A taxonomic study of Cucujus Fabricius, 1775 from Asia (Coleoptera: Cucujidae), with descriptions of new species and notes on morphological classification

Abstract

Cucujus Fabricius is widely distributed throughout the Holarctic region. In this study, the taxonomy of Asian Cucujus is investigated and diagnostic characters are discussed. Six species-groups are recognized based on external features, terminalia and genitalia of both sexes. Six new species are described: C. chuensis sp. nov. (China), C. euphoria sp. nov. (China), C. evangelium sp. nov. (China), C. kachin sp. nov. (Myanmar), C. shennong sp. nov. (China) and C. tibetensis sp. nov. (China and Nepal). Several described species are redescribed, including C. bicolor Smith, C. cinnaberinus (Scopoli), C. clavipes clavipes (Fabricius), C. clavipes puniceus Mannerheim, C. coccinatus Lewis, C. grouvellei Reitter, C. haematodes haematodes Erichson, C. haematodes opacus Lewis, C. janatai Háva, Zahradník & Růžika, C. kempi Grouvelle, C. mniszechi Grouvelle and C. nigripennis Lee & Satô. A neotype for C. kempi is designated. A key to the Asian Cucujus species is provided. Several new faunistic records are reported.