Tshernyshev S.E. 2025. Ultra-thin surface structure of elytra in the identification of species of the genus Morychus Erichson, 1840 (Coleoptera, Byrrhidae) // Euroasian Entomological Journal. Vol.24. No.6: 345–351 [in English].
Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Frunze Str. 11, Novosibirsk 630091 Russia; Tomsk State University, Lenina Prosp. 36, Tomsk 634050 Russia. E-mail: sch-sch@mail.ru
doi 10.15298/euroasentj.24.06.10
ABSTRACT. Analysis of the ultrafine structure of the surface of the elytra in species of the genus Morychus Erichson, 1840 has revealed characteristics that can be used for species identification. Identification based on the shape of the elytra is possible through the presence or absence of indentation before the apex, the type of apical notch, the angle of inclination of the notch, the proneness of the external basal angle and the ratio of the width of the sutural and epipleural areas. The type and size of the dots, their density (i.e. the distance between them) and uniformity (i.e. the presence of ‘rows’ or the random arrangement of the dots), as well as the size and location of the hairs, can be used to identify species based on the sculpture of their surface. These characteristics and patterns can be applied to the analysis of damaged deposits that are often lacking in pubescence.
KEY WORDS: Pill beetle, morphology, elytral surface, species identification.