A review of several aspects dealing with Tenebrionidae in Peru is presented. The study includes a taxonomic history, depositories of type specimens, taxonomic diversity, endemicity, ecological studies, and other research involving Peruvian tenebrionids in medicine, agriculture, food protection and production. Analyses of the geographic distribution, habitats and estimation of the species richness are performed. A final recommendation suggesting the development of four main lines of research on Peruvian tenebrionids is presented, including: 1) systematics and biogeography, 2) spatial and temporal patterns of epigaeic assemblages, 3) morphological adaptations to aridity, and 4) preserving material of some representatives of Peruvian taxa for molecular studies.

The species of the African genus Gargilius Fairmaire, 1891 (Tenebrionidae: Diaperinae) are revised. Two new species are described: G. apicalis sp. nov. (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and G. gebieni sp. nov. (Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana). The following species are placed in synonymy: G. bicornutus Fairmaire, 1891 (= G. incornutus Pic, 1916 syn. nov., = G. rectangularis Gebien, 1921 syn. nov.), G. rufitarsis Fairmaire, 1894 (= G. affinis Gebien, 1921 syn. nov., = Gargilius mocquerysi Pic, 1916 syn. nov.), G. trispinosus Fairmaire, 1891 (= G. rhodesianus Pic, 1916 syn. nov., = G. ancey Pic, 1926 syn. nov.). Lectotypes for Gargilius antilope Gebien, 1921, G. bicornutus Fairmaire, 1891, G. incornutus Pic, 1916, G. rectangularis Gebien, 1921, G. rufitarsis Fairmaire, 1894, G. affinis Gebien, 1921, G. mocquerysi Pic, 1916, G. rhodesianus Pic, 1916, G. anceyi Pic, 1926 are designated to fix the taxonomic status of these species. The representatives of Gargilius can be easily distinguished by the shape of the sexually dimorphic head and pronotum, in combination with a relatively stable elytral colour pattern. The genus is restricted to arboreal habitats of central and southeastern Africa.

Borneosphena fouquei gen. nov. et. sp. nov. is described from the is land of Borneo. The newly discovered genus mostly resembles Cryptobrachys Kaszab, 1941, Cryptostenophanes Kaszab, 1941, Falsobates Kaszab, 1941, Malaysphena Bečvař & Purchart, 2008, and Xantusiella Kaszab, 1941. A differential diagnosis is presented.

The five species currently placed in the North American genus Haplandrus LeConte 1862 are examined, with new information on immature stages, distribution, and life history. The type-species, H. fulvipes (Herbst 1797) as a member of Stenochiinae/ Cnodalonini is redescribed along with its larva and pupa; a closely related new species is proposed for specimens from peninsular Florida. Reassignments and new synonymies are proposed for the other species which belong in other genera and tribes of Tenebrioninae. Haplandrus ater (LeConte 1866) is transferred back to Metaclisa Jacquelin du Val 1861; H. collaris Casey 1924 and H. subangustus Casey 1924 are junior synonyms of that species. North American members of Metaclisa are reviewed, with a description of the larva and pupa of M. atra. Tharsus LeConte 1862 recognized as a new synonym of Metaclisa. With a discussion of morphology and placement of the genus, the new tribe Metaclisini is proposed. The new genus Bouchardandrus is proposed to include the boreal H. concolor LeConte 1866 which has characters that place it among genera of Tenebrionini.

The Palaearctic species of the genus Metaclisa Jacquelin du Val, 1861 are revised. M. andoi sp. nov. is described from Yunnan Province, China. Androsus cyanescens Pic, 1934 syn. nov. is proposed as a synonym of Metaclisa atrocyanea (Lewis, 1891). An identification key for the 8 Palaearctic species is compiled. The genus has a transpalaearctic distribution with a huge disjunction: six species occur in the eastern part, and only two species in the western Palaearctic Region. The species have an arboreal way of life and are considered as indicators for old-growth forests.

Grabulax gen. nov. darlingtoni sp. nov. is described from Colombia. The phylogenetic relationship of this genus to other Lagriinae is discussed and the New World Laenini are reevaluated.

A new genus and species of fossil Tenebrionidae is described. Yantaroxenos colydioides gen. et sp. nov. in the subfamily Lagriinae (presumably the tribe Belopini) originates from Baltic amber. Yantaroxenos gen. nov. is most similar to the Western Hemisphere genus Rhypasma Pascoe, 1862 (Belopini) based on the general habitus, the granulated pronotal surface, carinate elytra, and the carinate anterior aspect of the pronotum. Yantaroxenos gen. nov. differs from Rhypasma in the scaly pubescence on the body, the presence of ridges above the eyes, the strongly convex and protruding anterior half of the pronotum that covers the base of the head, the shorter legs, and the absence of 3-segmented antennal club.

Rhypasma Pascoe, 1862 is transferred from the tribe Stenosini (Pimeliinae) to Belopini (Lagriinae). Caribanosis gen. nov. is described and placed in Stenosini (Tenebrionidae: Pimeliinae) to hold Rhypasma quisqueyanus Garrido et Varela, 2011. The following new combination is established: Caribanosis quisqueyanus (Garrido et Varela, 2011), comb. nov. Caribanosis is similar to the South American genus Grammicus Waterhouse, 1845 but differs in having a single central pronotal keel, not two lateral keels as in Grammicus. Both are members of the subtribe Stenosina.

Asida kaminskii sp. nov. (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) is described from the mountains of Northeastern Corsica. This new orophilous species is compared to its most relative Asida carinata Solier, 1836 and secondary to A. christinae F. Soldati & Leo, 2005.

Eremocantor marioni, gen. nov. et sp. nov. is described for an unusual species of stridulating darkling beetle discovered in West Texas, USA. Stridulation in other members of the tribe Edrotini (Tenebrionidae: Pimeliinae) is discussed, including Edrotes LeConte and the previously unrecognized sound producing genera Pimeliopsis Champion, Pescennius Champion, Trichiotes Casey, and Oxygonodera Casey. A key to the known stridulating edrotine genera is also provided.

Six new species of Leptodes Dejean, 1834 are described from caves in southern parts of Iran: Leptodes (Leptodes) chakchakensis sp. nov., L. (Leptodes) farashahi sp. nov., L. (Mesoleptodes) karmaniae sp. nov., L. (Mesoleptodes) khanensis sp. nov., L. (Mesoleptodes) persiae sp. nov., L. (Mesoleptodes) shapouri sp. nov. The species Leptodes (Mesoleptodes) kulzeri Kaszab, 1959 and L. (Mesoleptodes) solieri Semenov, 1909 are redescribed based on recently collected specimens. An identification key to the nine Leptodes species known from Iran is given.

Six new species of the pimeliine genus Ceratanisus Gebien, 1937 are described from Transcaucasia and Anatolia: C. talyshensis sp. nov. (Azerbaijan: Talysh), C. transcaucasicus sp. nov. (Azerbaijan: Nakhchivan; Armenia: Ararat Prov.), C. khnzoriani sp. nov. (Armenia: Megri), C. costipennis sp. nov. (Turkey: Ankara), C. keskini sp. nov. (Turkey: Malatya Province), C. purcharti sp. nov. (Turkey: Kayseri Province, Taurus Mts.). A lectotype for C. tristis (Faldermann, 1837) from the Peloponnese Peninsula is designated. One new synonymy is established: Ceratanisus Gemminger, 1870 = Haemerophygus Baudi di Selve, 1876, syn. nov. The follow new combinations are also established (all species are transferred from the genus Haemerophygus): Ceratanisus mucoreus (Waltl, 1838), comb. nov., Ceratanisus graecus (Kraatz, 1877), comb. nov., Ceratanisus allardi (Reitter, 1884), comb. nov., Ceratanisus taygetanus (Reitter, 1898), comb. nov., Ceratanisus osellai (Scupola, 1984), comb. nov., Ceratanisus guerroumii (F. Soldati et L. Soldati, 2002), comb. nov.

The subgenus Praocis Eschscholtz, 1829 (Pimeliinae: Praociini) is an endemic group of north-central Chile consisting of 18 flightless species distributed mostly across the Chilean desert and coastal steppe. In this work we describe the morphology and structure of first instar larvae of Praocis (Praocis) spinolai Gay and Solier, 1841, Praocis (Praocis) subaenea Erichson, 1834, and Praocis (Praocis) curta Solier, 1841 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Larvae were obtained by rearing wild-caught male and female individuals under laboratory conditions. The structure and external morphological characters of the larvae were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results show that first instar larvae have morphological adaptations to edaphic environments, such as prothoracic legs for digging, a strongly sclerotized cephalic capsule, and well-developed IX and X abdominal segments (pygidium and pygopods). The interspecific differences in head morphology (cephalic capsule and epicranium), mouthparts (labrum, clypeus and mandibles), and IX and X abdominal segments (pygidium, pygopods, and apical spines) are highlighted.

The Parque Interjurisdiccional Marino Costero Patagonia Austral (PIMCPA) protects over 180 km of Patagonian Atlantic coastline of northern San Jorge gulf, including an archipelago that comprises more than 39 islands. In this work, we studied the darkling beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) of the two largest islands in the PIMCPA archipelago: Leones and Tova-Tovita. Tenebrionids are reported for first time in these islands, in addition, we described their species assemblage. Likewise, a comparison between the islands and the mainland was also performed. The GLM, MDS, ANOSIM and PCA methods were employed. Islands share the same tenebrionid species assemblage but they differ from that displayed on the mainland. Considering both islands as a whole, the insular assemblage shows lower species richness and diversity than those seen in the mainland. We identified eight species in the islands which belong to eight genera and four tribes. We also found that six of these species were shared among islands. Psectrascelis punctipennis Kulzer was exclusively recorded from the Tova-Tovita, while Platesthes kuscheli Kulzer from the Leones island. The island assemblage is mainly composed of nocturnal or crepuscular species [including Praocis (Hemipraocis) sellata bergi Burmeister, Patagonogenius quadricollis (Fairmaire), Emmallodera crenaticostata crenaticostata Blanchard and Scotobius akidioides akidioides Waterhouse], while several diurnal species of Nyctelia Berthold are the most common and diverse darkling beetles among mainland fauna. Additionally, we discuss the effects of the mainland distance, paleoclimate, and the origin of insular assemblages. Finally, other insular implications of tenebrionid beetles are discussed.

Late Pleistocene outcrops exposed in Buenos Aires province, Argentina, represent one of the most informative sources for paleoecological studies on South American fauna and flora. Several proxies have been used for studying Pleistocene environmental conditions in the Pampas, but only a few were based on paleoentomological data. The aims of this study are to present the first record of three species of darkling beetles from the late Pleistocene of Buenos Aires province and to provide new paleoenvironmental information. The sediments containing fossil insects correspond to the Guerrero Member of the Luján Formation and were dated between 12,100 ± 100 14C BP and 13,400 ± 200 14C BP. Specimens of Nyctelia picipes (Billberg), Epipedonota cristallisata Waterhouse and Scotobius pilularius Germar were identified. To provide information about past climate, the particular climate requirements of these species were analyzed by using the Mutual Climatic Range method. This association could indicate the first pulse of post-glacial climate recovery and the replacement by the insect fauna currently inhabiting the area. This study is one of the first approaches to the Quaternary paleoentomology of Argentina, and highlights the potential of paleoentomological information, when evaluated in combination with previous knowledge on global climate conditions after the last glacial maximum.

The genera Scotobius (Tenebrioninae) and Nyctelia (Pimeliinae), both widely distributed in southern South America, are two of the three most species-rich genera in Argentina and constitute the type genera of the tribes Scotobiini and Nycteliini respectively. Study of type material from species described by Billberg (1815) and Germar (1823), as well as bibliographical research, indicates the need for nomenclatural changes in both genera. A new synonymy within the genus Scotobius Germar, 1823 is proposed: Scotobius crispatus Germar, 1823 with S. miliaris (Billberg, 1815). Scotobius brevicollis Kulzer, 1955 stat. n., originally described as a subspecies of S. crispatus, is elevated to species status. Scotobius pilularius Germar, 1823 is restored from its synonymy with S. miliaris and is the valid name of the type species of the genus. Supporting references are included for the preservation of the genus name Nyctelia Berthold, 1827 (22 September) nom. protectum, which is given precedence over Nyctelius Guérin-Méneville, 1827 (18 August) nom. oblitum under Article 23.9. Zophosis picipes Billberg, 1815 is restored from its synonymy with Nyctelia brunnipes Latreille, 1804 (correct year 1828) and transferred to the genus Nyctelia. Six new synonymies are proposed: Nyctelia nodosa (Germar, 1823) with N. picipes (Billberg, 1815), N. brunnipes Guérin-Méneville, 1834 with N. picipes (Billberg, 1815), N. nigripes Solier, 1836 with N. picipes (Billberg, 1815), N. aequicostata Solier, 1836 with N. picipes (Billberg, 1815), N. angustata Waterhouse, 1841 with N. picipes (Billberg, 1815), and N. quadricollis Fairmaire, 1905 with N. picipes (Billberg, 1815). Based on the these synonymies, the valid name for Zophosis nodosa, the type species of Nyctelia by monotypy, is Zophosis picipes Billberg, 1815. Lectotypes are designated for Scotobius crispatus Germar, 1823, S. pilularius Germar, 1823, S. varicosus Germar, 1823 and Zophosis nodosa Germar, 1823. Scotobius pilularius is recorded for the first time in Chile.

The Eleodes Eschscholtz, 1829 subgenera Tricheleodes Blaisdell, 1909 and Pseudeleodes Blaisdell, 1909 are reviewed and redefined, based largely on female ovipositors. Eleodes hirsuta LeConte, 1861 is designated as the type species of Tricheleodes, which is redefined to contain only that species. Eleodes barbatus Wickham, 1918 is placed as incertae sedis within Eleodes. Pseudeleodes is expanded to include Trichoderulus Blaisdell, 1923 syn. nov., as well as the following species: Eleodes caudiferus LeConte, 1858, E. leechi Tanner, 1961, E. longipilosus Horn, 1891, E. pilosus Horn, 1870, E. spoliatus Blaisdell, 1933, and E. tribulus Thomas, 2005, all comb. nov.; and Eleodes inornatus Johnston sp. nov. Eleodes granosus LeConte, 1866 is recognized as a single valid species, which includes Eleodes inyoensis Tanner, 1961 syn. nov. and Eleodes granosa pilifera Boddy, 1957 syn. nov. Eleodes caudiferus LeConte is similarly identified as a single valid species, which includes E. caudifera forma glabra Blaisdell, 1909 syn. nov., E. caudifera forma scabra Blasidell, 1909 syn. nov., and E. caudifera forma sublaevis Blaisdell, 1909 syn. nov. Eleodes pilosus Horn is found to be a single species including E. obesus Doyen, 1985 as a syn. nov. A key is presented for the species belonging to the subgenus Pseudeleodes. The new classification is reconciled with the cumulative preceding taxonomic perspective according to Blaisdell (1909) through Triplehorn and coauthors (2015), by representing both taxonomies and aligning their respective concepts with Region Connection Calculus (RCC-5) articulations. The resulting, logically consistent alignment is inferred and visualized using the Euler/X multi-taxonomy alignment toolkit.

Larval morphology of the New World tenebrionid genus Scotobius Germar is studied based on a description of the first instar of S. pilularius Germar, with emphasis on chaetotaxic analysis of the cephalic capsule, head appendages, legs, and thoracic and abdominal segments. This represents the first description of a larva of Scotobius, and the first detailed treatment of the larval primary chaetotaxy pattern of a tenebrionid. A short description and photographs of the eggs are also provided, which are deposited individually and agglutinate small substrate particles. As remarkable characteristics of the studied larvae, the sclerome is a simple oval structure, the tergum IX is acuminate posteriorly, the segment X is extremely small and almost completely concealed by the sternum IX, and prothoracic legs are somewhat more robust than the meso- and metathoracic pairs, which is generally the case in soil-dwelling larvae. Some discussion is provided on a long-standing controversy regarding homology and terminology of the last leg segments in coleopteran larvae.

Scotobius pilularius Germar 1823 (Tenebrioninae: Scotobiini) is mainly distributed in natural temperate and mesic grasslands of the Pampean biogeographic province. However, it is also found in climatically extreme environments such as cold and dry grasslands within the Patagonian biogeographic province. In these extreme environments, S. pilularius is found outside of natural habitats, in areas associated with human settlements. In the present paper, the role of climatic conditions and human settlements as determinants of the observed spatial distribution of S. pilularius in its natural distribution and outside that area is assessed. Three following hypotheses are tested: species occurrence is determined by i) climate; or ii) human settlements; or iii) both climate and human settlements. The results suggest that, while the climate and human settlements hypothesis is consistent with the data acquired within the S. pilularius natural distribution area, only the human influence hypothesis significantly explains its distribution outside of its natural area. This outcome suggests that S. pilularius moved from living in a complete disassociation to human settlements or asynanthropy before human settlements in its natural area, to living in close association with human settlements or synanthropy outside of its natural area.

In this study we identified adults of Tenebrionidae associated mainly with pig carcasses and human cadavers lying in different arid and semiarid areas of Argentina. This article provides an illustrated key to 29 Tenebrionidae species of the potential forensic importance, accompanied by diagnoses, and habitus photographs of these taxa. The recorded species of darkling beetles belong to four subfamilies: Alleculinae (one species of Alleculini), Diaperinae (two species of Crypticini), Tenebrioninae (15 species, ten belonging to the tribe Scotobiini, three to Opatrini, two to Alphitobiini and one species of Tenebrionini), and Pimeliinae (10 species, three belonging to the tribe Epitragini, two to Evaniosomini, two to Praociini, one species from each of the tribes Trilobocarini, Edrotini and Elenophorini). A new species of Eutelocera Solier (Pimeliinae: Praociini) collected from decomposing pig carcasses is described: E. cadaverina Flores and Zanetti sp. nov. Two species are new records for Argentina: Conibius (Gondwanodilamus) franzi Kaszab and Alphitobius laevigatus (Fabricius); three species for Bolivia: Blapstinus punctulatus Solier, Salax lacordairei Guérin-Ménveille, and Vaniosus profana (Kulzer); and one species for Uruguay: Blapstinus punctulatus Solier. A discussion is presented on the potential forensic importance of some species collected from human cadavers and pig carcasses.