Revision of the Family Helotidae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea): IX. The Culta Species Group and a Checklist of Neohelota Species

Abstract

Abstract Members of the culta species group of the genus Neohelota Ohta are revised. Ten species are recognized, including a new species described herein, N. barclayi sp. nov., from China, India, Laos, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. The following synonymies are proposed: Helota klapperichiMader, 1955, as a junior synonym of Neohelota chinensis (Mader, 1955); Helota taiwanaOhta, 1929, as a junior synonym of Neohelota boulei (Ritsema, 1915); Helota gestroi Ritsema, 1891, Helota sharpi Ritsema, 1915, Helota similisLee and Satô, 2006, as junior synonyms of Neohelota pusilla (Oberthür, 1883); Helotanotata Ritsema, 1891, and Helota severini Ritsma, 1893, as junior synonyms of Neohelota cula (Olliff, 1883); Helota hopei Ritsema, 1915, as a junior synonym of Neohelota fryi (Ritsema, 1894); Helota olliffii Ritsema, 1899, as a junior synonym of Neohelota boysii (Ritsema, 1889); Helota bretaudeaui Ritsema, 1894, as a junior synonym of Neohelota affinis (Ritsema, 1891); Helota jordanii Ritsema, 1899, and HelotaindicatorRitsema, 1905, as junior synonyms of Neohelota dubia (Ritsema, 1891). Lectotypes are designated for Helota chinensisMader, 1955, H. klapperichi, Helota boulei Ritsema, 1915, Helotaconsanguinea Ritsema, 1915, H. sharpi, H. notata, H. severini, H. olliffii, H. bretaudeaui, and H. jordanii. A key for the culta species group is provided. Illustrations of diagnostic characters are provided for all species.