A taxonomic synopsis of the Tribe Loricerini (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

Abstract

An account is given of the taxonomy of the Tribe Loricerini, based on a study of the characteristics of representative adults of all known species, the larvae of four species, and the pupa of one species. A single genus, Loricera Latreille, is recognized, the monotypic Elliptosoma Wollaston being ranked as a subgenus. Nine species belonging to the subgenus Loricera (sensu stricto) are recognized, including the newly described L. aptena (type locality, Durango, Mexico). The names L. stevensi Andrewes and L. aparupa Andrewes are synonymized. The species of Loricera (sensu stricto) are arrayed in three species groups.A hypothetical phylogeny and account of zoogeography are presented, the chief conclusions of which are that L. wollastoni is a phylogenetic and zoogeographic relic, and that the Nearctic–Holarctic species are more closely related to one another than to the species of Central Asia. Evolution of closely related species is related to events of the Pleistocene.