Scopaeus saotomensis spec. nov., a flightless rove beetle from the Island of São Tomé (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae: Lathrobiini) - Isolation and adaptation in a dark, humid, tropical forest environment

Abstract

Scopaeus saotomensis Frisch, spec. nov. is described from the island of São Tomé situated in the Gulf of Guinea and assigned to the S. gracilis species group. This micropterous species is considered endemic to São Tomé. Its habitat around Lagoa Amélia is described and illustrated. The abdomen of S. saotomensis exhibits deep, furrow-like basal impressions of the tergites III-VI and basal constrictions of the sternites IV-VII that were previously unknown in the Scopaeina. Though flightless, the new species has well developed, functional eyes, which suggest it is epigeal. Flightlessness in the Scopaeina, and a possible species group relevance of the recently discovered of Scopaeus, are briefly discussed.

Keywords

• Afrotropics
• Lagoa Amélia
• flightlessness
• stridulum
• basal impression of abdominal tergites