Austrelater, gen. nov. (Coleoptera : Elateridae), with a description of the larva and comments on elaterid relationships

Abstract

Austrelater, gen, nov., is proposed for three new species, A. macphersonensisfrom New South Wales and southern Queensland, A. peckorum from North Queensland and A. howensis from Lord Howe Island. The reared larva of Austrelater macphersonensis, gen. et sp. nov., is described and figured. The phylogenetic relationships of the genus are discussed and a selection of adult and larval characters used in the cladistic analysis are discussed. The subfamily Lissominae is redefined to include Oestodes, Austrelater, Sphaenelater, Protelater and those taxa (Lissomus, Drapetes) formerly included in the Lissominae (usually in Throscidae or as Lissomidae).