Redescriptions of the Triassic Notocupes beetles (Archostemata: Ommatidae) from Kyrgyzstan and South Kazakhstan

Abstract

Four Triassic species of the ommatid beetles Notocupes are redescribed using an extended list of diagnostic characters from both published sources and original study. New diagnoses for the genus as well as for four Triassic species are provided with emphasis on discrete characters of cuticular sculpture and elytral venation. A brief overview of research history of Notocupes and of taxonomic issues associated with this species-rich genus is compiled. Several morphological characters useful for identification are discussed in detail, viz., body tubercles and their distribution on the body, main and intercalary elytral veins and pronotal shape.