Investigations into the West Indian Chelonarium (Coleoptera: Chelonariidae) and the Antherophagus (Coleoptera: Cyptophagidae) of Montana

Abstract

The discovery of a new species of Chelonarium in southern Florida, combined with the expected publication of the next edition of American Beetles requires has made it necessary to revise the West Indian Chelonariidae. Material from the West Indies was examined, names were associated with species, and species level groups were determined. Sixteen species are recognized with species definitions, descriptions, distributions, and illustrations provided. A key to the species is included. Seven species are redescribed: Chelonarium beauvoisi Latreille, 1807, Chelonarium convexum Mequignon, Chelonarium problematicum Mequignon, Chelonarium cupreum Mequignon, Chelonarium lecontei Thomson, Chelonarium maculatum Mequignon, and Chelonarium pilosellum Chevrolat. A neotype is designated for Chelonarium convexum Mequignon. Chelonarium costattipenne Mequignon, new synonymy, and Chelonarium sublavae Mequignon, new synonymy, are placed as junior synonyms of Chelonarium problematicum Mequignon. Eight species are described as new: Chelonarium auricomus Kole and Ivie, new species, Chelonarium calcarium Kole and Ivie, new species, Chelonarium floccum Kole and Ivie, new species, Chelonarium grenadensis Kole and Ivie, new species, Chelonarium latosetum Kole and Ivie, new species, Chelonarium lucidum Kole and Ivie, new species, Chelonarium nitidellum Kole and Ivie, new species, and Chelonarium sabensis Kole and Ivie, new species. Chelonarium auricomus is the second US mainland species and is apparently introduced from the Martinique and/or St. Lucia. Chelonarium punctatum Fabricius, 1801 and Chelonarium atrum Fabricius, 1801 are removed from the West Indian Fauna because of newly clarified type localities, corrected to Essequibo, British Guyana. A discussion of biogeography is provided. The Chelonariidae of the West Indies are far more diverse than was previously known, however more data is required to better determine the diversity of this group in the West Indies. Little is known of the beetles which live in the nests of wild bees. One such genus, Antherophagus, which lives in the nests of Bombus, was almost entirely unknown from Montana. Material from the MTEC was examined and species were identified using preexisting keys. A key is provided for all five North American Antherophagus, new county and state records are reported, and biology is discussed. The Antherophagus are likely more widely distributed than is currently reported.