Exomala (Neoblitopertha) campestris (Latreille, 1804) and Exomala (Neoblitopertha) succincta (Castelnau, 1840): two distinct European species (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Rutelinae, Anomalini).

Abstract

Evidence is presented showing that, according to the Code, Melolontha campestris Latreille, 1804, albeit a junior primary homonym of Melolontha campestris Herbst, 1783 must to be used as the valid name for the species currently known as Exomala (Neoblitopertha) campestris. Exomala (Neoblitopertha) succincta (Castelnau, 1840), currently considered synonym of Exomala (Neoblitopertha) campestris (Latreille, 1804), is rehabilitated as a good species. Diagnostic features enabling the separation of succincta from campestris are provided, as well as a key to the species of Neoblitopertha Baraud, 1991.

Keywords

Taxonomy, nomenclature, new synonymy, key to species, Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Anomalini, Exomala (Neoblitopertha), Palaearctic region.

Nomenclatural Acts

campestris (Latreille, 1804) (Exomala (Neoblitopertha)), nom. protectum over Melontha campestris Herbst, 1783: nom. oblitum
succincta (Castelnau, 1840) (Exomala (Neoblitopertha)), stat. rev. hitherto a synonym of Exomala (Neoblitopertha) campestris (Latreille, 1804)
abbreviata Mulsant, 1842 (Phyllopertha campestris var.), syn. n. of Exomala (Neoblitopertha) succincta (Castelnau, 1840)
cruciata Mulsant, 1842 (Phyllopertha campestris var.), syn. n. of Exomala (Neoblitopertha) succincta (Castelnau, 1840)
maculata Mulsant, 1842 (Phyllopertha campestris var.), syn. n. of Exomala (Neoblitopertha) succincta (Castelnau, 1840)
pauperata Mulsant, 1842 (Phyllopertha campestris var.), syn. n. of Exomala (Neoblitopertha) succincta (Castelnau, 1840)