G. it. Ent., 12 (54): 93-117
December 2007
A review of the Western Palaearctic species of
the genus Psammodius Fallén, 1807,
with description of a new species from Greece
(Coleoptera Aphodiidae Psammodiinae)
by
RICCARDO PITTINO
Abstract - An updated overview of the Western Palaearctic species of the genus Psammodius Fallén, 1807 is presented here, based on almost 2100 studied specimens and several types. Aim of this work is to define as precisely as possible the geographic range of each of the 13 valid species which, on the whole, resulted to occur in this area, and to allow their correct identification through a dichotomic key. For each species detailed references, type locality, location of types, studied materials, known range, and, when useful, a synthetic taxonomic discussion are given. A new species close to P. asper (Fabricius, 1775), namely P. asperoides n. sp., is described from Greece (type loc.: 3-4 km NE of Siderokastro, Serres Prov., Macedonia). A neotype is designated for P. sulcicollis var. canaliculatus Mulsant, 1842, which is considered a chromatic form of P. asper; the specific value of P. generosus Reitter, 1892 is confirmed; neotypes are also selected for P. scutellaris Mulsant & Wachanru, 1859, a junior synonym of P. laevipennis Costa, 1844, as well as for P. accentifer Mulsant & Rey, 1859, and P. planipennis Reitter, 1893, both junior synonyms of P. plicicollis Erichson, 1848. Original drawings of metatibia, male genitalia, and spermatheca of the new species and P. asper complete this work.
