Systematics of Lydomorphus Fairmaire 1882, with a description of the first instar larva of L. dusaulti (Dufour 1821) (Coleoptera Meloidae)

Abstract

The taxonomic position of the monotypic genus Lydomorphus Fairmaire 1882 is clarified. The examination of the type series of L. cinammomeus Fairmaire 1882 indicated that the large genus Cylindrothorax Escherich 1896 is a junior synonym of Lydomorphus (n. syn.); consequently new combinations for 73 species are proposed. The male syntype is designated as lectotype of L. cinammomeus. The female syntype belongs to L. angusticollis (Haag-Rutenberg 1880), the closest relative of L. cinammomeus. L. cinammomeus is redescribed and figured, and Cylindrothorax csikii Kaszab 1955 is synonymized with it (n. syn.). Two new subgenera, Pardolydus [including only L. dusaulti (Dufour 1821)], and Somalolydus (including species of the bifoveiceps group) are described.

The first instar larva of L. dusaulti is described. Larval morphology confirms the inclusion of Lydomorphus in the tribe Lyttini. The characters of Lyttini larvae are briefly discussed.

Key Words:

• Coleoptera Meloidae
• Lydomorphus
• synonymies
• new subgenera
• adult and larval morphology