A taxonomic revision of the Australian genus Phoracantha Newman (Coleoptera : Cerambycidae)

Abstract

The Australian longicom beetle genus Phoracantha Newman is revised and the scope of the genus is redefined. Tryphocaria Pascoe is synonyrnised with Phoracantha. The revised Phoracantha includes 40 species, 9 of which are described as new: P. niamata, P. manifesta, P. ancoralis, P. multiformis, P. complicata, P. tuberalis, P. cruciata, P. perbella and P. rugithoracica. Diagnosis and brief descriptions of other species are provided. New synonyms are listed as follows (senior synonyms last): Tryphocaria with Phoracantha, Xypeta Pascoe with Phoracantha, T. gisleni Tippmann with P. northamensis (McKeown), P. recurva papua Gressitt with P. recurva Newman, P. hospita Pascoe with P. semipunctata (Fabricius), P. posticalis Blackburn with P. obscura (Donovan). Distributional maps are given for all species except P. princeps (Blackburn). Male terminalia are described and figured, and ovipositors are figured only. A key to the 40 species is given. Brief comments are given on the biology of this beetle group.