Paussus lanxangensis, Nagel, 2009

Nagel, Peter, 2024, The Paussus (Scaphipaussus) lanxangensis species group of Indomalayan ant nest beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Paussinae, Paussini) with description of a new species, Zootaxa 5501 (3), pp. 447-457 : 453-454

Key to species of the Paussus lanxangensis species group ( Figs 2 , 3 )

Note: P. wakaharai and P. haucki cannot be separated for the purpose of a general key because non-teneral specimens of both sexes are not available for study (see notes of the taxonomy section above and the description of the group below).

1 Antennal club at dorsal view with posterior basal angle little pronounced, forming a short, rounded projection (female! male unknown). Antennal club dorso-ventrally little compressed, 1.9 times longer than wide, at dorsal view with anterior (inner) margin slightly and evenly convex and posterior (exterior) margin slightly and evenly emarginate. At hind view, antennal club excavated at little more than the proximal half of its length............................................ agatae sp.n.

- Antennal club with oblong, distinctly marked and clearly projecting posterior basal tooth............................ 2

2 Antennal club dorso-ventrally distinctly compressed, dorsally and ventrally complanate or slightly depressed. Antennal club 2.3 (male) or 1.9 times (female) longer than wide (basal tooth not considered), Antennal club in both sexes with hind (exterior) margin straight, with well-marked narrow furrow from basal tooth to short distance before reaching apex, dorsal margin of furrow explanate and narrowly projecting posteriad................................................ lanxangensis

- Antennal club not flattened dorsally and ventrally............................................................ 3

3 Antennal club distinctly inflated, basal margin with posterior angle compact with robust extension, apical end of posterior margin with large, acute tooth. Posterior margin with deep, subcircular, medial hollow. Mesotibiae compressed, with outer apical angle acutely toothed. Hind tibiae compressed, apically dilated, posterior apical angle markedly produced into a large, spur-like protuberance (female!, male unknown)...................................................... drumonti

- Antennal club slightly compressed, ventrally with distinct hump at proximal part, antennal club 1.8 times longer than wide, without apical tooth. Antennal club at dorsal view with hind margin emarginate..................... wakaharai / haucki

Figures

FIGURE 2. Paussus agatae sp.n., female holotype, habitus, dorsal view with pygidium artificially shown at plan view (originally strongly declined). Femora and tibiae of right and left side are shown at broadest and narrowest view respectively. Scale 1 mm. Illustration: Armin Coray, Basel.

FIGURE 3. Paussus agatae sp. nov., female holotype, head, mouthparts, ventral view. Inset: Left maxillary palpomere II, ventral view, slightly distorted to show broadest view, with emarginate mesal margin and slightly convex outer margin. Scale 0.5 mm. Illustration:Armin Coray, Basel.