23: 16: 17: 10: 9: 9: 9: 9: 9: 9: 22.

Pronotum (Fig. 3): strongly convex above dorsally, transverse (PW/PL = 1.43, n = 23), moderately longer than sutural length of elytra, widest around below of basal half, basal margin weakly rounded; pubescence in moderate length but thin, directed laterally and posterolaterally; micro-reticulation inconspicuous.

Elytra (Fig. 3): together, transverse, rather small, widest at middle; pubescence short, finely scattered densely, diverging posterolaterally in each elytron; dorsal surface moderately rough, shallowly impressed; posterolateral corner of each elytron moderately sinuate.

Abdomen (Fig. 3): first three visible tergites deeply impressed transversely at base; dorsal and ventral surface covered with setae rather sparsely.

Male. Tergite VIII (Fig. 27): basal suture not fully developed, suture partially disappeared laterally (Fig. 27: arrow 1); posterior margin very weakly serrate, insignificantly emarginate medially or truncate; dorsal surface covered with setae rather densely, with six macrosetae. Sternite VIII (Fig. 29): basal suture completely lost (Fig. 29: arrow 3); posterior margin rounded; ventral surface covered with short setae densely, with approximately eight macrosetae. Median lobe of aedeagus (Figs 31–33): narrowly elongate in lateral, and limuloid narrowly in parameral view; apical lobe slender and long, as long as basal capsule, moderately narrowing apically in lateral view, with deeply notched apex medially in parameral view (Fig. 33); without a protuberance at base of apical lobe; a pair of sclerites curved just above middle, long, approximately 2/3 length of apical lobe; flagellum developed, shorter than median lobe, without any coils at base.

Female. Tergite VIII (Fig. 28): basal suture not fully developed, suture partially disappeared laterally like male (see Fig. 27: arrow 1) or at most weakly developed (Fig. 28: arrow 2); posterior margin very weakly serrate or almost truncate; dorsal surface covered with setae densely, with six macrosetae. Sternite VIII (Fig. 30): basal suture completely lost like male (see Fig. 29: arrow 3); posterior margin rounded; ventral surface covered with setae densely, with approximately eight macrosetae. Spermatheca (Fig. 34): curved semi-circularly in lateral view; spermathecal head curved at middle; attachment of spermathecal duct inconspicuous; basal part of spermathecal stem moderate in size, clearly longer than spermathecal neck, with approximately three coils; each part of spermatheca entirely and very moderately sclerotized; inner wall of spermathecal head, coarsely striate irregularly.

The species name is dedicated to its collector, Mr. Takashi Watanabe (Kanagawa, Japan).

Only known from central Honshû, Japan (Kanagawa, Yamanashi, and Shizuoka Prefectures).

Most specimens were caught with flight interception traps (FIT).

No host record is available.

This new species is distinct among the species of Tinotus. In particular, reduced or non-developed basal sutures on tergite and sternite VIII of both sexes are notable character states (Figs 27–30). Furthermore, the apical lobe of the median lobe of male aedeagus, [i.e., deeply notched medially at apex in parameral view (Fig. 33)], is also a remarkable character state even among the subfamily. Since other morphological characters correspond fully to that of the subgenus Tinotus, we assign this species to Tinotus without hesitation.