The first Australian Paratrachys (Coleptera : Buprestidae), with comments on the higher classification of the genus

Abstract

Two new species of Paratrachys, the first known from Australia, are described. P. australia, sp. nov., from coastal New South Wales is placed in the nominate subgenus and P. queenslandia, sp. nov., from Queensland, in P. (Friendiella) Holynski. The species are fully described, illustrated and a brief discussion is presented on the recent generic review by Holynski and the placement of this genus in the familial hierarchy. A modified key for both Paratrachys (Friendiella) and P. (s. str.) the Hederae-circle is presented to incorporate these new species. A cladistic analysis shows that the Paratrachydina is best defined as monotypic.