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Issue: Vol. 86 No. 2: 17 Aug. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-08-17
DOI: 10.12976/jib/2026.86.2.3
Page range: 53-61
Abstract views: 183
PDF downloaded: 8

Pronotocindis liui gen. et sp. nov. (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae) from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber

School of GeoSciences; Yangtze University; Wuhan 430100; China
School of GeoSciences; Yangtze University; Wuhan 430100; China
Palaeoentomology Kachin amber Cretaceous Cicindelidae new genus

Abstract

A tiger beetle, Pronotocindis liui gen. et sp. nov., is described based on a well-preserved specimen from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber. This specimen can be assigned to the tribe Megacephalini on the basis of the following characteristics in combination: broad mandibles, the ratios of width of basal area: total length (0.42), incisor tooth length: total length (0.38) and terebral length: total length (0.59), absence of the latero-marginal seta on both sides of labrum and forward protruding pronotum. It can be distinguished from other genera of the tribe mainly by its robust and short mandibles, flat labrum with dentate anterior margin and mandibular groove with no setae present. The enormous compound eyes indicate its diurnal predatory habits. This specimen provides valuable Mesozoic amber evidence for Megacephalini in Asia, confirming the tribe’s presence across the continent in the Cretaceous.

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