Systematic revision of endemic southern African genera of Bolboceratinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Bolboceratidae)

Abstract

Eight genera of Bolboceratinae, geographically restricted to southern Africa, are revised. Six genera are recognized: Prototrupes Krikken, Namibiotrupes Krikken, Namibiobolbus Krikken, Meridiobolbus Krikken, Bolboceroides Vulcano et al. and Bolboceratex Krikken. Bolboceratellus Krikken is synonymized with Namibiotrupes while Bolbodius Krikken is synonymized with Bolboceratex. Five new species, Namibiobolbus helgae, Meridiobolbus natalensis, Bolboceratex vanwyki, Bolboceratex holmi and Bolboceratex jouberti are described, two species, Meridiobolbus hebes (Péringuey) and Bolboceratex indubius (Péringuey), are synonymized, one species is reinstated, and eight lecto-and 26 paralectotypes are designated. Descriptions and keys are provided for all genera and species, as well as distribution maps and numerous illustrations for all species.

Keywords:

• Bolboceratinae Southern Africa Systematic Revision Distribution