Notes on taxonomy and geography of Bembidion (Neja ) leucoscelis Chaudoir and Bembidion (Neja ) curtulum Duval (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Bembidiina)

Abstract

The systematic relationship of Bembidion ( Neja ) leucoscelis Chaudoir, 1850, and Bembidion ( Neja ) curtulum Duval, 1851, is examined. A new subspecies of B. curtulum from the Middle East is described and the subspecies tripolitanum Schatzmayr, 1937, is assigned to Bembidion curtulum (comb. n). The distribution of the species and subspecies is re-examined and the main diagnostic characters emphasized, including the importance of aedeagal structure and elytral microsculpture. The species Bembidion ( Chlorodium ) almum almum Sahlberg, 1900, is reported for Armenia and the Altaj Republic (Russia). A key to the species of Bembidion subgenus Neja Motschulsky, 1864, with elytra not microsculptured or with microsculpture restricted only at the extreme of elytral apex, is provided.