Laccophilus inefficiens (Walker, 1859)

Hájek, Jiří, 2006, The westernmost record of Neptosternus circumductus, and a review of Dytiscidae (Coleoptera) of Baluchistan (Iran, Pakistan), Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae 46, pp. 43-56 : 53

Laccophilus inefficiens (Walker, 1859)

( Figs. 2, 4 )

Material studied. IRAN: 9 spec., ‘ Iran , 9.-10.IV.2000, Sistan va Baluchestan prov., 2 km S Espakeh, (26°48′N, 60°10′E), 690 m’, ‘ Iran 2000 Czech Biological Expedition, J. Hájek & M. Mikát leg. ’; 12 spec., ‘ Iran, 9.IV.2000, Sistan va Baluchestan Prov., Isa Abad env., (26°54′N, 60°10′E), 600 m’, ‘ Iran 2000 Czech Biological Expedition, J. Hájek & M. Mikát leg.’ (all NMPC) . PAKISTAN: 5 spec., ‘ Pakistan: Baluchistan, 105 km SE Quetta, Sibi , 16.2.1995, leg. Hauck et Čížek’ ( NMPC, NMW) ; 1 spec., ‘ Pakistan: Baluchistan, 90 km SSE Quetta, Kundlani , 20.-23.2.1995, leg. Hauck et Čížek’ ( NMPC) .

Notes. This predominately Oriental species was described from Sri Lanka and recorded from major parts of India and Nepal ( BRANCUCCI 1983). VAZIRANI (1969a) listed Burma and Pakistan, and WEWALKA (1975) published records from Iran. However, NILSSON (2003, 2005) did not record this species from Iran. The specimens from desert habitats in Baluchistan have pale testaceous elytra with reduced brownish coloration ( Fig. 2 ). However, other morphological characters as well as the shape of median lobe ( Fig. 4 ) agree well with typical specimens from Sri Lanka and southern India.

Figures

Figs. 1-4. 1, 3: Neptosternus circumductus Régimbart, 1899. 1 – habitus (a – aberrant specimen from Baluchistan; b – lectotype from India); 3 – median lobe of aedeagus (a – apex of median lobe in ventral view; b – median lobe in lateral view). 2, 4: Laccophilus inefficiens (Walker, 1859). 2 – habitus; 4 – median lobe of aedeagus in lateral view. Scale bars: 2 mm (Figs 1-2); 0.25 mm (Fig. 3); 0.5 mm (Fig. 4).