Nessus Reichardt, 1932

Lackner, Tomas & Leschen, Richard A. B., 2017, A monograph of the Australopacific Saprininae (Coleoptera, Histeridae), ZooKeys 689, pp. 1-263 : 29

Subgenus Nessus Reichardt, 1932 Figs 128, 129-134, 135-143, 753

Nessus Reichardt, 1932: 61. Type species Saprinus rubripes Erichson, 1834, original designation.

Diagnosis.

The single introduced Australian species of the subgenus, H. (N.) interpunctatus interpunctatus can easily be differentiated from the rest of the Australopacific Saprininae by its small size (1.70-2.20 mm), presence of well developed prosternal foveae and a characteristic ‘mirror’ (=polished area) found within the second elytral interval. From the other subgenera this species differs by smaller size and absence of several deep rugae on frontal disc.

Biology.

Hypocaccus (Nessus) interpunctatus interpunctatus is found in decaying organic matter, most commonly dung or carrion. Often collected using pitfall traps; occasionally found also under stones on beaches.

Distribution.

In the Australopacific Region there is a single introduced species, Hypocaccus (Nessus) interpunctatus interpunctatus recorded from Western Australia (Fig. 753). This species has a scattered distribution: Sicily, Tanzania, Syria, Eritrea, Mozambique, Republic of South Africa, Mongolia and Turkey ( Mazur 2011).

Remarks.

Mazur (2011) transferred the subgenus Nessus from Hypocacculus to genus Hypocaccus without comment.