Classification, natural history, and evolution of the Korynetinae (Coleoptera: Cleridae). Part V. Taxonomy of the African genera Avena Opitz, Dolichopsis Gorham, Notostenus Spinola, and Pectobullus Opitz.

Abstract

The checkered beetle genera Avena, Dolichopsis, Notostenus, and Pectobullus comprise a monophyletic group. Their species composition involve Avena coerulea (Thunberg), A. cyanella (Gorham), A. microplicata Opitz n. sp., Dolichopsis haplocnemodes Gorham, D. bicoloripes (Pic), Notostenus viridis (Thunberg), and Pectobullus auronitens (Gorham). These beetles are diurnal and frequent niches laden with sunlight. It is suggested that the wide tarsal soles in members of Notostenus and Pectobullus reflect predominant movement on smooth substrate such as broad leaved angiosperms. Moreover, it is speculated that the subrostrate head of Dolichopsis beetles relates to an anthophilous lifestyle. Provided is a hypothesis of generic level phylogeny generated by a computer program involving Winclada/Nona. It is postulated that the ancestor of these genera resided in montane forests of southern Africa. This work includes a key to the species, brief discussion of functional morphology and evolution, 14 electron micrographs, 7 figures of aedeagi, 1 computer generated phylogenetic tree, 2 distribution maps, and 7 habitus photographs.