Acythogaster babaulti (Hustache)

(Figs. 1, 17)

Acythopeus babaulti Hustache 1928: 17 .

Four syntypes from Bajaura, Himachal Pradesh, India (MNHN, SNSD); one examined. Transferred to Acythogaster by Heller (1940).

Diagnosis. The flat, triangularly projected elytral apices (Fig. 1) are diagnostic for A. babaulti and this was the chief reason why Heller (1940) placed this species in a separate genus. In all other respects, it is a typical member of the diverse, cucurbit-associated Acythopeus Pascoe complex.

Distribution. The species has been known from India, Vietnam and Hong Kong (Hustache 1928; Heller 1940; Morimoto & Yoshiha 1996). It is reported here for the first time from the Chinese administrative areas of Tibet, Xinjiang and Yunnan (Fig. 17). All collections but one are from the Oriental region.

Biology. Unknown.

Material examined. CHINA. Tibet: Motuo, Xizang, 28.vii.1977 (IZCAS 1); Yayang, Mêdog town, 19.viii.2006 (IZCAS 4). Yunnan: Jingdong, Pu'er, 25.v.1956 (ZIN 1); Menghun, Xishuangbanna, 31.v.1958, 9.vi.1958 (IZCAS 2); Meng'a, Xishuangbanna, 16.viii.1958 (IZCAS 1); Mengla, Xishuangbanna, 24.v.1959 (IZCAS 3); Xiaomengyang, Xishuangbanna, 25.x.1957 (IZCAS 2). Xinjiang: Wushi, 15.vi.1957, 25.x.1957 (IZCAS 2). VIETNAM. Thanh Hoa: Phuc-Son (DEIC 1, SNSD 1). “ Tonkin ”: 30.iii.1937 (IZCAS 2), without date (SNSD 2).