Systematics and evolution of the tribes Pyrophorini and Heligmini, with description of Campyloxeninae, new subfamily (Coleoptera, Elateridae)

Abstract

Examination of types and comparative studies of the male and femule genitalia and other morphological characters of all genera of the "Pyrophorini" permitted a reclassification of this tribe. It is divided into two others: Pyrophorini sensu stricto and Heligmini, trib. n. The former, exclusively bioluminescent, includes seventeen genera (Pyrophorus sensu stricto, two genera here revalidated: Phanophorus Solier, 1851 and Hypsiophthalmus hatreille, 1834, and the following new ones: Nyctophyxis, Noxlumenes, Cryptolampros, Sooporanga, Pyroptesis, Hapsodrilus, Ptesimopsia, Pyrearinus, Fulgeochlizus, Opselater, Ignelater, Lygelater, Deilelater and Vesperelater). The latter includes all non luminous genera previously placed within the "Pyrophorini" (except for Hifo Candèze, 1881, Hifoides Schwarz, 1906, Hemirhipus Latreille, 1829, and Chalcolepsis Candèze, 1857) and four new genera originally described in the genus "Pyrophorus" (Agnostelater, Coctilelater, Euplinthus and Arcanelater). Campyloxenus Fairmaire, 1860, is removed from the Pyrophorinae and placed in a new subfamily. The hypothetical phytogeny of both tribes based on morphological evidence rombined with geographical patterns, is given. Considerations on the biology and ecology of the Pyrophorini are given.