Agnosthaetus falx, Clarke, 2011

Clarke, Dave J., 2011, A Revision of the New Zealand Endemic Rove Beetle Genus Agnosthaetus Bernhauer (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), The Coleopterists Bulletin (mo 10) 2011, pp. 1-118 : 29

Agnosthaetus falx species-group

This probably monophyletic species-group comprises the three morphologically close species Agnosthaetus falx Clarke , Agnosthaetus stenomastax Clarke , and Agnosthaetus heteromastax Clarke , which share the character of long, curving parameral setae arranged in a close line at the parameral apex, a form which conjures an image of the grim reaper’ s scythe ( Figs. 107–109 ). All three species also have both an indistinct sublongitudinal ridge and antennoocular carina because of coarse secondary carinae on the head (e.g., Fig. 58 ). They also represent the southernmost group of species (and possibly the southernmost of any known euaesthetines) and the only ones not occurring on either of the two main islands of New Zealand.

Figures

Figs. 107–109. Aedeagi of species in the Agnosthaetus falx species-group, dorsal (left) and right lateral (right) views. 107) A. falx; 108) A. stenomastax; 109) A. heteromastax. Scale bar = 100 mm.

Figs. 57–62. Heads of Agnosthaetus spp., dorsal view. 57) A. vicinus; 58) A. heteromastax; 59) A. nitidus;