Tshernyshev S.E. 2020. Mesapalochrus pseudorestrictus, a new genus and species of soft-winged flower beetle of the tribe Apalochrini (Coleoptera: Malachiidae) from Africa // Invertebrate Zoology. Vol.17. No.2: 195–201 [in English].
Institute of Animal Systematics and Ecology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Frunze Street, 11, Novosibirsk, 630091, Russia. E-mail: sch-sch@mail.ru
doi: 10.15298/invertzool.17.2.09
ABSTRACT: A new genus, Mesapalochrus gen.n., is described in the tribe Apalochrini, the type species Mesapalochrus pseudorestrictus Tshernyshev, sp.n. fixed by monotypy in the present paper. Amongst representatives of the tribe, the new genus differs in special male characters, namely: antennae filiform, dentate and sub-flabellate, not widened or impressed in the middle; anterior tarsi with a comb possessing long thin and sharp scallop prongs located above the second segment; anterior tibiae compressed and widened in apical half lacking excavations; intermediate tibiae impressed and flattened in outer side with weakly widened and curved apices; metathorax swollen, slightly impressed in a middle, with white long fine hairs on distal edge, lacking appendage or hair tuft. Illustrations of the special male characters for the new species, which occurs in Tanzania, East Africa, are provided. The placement of the genus in the tribe Apalochrini is discussed.
KEY WORDS: Malachiidae, Apalochrini, Mesapalochrus, taxonomy, new genus, new species, East Africa.