Taxonomy of the Atheta pachycera species complex (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae, Athetini)

Abstract

Three staphylinid species listed in the latest Palaearctic Coleoptera Catalogue as subjective junior synonyms are resurrected as separate taxa: Atheta sexdentata Jansson, 1929 (Sweden, Finland), Atheta woerndlei Bernhauer, 1917 (Austria) and Atheta minarzi Bernhauer, 1936 (Austria). A lectotype is designated for Atheta sexdentata A. Jansson, 1929. All three species are closely related to Atheta pachycera (Eppelsheim), 1893 [Liogluta] (Russia, ES). The species are redescribed and illustrated and their placement in published keys considered. The phylogenetic position of this species group is discussed. It is shown to include several other well- known taxa: Atheta euryptera (Stephens), Atheta ebenina (Mulsant & Rey), Atheta contristata (Kraatz) and Atheta pfaundleri G. Benick. The sister-group of this clade is shown to be the Atheta s. str. group.