Latest Articles from ZooKeys Latest 56 Articles from ZooKeys https://zookeys.pensoft.net/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:32:47 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://zookeys.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from ZooKeys https://zookeys.pensoft.net/ Reclassification of Cybistrinae Sharp, 1880 in the Neotropical Region (Coleoptera, Adephaga, Dytiscidae), with description of new taxa https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/110081/ ZooKeys 1188: 125-168

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1188.110081

Authors: Kelly B. Miller, Mariano C. Michat, Nelson Ferreira Jr

Abstract: The classification of the Neotropical Cybistrinae Sharp, 1880 (Coleoptera: Adephaga: Dytiscidae) is extensively revised based on a phylogenetic analysis of morphological features of the group. A new genus, Nilssondytes gen. nov. is described for a unique new species, Nilssondytes diversus sp. nov. from Venezuela. The New World genus, Megadytes Sharp, 1882, with several subgenera, was found to not be monophyletic. The type species of Megadytes, Dytiscus latus Fabricius, 1801 and the species Cybister parvus Trémouilles, 1984 were found to be monophyletic together, and phylogenetically more closely related to Cybister Curtis, 1827 than to other species assigned to Megadytes sensu stricto, which were found to also be monophyletic. The name Megadytes is here restricted to include only Megadytes latus and Megadytes parvus. These two species assigned to this newly restricted genus concept are reviewed and diagnosed. A new genus, Metaxydytes gen. nov., is erected to include all the other species currently assigned to Megadytes sensu stricto. The current subgenus names assigned to Megadytes, Bifurcitus Brinck, 1945, Paramegadytes Trémouilles & Bachmann, 1980, and Trifurcitus Brinck, 1945, are elevated to genus rank since they are variously paraphyletic. The two species assigned to Cybister (Neocybister) Miller, Bergsten & Whiting, 2007, Cybister (Neocybister) festae Griffini, 1895, and Cybister (Neocybister) puncticollis (Brullé, 1837) re reviewed and diagnosed with the former redescribed and its type specimens considered for the first time since its description. Another evidently new species and possible new genus, Megadytes species, IR57 (Ribera et al. 2008), from Peru, is also characterized, but not formally treated because of lack of important data for the single, partial specimen. Diagnostic features are illustrated for the entire group.

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Research Article Mon, 8 Jan 2024 09:05:03 +0200
Miradessus gen. nov. from South America described for two species previously in Amarodytes Régimbart, 1900 and two new species (Arthropoda, Insecta, Coleoptera, Adephaga, Dytiscidae, Hydroporinae, Bidessini) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/104980/ ZooKeys 1176: 13-28

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1176.104980

Authors: Kelly B. Miller, Cesar J. Benetti, Mariano C. Michat

Abstract: Miradessus gen. nov. is described for two previously described species, Amarodytes pulchellus Guignot, 1955 from Colombia, with new records from Venezuela, and A. plaumanni Gschwendtner, 1935, from Brazil, and two previously unknown species, Miradessus beni sp. nov., from Bolivia and Peru, and Miradessus rikae sp. nov. from Ecuador. The genus is characterized by 1) occipital line absent; 2) basal pronotal striae present; 3) basal elytral stria absent; 4) sutural elytral stria absent; 5) transverse carina on elytral epipleuron at humeral angle absent; 6) distinct marginal bead on anterior clypeal margin absent; and 7) male median lobe deeply multilobed with a dorsal portion separate from a unilobed or bilobed ventral portion.

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Research Article Tue, 22 Aug 2023 09:51:08 +0300
Austrelatus gen. nov., a new genus of Australasian diving beetles (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae), with the discovery of 31 new species from New Guinea https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/103834/ ZooKeys 1170: 1-164

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1170.103834

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Jiří Hájek, Lars Hendrich, Suriani Surbakti, Rawati Panjaitan, Michael Balke

Abstract: Herein, Austrelatus gen. nov. (type species: Copelatus irregularis W.J. Macleay, 1871) is described for a distinctive lineage of predominantly Australasian species previously assigned to Copelatus Erichson, 1832. The new genus was retrieved as well supported, monophyletic clade in phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences data using Bayesian and parsimony approaches. The main morphological diagnostic character of Austrelatus is a complex median lobe of the aedeagus, with evident dorsal and ventral sclerites usually divided in apical half into two lobes of different shape or otherwise modified. Morphological comparison of the new genus with other Copelatinae genera, especially with Copelatus and Exocelina Broun, 1886, and a generic key to the New Guinean Copelatinae are provided. New combinations are established for 31 already described species mainly from the Australian Region (all from Copelatus): Austrelatus adelbert (Megna, Atthakor, Manaono, Hendrich & Balke, 2017), comb. nov.; A. badeni (Sharp, 1882), comb. nov.; A. bakewelli (J. Balfour-Browne, 1939), comb. nov.; A. baranensis (Hájek, Shaverdo, Hendrich & Balke, 2021), comb. nov.; A. bougainvillensis (Hájek, Shaverdo, Hendrich & Balke, 2021), comb. nov.; A. boukali (Hendrich & Balke, 1998), comb. nov.; A. clarki (Sharp, 1882), comb. nov.; A. daemeli (Sharp, 1882), comb. nov.; A. davidi (Wewalka, 2017), comb. nov.; A. deccanensis (Sheth, Ghate & Hájek, 2018), comb. nov.; A. fidschiensis (Zimmermann, 1928), comb. nov.; A. gestroi (Régimbart, 1892), comb. nov.; A. irregularis (W.J. Macleay, 1871), comb. nov.; A. kaszabi (Guignot, 1956), comb. nov.; A. kietensis (Hájek, Shaverdo, Hendrich & Balke, 2021), comb. nov.; A. laevipennis (Hájek, Shaverdo, Hendrich & Balke, 2021), comb. nov.; A. luteomaculatus (Guignot, 1956), comb. nov.; A. maushomi (Sheth, Ghate & Hájek, 2018), comb. nov.; A. neoguineensis (Zimmermann, 1919), comb. nov.; A. nigrolineatus (Sharp, 1882), comb. nov.; A. papuensis (J. Balfour-Browne, 1939), comb. nov.; A. parallelus (Zimmermann, 1920a), comb. nov.; A. schuhi (Hendrich & Balke, 1998), comb. nov.; A. sibelaemontis (Hájek, Hendrich, Hawlitschek & Balke, 2010), comb. nov.; A. strigosulus (Fairmaire, 1878), comb. nov.; A. ternatensis (Régimbart, 1899), comb. nov.; A. uludanuensis (Hendrich & Balke, 1995), comb. nov.; A. urceolus (Hájek, Shaverdo, Hendrich & Balke, 2021), comb. nov.; A. variistriatus (Hájek, Shaverdo, Hendrich & Balke, 2021), comb. nov.; A. wallacei (J. Balfour-Browne, 1939), comb. nov. and A. xanthocephalus (Régimbart, 1899), comb. nov. Austrelatus species from New Guinea are divided into two informal species groups, the A. neoguineensis group and A. papuensis group, and A. fumato sp. nov. and A. setiphallus sp. nov. standing aside of them. The A. neoguineensis group is introduced with three previously known species and 29 new species described here based on the morphological characters and Cox1 data: Austrelatus baliem sp. nov., A. bormensis sp. nov., A. brazza sp. nov., A. debulensis sp. nov., A. fakfak sp. nov., A. febrisauri sp. nov., A. fojaensis sp. nov., A. garainensis sp. nov., A. innominatus sp. nov., A. lembenensis sp. nov., A. lisae sp. nov., A. manokwariensis sp. nov., A. mimika sp. nov., A. mirificus sp. nov., A. moreguinensis sp. nov., A. nadjae sp. nov., A. oksibilensis sp. nov., A. pseudoneoguineensis sp. nov., A. pseudoksibilensis sp. nov., A. rajaampatensis sp. nov., A. rouaffer sp. nov., A. rugosus sp. nov., A. sandaunensis sp. nov., A. sarmiensis sp. nov., A. securiformis sp. nov., A. testegensis sp. nov., A. toricelli sp. nov., A. vagauensis sp. nov., and A. wanggarensis sp. nov. Copelatus vagestriatus Zimmermann, 1919, syn. nov. is recognised as a junior subjective synonym of A. clarki (Sharp, 1882). The lectotypes of Copelatus gestroi Régimbart, 1892, C. neoguineensis Zimmermann, 1919 and C. xanthocephalus Régimbart, 1899 are designated. All species are (re)described, and their important species characters (genitalia, habitus, and colour patterns) are illustrated. Keys to all species are provided. The known distribution and habitat preferences of each species are outlined briefly. New Guinean Austrelatus occupy a variety of stagnant water habitats, either lentic sensu stricto, or standing water associated with lotic habitats (e.g., backflows, rockpools, intermittent / ephemeral stream pools).

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Research Article Wed, 19 Jul 2023 18:52:27 +0300
A review of Microdytes J. Balfour-Browne, 1946 from Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia with descriptions of five new species and new records (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/99218/ ZooKeys 1159: 87-119

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1159.99218

Authors: Ryohei Okada, Weeyawat Jaitrong, Günther Wewalka

Abstract: The diving beetle genus Microdytes J. Balfour-Browne, 1946 in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia is reviewed, and five new species are described: Microdytes eliasi Wewalka & Okada, sp. nov. (Thailand, Cambodia), M. jeenthongi Okada & Wewalka, sp. nov. (Thailand), M. maximiliani Wewalka & Okada, sp. nov. (Laos, China), M. sekaensis Okada & Wewalka, sp. nov. (Thailand, Laos), M. ubonensis Okada & Wewalka, sp. nov. (Thailand, Laos). Two species are the first country records: M. balkei Wewalka, 1997 (Laos, Cambodia) and M. wewalkai Bian & Ji, 2009 (Laos). For 12 and 8 species, the first provincial records from Thailand and Laos, respectively, are given. A checklist, a key to the 25 known Microdytes species from these countries, and habitus images and illustrations of diagnostic characters are provided. Distribution maps of the recorded species are presented, and species distribution patterns are also briefly discussed.

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Research Article Tue, 25 Apr 2023 22:02:31 +0300
Eastern Colombian Páramo Liodessus Guignot, 1939 diving beetles are genetically structured, but show signs of hybridization, with description of new species and subspecies (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/97461/ ZooKeys 1143: 165-187

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1143.97461

Authors: Michael Balke, Katja Neven, Adrián Villastrigo, Rodulfo Ospina-Torres, Carlos Prieto, Nicolas Gutierrez Rubiano, Ingrid Lotta, Luisa F. Dueñas, Lars Hendrich

Abstract: We studied Liodessus diving beetles from six eastern Colombian Páramo areas, as well as from the Altiplano. We discovered a highly characteristic new species, based on male genital morphology, Liodessus santarosita sp. nov., in the Páramo de Guantiva-Rusia. Specimens from the Altiplano around Bogotá, and the Páramos of Almorzadero, Chingaza, Matarredonda, Rabanal y Rio Bogotá and Sumapaz form one clade of genetically similar populations based on mitochondrial Cox1 sequence data. The individuals of this clade are sub-structured according to their geographic distribution. The populations differ from each other mainly in terms of body size and coloration and, at most, subtly in their genital morphology. In two cases, we find putative hybrid populations between Altiplano and Páramo areas. We suggest that the different Páramo populations are in an early phase of speciation, and perhaps already genetically isolated in some cases. They are here assigned subspecies status to highlight these ongoing processes pending more comprehensive geographic sampling and use of genomic data. We refer to this clade as the Liodessus bogotensis complex, containing Liodessus b. bogotensis Guignot, 1953; Liodessus b. almorzadero ssp. nov.; Liodessus b. chingaza ssp. nov.; Liodessus b. lacunaviridis Balke et al., 2021, stat. nov.; Liodessus b. matarredonda ssp. nov., and Liodessus b. sumapaz ssp. nov.

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Research Article Tue, 31 Jan 2023 18:50:16 +0200
Nineteen new species of Desmopachria Babington, 1841 (Coleoptera, Adephaga, Dytiscidae, Hydroporinae, Hyphydrini) with notes on the taxonomy of the genus https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/72744/ ZooKeys 1136: 1-56

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1136.72744

Authors: Kelly B. Miller

Abstract: Nineteen new species of Desmopachria Babington, 1841 are described from multiple species groups. Two new species groups are erected, the Desmopachria apicodente species group and the Desmopachria bifurcita species group. Desmopachria divergens sp. nov. (Venezuela), Desmopachria lineata sp. nov. (Venezuela), Desmopachria surinamensis sp. nov. (Suriname), and Desmopachria tenua sp. nov. (Guyana) are described in Desmopachria but are not assigned to a species group. Desmopachria apicodente sp. nov. (Guyana, Venezuela), Desmopachria lateralis sp. nov. (Venezuela), and Desmopachria tumida sp. nov. (Venezuela) are described in the new Desmopachria apicodente species group and are the only members of the group. Desmopachria bifurcita sp. nov. (Peru), and Desmopachria lata sp. nov. (Brazil) are described in the new Desmopachria bifurcita group. Other members of the Desmopachria bifurcita group are Desmopachria bifasciata Zimmermann, Desmopachria bolivari Miller, Desmopachria ovalis Sharp, and Desmopachria varians (each previously “ungrouped”). Desmopachria pseudocavia sp. nov. (Venezuela) is described in the Desmopachria convexa-signata species group. Desmopachria wolfei sp. nov. (Venezuela) is described in the Desmopachria nitida species group. Desmopachria angulata sp. nov. (Guyana, Suriname), Desmopachria emarginata sp. nov. (Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela), Desmopachria imparis sp. nov. (Guyana), Desmopachria impunctata sp. nov. (Suriname, Venezuela), and Desmopachria truncata sp. nov. (Guyana, Suriname) are described in the Desmopachria portmanni-aldessa species group. Desmopachria bisulcata sp. nov. (Suriname), and Desmopachria irregulara sp. nov. (Venezuela) are described in the Desmopachria portmanni-portmanni species group. Desmopachria robusta sp. nov. (Venezuela) is described in the Desmopachria striola species group. A key to the species groups is included. Male genitalia are figured for all new species and dorsal habitus images are provided for most new species.

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Research Article Fri, 16 Dec 2022 14:49:32 +0200
A species-group key and notes on phylogeny and character evolution in New Guinean Exocelina Broun, 1886 diving beetles (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/94205/ ZooKeys 1131: 31-58

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1131.94205

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Michael Balke

Abstract: Detailed information about the known species groups of Exocelina Broun, 1886 from New Guinea is presented, including species numbers, distribution, and references of species-group diagnoses, keys to the species, and species descriptions. An identification key to all species groups is provided. Phylogeny and morphological character evolution are discussed.

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Research Article Tue, 22 Nov 2022 17:34:53 +0200
The aquatic Adephaga of the Makay, central-western Madagascar, with description of two new diving beetle species (Coleoptera, Gyrinidae, Haliplidae, Noteridae, Dytiscidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/85737/ ZooKeys 1127: 1-60

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1127.85737

Authors: Andriamirado Tahina Ramahandrison, Bakolimalala Rakouth, Michaël Manuel

Abstract: Water beetles of the families Gyrinidae, Haliplidae, Noteridae, and Dytiscidae (aquatic Adephaga) of the Makay in central-western Madagascar were surveyed in three campaigns during the years 2016–2018. A total of 74 species was collected from 62 sampling sites, all except one being newly recorded from the Makay. Copelatus malavergnorum sp. nov. (irinus group) and C. zanabato sp. nov. (erichsonii group) (Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) are described and their habitus and male genitalia are illustrated. A systematic account is given, including description of habitat preferences for each species. Analyses of species composition and dominance, species diversity and endemism highlighted the strong singularity of the aquatic Adephaga fauna inhabiting the sandstone massif of inner Makay (notably with several local endemic dytiscids) with respect to its peripheral lowlands. These comparisons were also performed between groups of sites categorised according to vegetation context (forested, semi-forested, non-forested). Rather unexpectedly, inner Makay although well-preserved and little deforested has relatively low endemism level and low species diversity (H1 Hill number twice lower than in the geographically close and geologically similar massif of Isalo). Species diversity was higher in the deforested and man-impacted peripheral sites, which yielded a rich contingent of western Madagascar lowland species including a few undescribed or rarely observed dytiscids.

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Research Article Wed, 2 Nov 2022 11:44:23 +0200
A new Colombian species of Liodessus diving beetles from the Páramo de Sumapaz (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Bidessini) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/70134/ ZooKeys 1059: 79-87

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1059.70134

Authors: Michael Balke, Yoandri Suarez-Megna, Rodulfo Ospina-Torres, Juan Simon Venegas, Carlos Prieto, Lars Hendrich

Abstract: Liodessus picinus sp. nov. is described from the Páramo de Sumapaz near Bogota D.C. at 3,500 m above sea level. The species can be distinguished from the other Colombian Liodessus species by its dark coloration, discontinuous habitus, shiny surface of the pronotum and elytron, presence of a distinct occipital line, distinct basal pronotal striae, short or even faint basal elytral striae, as well as by its distinct geographic distribution and cox1 signature.

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Short Communication Wed, 8 Sep 2021 17:46:14 +0300
Seven new species of the Exocelina ekari group from New Guinea central and coastal mountains (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/61554/ ZooKeys 1026: 45-67

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1026.61554

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Suriani Surbakti, Bob Sumoked, Michael Balke

Abstract: Seven new species of the genus Exocelina Broun, 1886 are described from three different mountain ranges of New Guinea: E. foja sp. nov., E. riberai sp. nov., E. apistefti sp. nov., and E. waaf sp. nov. from the Foja Mountains; E. hudsoni sp. nov. from the Cyclops Mountains; E. ekpliktiki sp. nov. and E. oraia sp. nov. from Wano Land. All of them are placed into the E. ekari group based on the structure of their male genitalia. The species are characteristic dytiscid elements of the fauna of northern cost and the western part of central orogen of New Guinea. Two taxonomic notes are presented: Exocelina athesphati is a correct name for the recently described Exocelina athesphatos Shaverdo et al., 2020; Exocelina bacchus Balke, nom. nov. is a replacement name for Exocelina bacchusi (Balke, 1998), formerly Copelatus (Papuadytes) bacchusi Balke, 1998, a junior homonym of Copelatus bacchusi Wewalka, 1981.

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Research Article Thu, 25 Mar 2021 16:00:39 +0200
A review of Copelatus diving beetles from the Solomon Islands, reporting the discovery of six new species (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/61478/ ZooKeys 1023: 81-118

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1023.61478

Authors: Jiří Hájek, Helena Shaverdo, Lars Hendrich, Michael Balke

Abstract: The first account of the genus Copelatus Erichson, 1832 in the Solomon Islands is provided, reporting 10 species for the Archipelago. Six of these are new to science: C. baranensis sp. nov., C. laevipennis sp. nov., C. urceolus sp. nov., and C. variistriatus sp. nov. from Guadalcanal and C. bougainvillensis sp. nov., and C. kietensis sp. nov. from Bougainville. Copelatus tulagicus Guignot, 1942, described from Tulaghi Island of the Solomons, is recorded from Guadalcanal and Santa Isabel for the first time. The widely distributed Australasian C. portior Guignot, 1956 is reported from the Solomon Islands (Guadalcanal and Ontong Java Atoll) for the first time. Two species from Guadalcanal remain unidentified since they are so far known only from a limited number of females.

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Research Article Thu, 11 Mar 2021 17:15:51 +0200
Three new species of Exocelina Broun, 1886 from the southern slopes of the New Guinea central range, with introduction of the Exocelina skalei group (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/59351/ ZooKeys 1007: 129-143

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1007.59351

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Suriani Surbakti, Bob Sumoked, Michael Balke

Abstract: Three new species of the genus Exocelina Broun, 1886: E. brazza sp. nov., E. amabilis sp. nov. and E. mimika sp. nov. are described from New Guinea. The former two species are placed into the E. ekari group, while the latter is suggested to be a member of a separate lineage, the newly introduced E. skalei group. The only other species of that group is E. skalei Shaverdo & Balke, 2014. The group is phylogenetically sister of the E. ekari group. All species have been collected on the southern slopes of the New Guinea central range, a region that remains mostly unsampled.

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Research Article Wed, 30 Dec 2020 14:58:43 +0200
The “minute diving beetles” of southern Australia – taxonomic revision of Gibbidessus Watts, 1978, with description of six new species (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Bidessini) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/55456/ ZooKeys 975: 11-49

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.975.55456

Authors: Lars Hendrich, Chris H.S. Watts, Michael Balke

Abstract: Morphology and mitochondrial DNA sequence data are used to reassess the taxonomy of Australian diving beetles previously assigned to the genera Uvarus Guignot, 1939 and Gibbidessus Watts, 1978. Gibbidessus was described as a monotypic genus for Gibbidessus chipi Watts, 1978. The genus is significantly extended here. Based on molecular systematic evidence, Uvarus pictipes (Lea, 1899) is transferred to Gibbidessus. Gibbidessus chipi and Gibbidessus pictipes comb. nov. are redescribed, and six new species are described: Gibbiddessus atomus sp. nov. (SW Australia, Northcliffe area) [the smallest epigean diving beetle in Australia], G. davidi sp. nov. (SW Australia), G. drikdrikensis sp. nov. (Victoria), G. kangarooensis sp. nov. (SA Kangaroo Island), G. pederzanii sp. nov. (SW Australia, Nannup area), and G. rottnestensis sp. nov. (SW Australia). Species are delineated using characters such as male genital structure and beetle size, shape and colour pattern. Mitochondrial Cox1 data for 27 individuals, representing five species, were generated, and revealed clusters congruent with the morphological evidence. Gibbidessus occur in southern Australia, with the centre of diversification in the isolated peat- and wetlands of SW Australia. All species occur in very shallow water of seasonal, exposed or half-shaded wetlands and flooded meadows.

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Research Article Mon, 12 Oct 2020 20:05:28 +0300
Taxonomic revision of the Afrotropical Agabus raffrayi species group with the description of four new species (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/53470/ ZooKeys 963: 45-79

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.963.53470

Authors: William F. Englund, Laban Njoroge, Olof Biström, Kelly B. Miller, David T. Bilton, Johannes Bergsten

Abstract: We revise the Afrotropical Agabus raffrayi species group, motivated by the discovery of new diversity in Kenya and South Africa. Whilst Agabus is mainly a holarctic genus, the Agabus raffrayi group is restricted to high altitude regions of eastern Africa and temperate parts of South Africa, from where we describe the southernmost Agabus in the world. The following new species are introduced: Agabus anguluverpus sp. nov. from Mount Kenya in central Kenya, Agabus austellus sp. nov. a widespread species in South Africa, Agabus riberae sp. nov. from the Kamiesberg and northeastern Cederberg ranges in the Northern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa and Agabus agulhas sp. nov. from the Agulhas Plain, Western Cape Province, South Africa. We provide a distribution map, a determination key for males, quantitative measurements of diagnostic characters, habitus photos and detailed photos of male genitalia for all described species in the group, as well as images of diagnostic characters and habitats. The presence or absence of an elongated section between the subapical broadening and the base of the apical and subapical teeth of the male aedeagus is a useful novel character, first revealed by our study. In contrast with the most recent revision of Afrotropical Agabus, we show that Agabus ruwenzoricus Guignot, 1936 is restricted to eastern Africa; South African records of this species having been based on misidentifications, no species of the group being common to southern and eastern Africa. We speculate that the raffrayi group may display phylogenetic niche conservatism, being restricted, as an originally temperate taxon, to higher elevations in tropical eastern Africa, but occurring at lower altitudes in temperate South Africa.

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Research Article Mon, 24 Aug 2020 13:20:06 +0300
Two new species of the Exocelina ekari group from New Guinea with strongly modified male antennae (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/55007/ ZooKeys 960: 63-78

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.960.55007

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Suriani Surbakti, Bob Sumoked, Michael Balke

Abstract: Two new species of the genus Exocelina Broun, 1886: E. athesphatos sp. nov. and E. tsinga sp. nov. are described from New Guinea and placed into the E. ekari group based on the structure of their male genitalia. The two species are very similar with respect to their external morphology and characterised by almost identical, strongly modified male antennae. However, they can easily be separated by the shape and setation of the median lobe and paramere. Based on morphological similarity and results of a molecular phylogenetic analysis, we suggest these are sister species. Both of them have been collected on the southern slopes of the Central Range (the spine of New Guinea), with a distance of ca. 380 km straight line between the collecting localities.

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Research Article Mon, 17 Aug 2020 22:38:05 +0300
Two new species of Agaporomorphus Guignot from Suriname (Coleoptera, Adephaga, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/48337/ ZooKeys 923: 51-63

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.923.48337

Authors: Kelly B. Miller

Abstract: Two new species are described in the Neotropical genus Agaporomorphus Guignot from Suriname: A. hamatocoles sp. nov. and A. tortus sp. nov. The species are included in a phylogenetic parsimony analysis of 13 morphological characters and all 12 known species. Two equally parsimonious arrangements are found with the only difference a rearrangement among the A. knischi clade. Agaporomorphus tortus belongs to the A. dolichodactylus group based on presence of an elongate, club-like lobe on the dorsal, basal surface of the male median lobe and long, subsinuate male mesotarsal claws and a small lobe at the apex of male mesotarsomere V. Agaporomorphus hamatocoles does not belong to a known species group and is phylogenetically isolated lacking synapomorphies characterizing the other groups, so the species is placed in its own species group. Male genitalia are illustrated for the new species and redrawn for all the species of the A. dolichodactylus group, and male mesotarsal claws are illustrated for A. tortus and redrawn for other members of the A. dolichodactylus group. New distribution records are reported for Suriname for the species A. colberti Miller and Wheeler and A. pereirai Guignot.

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Research Article Wed, 1 Apr 2020 18:56:01 +0300
Two new species of Desmopachria Babington, 1841 in the D. convexa species group (Coleoptera, Adephaga, Dytiscidae, Hydroporinae, Hyphydrini) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/47104/ ZooKeys 923: 65-77

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.923.47104

Authors: Kelly B. Miller

Abstract: Two new species are described in the Desmopachria convexa species group in the Neotropical genus Desmopachria Babington: D. manco sp. nov. (Guyana), and D. mortimer sp. nov. (Costa Rica). Two subgroups, the D. convexa-convexa and the D. convexa-signata groups are defined. Desmopachria convexa-convexa species are from North and Central America and have a subapical articulable lobe on the male lateral lobe that is large and elongate and extends well beyond the slender, oblique apex of the lateral lobe. Desmopachria convexa-signata species are from South America and have a subapical articulable lobe on the male lateral lobe that is small and discrete and does not extend beyond the truncate apex of the lateral lobe. The male genitalia of all recognized species in the D. convexa group are redrawn from the literature. New species are illustrated from specimens and described species have morphological features redrawn from published illustrations.

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Research Article Wed, 1 Apr 2020 18:06:37 +0300
The Hydradephaga (Coleoptera, Haliplidae, Gyrinidae, and Dytiscidae) fauna of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada: new records, distributions, and faunal composition https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/46344/ ZooKeys 897: 49-66

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.897.46344

Authors: Yves Alarie

Abstract: The Haliplidae, Gyrinidae, and Dytiscidae (Coleoptera) of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada were surveyed during the years 2006–2007. A total of 2027 individuals from 85 species was collected from 94 different localities, which brings to 87 the number of species recorded for this locality. Among these, Heterosternuta allegheniana (Matta & Wolfe), H. wickhami (Zaitzev), Hydroporus appalachius Sherman, H. gossei Larson & Roughley, H. nigellus Mannerheim, H. puberulus LeConte, Ilybius picipes (Kirby), and I. wasastjernae (C.R. Sahlberg) are reported for the first time in Nova Scotia. The Nearctic component of the fauna is made up of 71 species (81.6%), the Holarctic component of 16 species (18.4%). Most species are characteristic of both the Boreal and Atlantic Maritime Ecozones and have a transcontinental distribution but 19 species (21.8%), which are generally recognized as species with eastern affinities. In an examination of the Hydradephaga of insular portions of Atlantic Canada, it was shown that the island faunas of Cape Breton Island and Prince Edward Island are very similar (87 and 84 species, respectively) despite differences in composition suggesting that more Hydradephaga species have yet to be found on Cape Breton Island.

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Checklist Mon, 9 Dec 2019 15:22:47 +0200
Taxonomic revision of Australian Copelatus Erichson, 1832 (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/39090/ ZooKeys 889: 81-152

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.889.39090

Authors: Lars Hendrich, Helena Shaverdo, Jiří Hájek, Michael Balke

Abstract: The genus Copelatus in Australia is revised and nine species are recognised. One new species, Copelatus martinbaehri sp. nov., is described from Papua New Guinea (Central Province) and Cape York Peninsula (Iron Range NP and Mt Tozer). Copelatus divisus Watts, 1978, syn. nov., is considered a junior synonym of C. portior Guignot, 1956, described from New Guinea. Species delimitation is based on the morphological characters and Cox1 data. All species are (re)described, and their important species characters (median lobes, parameres, habitus and colour patterns) are illustrated. A key to all nine species is provided. The known distribution and habitat preferences of each species are outlined briefly. In Australia, all nine species are distributed in the northern half of the continent. Four species are also reported from New Guinea: in addition to C. martinbaehri sp. nov., we record C. clarki Sharp, 1882 for the first time from southern New Guinea, and consider literature records of C. irregularis W.J. Macleay, 1871 and C. marginatus Sharp, 1882 from New Guinea as doubtful. Copelatus portior is widely distributed in Australasia, while C. tenebrosus is widely distributed in the Indomalayan and Australasian realms. All Australian Copelatus are confirmed to be lentic, found in a large variety of stagnant water, mainly in lowland areas up to 250 m.

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Research Article Thu, 14 Nov 2019 13:44:09 +0200
Dealing with a hairy beast–larval morphology and chaetotaxy of the Australian endemic diving beetle genus Spencerhydrus (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Cybistrini) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/38391/ ZooKeys 884: 53-67

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.884.38391

Authors: Mariano C. Michat, Yves Alarie, Chris H. S. Watts

Abstract: In this contribution, the larval morphology of Spencerhydrus Sharp, 1882 was studied, an Australian endemic genus in the diving beetle tribe Cybistrini. All instars of the only two species included in the genus (S. latecinctus Sharp, 1882 and S. pulchellus Sharp, 1882) are described and illustrated with the exception of the third instar of S. latecinctus. Detailed morphometric and primary chaetotaxic analyses were performed to discover useful characters for generic diagnosis and species distinction. Spencerhydrus can be distinguished from other Cybistrini genera by the medial projection of frontoclypeus slightly indented apically, with lamellae clypeales directed forward in a characteristic V-shaped pattern, the median process of prementum strongly developed, the presence of a single ventral sclerite on prothorax, the presence of basoventral spinulae on claws, and the reduced sclerotization of the abdominal segment VII which covers only the anterior half. Larvae of the two species of Spencerhydrus can readily be distinguished by the shape of the median process of prementum, which is visibly broader in S. pulchellus than in S. latecinctus.

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Research Article Wed, 30 Oct 2019 10:19:23 +0200
Nine new species groups, 15 new species, and one new subspecies of New Guinea diving beetles of the genus Exocelina Broun, 1886 (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/37403/ ZooKeys 878: 73-143

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.878.37403

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Suriani Surbakti, Evie L. Warikar, Katayo Sagata, Michael Balke

Abstract: Nine new species groups of Exocelina Broun, 1886 from New Guinea are introduced with keys to their representatives. Four groups are monotypic and include three new species: the E. aipomek group, the E. koroba group: E. koroba sp. nov., the E. mekilensis group: E. mekilensis sp. nov., and the E. morobensis group: E. morobensis sp. nov. The remaining five species groups include 18 species with 12 new species and one new subspecies: the E. bacchusi group: E. akameku sp. nov., E. oiwa sp. nov., E. oksibilensis sp. nov., and E. bacchusi herzogensis ssp. nov.; the E. jaseminae group: E. aseki sp. nov., E. kailaki sp. nov., and E. pseudojaseminae sp. nov.; the E. larsoni group: E. warahulenensis sp. nov.; the E. takime group: E. mianminensis sp. nov.; and the E. warasera group: E. haia sp. nov., E. kobau sp. nov., E. pulchella sp. nov., and E. warasera sp. nov. Diagnoses of five already described species of these groups are provided, as well as comparatives notes on all species. Exocelina santimontis (Balke, 1998) syn. nov. is a junior synonym of E. aipomek (Balke, 1998). Data on the distribution of the species are given, showing that most of the species of these groups occur in the Papua New Guinea.

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Research Article Mon, 7 Oct 2019 16:55:42 +0300
Discovery of a specialist Copelatinae fauna on Madagascar: highly ephemeral tropical forest floor depressions as an overlooked habitat for diving beetles (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/36337/ ZooKeys 871: 89-118

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.871.36337

Authors: Tolotra Ranarilalatiana, Johannes Bergsten

Abstract: Diving beetles are generally aquatic and live submerged in water during larval and adult stages. A few groups have colonised hygropetric habitats and fewer species still can possibly be referred to as terrestrial. Here we describe six new Copelatine species that were mainly found in dry shallow forest floor depressions in the eastern and northeastern lowland humid forests of Madagascar. Three new species are described in each of the two genera Copelatus and Madaglymbus: Copelatus amphibius sp. nov., Copelatus betampona sp. nov., Copelatus zanatanensis sp. nov., Madaglymbus kelimaso sp. nov., Madaglymbus menalamba sp. nov., and Madaglymbus semifactus sp. nov. Diagnosis, description, known distribution, ecology, and conservation notes are provided for each species. All species are illustrated with a dorsal habitus image, ventral and lateral views of the male penis, and parameres. Photographs of the unusual terrestrial habitats where the species were found are provided. Madaglymbus menalamba sp. nov. is also documented with macrophotos and videorecordings of the terrestrial locomotion and behaviour in the field. Although these species should not be classified as terrestrial, or even semi-terrestrial Dytiscidae, they seem to be specialists of very ephemeral aquatic habitats and stay put instead of disperse when the habitat dries up. It is hypothesised that this lifestyle and behaviour on Madagascar is restricted to the high-precipitation humid forest regions mainly in the east. It may also represent a transition step, or stepping-stone, towards becoming fully terrestrial, a step that the few known terrestrial Dytiscid taxa once passed through. It is very likely that this type of habitat is overlooked for aquatic beetles, not only in Madagascar, and the six species herein described may be just the “tip of the iceberg”.

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Research Article Mon, 12 Aug 2019 22:57:35 +0300
Taxonomic revision of the genus Copelatus of Madagascar (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae): the non- erichsonii group species https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/33997/ ZooKeys 869: 19-90

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.869.33997

Authors: Tolotra Ranarilalatiana, Lala Harivelo Raveloson Ravaomanarivo, Johannes Bergsten

Abstract: The genus Copelatus Erichson, 1832 (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) of Madagascar is revised in two parts. This review is restricted to the Copelatus species that have fewer than ten elytral + one submarginal stria, including all species except those of the erichsonii species group. Both morphological and molecular (mitochondrial COI) data are used in an integrative taxonomic approach. Thirteen species are recognised, of which five are described as new: Copelatus ankaratra sp. nov., Copelatus kely sp. nov., Copelatus pseudostriatus sp. nov., Copelatus safiotra sp. nov. and Copelatus vokoka sp. nov. Copelatus unguicularis Régimbart, 1903 and Copelatus apicalis Fairmaire, 1898 are both transferred to the genus Madaglymbus Shaverdo & Balke, 2008 (comb. nov.). Copelatus mimetes Guignot 1957 is a junior synonym of the widespread Afrotropical–Arabian Copelatus pulchellus (Klug, 1834) (syn. nov.). Copelatus marginipennis (Laporte, 1835) is reinstated (stat. nov.) as a valid species with Copelatus aldabricus Balfour-Browne, 1950 and Copelatus aldabricus var. simplex Guignot, 1952 as junior synonyms (syn. nov.). We designate lectotypes for Colymbetes marginipennis Laporte, 1835 and Copelatus obtusus Boheman, 1848. Copelatus peridinus Guignot, 1955 is recorded for Madagascar for the first time and Copelatus nodieri Régimbart, 1895 is rejected as a species present in Madagascar.

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Research Article Mon, 5 Aug 2019 13:30:32 +0300
Biogeography of predaceous diving beetles (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) of Mongolia https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/33908/ ZooKeys 853: 87-108

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.853.33908

Authors: Davaadorj Enkhnasan, Bazartseren Boldgiv

Abstract: The bio-geographical composition and spatial distribution patterns of dytiscid assemblages in Mongolia are relatively unexplored. In this study, we compiled a list of 99 dytiscid species belonging to 20 genera and five subfamilies recorded in Mongolia and investigated species richness, spatial distribution and bio-geographical composition of the Mongolian dytiscid fauna. This study encompasses the information of currently recorded species and their geographic localities in Mongolia based on our own data and literature sources. We examined how dytiscid species richness was related to sub-basins of surface water network, as well as to geographical elevations within Mongolia. The majority of the Mongolian dytiscid fauna was associated with the sub-basins belonging to Arctic Ocean (80 species, 80.8%) and Central Asian Inland (60 species, 60.6%) basins. Only a few species of dytiscids belonged to the remaining river basins. Species richness of dytiscids and total area of sub-basins were not correlated, but species composition of dytiscids differed significantly among the sub-basins. We observed that most of the species (77 species or 77.8% of total fauna) were recorded in a wide range of elevations and mid-altitudes (1000–2000 m a.s.l.) and showed the greatest diversity of dytiscids. Regarding the bio-geographical composition, species with wide geographical distributions (27.3% of dytiscids), were Palearctic species, while species of Arctic origin (21.2%) together with Boreal elements (16.2%) comprised a large proportion of the dytiscid fauna in Mongolia.

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Research Article Thu, 6 Jun 2019 14:11:51 +0300
The first stygobiont species of Coleoptera from Portugal, with a molecular phylogeny of the Siettitia group of genera (Dytiscidae, Hydroporinae, Hydroporini, Siettitiina) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/29765/ ZooKeys 813: 21-38

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.813.29765

Authors: Ignacio Ribera, Ana Sofia P.S. Reboleira

Abstract: Iberoporus pluto sp. n., the first stygobiont beetle from Portugal (Dytiscidae, Hydroporinae), is described from a single female from the cave Soprador do Carvalho (Coimbra). The species is highly troglomorphic, depigmented, blind, and with elongated appendages not adapted for swimming. A molecular phylogeny based on a combination of three mitochondrial and two nuclear genes showed the new species to be sister to I. cermenius Castro & Delgado, 2001 from Córdoba (south of Spain), within the subtribe Siettitiina of the tribe Hydroporini. Both species are included in a clade with Siettitia avenionensis Guignot, 1925 (south of France) and Rhithrodytes agnus Foster, 1992 and R. argaensis Fery & Bilton, 1996 (north of Portugal), in turn sister to the rest of species of genus Rhithrodytes Bameul, 1989, in what is here considered the Siettitia group of genera. We resolve the paraphyly of Rhithrodytes by transferring the two Portuguese species to Iberoporus Castro & Delgado, 2001, I. agnus (Foster, 1992), comb. n. and I. argaensis (Fery & Bilton, 1996), comb. n.

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Research Article Mon, 7 Jan 2019 21:50:38 +0200
Introduction of the Exocelina casuarina-group, with a key to its representatives and descriptions of 19 new species from New Guinea (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/28903/ ZooKeys 803: 7-70

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.803.28903

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Katayo Sagata, Michael Balke

Abstract: Nineteen new species of Exocelina Broun, 1886 from New Guinea are described herein: E. adelbertensis sp. n., E. ambua sp. n., E. bewani sp. n., E. cyclops sp. n., E. ibalimi sp. n., E. keki sp. n., E. kumulensis sp. n., E. mendiensis sp. n., E. menyamya sp. n., E. okapa sp. n., E. piusi sp. n., E. pseudofume sp. n., E. pseudopusilla sp. n., E. pusilla sp. n., E. sima sp. n., E. simbaiensis sp. n., E. simbaijimi sp. n., E. sumokedi sp. n., and E. yoginofi sp. n. All of them, together with five already described species, have been united into the newly defined casuarina-group, a polyphyletic complex of related species with similar shape of the median lobe and paramere setation. An identification key to all known species of the group is provided, and important diagnostic characters (habitus, color, male protarsomeres 4–5, median lobes, and parameres) are illustrated. Data on the distribution of the species are given, showing that most of the species occur in the central, mountain part of Papua New Guinea.

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Research Article Thu, 6 Dec 2018 19:50:28 +0200
Descriptions of two new species and one new subspecies from the Exocelina okbapensis-group, and notes on the E. aipo-group (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/15913/ ZooKeys 715: 17-37

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.715.15913

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Bob Sumoked, Michael Balke

Abstract: Two new species and one new subspecies of Exocelina Broun, 1886 from New Guinea are described: E. okbapensis Shaverdo & Balke, sp. n., E. okbapensis hajeki Shaverdo & Balke, ssp. n., and E. may Shaverdo & Balke, sp. n. These and two already described species are assigned to the E. okbapensis-group, which is morphologically (based on setation of the paramere) and phylogenetically close to the E. aipo-group. On the latter, morphological and taxonomic notes are provided. An identification key to all known species of the groups is presented, and important diagnostic characters are illustrated. Data on the species distributions are mapped and show that the species occur only in the central mountain part of the island restricted by Wamena in the west and Sandaun Province in the east.

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Research Article Thu, 9 Nov 2017 19:42:42 +0200
A revision of Meladema diving beetles (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae), with the description of a new species from the central Mediterranean based on molecules and morphology https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/14787/ ZooKeys 702: 45-112

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.702.14787

Authors: David T. Bilton, Ignacio Ribera

Abstract: Meladema Laporte, 1835 are relatively large, stream-dwelling diving beetles, distributed widely in the Western Palaearctic, from the Atlantic Islands to Turkey, and from southern France and the Balkans to the central Sahara. In addition to the three previously recognised taxa (M. coriacea Laporte, 1835, M. imbricata (Wollaston, 1871) and M. lanio (Fabricius, 1775)) we describe a new, cryptic, species from the central Mediterranean area, which can be distinguished from M. coriacea on both DNA sequence data and morphology, and provide a key to known species of the genus. Based on the study of genotyped material, both recent and archival, as well as the examination of a large number of museum specimens, we show that M. lepidoptera sp. n. occurs to the apparent exclusion of M. coriacea on Corsica, Sardinia and islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, but that both taxa are found in peninsular Italy, where they may occasionally hybridize. In the absence of the original type series, we designate a neotype for M. coriacea, and take the opportunity to designate a lectotype for M. lanio. Morphological variation in Meladema species is discussed, including that seen in known and presumed hybrids. Our study highlights the incomplete state of knowledge of Mediterranean biodiversity, even in relatively large, supposedly well-studied taxa.

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Research Article Mon, 25 Sep 2017 14:34:24 +0300
Species delimitation of the Hyphydrus ovatus complex in western Palaearctic with an update of species distributions (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/12886/ ZooKeys 678: 73-96

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.678.12886

Authors: Johannes Bergsten, Elisabeth Weingartner, Jiří Hájek

Abstract: The species status of Hyphydrus anatolicus Guignot, 1957 and H. sanctus Sharp, 1882, previously often confused with the widespread H. ovatus (Linnaeus, 1760), are tested with molecular and morphological characters. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) was sequenced for 32 specimens of all three species. Gene-trees were inferred with parsimony, time-free bayesian and strict clock bayesian analyses. The GMYC model was used to estimate species limits. All three species were reciprocally monophyletic with CO1 and highly supported. The GMYC species delimitation analysis unequivocally delimited the three species with no other than the three species solution included in the confidence interval. A likelihood ratio test rejected the one-species null model. Important morphological characters distinguishing the species are provided and illustrated. New distributional data are given for the following species: Hyphydrus anatolicus from Slovakia and Ukraine, and H. aubei Ganglbauer, 1891, and H. sanctus from Turkey.

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Research Article Tue, 6 Jun 2017 20:20:21 +0300
Six new species of the genus Exocelina Broun, 1886 from Wano Land, New Guinea (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/11792/ ZooKeys 665: 93-120

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.665.11792

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Michael Wild, Bob Sumoked, Michael Balke

Abstract: Six new species of New Guinea Exocelina Broun, 1886 are described in this paper: E. iratoi sp. n., E. likui sp. n., E. pui sp. n., E. pulukensis sp. n., E. tomhansi sp. n., and E. wigodukensis sp. n. Although different morphologically, together with Exocelina ascendens (Balke, 1998), E. bagus (Balke & Hendrich, 2001), and E. ransikiensis Shaverdo, Panjaitan & Balke, 2016, they are found to form a monophyletic clade and be closely related to representatives of the E. ekari-group, based on preliminary analysis of sequence data. An identification key to the species is provided, and important diagnostic characters are illustrated. The present data on the species’ distribution show that most of them are local endemics.

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Research Article Tue, 4 Apr 2017 13:31:49 +0300
A review of the Neotropical genus Bidessodes Régimbart, 1895 including description of four new species (Coleoptera, Adephaga, Dytiscidae, Hydroporinae, Bidessini) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/10928/ ZooKeys 658: 9-38

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.658.10928

Authors: Kelly B. Miller

Abstract: The Neotropical genus Bidessodes Régimbart, 1895 is reviewed. Four new species are described, B. chlorus Miller, sp. n., B. erythros Miller, sp. n., B. leukus Miller, sp. n., and B. melas Miller, sp. n., bringing the total number of species in the genus to 20. A key to species is provided. Important diagnostic features are illustrated and described and distributions of all species based on examined specimens and published records are provided. Recognition of the subgenera of Bidessodes is not justified, and the two names Hughbosdineus Spangler, 1981 syn. n. and Youngulus Spangler, 1981 syn. n., described at the genus rank, are placed in synonymy with Bidessodes.

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Research Article Wed, 22 Feb 2017 15:04:21 +0200
A new genus and two new species of Southeast Asian Bidessini as well as new synonyms for Oceanian species (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/11231/ ZooKeys 647: 137-151

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.647.11231

Authors: Michael Balke, Johannes Bergsten, Liang-Jong Wang, Lars Hendrich

Abstract: Rompindessus jenisi Balke, Bergsten & Hendrich, gen. n. et sp. n. is described from near Rompin village in West Malaysia. The new genus is characterized by the presence of an occipital line and basal pronotal striae, the presence of a thick anterior bead on clypeus and two-segmented parameres as well as by the absence of basal elytral striae, the absence of sutural line on elytron, the absence of basal epipleural transverse carina, and the absence of longitudinal elytral carina. Moreover, male pro- and mesotarsus appear stout, and distinctly dilated laterally; the pronotum is comparably long and parallel-sided and the colour of beetle conspicuous dark orange. Leiodytes kualalipis Balke, Wang, Bergsten & Hendrich, sp. n. is described from West Malaysia (Pahang) and South Vietnam (Cat Tien). It is well characterized by its large size, elongate body and the form of the median lobe. Limbodessus fijiensis (J. Balfour-Browne, 1944), comb. n. described from Fiji is a new synonym of Limbodessus curviplicatus (Zimmermann, 1927) described from Samoa.

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Research Article Mon, 30 Jan 2017 17:20:10 +0200
Two new species of the megadiverse lentic diving-beetle genus Hydrovatus (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) described from NE Thailand https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/10483/ ZooKeys 632: 57-66

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.632.10483

Authors: Olof Bistrom, Johannes Bergsten

Abstract: Here we describe two new Hydrovatus species (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Hydroporinae: Hydrovatini) from the province of Khon Kaen, Isan region in NE Thailand. Hydrovatus is the third most species rich genus of diving beetles (Dytiscidae). It occurs on all continents except Antarctica and now numbers 210 currently recognized species. Both new species, H. diversipunctatus sp. n. and H. globosus sp. n., were collected at lights and are only known from the type locality “Khon Kaen” (a city and province). Diagnoses based on morphology for the separation from closely related species are given together with illustrations of male genitalia and habitus photos. We provide a determination key to Old World species of the pustulatus species group and to Oriental species of the oblongipennis species group.

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Research Article Wed, 16 Nov 2016 13:34:41 +0200
Phylogenetic placement of the Pacific Northwest subterranean endemic diving beetle Stygoporus oregonensis Larson & LaBonte (Dytiscidae, Hydroporinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/9866/ ZooKeys 632: 75-91

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.632.9866

Authors: Kojun Kanda, R. Antonio Gomez, Richard Van Driesche, Kelly B. Miller, David R. Maddison

Abstract: Stygoporus oregonensis Larson & LaBonte is a little-known subterranean diving beetle, which, until recently, had not been collected since the type series was taken from a shallow well in western Oregon, USA, in 1984. Here we report the discovery of additional specimens collected from a nearby well in the Willamette Valley. Sequence data from four mitochondrial genes, wingless, and histone III place Stygoporus Larson & LaBonte in the predominantly Mediterranean subtribe Siettitiina of the Hydroporini. Morphological support for these results is discussed, and details of the collecting circumstances of the new specimens are presented. We argue that the biogeographic patterns of Nearctic Siettitiina highlight the likelihood of additional undiscovered subterranean dytiscids in North America.

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Research Article Wed, 16 Nov 2016 10:38:44 +0200
Novadessus viracocha, a new genus and species of Bidessini Sharp from Peru (Coleoptera, Adephaga, Dytiscidae, Hydroporinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/10018/ ZooKeys 623: 125-130

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.623.10018

Authors: Kelly Miller

Abstract: Novadessus viracocha gen. n. and sp. n. is described from Peru. The genus distinctly is characterized by having the following combination: (1) a transverse occipital line absent on the head; (2) the anterior clypeal margin not modified; (3) a pair of basal pronotal striae present; (4) the basal elytral stria absent; (5) the elytral sutural stria absent; (6) the elytron without longitudinal carinae; (7) the epipleuron without a transverse carina at the humeral angle; (8) the lateral lobes of the male aedeagus two-segmented; (9) the overall habitus elongate and oval, with lateral pronotal and elytral margins discontinuous; (10) without distinct denticles along the posterior margins of the abdominal sternites; (11) the male genitalia (both median lobe and lateral lobes) bilaterally symmetrical; and (12) the metatrochanter small relative to the metafemur, approximately 0.6 × the length of the metafemur. The genus is diagnostically similar to Fontidessus Miller and Spangler and Neobidessodes Hendrich and Balke, but is superficially more similar to Liodessus Guignot. The habitus and male genitalia are illustrated, and a distribution map is provided.

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Research Article Tue, 11 Oct 2016 20:00:00 +0300
New species of Bidessonotus Régimbart, 1895 with a review of the South American species (Coleoptera, Adephaga, Dytiscidae, Hydroporinae, Bidessini) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/9155/ ZooKeys 622: 95-127

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.622.9155

Authors: Kelly Miller

Abstract: The South American species of the New World genus Bidessonotus Régimbart, 1895 are reviewed with descriptions of seven new species. This brings the total number of valid Bidessonotus species to 37, making it the largest Bidessini genus in the New World. The new species are B. annae sp. n. (Venezuela), B. josiahi sp. n. (Venezuela), B. palecephalus sp. n. (Venezuela), B. reductus sp. n. (Venezuela), B. septimus sp. n. (Venezuela), B. spinosus sp. n. (Venezuela), and B. valdezi sp. n. (Guyana, Suriname). New distribution records are provided for many other South American Bidessonotus species. The main diagnostic features of Bidessonotus species are in the male genitalia, and these are illustrated for all South American species. Diagnostic features, distributions (including distribution maps), and additional comments are provided for all South American species.

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Research Article Thu, 6 Oct 2016 17:09:19 +0300
Taxonomic revision of New Guinea diving beetles of the Exocelina danae group, with the description of ten new species (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/9951/ ZooKeys 619: 45-102

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.619.9951

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Katayo Sagata, Michael Balke

Abstract: Ten new species of Exocelina Broun, 1886 from New Guinea are described: E. andakombensis sp. n., E. garaina sp. n., E. injiensis sp. n., E. kabwumensis sp. n., E. marawaga sp. n., E. posmani sp. n., E. tekadu sp. n., E. varirata sp. n., E. wareaga sp. n., and E. woitapensis sp. n. All of them together with five already described species are united into the newly defined E. danae-group (with E. miriae-subgroup), a polyphyletic complex of related species with lateral setation on the median lobe. In the light of newly available material, all previously described species of the E. rivulus-group are considered to belong to a single species, E. damantiensis (Balke, 1998), which is now placed into the E. danae-group, and three new synonyms are therefore proposed: E. madangensis (Balke, 2001) syn. n., E. patepensis (Balke, 1998) syn. n., and E. rivulus (Balke, 1998) syn. n. Exocelina tarmluensis (Balke, 1998) syn. n. is a junior synonym of E. danae (Balke, 1998). Redescription of E. atratus (Balfour-Browne, 1939) is provided based on its type material. An identification key to all known species of the group is provided, and important diagnostic characters are illustrated. Data on the species distribution are given, showing that whilst most species are local endemics, E. damantiensis is extremely widely distributed.

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Research Article Tue, 27 Sep 2016 17:24:17 +0300
Further contributions to the Hydradephaga (Coleoptera, Haliplidae, Gyrinidae and Dytiscidae) fauna of Prince Edward Island, Canada: new records, distributions and faunal composition https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/8856/ ZooKeys 600: 103-129

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.600.8856

Authors: Yves Alarie

Abstract: The Haliplidae, Gyrinidae and Dytiscidae (Coleoptera) of Prince Edward Island, Canada were surveyed during the years 2004–2005. A total of 2450 individuals from 79 species were collected from 98 different localities, among which 30 species are newly recorded from that region. Among these, Acilius sylvanus Hilsenhoff, Rhantus consimilis Motschulsky and Neoporus sulcipennis (Fall) stand out as representing the easternmost reports of these species in Canada. Once removed, Gyrinus aquiris LeConte (Gyrinidae) is reinstated in the faunal list of Prince Edward Island. According to this study and literature 84 species of Hydradephaga are currently known from Prince Edward Island. The Nearctic component of the fauna is made up of 68 species (80.9%) and the Holarctic component of 16 species (19.1%). Most species are characteristic of the Boreal and Atlantic Maritime Ecozones and have a transcontinental distribution. In an examination of the Hydradephaga of insular portions of Atlantic Canada, we found that despite significantly different land areas and different distances to the neighbouring continental mainland the island faunas of Prince Edward Island and insular Newfoundland are very similar in the number of species (84 and 94 species respectively) despite differences in composition. With a land area significantly larger than that of Prince Edward Island, however, the fauna of Cape Breton Island was 39% smaller consisting of 53 species. This difference could be due to the comparative lack of collecting efforts on Cape Breton Island.

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Checklist Wed, 22 Jun 2016 02:40:30 +0300
Revision of the Neotropical diving beetle genus Hydrodessus J. Balfour-Browne, 1953 (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Hydroporinae, Bidessini) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/8153/ ZooKeys 580: 45-124

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.580.8153

Authors: Kelly B. Miller

Abstract: The Neotropical diving beetle genus Hydrodessus J. Balfour-Browne, 1953 (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Hydroporinae: Bidessini) is revised. Thirty species are recognized. The following new species are described: H. bimaculatus sp. n. (Venezuela), H. brevis sp. n. (Venezuela), H. concolorans sp. n. (Venezuela), H. continuus sp. n. (Venezuela), H. disjunctus sp. n. (Suriname), H. fasciatus sp. n. (Brazil), H. imparilis sp. n. (Ecuador), H. keithi sp. n. (Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador), H. kurti sp. n. (Suriname), H. kylei sp. n. (Suriname, Venezuela), H. laetus sp. n. (Venezuela), H. latotibialis sp. n. (Peru), H. maculatus sp. n. (Guyana, Venezuela), H. morsus sp. n. (Venezuela), H. palus sp. n. (Venezuela), and H. tenuatus sp. n. (Suriname). The following new synonyms are established: H. fragrans Spangler, 1985 = H. biguttatus (Guignot, 1957) syn. n. and H. robinae Spangler, 1985 = H. octospilus (Guignot, 1957), syn. n. One species is transferred from Hydrodessus to Amarodytes Régimbart, A. soekhnandanae (Makhan, 1994), comb. n. Habitus photographs (dorsal and lateral) and photos of the ventral surfaces are provided for most species. Line drawings of male and female genitalia and other diagnostic features are also provided along with distribution maps.

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Research Article Tue, 12 Apr 2016 20:41:54 +0300
Description of two new species of the Exocelina broschii-group from Papua New Guinea, with revision and key to all representatives of this species group (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/7254/ ZooKeys 577: 125-148

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.577.7254

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Katayo Sagata, Michael Balke

Abstract: Two new species of Exocelina Broun, 1886 from Papua New Guinea are described herein: E. mondmillensis sp. n. and E. pseudomarinae sp. n. They are placed into the E. broschii-group based on the shovel/fork-like ventral sclerites of their median lobe. While the former has rather distinct combination of the morphological characters (inconspicuous dorsal punctation, thin apex of the median lobe and ventral sclerite of the median lobe with two tips of different length), the latter is very similar to already described species E. marinae (Shaverdo, Sagata & Balke, 2005). All described species of the group are revised and a key to their identification is provided. Important diagnostic characters (habitus, color, protarsomeres 4–5, median lobes, and parameres) are illustrated. Data on the distribution of all species of the group are given showing that its representatives occur only in Papua New Guinea and most of them are widely distributed in it central part.

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Research Article Tue, 5 Apr 2016 18:35:17 +0300
Resolving the taxonomic conundrum in Graphoderus of the east Palearctic with a key to all species (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/7002/ ZooKeys 574: 113-142

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.574.7002

Authors: Sandra Holmgren, Robert Angus, Fenglong Jia, Zhen-ning Chen, Johannes Bergsten

Abstract: The Holarctic diving beetle genus Graphoderus (Dytiscinae, Aciliini) contains relatively few and well-known species but these may still be difficult to identify based on external characters. A taxonomic problem in the eastern Palearctic was discovered that relates to the Palearctic G. zonatus (Hoppe, 1795) and the Nearctic G. perplexus Sharp, 1882. Based on qualitative and quantitative characters, especially on male genitalia which have been poorly studied in the past, it is shown that eastern Palearctic specimens identified by previous authors as either of the two species in fact belongs to a third species. The synonymized name G. elatus Sharp, 1882, is reinstated as a valid species (stat. n.) and a lectotype is designated from the mixed syntype series. The male genitalia of all known Graphoderus species have been examined and an illustrated identification key to the genus is provided. The three species in the complex of focus, G. elatus, G. zonatus and G. perplexus are found to have allopatric distributions; G. perplexus in the Nearctic region, G. zonatus in the west Palearctic region and eastwards to the Yenisei-Angara river and G. elatus east of the Yenisei-Angara river. All previous records of either G. zonatus or G. perplexus in the east Palearctic, east of the Yenisei-Angara river turned out to be misidentified G. elatus. This conclusion also brings with it that dimorphic females, thought only to be present in the single subspecies G. zonatus verrucifer (CR Sahlberg, 1824), proved to be present also in a second species, G. elatus. The dimorphic female forms is either with dorsally smooth elytra and pronotum or conspicuously granulated elytra and wrinkly pronotum. As has been shown in G. z. verrucifer there is a correlation between the occurrence of granulate female forms in a population and an increase in the number of adhesive discs on pro- and mesotarsus in males within G. elatus.

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Research Article Mon, 28 Mar 2016 18:52:12 +0300
A new, widely distributed species of the Exocelina ekari-group from West Papua (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/6065/ ZooKeys 554: 69-85

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.554.6065

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Rawati Panjaitan, Michael Balke

Abstract: Exocelina manokwariensis sp. n. from West Papua is placed into the E. ekari-group based on the structure of its male genitalia. The new species is described, including its three subspecies, from the mainland of West Papua, Waigeo Island, Batanta and Salawati Islands, and Bomberai peninsula. An identification key to the subspecies as well as data on species distribution are provided.

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Research Article Mon, 18 Jan 2016 02:57:18 +0200
Taxonomic revision of Afrotropical Laccophilus Leach, 1815 (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/5975/ ZooKeys 542: 1-379

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.542.5975

Authors: Olof Biström, Anders N. Nilsson, Johannes Bergsten

Abstract: The African species of the genus Laccophilus Leach, 1815, are revised, on the basis of study of adult specimens. In all, 105 species are now recognized. A phenetic character-analysis was undertaken, which resulted in a split of the genus into 17 species groups. Diagnoses and a description of each species are given together with keys for identification of species groups and species. We also provide habitus photos, illustration of male genitalia and distribution maps for all species. New species are described as follows: L. grossus sp. n. (Angola, Namibia), L. rocchii sp. n. (Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique), L. ferrugo sp. n. (Mozambique), L. furthi sp. n. (Madagascar), L. isamberti sp. n. (Madagascar), L. inobservatus sp. n. (Gambia, Senegal, Mali, Niger, Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Zaire and Asia: Yemen), L. cryptos sp. n. (Zaire, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa), L. enigmaticus sp. n. (Nigeria, Sudan), L. bellus sp. n. (Benin, Nigeria), L. guentheri sp. n. (Guinea, Ghana), L. guineensis sp. n. (Guinea), L. decorosus sp. n. (Uganda), L. empheres sp. n. (Kenya), L. inconstans sp. n. (Guinea, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon), L. brancuccii sp. n. (Central African Republic), L. incomptus sp. n. (Cameroon), L. australis sp. n. (Tanzania, South Africa), L. minimus sp. n. (Namibia), L. eboris sp. n. (Ivory Coast), L. insularum sp. n. (Madagascar), L. occidentalis sp. n. (Gambia, Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Zaire) and L. transversovittatus sp. n. (Madagascar). L. restrictus Sharp, 1882, is restored as good species; not junior synonym of L. pictipennis Sharp, 1882. New synonyms are established as follows: L. continentalis Gschwendtner, 1935 = L. perplexus Omer-Cooper, 1970, syn. n., L. taeniolatus Régimbart, 1889 = L. congener Omer-Cooper, 1957, syn. n., L. adspersus Boheman, 1848 = L. vitshumbii Guignot, 1959, syn. n. = L. adspersus nigeriensis Omer-Cooper, 1970, syn. n. = L. adspersus sudanensis Omer-Cooper, 1970, syn. n., L. modestus Régimbart, 1895 = L. espanyoli Hernando, 1990, syn. n., L. flaveolus Régimbart, 1906 = L. pampinatus Guignot, 1941, syn. n., L. trilineola Régimbart, 1889 = L. simulator Omer-Cooper, 1958, syn. n., L. mediocris Guignot, 1952 = L. meii Rocchi, 2000, syn. n., L. epinephes Guignot, 1955 = L. castaneus Guignot, 1956, syn. n., L. saegeri Guignot, 1958 = L. comoensis Pederzani & Reintjes, 2002, syn. n., L. restrictus Sharp, 1882 = L. evanescens Régimbart, 1895, syn. n., L. incrassatus Gschwendtner, 1933 = L. virgatus Guignot, 1953, syn. n., L. cyclopis Sharp, 1882 = L. shephardi Omer-Cooper, 1965, syn. n., L. burgeoni Gschwendtner, 1930 = L. wittei Guignot, 1952, syn. n., L. secundus Régimbart, 1895 = L. torquatus Guignot, 1956, syn. n., L. desintegratus Régimbart, 1895 = L. sanguinosus Régimbart, 1895, syn. n. and L. flavopictus Régimbart, 1889 = L. bergeri Guignot, 1953, syn. n. = L. segmentatus Omer-Cooper, 1957, syn. n. Lectotypes are designated for the following taxa: L. productus Régimbart, 1906, L. ruficollis Zimmermann, 1919, L. sordidus Sharp, 1882, L. alluaudi Régimbart, 1899, L. pictipennis Sharp, 1882, L. wehnckei Sharp, 1882, L. continentalis Gschwendtner, 1935, L. simplicistriatus Gschwendtner, 1932, L. complicatus Sharp, 1882, L. rivulosus Klug, 1833, L. ampliatus Régimbart, 1895, L. pilitarsis Régimbart, 1906, L. adspersus Boheman, 1848, L. livens Régimbart, 1895, L. modestus Régimbart, 1895, L. nodieri Régimbart, 1895, L. flaveolus Régimbart, 1906, L. pallescens Régimbart, 1903, L. restrictus Sharp, 1882, L. vermiculosus Gerstaecker, 1867, L. mocquerysi Régimbart, 1895, L. bizonatus Régimbart, 1895, L. tschoffeni Régimbart, 1895, L. persimilis Régimbart, 1895, L. poecilus Klug, 1834, L. lateralis Sharp, 1882, L. lateralis var. polygrammus Régimbart, 1903, L. cyclopis Sharp, 1882, L. shephardi Omer-Cooper, 1965, L. conjunctus Guignot, 1950, L. grammicus Sharp, 1882, L. flavoscriptus Régimbart, 1895, L. flavosignatus Régimbart, 1895, L. brevicollis Sharp, 1882, L. secundus Régimbart, L. desintegratus Régimbart, 1895, L. gutticollis Régimbart, 1895, L. luctuosus Sharp, 1882 and L. inornatus Zimmermann, 1926. Laccophilus remex Guignot, 1952, comprises a species complex with uncertain taxonomic delimitation; the complex includes L. concisus Guignot, 1953, L. turneri Omer-Cooper, 1957 and L. praeteritus Omer-Cooper, 1957, as tentative synonyms of L. remex Guignot, 1952.

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Monograph Mon, 7 Dec 2015 11:59:19 +0200
Atlas of Iberian water beetles (ESACIB database) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/6048/ ZooKeys 520: 147-154

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.520.6048

Authors: David Sánchez-Fernández, Andrés Millán, Pedro Abellán, Félix Picazo, José Antonio Carbonell, Ignacio Ribera

Abstract: The ESACIB (‘EScarabajos ACuáticos IBéricos’) database is provided, including all available distributional data of Iberian and Balearic water beetles from the literature up to 2013, as well as from museum and private collections, PhD theses, and other unpublished sources. The database contains 62,015 records with associated geographic data (10×10 km UTM squares) for 488 species and subspecies of water beetles, 120 of them endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and eight to the Balearic Islands. This database was used for the elaboration of the “Atlas de los Coleópteros Acuáticos de España Peninsular”. In this dataset data of 15 additional species has been added: 11 that occur in the Balearic Islands or mainland Portugal but not in peninsular Spain and an other four with mainly terrestrial habits within the genus Helophorus (for taxonomic coherence). The complete dataset is provided in Darwin Core Archive format.

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Data Paper Wed, 16 Sep 2015 20:32:39 +0300
Description of 23 new species of the Exocelina ekari-group from New Guinea, with a key to all representatives of the species group (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/4354/ ZooKeys 468: 1-83

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.468.8506

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Katayo Sagata, Rawati Panjaitan, Herlina Menufandu, Michael Balke

Abstract: Twenty three new species of Exocelina Broun, 1886 from New Guinea are described herein: E. bewaniensis sp. n., E. bismarckensis sp. n., E. craterensis sp. n., E. gorokaensis sp. n., E. herowana sp. n., E. jimiensis sp. n., E. kisli sp. n., E. ksionseki sp. n., E. lembena sp. n., E. mantembu sp. n., E. michaelensis sp. n., E. pinocchio sp. n., E. pseudoastrophallus sp. n., E. pseudobifida sp. n., E. pseudoedeltraudae sp. n., E. pseudoeme sp. n., E. sandaunensis sp. n., E. simbaiarea sp. n., E. skalei sp. n., E. tabubilensis sp. n., E. tariensis sp. n., E. vovai sp. n., and E. wannangensis sp. n. All of them have been found to belong to the E. ekari-group. An identification key to all known species of the group is provided, and important diagnostic characters (habitus, color, male antennae, protarsomeres 4–5, median lobes, and parameres) are illustrated. Data on the distribution of the new species and some already described species are given.

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Research Article Tue, 23 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0200
Review of the genus Fontidessus Miller & Spangler, 2008 (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Hydroporinae, Bidessini) with description of four new species https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3965/ ZooKeys 426: 65-85

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.426.7217

Authors: Kelly Miller, Elizabeth T. Montano

Abstract: The genus Fontidessus Miller & Spangler, 2008 (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Hydroporinae: Bidessini) is reviewed. The genus now includes seven species with three previously described, and four new species described here: F. microphthalmus Miller & Montano, sp. n.; F. bettae Miller & Montano, sp. n.; F. christineae Miller & Montano, sp. n., and F. aquarupe Miller & Montano, sp. n. Each species is diagnosed and described, including the previously known species, based on new specimens and new information. Habitus, male genitalia and other diagnostic features are illustrated for each species. A key to the seven species is provided. Fontidessus species are unique to hygropetric habitats in the Guiana Shield craton of northern South American.

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Research Article Thu, 17 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0300
Taxonomic revision of Madagascan Rhantus (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Colymbetinae) with an emphasis on Manjakatompo as a conservation priority https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3506/ ZooKeys 350: 21-45

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.350.6127

Authors: Anna Hjalmarsson, Rasa Bukontaite, Tolotra Ranarilalatiana, Jacquelin Randriamihaja, Johannes Bergsten

Abstract: We review the diving-beetle genus Rhantus Dejean of Madagascar (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Colymbetinae) based on museum collection holdings and recently collected expedition material. Both morphology and DNA is used to test species boundaries, in particular whether newly collected material from the Tsaratanana mountains in the north represent a new species or are conspecific with Rhantus manjakatompo Pederzani and Rocchi 2009, described based on a single male specimen from the central Ankaratra mountains. DNA of the holotype of R. manjakatompo was successfully extracted in a non-destructive way and sequenced. The general mixed Yule coalescent model applied to an ultrametric tree constructed from mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence data delimited three species. Morphological characters supported the same species unambiguously. We therefore recognise three species of Rhantus to occur in Madagascar: R. latus (Fairmaire, 1869), R. bouvieri Régimbart, 1900 and R. manjakatompo Pederzani and Rocchi, 2009. All three species are endemic to Madagascar and restricted to the highlands of the island. Rhantus stenonychus Régimbart, 1895, syn. n., is considered a junior synonym of R. latus. We designate lectotypes for R. bouvieri and R. goudoti Sharp, 1882, the latter a junior synonym of R. latus. We provide descriptions, a determination key, SEM-images of fine pronotal and elytral structures, distribution maps, habitus photos, and illustrations of male genitalia and pro- and mesotarsal claws. We discuss the role of the Manjakatompo forest as a refugium for Madagascan Rhantus diversity and other endemics of the montane central high plateau.

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Research Article Thu, 14 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0200
Exocelina baliem sp. n., the only known pond species of New Guinea Exocelina Broun, 1886 (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3153/ ZooKeys 304: 83-99

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.304.4852

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Lars Hendrich, Michael Balke

Abstract: Exocelina baliem sp. n. is described from the Baliem Valley in the Central Mountain Range of New Guinea (Papua Province, Indonesia).striolate elytra, different structure and setation of the male and female genitalia and tarsomeres, and inhabiting swampy ponds, the new species differs from all known New Guinea species, which have smooth elytra and are stream associated. It forms a monophyletic group with the Australian E. ferruginea (Sharp, 1882) and New Caledonian E. inexspectata Wewalka, Balke & Hendrich, 2010, based on shape of the paramere and structure of the male tarsi. Habitus, protarsomeres, and male and female genitalia are illustrated, comparing some structures with E. ferruginea and two New Guinea stream species. We briefly discuss the biogeographic relevance of this discovery.

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Research Article Tue, 28 May 2013 00:00:00 +0300
Revision of Australian Matini diving beetles based on morphological and molecular data (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Matinae), with description of a new species https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3925/ ZooKeys 293: 41-64

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.293.4472

Authors: Lars Hendrich, Michael Balke

Abstract: Morphological characters and mitochondrial DNA sequence data were used to revise the Australian diving beetles in the genera Allomatus Mouchamps, 1964 and Batrachomatus Clark, 1863. As a result of these studies Allomatus syn. n. is synonymised with Batrachomatus, and Allomatus nannup Watts, 1978 from SW Australia and A. wilsoni Mouchamps, 1964 from SE Victoria are transferred to Batrachomatus. The four Australian Matini species known so far are re-described, and B. larsoni sp. n. from the Windsor Tableland in NE Queensland is described. After more than 40 years B. wilsoni has been re-discovered in two rivers in Victoria. We delineate the species using traditionally employed morphological structures such as in the male genitalia and body size, shape and colour pattern, as well as mitochondrial cox1 sequence data for 20 individuals. Important species characters (median lobes, parameres and colour patterns) were illustrated. We provide an identification key and outline distribution and habitat preferences of each species. All Australian Matini are lotic, inhabiting permanent and intermittent streams, creeks and rivers.

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Research Article Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0300
Introduction of the Exocelina ekari-group with descriptions of 22 new species from New Guinea (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Copelatinae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3440/ ZooKeys 250: 1-76

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.250.3715

Authors: Helena Shaverdo, Suriani Surbakti, Lars Hendrich, Michael Balke

Abstract: The Exocelina ekari-group is here introduced and defined mainly on the basis of a discontinuous outline of the median lobe of the aedeagus. The group is known only from New Guinea (Indonesia and Papua New Guinea). It contained four species to date: E. astrophallus (Balke, 1998), E. atowaso (Shaverdo, Sagata & Balke, 2005), E. munaso (Shaverdo, Sagata & Balke, 2005), and E. polita (Sharp, 1882). Twenty two new species are described herein: E. alexanderi sp. n., E. anggiensis sp. n., E. arfakensis sp. n., E. bifida sp. n., E. brahminensis sp. n., E. bundiensis sp. n., E. edeltraudae sp. n., E. ekari sp. n., E. eme sp. n., E. evelyncheesmanae sp. n., E. hansferyi sp. n., E. irianensis sp. n., E. kakapupu sp. n., E. knoepfchen sp. n., E. oceai sp. n., E. pseudosoppi sp. n., E. soppi sp. n., E. unipo sp. n., E. utowaensis sp. n., E. waigeoensis sp. n., E. weylandensis sp. n., and E. wondiwoiensis sp. n. The lectotype of Copelatus politus Sharp, 1882 is designated. A checklist and identification key to all species of the group are provided and important diagnostic characters (habitus, color, male antennae and protarsomeres 4–5, median lobes and parameres) are illustrated. Data on the distribution and habitat requirements are given. Representatives of the E. ekari-group are so far mostly known from lowland to lower montane habitats of the northern and central parts of New Guinea, the group is less diverse in higher altitudes.

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Research Article Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0200
High mitochondrial DNA sequence divergence in New Guinea Carabdytes stream beetles and the taxonomist’s dilemma when other evidence is kind of subtle… (and collecting localities are far far away) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/3416/ ZooKeys 247: 31-43

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.247.3812

Authors: Andre Skale, Rene Tänzler, Lars Hendrich, Michael Balke

Abstract: Carabdytes upin tindige ssp. n. is described from the Arfak Mountains, Bird’s Head, Indonesian Papua. It is morphologically very similar to Carabdytes upin upin Balke et al., 1992, known from eastern Indonesian Papua eastward to the western limits of the Papuan Peninsula of Papua New Guinea. For 726 bp at the 3’ end of the mitochondrial cox1 gene, the subspecies differ by 8.1–9.2% uncorrected p-distance. However, we also document considerable cox1 divergence within Carabdytes upin upin. We find few diagnostic positions in the nuclear genes argenine kinase as well as elongation factor 1 alpha that suggest there are indeed two isolated groups of Carabdytes, but evidence in elongation factor 1 alpha is not unambiguous. We decided to highlight this phenomenon of ambiguous evidence for ongoing/just attained speciation by describing a subspecies. We argue that such cases are actually common once mitochondrial sequence data are routinely added to the taxonomist’s toolkit, and sometimes simply adding data from few nuclear genes will not suffice the solve taxonomic riddles. Here, detailed population genetic investigations would be required – for which sufficient numbers of specimens from a sufficiently wide geographical sampling might be nearly impossible to acquire.

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Research Article Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0200
New Coleoptera records from New Brunswick, Canada: Gyrinidae, Carabidae, and Dytiscidae https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2642/ ZooKeys 179: 1-10

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.179.2582

Authors: Reginald Webster, Ian DeMerchant

Abstract: Dineutus assimilis Kirby and Dineutus discolor Aubé of the Family Gyrinidae are newly reported from New Brunswick, Canada. Four species of Carabidae, Agonum (Agonum) piceolum (LeConte), Bembidion (Pseudoperyphus) rufotinctum Chaudoir, Harpalus (Harpalus) opacipennis (Haldeman), and Pterostichus (Melanius) castor Goulet & Bousquet are newly reported from New Brunswick and the Maritime provinces, and one species of Dytiscidae, Liodessus noviaffinis Miller, is newly recorded for the province. Collection, habitat data, and distribution maps are presented for each species.

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Research Article Wed, 4 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0300
Rhantus fengi sp. n. from Xizang, China, and notes on Laccoporus nigritulus (Gschwendtner) (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2312/ ZooKeys 94: 61-71

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.94.1161

Authors: Shuang Zhao, Fenglong Jia, Michael Balke

Abstract: Rhantus fengi sp. n. from Mount Sejila, Xizang, China is described and illustrated. Laccoporus nigritulus (Gschwendtner, 1936) is redescribed and illustrated; Laccoporus viator Balfour-Browne, 1939, syn. n. is established as its junior subjective synonym.

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Research Article Tue, 3 May 2011 00:00:00 +0300
A simultaneous journal / wiki publication and dissemination of a new species description: Neobidessodes darwiniensis sp. n. from northern Australia (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Bidessini) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2559/ ZooKeys 79: 11-20

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.79.803

Authors: Lars Hendrich, Michael Balke

Abstract: Here, we describe a new Australian species in journal format and simultaneously open the description in a wiki format on the www.species-id.net. The wiki format will always link to the fixed original journal description of the taxon, however it permits future edits and additions to species' taxonomy and biology. The diving beetle Neobidessodes darwiniensis sp. n. (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Bidessini) is described based on a single female, collected in a rest pool of the Harriet Creek in the Darwin Area, Northern Territory. Within Neobidessodes the new species is well characterized by its elongate oval body with rounded sides, short and stout segments of antennae, length of body and dorsal surface coloration. In addition to external morphology, we used mitochondrial cox1 sequence data to support generic assignment and to delineate the new species from other Australian Bidessini including all other known Neobidessodes. Illustrations based on digital images are provided here and as online resources. A modified key is provided. Altogether ten species of the genus are now known worldwide, nine from Australia and one from New Guinea.

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Research Article Thu, 3 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0200
On the identity of the fossil hydrophilid beetles from the Tertiary localities in the southern part of the Upper Rhine Graben (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae, Dytiscidae) https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/2547/ ZooKeys 78: 15-25

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.78.800

Authors: Martin Fikácek, Jiri Hajek, Heiko Schmied

Abstract: This study focuses on the beetles from the Oligocene localities in the southern part of the Upper Rhine Graben (Brunstatt: France, Alsace; and Kleinkems: Germany, Baden-Württemberg) assigned to the family Hydrophilidae by previous authors. The identity of Escheria convexa Förster, 1891 is fixed by the designation of its neotype, the species is redescribed, illustrated and transferred from the hydrophilid genus Hydrobius Leach, 1815 to the genus Copelatus Erichson, 1832 (Coleoptera: Adephaga: Dytiscidae) and compared with other fossil representatives of Copelatus. The identity of the remaining three species is briefly evaluated on the basis of the original descriptions and illustrations only, because their types were lost or destroyed during World War II; all three species are removed from the fossil record of the Hydrophiloidea and placed into Polyphaga incertae sedis. The geology and stratigraphy of both fossil outcrops is discussed briefly.

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Research Article Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0200
The aquatic Coleoptera of Prince Edward Island, Canada: new records and faunal composition https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/1934/ ZooKeys 2: 239-260

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.2.25

Authors: Christopher Majka

Abstract: The aquatic Coleoptera (Gyrinidae, Haliplidae, Dytiscidae, Hydrophilidae, Elmidae, Dryopidae, Heteroceridae) of Prince Edward Island, Canada is surveyed. Seventy-two species are now known to occur on Prince Edward Island, 26 of which are added to the island's faunal list. Three species, Gyrinus aquiris LeConte, Oulimnius latiusculus (LeConte), and Helichus striatus LeConte, are removed since there are no voucher specimens or published records to substantiate their presence. The name Dineutus horni is designated as an incorrect subsequent spelling of Dineutus hornii Roberts, 1895. The composition of the fauna is briefly discussed, both from regional and zoogeographic perspectives. There is only one introduced species, Helophorus grandis Illiger. Only one third of the aquatic fauna recorded on the neighbouring mainland has been found on Prince Edward Island, perhaps reflecting an island-associated diminution, the paucity of collecting, an area effect, or a combination of all these factors. The island faunas of Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island, and insular Newfoundland are compared. Prince Edward Island's is 36% smaller than the others, in contrast with the island's carabid fauna which is almost identical in magnitude with that of Cape Breton. This might reflect dispersal obstacles, the relative paucity of aquatic habitats on the island, or an insufficient collecting effort. Further research would be desirable, both to better discern the composition of the province's fauna, as well as to monitor the health of aquatic ecosystems in relation to anthropogenic activities.

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Research Article Thu, 4 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0300