Furcanthicus gen. nov., a New Genus of Oriental Anthicini (Coleoptera, Anthicidae), with Description of Three New Species

Simple Summary A new genus of ant-like flower beetle, Furcanthicus, is described along with three new species. Due to a unique combination of morphological characters, we are proposing this new genus separate from Anthicus. Three little-known species are redescribed. Habitat photos of some species of the new genus are provided, which is helpful for understanding the lifestyle of these species. An identification key to all species of the new genus is provided. The important morphological characters, distribution, and diagnosis of the new genus are briefly discussed. Furcanthicus gen. nov. (Anthicinae: Anthicini) and three new species from the Oriental region are described: Furcanthicus acutibialis sp. nov. (China: Tibet), F. telnovi sp. nov. (China: Yunnan), and F. validus sp. nov. (China: Sichuan). Some critical morphological characters of this genus are discussed. Eight new combinations are established for the following taxa: Furcanthicus punctiger (Krekich-Strassoldo, 1931) comb. nov., F. rubens (Krekich-Strassoldo, 1931) comb. nov., F. maderi (Heberdey, 1938) comb. nov., F. monstrator (Telnov, 2005) comb. nov., F. vicarius (Telnov, 2005) comb. nov., F. lepcha (Telnov, 2018) comb. nov., F. vicinor (Telnov, 2018) comb. nov. (all from Anthicus Paykull, 1798), and Nitorus lii (Uhmann, 1997) comb. nov. (from Pseudoleptaleus Pic, 1900). Two informal species-groups are established: F. maderi and F. rubens species-group. The little-known species F. maderi, F. rubens, and F. punctiger are redescribed, diagnosed, and illustrated. The distribution map and key to species of this new genus are provided.

Automated summary

A new genus of ant-like flower beetle, Furcanthicus, is described, along with three new species. The unique morphological characters differentiate this new genus from Anthicus. There are photographs of the habitat of some species from the new genus to enhance understanding of their lifestyle. An identification key is provided for all species in the new genus. The article also briefly discusses the important morphological characters, distribution, and diagnosis of the new genus.