New cave-dwelling species of the genus Remyella jeannel (Leptodirini, Leiodidae, Coleoptera) from Serbia

Abstract

The new leiodid beetle species, Remyella raskae n. sp. and Remyella javorensis n. sp. (both from caves in Southwest Serbia, region of Sandžak), are described and diagnosed. Adult genitalia and other taxonomically important characters are illustrated. The new species studied are clearly distinct from their closest congeners. The new forms are of Tertiary or even Pre-Tertiary age and originated during the Alpine Orogeny, which affected vast areas of the Balkan Peninsula, including the Dinarides, their terra typica. The new species represent endemic relicts inhabiting Southwest Serbia. Thorough analysis indicates that the new Remyella taxa originated in the proto-Balkan region; their present distributions correspond to at least a part of their primordial ranges (and habitats).

Keywords

• Leiodidae
• Remyella
• new species
• cave fauna
• Serbia