A taxonomy review of Oreoderus Burmeister, 1842 from China with a geometric morphometric evaluation (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Valgini)

Abstract

Te species of the genus Oreoderus are morphologically similar, and can be challenging to distinguish without dissecting the male genitalia. In this study, the Oreoderus species from China are reviewed. Tree new species of Oreoderus are described: O. dasystibialis Li & Yang, sp. n., O. brevitarsus Li & Yang, sp. n. and O. oblongus Li & Yang, sp. n. A key of the male Oreoderus and a distribution map are provided. Oreoderus coomani Paulian, 1961 was found as a new record in China. Te first description of the female of O. arrowi Ricchiardi, 2001 is provided. Oreoderus humeralis Gestro, 1891, O. quadricarinatus Arrow, 1944, O. crassipes Arrow, 1944, and O. momeitensis Arrow, 1910 are excluded from the Chinese fauna. Furthermore, we utilize geometric morphometric approaches (GM) to analyze the shape variation of four characters (pronotum, elytra, protibia and aedeagus) in Oreoderus. Te morphological variations of Oreoderus and the taxonomic value of each character are discussed. Te combined analysis of geometric morphometrics and comparative morphology support recognition of the three new species.