G. it. Ent., 9 (48): 37-72
December 31, 1998
Catalogue and generic keys for the Leiodidae of
Mexico, West Indies, and Central and South America
(Insecta: Coleoptera)
by
S. B. PECK, P. GNASPINI, A. F. NEWTON
Abstract - This paper presents a catalogue of all taxa of Leiodidae (s. lat.) reported from Latin America. A brief review of distribution patterns is given. The Mexican Plateau fauna has been derived from Nearctic elements. There is a rich Neo-Austral fauna with clear "Transantarctic" relationships to southern Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The Neotropical element is the richest, and many lineages have penetrated the Nearctic Region. Keys are presented for the identification of all subfamilies, tribes, and 57 genera. A total of 289 valid named species are listed, with type localities, type depositories, synonyms, distributions, and biologies where known. Undescribed genera are included in the keys. Many species remain to be revised or described. The following new synonymy: Dasypelates cekalovici Salgado-Costas = Ragytodina nigra Jeannel, and the following new combination: Chiliopelates nigrus (Jeannel), ex Ragytodina, are established.
