A review of species of the genus Mocyta (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) in Ukraine

Abstract

A review of the genus Mocyta Mulsant & Rey, 1874, which is represented in Ukraine; a description of the main morphological features and diagnostic features is made, data on ecological features, seasonal activity of adults, the distribution of representatives of the genus in Ukraine and the world and the keys to identify the species are presented. The information on the distribution of species of the genus Mocyta in the territory of Ukraine has been clarified and significantly supplemented by new findings. The results can be used to address a number of theoretical issues of faunistics, zoogeography, and ecology, as well as in compiling the inventory of the fauna of the Ukrainian Carpathians, for comparative faunal research, in the analysis of species distribution, in biogeographic constructions, studies of faunogenesis, ecological monitoring and prediction of consequences of the influence of human activities on natural ecosystems of the region. The genus Mocyta is a widespread genus, which in terms of the combination of morphological and biological features belongs to the tribe Athetini Casey, 1910 of the subfamily Aleocharinae Fleming, 1821 of the family Staphylinidae Latreille, 1802. There are 26 known species in the fauna of Palearctic, 5 of which (Mocyta clientula, M. fungi fungi, M. fussi, M. orbata, M. orphana) are represented in the fauna of Ukraine. However, it is likely that there are two more species (M. amplicollis and M. negligens), identified for the surrounding areas, for which characteristics and comparative diagnoses have also been provided. This paper is a continuation of the initiated series of reviews of genera and species of the tribe Athetini of the fauna of Ukraine. Taking into account the wide geographical distribution and significant individual variability in size, colour and shape of the spermatheca of representatives of the genus, the identification of the latter presents some significant difficulties.