The taxonomic status of Pelidnota gounellei (Ohaus, 1908) and Pelidnota ludovici Ohaus, 1905 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Melolonthidae)

Abstract

The taxonomic status and the geographic distribution of two species, Pelidnota gounellei (Ohaus, 1908) and P. ludovici Ohaus, 1905, is revised and the species are revalidated. A lectotype for Pelidnota tricolor Nonfried, 1894 is designated. The taxonomy of the species is briefly discussed, and a distribution map for the reviewed species is also provided. The distribution range of P. gounellei is expanded to the Minas Gerais state, Brazil.

Taxonomic revision of Eunanus Ohaus, 1909 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), with first records and two new species from Brazil

“…The character of a bifid or simple claw is extremely variable among species of geniatine genera. For example, Lobogeniates Ohaus, 1909: inner protarsal claws bifid in L. collaris (Burmeister, 1844) and trifid in L. abdominalis Ohaus, 1917; outer mesotarsal and metatarsal claws bifid in L. collaris and trifid in L. abdominalis; in Rhizogeniates: tarsal claws simple in all legs in R. antennatus (Curtis, 1845) whereas inner protarsal claws and outer mesotarsal and metatarsal claws are bifid in R. clypeatus Ohaus, 1928 (personal data not yet published). Furthermore, L. beckeri shares with all the species of Eunanus the following characters: parameres symmetrical, not fused, parallel apex in dorsal view (Figures 2d and 3g), slightly curved in lateral view (Figures 2e and 3h) and setose ventrally (Figures 3h,i,5f,7k,8j and 10g).…”

“…So far, hypotheses of intergroup relationships within Geniatini have not been examined or postulated (Jameson & Hawkins 2005). However, according to the phylogenetic reconstruction of Geniatini based on a cladistic analysis of morphological data, Eunanus was recovered as the sister group to Evanos Castelnau, 1840 (Ferreira 2020).…”