A New Species of Vetubrachypsectra from Mid-Cretaceous Amber of Northern Myanmar (Coleoptera: Brachypsectridae)

Simple Summary Brachypsectridae is a small family in the superfamily Elateroidea, with only two extant and two extinct genera known based on adults. Here, we figure and describe a new brachypsectrid species from the mid-Cretaceous amber of northern Myanmar, based on an exceptionally well-preserved female specimen. Although sexual dimorphism is common in Brachypsectridae, this specimen is recognized as a new species, rather than a female of the previously reported V. burmitica, primarily based on its different pedicel-scape attachment. A new species, Vetubrachypsectra huchengi Li, Kundrata & Cai sp. nov., is described from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber on the basis of a single adult female. The species is assigned to genus Vetubrachypsectra Qu & Cai based on its serrate antennae, long maxillary palps, presence of tibial spurs, and elytra without clear striae. Vetubrachypsectra huchengi differs distinctly from V. burmitica Qu & Cai, the only other species in the genus, in having the pedicel apically attached to the scape. Some other differences between the female of V. huchengi and the male of V. burmitica include less serrate antennae, a broader pronotal disc, a broader scutellar shield and smaller tibial spurs. However, at least some of these characters can be considered sexually dimorphic.

Automated summary

A new species of Brachypsectridae, Vetubrachypsectra huchengi, is described from Burmese amber, showing distinct differences from the previously reported V. burmitica, primarily in the pedicel-scape attachment and other morphological features. Sexual dimorphism is common in Brachypsectridae.