Infraspecific revision of Eucarabus (Parhomopterus) nitididorsus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) by application of a new classification method from Korea

Abstract

The subspecies of Eucarabus (Parhomopterus) nitididorsus were revised taxonomically for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, by the application of other classification methods, such as fully inflated endophallus. Some of the male genital characteristics, although previously used as a diagnostic characteristic, were confirmed to be indistinct for application in taxonomic keys for this group. However, by examining the endophallic membranous characteristics, subspecific differences were elucidated. The shape of the endophallus was proposed as the new subspecific key here. In addition, Eucarabus (Parhomopterus) nitididorsus baegyangsanus ssp. nov. from Mt. Naejangsan, Korea, was newly reported. Redescriptions, subspecific key, genital structures, distributional maps, and photographs of each subspecies are provided. Keywords: Carabidae, Endophallus, Eucarabus, New subspecies, nitididorsus