New Asian Hydroscapha, with comments on male-female association of co-occuring species (Coleoptera: Myxophaga: Hydroscaphidae)
Abstract
Four syntopically co-occuring species of the genus Hydroscapha are recorded at three adjacent hygropetric localities in the Indian state of Meghalaya. Association of males with conspecific females was recognized as a crucial problem for the taxonomic treatment of these taxa.
Antennal morphology and abundance data of all collected morphotypes and their presence/absence at each locality were used for this association; most of these data are, however, shown as insufficient for a reliable association due to intraspecific variability (in the case of antennal morphology) or incomplete knowledge of seasonal dynamics (in the case of relative abundance of males versus females). Utilizing male characters separately from those of females is suggested as a possible solution.
Following this approach, updated identification keys for males and females of Asian Hydroscapha is provided.