Two Evaniosomini species (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) associated with decaying carcasses in Argentina, with remarks on tribal assignment of Achanius Erichson.

FLORES, GUSTAVO ERNESTO; ABALLAY, FERNANDO HERNÁN

Mendoza

Simposio; Fourth International Tenebrionoidea Symposium; 2015

Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Aridas

Thinobatisprofana Kulzer is transferred from Thinobatis (Pimeliinae: Thinobatini) toVaniosusKulzer (Pimeliinae: Evaniosomini) on the basis of constant tribal levelcharacters. The genus Thinobatis Eschscholtz is thereby removed from theArgentine fauna and confined only to coastal areas of Chile. The genus AchaniusErichson (including the subgenus Ambigatus Fairmaire) is transferred fromEdrotini (Eurymetopini of Doyen) to Evaniosomini based on the structure of the internalfemale reproductive tract and mandible configuration. Achanius (Ambigatus) antofagastensisFlores and Aballay, new species, is described. Redescriptions of Thinobatis,Vaniosus, and Achanius, with habitus photographs, SEM images, and illustrationsof female genital features, are provided. The eating habits of V. profana and A.antofagastensis feeding on decomposing pig and llama carcasses are given forthe first time. These two species showed preferences for microhabitatconditions and association with stages of decomposition. They should beconsidered for potential forensic importance on bodies found in aridenvironments.