Classification and annotated checklist of the Australian genera of Tenebrionidae (Coleoptera)

Abstract

An annotated checklist of Australian tenebrionid genera is given, with notes on new tribal and subfamily placements based on recent studies. The tribes Heterocheirini and Scaphidemini are used in a new sense, and the new tribes Chaerodini and Ectychini are proposed. The tribes Dysantini and Rhipidandrini have been reduced to subtribes. The following generic synonymy is proposed: Ulomoides Blackburn (= Palembus Casey). Alphitobius hilli Carter is transferred to Platydema Laporte & Brulle, and Meneristes dentipes Carter, M. lobatus Carter and M. quadratus Carter are transferred to Zophophilus Fairmaire. New generic records for Australia include: Leiochrinus Westwood, Myrmechixenus Latreille, Phaleria Latreille, Salax Guerin-Mtneville, and Tyrtaeus Champion. The genera Cymbeba Pascoe, Luprops Hope, and Thesilea Haag-Rutenberg, previously recorded from Australia, do not occur there. The genus Melytra Pascoe is transferred from Tenebrionidae to Zopheridae, and Eucistela Carter is transferred from Tenebrionidae (Alleculidae) to Pythidae.