Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
as part of a recent rearrangement of the genus-level taxonomy, the old
Meligethes was been split into numerous genera, of which 3 are represented in our area; as currently understood,
Meligethes is restricted to the Palaearctic and Oriental regions
(1)Numbers
10 spp. in 6 genera in our area
(2), ~800 spp. in 43 genera worldwide; includes the largest number of anthophagous species within Nitidulidae
(1)Identification
1. External edge of protibiae minutely denticulate, appearing smooth if not seen at right angle . . . . . . 2
- - external edge of protibiae clearly denticulate to serrate; 12 teeth found at most . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. Large (2.6 - 4 mm), black species; dorsal surface opaque due to crowded puncturation:
Meligethes atratus
- - Body length under 2.6 mm; more or less shiny on dorsal side, often with metallic luster:
Brassicogethes (4 species, two undoubtly native)
3. Pallid species, at least elytra pale brown, legs yellow; protibiae strongly serrate:
Acanthogethes fuscus (likely not naturalized)
- - Body black, legs may also be black, or partly infuscated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4. Protibiae with regular, moderate to strong teeth on external edge; legs and antennae dark . . . . . . . . 5
- - Protibial denticulation different, at least protibiae pale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5. Protibiae with 6-7 strong teeth, longest exceed 1/3rd of total tibial width:
Afrogethes saevus
- - Protibiae with 7-9 smaller teeth, longest about 1/4th of total tibial width:
Afrogethes canadensis
6. Protibiae with a condensed group of 5-7 teeth in terminal half; usually, the two outer teeth a bit longer
than those enclosed; dorsal surface completely microreticulated inbetween punctures:
Genistogethes carinulatus
- - Protibiae with a variable, and usually slightly disordered denticulation on external edge; dorsal surface
largely glabrous inbetween punctures, only tip of elytra, and pronotal base with microreticulation:
Fabogethes nigrescens
Range
worldwide, most diverse in the Afrotropical Region and the warmer parts of Eurasia, poorly represented in the New World
(1)Food
strictly anthophagous
(1) Host specifity is only shown in reproductive season; for the rest of the year, flowers are visited deliberately.