Hidden species within the genus Ocys Stephens: The widespread species O. harpaloides (Audinet-Serville) and O. tachysoides (Antoine) (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Bembidiini)

Abstract

Beetles previously considered to be Ocys harpaloides (Audinet-Serville) from northern Africa, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium belong to two species. These species can be distinguished using DNA sequences of 28S rDNA, 18S rDNA, COI, CAD, and topoisomerase I. A key, diagnoses, and images are provided to enable identification of specimens based upon characteristics of male and female genitalia, as well as microsculpture and other external structures. Through examination of the holotype of Bembidium harpaloides v. tachysoides Antoine, as well as designation of lectotypes of Bembidion harpaloides Audinet-Serville and Ocys melanocephalus Stephens, and designation of a neotype for Tachis rufescens Guérin-Ménéville, the valid names of the two species were determined to be Ocys harpaloides and Ocys tachysoides (Antoine).