Olisthopus Dejean, 1828

Bousquet, Yves, 2012, Catalogue of Geadephaga (Coleoptera, Adephaga) of America, north of Mexico, ZooKeys 245, pp. 1-1722 : 730

Genus Olisthopus Dejean, 1828

Odontonyx Stephens, 1827: 67. Type species: Carabus rotundicollis Marsham, 1802 (= Carabus rotundatus Paykull, 1790) designated by Westwood (1838: 2). Etymology (original, see page 96). From the Greek odontos (tooth) and onyx (claw), alluding to the denticulate claws ("claws denticulated") of the adult [masculine]. Note. Lindroth (1966: 553) pointed out that Carabus rotundicollis sensu Stephens (1828a: 96), based on Stephens’ key and description as well as his collection, consisted of two species, Olisthopus rotundicollis Marsham (= Olisthopus rotundatus Paykull) and Synuchus vivalis Illiger. There is no provision in the Code to deal with such cases and therefore correct identification of the species is assumed (ICZN 1999: Article 70.1).

Olisthopus Dejean, 1828: 176. Type species: Carabus rotundatus Paykull, 1790 designated by Westwood (1838: 3). Etymology (original). From the Greek olisthos (slippery, escape easily) and pous (foot), alluding to the agility of the species known to Dejean to escape on feet (" petits carabiques vifs et agiles ") [masculine]. Note. This name has been in prevailing usage for several decades now. However, reversal of precedence (ICZN 1999: Article 23.9) cannot be applied in this case because Odontonyx has been used as a valid name after 1899 by several authors. A submission should be made to the Commission to preserve Olisthopus as the valid name for this taxon.

Diversity.

Twenty-one species in temperate areas of the Nearctic (seven species) and Palaearctic (14 species, only one extending to eastern Asia) Regions.

Identification.

Casey (1913: 169-171) published a key to all North American species except Olisthopus micans but the genus is in need of a taxonomic revision.