Patrobonebria, Bänninger, 1923

Charles Huber & Hannes Baur, 2016, Nebria (Patrobonebria) incognita n. sp. and Nebria (P.) hiekeiana n. sp., two new species from the Western Himalaya, with remarks on Nebria (P.) desgodinsi (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Nebriinae), Entomologische Blätter und Coleoptera 112 (1), pp. 203-214 : 213

Species groups in Patrobonebria

The desgodinsi species group consists of four taxa with conspicuously protruding eyes: N. desgodinsi , N. megalops , N. incognita n. sp., and N. hiekeiana n. sp. where the ratio maximal head width /frons width is> 1.5 ( Tab. 3). The himalayica species group ( N. himalayica , N. elegans , N. capillosa , and N. paropamisos ) is characterized by “normally” protruding eyes (maximal head width / frons width = 1.40-1.45). The two species with reduced hind wings from the Far Western Nepal ( N. assidua , N. pertinax ; assidua species group) are characterized by small eyes and a large frons, and the ratio of maximal head width /frons width is <1.4.

Modified key to the yellow-legged Patrobonebria species

(based on HUBER & SCHMIDT (2009) and HUBER & GEISER (2012) with changes)

1 Fully winged species with shoulder distinct. Elytra with striae deeply engraved. Meso- and metatarsomeres laterally compressed................................... 2

- Species with hind wings reduced to small stubs, shoulder slender. Elytra with inconspicuous striae, which are faintly punctate. Eyes small, slightly protruding, Meso- and metatarsomeres laterally not compressed ( N. assidua , N. pertinax )....................... 5

2 Appendages distinctly brighter than the body. Legs entirely yellow, only tarsi somewhat darkened......... 3

- Appendages brown to black, scarcely brighter than the body. Legs dark brown to black, at least the tibia and tarsus brownish or bright yellowish ( N. himalayica , N. elegans , N. megalops , N. paropamisos )........ 4

3 Eyes normal. Ratio head width/frons width <1.50. Lateral groove of the pronotum narrow. Uttarakhand/ India to Eastern Nepal. ............................................... ........................... N. capillosa LEDOUX & ROUX, 1992

- Eyes strongly protruding. Ratio head width/frons width> 1.50. Lateral groove of the pronotum large.... ................................................................................ 3a

3a Lateral lobe of the mentum apically faintly incised, spina apicalis of the mentum extends beyond the lobus lateralis of the mentum. Ratio ant.l/prm.l <0.33. ................................................................................ 3b

- Lateral lobe of the mentum apically with a deep incision (incisio apicalis), spina apicalis of the mentum does not extend the lobus lateralis. Lateral seta of the pronotum situated at apical fourth behind the widest diameter of the pronotum. Fourth antennomere without additional setae. Vertex and collar impression tightly and strongly punctate. Ratio ant.l/prm.l> 0.33. Eastern Central Nepal to Sikkim and West Bengal/India. ............ N. desgodinsi OBERTHÜR, 1883

3b Lateral seta of the pronotum situated at apical third behind the widest diameter of the pronotum. Lateral margin of the pronotum towards base Fnely bordered. Elytra with striae on disc faintly impressed and almost impunctate. Ratio prm.l/prs.p <3.0. Murre Hills, Pakistan. ............................ N. hiekeiana n. sp.

- Lateral seta of the pronotum situated at apical sixth slightly in front of the widest diameter of the pronotum. Lateral margin of the pronotum towards base blade-like. Elytra with striae on disc impressed and deeply punctate. Ratio prm.l/prs.p> 3.5. From Nuristan, Afghanistan to the Border of India to Nepal. ............................................... N. incognita n. sp.

4 and 5 continue as usual.