The classification of the small family Agyrtidae (formerly part of Silphidae) is reviewed and partially revised. Zeanecrophilus gen. nov. is proposed for Necrophilus prolongatus (type species) plus Z. thayerae sp. nov., both from New Zealand. The remaining seven genera and 59 known species of the family are northern temperate in distribution and show disjunct, relict distribution patterns. Three subfamilies are recognized: Necrophilinae subfam. nov. for Necrophilus and Zeanecrophilus; Agyrtinae for Agyrtes, Ecanus, Ipelates and Lyrosoma; and Pterolomatinae for Apteroloma and Pteroloma. A detailed description of the family, plus keys to and diagnoses of the subfamilies and genera, are provided for adults and known larvae, and a complete world checklist of the species is appended. Several species-level taxonomic changes are proposed: Ipelates rufieollis is resurrected from synonymy with I. latissimus; Agyrtes similis is transferred from the subgenus Agyrtecanus to Agyrtes s. str.; and Apteroloma koebelei, A. plutenkoi, and A. rufovittatum are returned or newly transferred to the genus Pteroloma. Genera excluded from Agyrtidae are listed, with their current placements. Preliminary comments on character homologies and polarities and a phylogenetic diagram are provided, fossils briefly reviewed, and a scenario for the origin of the current amphitropical distribution pattern suggested. The mid-Jurassic genus Mesecanus provides a minimal age for agyrtids that is consistent with very plesiomorphic features of adults and larvae. It is suggested that agyrtids were once widespread but are being replaced by younger and more successful groups of beetles. For the carrion-frequenting Necrophilinae, evidence suggests that the replace- ment group is true Silphidae, which have apparently replaced ancestral necrophilines in the southern temperate areas of Australia and southern South America but not reached New Zealand.
JavaScript jest wyłączony w Twojej przeglądarce internetowej. Włącz go, a następnie odśwież stronę, aby móc w pełni z niej korzystać.