Taxonomy and distribution of Mylabris (Micrabris) maculosopunctata Graells, 1858 and M. (M.) beauregardi Górriz Muñoz, 1884 with a study of the type material of Zonabris rosinae Escherich, 1899 and Z. pauper Escherich, 1899 (Coleoptera, Meloidae, Mylabrini)

Abstract

The study of the type material of Zonabris rosinae Escherich, 1899 and Zonabris pauper Escherich, 1899, allow us to confirm the taxonomic criteria for the recognition of these two species established by Pardo Alcaide (1948, 1950). In order to properly discuss the nomenclatural and taxonomic issues associated with these taxa, we designate lecto- and paralectotypes of both species. We have located at the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (Madrid, Spain) three specimens assignables to the type series of Mylabris quadripunctata var. beauregardi Górriz Muñoz, 1884. Once designated as lecto- and paralectotypes we are able to discuss the identification of this species, ignored or confused until now, and establish its synonymy with Z. pauper (syn. nov.). The nomenclatural priority corresponds to Mylabris beauregardi. We discuss the geographic range of M. (Micrabris) beauregardi and M. (M.) maculosopunctata Graells, 1858 and finally we comment on Mylabris restricta Motschulsky, 1849, a possible senior synonym of M. (Micrabris) maculosopunctata.