Key to species of the genus Cryptorhopalum (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) occurring in the Greater Antilles with description of six new species from Hispaniola

Abstract

Background: The genus Cryptorhopalum, is in the subfamily Megatominae. It is relatively speciose within family Dermestidae and currently contains ca. 149 valid taxa. Most of the species are found in the Neotropical and Nearctic ecozones Mroczkowski (Ann Zool, 26:15–191,1968); Beal (Transact Am Entomol Soc, 111:171–221, 1985a). Although we know so many species of this genus, the knowledge of the biology (including development) is still incomplete and limited. Results: Six new species of the poorly known genus Cryptorhopalum: C. acevedoi sp. nov., C. davidsoni sp. nov., C. delacruzi sp. nov., C. rawlinsoni sp. nov., C. thompsonii sp. nov., and C. youngi sp. nov., all from the Dominican Republic, are described and illustrated; a key to determination of these species is also provided. Conclusions: Nearctic representatives of Cryptorhopalum were divided into three informal species groups: haplotes, quadripunctatum, and triste Beal (Contrib Science Nat Hist Mus Los Angeles County, 306:1–22, 1979); Beal (Transact Am Entomol Soc, 111:171–221, 1985a). Newly found species displayed a mix of characteristics of these groups. Thus, other Neotropical species should be re-examined, and further study of Cryptorhopalum is required.