Morphological Variation Of The Tanzanian Tailed Net-Winged Beetle Lycus Trabeatus Gurin-Mneville Coleoptera Lycidae Connotes Subspecific Delimitation

Abstract Two morphotypes of the Tailed Net-winged Beetle Lycus trabeatus Gurin-Mneville 1835 Lycidae Coleoptera currently listed as a monotypic form were identified and collected from the field in the southern highlands of Tanzania where they were uncommon. One category was identified as a holotype female and the other one appeared to be a less described paratype female. Their morphological analysis reveals significant variation that connotes subspecific delimitation. The landmarks here reported as the basis for sub-categorization of L. trabeatus are mainly associated with the elytra upon which two new subspecies namely Lycus t. trabeatus and Lycus t. matojoi are proposed. The findings also expand the biogeographic docket of this insect.