Three New Species and One New Record of Hesperoschema (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) from China

Simple Summary Hesperoschema species are fascinating rove beetles with beautiful coloration. They are quite rare and can be found only in the primary forests of Southern Asia. Up to the present, five species are known from the world (four known from China, one known from Myanmar). Hesperoschema beetles are good flyers, yet the distributions of the species are separately limited in small areas. This might imply inadequate investigation, and the currently known species most likely represent just the tip of the iceberg. As the results of an unremitting investigation for the past few years, three new species are described in this paper. The supplemental data for known species are also provided and the distribution of Hesperoschema is greatly expanded. So far, all the known Hesperoschema species have been recorded in China, and the total species number of the genus is increased to eight. Three new species: Hesperoschema xuwangi sp. nov. from China (Sichuan), H. bii sp. nov. from China (Xizang), and H. sinicum sp. nov. from China (Guangxi) are described. Hesperoschema malaisei Scheerpeltz, 1965 is new to China (Yunnan), with the male discovered for the first time. The female of H. opacum Schillhammer, 2009 is discovered for the first time. Habitus and diagnostic characteristics of the species treated in this paper were photographed, and a key to species of Hesperoschema Scheerpeltz, 1965 is updated.

Automated summary

Hesperoschema species are rare and beautiful rove beetles found in the primary forests of Southern Asia. This paper describes three new species and provides supplemental data for known species, greatly expanding the distribution of Hesperoschema.