A multigene phylogenetic analysis results in a redefinition of the genus Notonomus Chaudoir (Coleoptera, Carabidae) and descriptions of new species of the subgenus Leiradira Castelnau

Abstract

Bayesian analysis of four partial gene sequences (28S rDNA, wg, CAD and COI mtDNA) from exemplars of all genera and 12 of 17 informal groups of the Notonomus-series of pterostichine carabids strongly supports a clade requiring redefinition of Notonomus Chaudoir, 1862. Notonomus is redefined to include all species currently placed in Notonomus by Lorenz (2005a) plus two Sarticus Motschulsky, 1865 species (S. blackburni (Sloane, 1895) and S. impar (Sloane, 1893)), all species of Leiradira Castelnau, 1867, Conchitella Moore, 1962 Loxodactylus Chaudoir, 1865 and Acanthoferonia Moore, 1965. Analysis of combined data places Sarticus sister to Notonomus with low support. Individual gene analyses indicated wg is in conflict with other loci and analyses exclusive of wg place Parhypates Motschulsky, 1866 sister to Notonomus with very high support. Leiradira species form a clade within Notonomus including Notonomus dimorphicus Darlington, 1961 and N. flos Darlington, 1961. Six new species of the subgenus Leiradira from Queensland are described; Notonomus (Leiradira) thynnefiliarum, N. (L.) vadosus, N. (L.) viridis, N. (L.) spectabilis, N. (L.) iridescens and N. (L.) barrae. Two additional species of Notonomus s.l. are described; Notonomus hephaestus from the Lamb Range, Queensland, which is part of a mimicry complex with Notonomus (Leiradira) aurifer (Darlington, 1961); and Notonomus nocturnocappellus, from New South Wales, which represents a unique combination of characteristics for the genus. Descriptions of all species of Notonomus (Leiradira) with a wide gula, a grouping equivalent to Darlington’s concept of Leiradira, are given. An identification key to species of Notonomus (Leiradira), the two newly described Notonomus s.l. species and all recognised subgenera of Notonomus is provided.