On the question of classification and phylogeny of the tribe Helopini Latreille, 1802 and resurrection of the subtribe Enoplopina Solier, 1848 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Abstract

A brief history of classification of the tenebrionid beetles of the tribe Helopini Latreille, 1802 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is discussed. Until now, the system of Helopini had been interpreted in accordance with the four main classifications used independently by specialists from different regions. Three subtribes within the tribe Helopini are proposed: Helopina, Cylindrinotina Español, 1956 and Enoplopina Solier, 1848, subtrib. resurr. The subtribe Enoplopina is resurrected on the basis of the following differential characters (from other Helopini): profemora with large tooth on inner side; head and anterior margin of pronotum with stridulatory organ; epipleura very wide, 3–4 times wider than metepisterna; metaventrite very short and strongly widened; metendosternite with very short and wide stalk, much shorter than arms, tendons basal; sternite VIII of male without deep sharp emargination at middle; aedeagus with short triangular alae and without spines of setae (as in many Cylindrinotina), but with very deep triangle emargination on apical lobe dorsally and unusual inner sclerotisation. A critical analysis of the only preliminary phylogeny (which can not be used for classification) of the tribe is given. Three genera, Gnathelops Gebien, 1922, Camarothelops Kolbe, 1910 and Afrohelops Schawaller, 2012 are excluded from the tribe Helopini based on the structure of the cupuliform penultimate tarsomeres, labium (only for Gnathelops) and ovipositor (only for Afrohelops). The position of these genera in the family Tenebrionidae is unclear. The genus Physohelops Schuster, 1937 was included without argumentation in the tribe Apocryphini Lacordaire, 1859, but is returned here to the tribe Helopini.

Keywords

• Coleoptera
• Tenebrionidae
• Helopini
• Enoplopina
• subtribes
• classification
• questions of phylogeny