A new species of Diaphorocera from Morocco with unclear relationships and a key to the species (Coleoptera, Meloidae, Cerocomini)

Abstract

Diaphorocera neglecta sp. n. from Morocco is described. Photos of the new species are provided and male features are figured. The new species has intermediate characters between the groups of D. hemprichi and D. promelaena as defined in the literature. These groups are discussed and a new key to the species is presented.

A new singular species of Croscherichia Pardo Alcaide, 1950 (Coleoptera, Meloidae, Mylabrini) from arid zones of eastern Morocco

“…With the recent discoveries of new blister beetle species endemic to Morocco (Ruiz and García-París 2008, 2009, 2015, Černý and Bologna 2018, this work), the proportion of endemism has increased in the country. Given the large number of currently recognized species and the relatively high rate of endemism within the family, this trend is only likely to increase, making Morocco a hotspot for Meloidae diversity.…”

Threats and Challenges for Conservation of Meloidae (Coleoptera) in a Global Change Context, Emphasizing the Iberian Peninsula

“…Out of 69 blister beetles present, more than 30% constitute endemic species exclusive to this region [11,12]. Furthermore, and in the same way as has occurred in other regions of the world, the frequent discovery of new species (see [13][14][15] among others), and pseudocryptic complexes, e.g., as in [12] (considered one of the greatest challenges for current conservation [16]), has made the issue even more difficult, with new and poorly understood species.…”