Berberomeloe, A new west Mediterranean genus of Lyttini forMeloe majalisLineé (Coleoptera, Meloidae). Systematics and bionomics

Abstract

Meloe majalis Linné, a west Mediterranean species of Meloidae, is referred to the Lyttini instead of the Meloini on the basis of larval morphology and biology. The new genus Berberomeloe is established for this species. Berberomeloe differs from Trichomeloe, a wingless and brachyelytrous east Mediterranean genus of Lyttini, particularly in the shape of the antennae, pronotum, abdomen and genitalia, and in body pubescence. The first instar larva of Berberomeloe is non‐phoretic and parasitizes Apoidea; the larva shows some primitive morphological characters. The systematic affinities of Berberomeloe are not yet recognizable. The geographic distribution and bionomics of B. majalis are also discussed.