A New Genus and Species of Lophocateridae from Mid-Cretaceous Amber of Myanmar (Coleoptera)

Simple Summary Lophocateridae are a small family of Cleroidea and their taxonomic rank has changed several times. The fossil record of Lophocateridae from Mesozoic deposits is sparse. Here, we figure and describe a new lophocaterid fossil, Gracilenticrus burmiticus, from the mid-Cretaceous amber of Myanmar. The new taxa broaden the generic and species diversity of lophocaterids and provide additional information for understanding the early evolution of Cleroidea. A new genus and species of the cleroid family Lophocateridae are described and illustrated from the mid-Cretaceous amber of northern Myanmar. Gracilenticrus burmiticus Yu, Koliba c & Slipinski gen. et sp. nov. is unique among Lophocateridae in the tiny body size, frontoclypeal suture and antennal grooves absent, symmetrical antennal clubs, protrochantin reduced, tarsal claws small and widened at base. A key to the species of Mesozoic Lophocateridae is also provided. Morphological characters of the newly discovered Gracilenticrus were analyzed together with representatives of 43 extant genera of Cleroidea (broadly defined Trogossitidae) in a matrix of 91 characters. Gracilenticrus burmiticus was resolved as a member of Lophocateridae. The discovery of a diverse fauna of Lophocateridae in the mid-Cretaceous sheds a new light on the early evolution of superfamily Cleroidea.

Automated summary

Lophocateridae are a small family within Cleroidea with sparse fossil records in Mesozoic deposits. A new genus and species, Gracilenticrus burmiticus, has been described from mid-Cretaceous amber in Myanmar, expanding the diversity of lophocaterids. Morphological analysis places Gracilenticrus burmiticus within Lophocateridae, shedding new light on the early evolution of the superfamily Cleroidea.