A Taxonomic Study On The Genus Sathytes From China

Members of the diverse rove beetle genus Sathytes(Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae: Batrisitae: Batrisini)are small-sized and widely distributed predatory beetles(body length 1.30–3.60 mm)of similar external morphology.They are commonly found in sifted samples of leaf litter,decomposing logs,moss,ferns and low shrubs.They are predatory on mites,springtails,and other small invertebrates,playing an important role in the ecosystem and maintaining ecological balance.They are sensitive to the environment,so they can also be treated as indicator organisms for environmental assessment.Prior to the present study,37 Sathytes species have been described worldwide(mainly distributed in South Asia,Southeast Asia,and China),of which 15 species were known from the Chinese provinces of Yunnan,Fujian,Shaanxi,Zhejiang,Tibet and Sichuan.Based on an examination of over 600 specimens collected in China,we conducted a comprehensive taxonomic study on the genus,and the results are as the follows:A total of 36 Sathytes species from China are recorded,including 21 new species(5 species have been published): S.alpicola sp.n.(Xizang),S.australis sp.n.(Guangdong,Guangxi),S.chayuensis sp.n.(Xizang),S.chengzhifeii sp.n.(Yunnan),S.communis Shen & Yin,2020(Anhui,Zhejiang,Jiangxi),S.cristatus Yin & Li,2012(Yunnan),S.excertus Yin & Li,2012(Yunnan),S.fenghuang Shen & Yin,2020(Zhejiang),S.huapingensis sp.n.(Guangxi),S.jinggang Shen & Yin,2020(Jingxi),S.larinus Yin & Li,2012(Zhengjiang,Fujian),S.linzhiensis sp.n.(Xizang),S.longitrabis Yin & Li,2012(Shaanxi),S.longwangshanus Yin & Li,2012(Zhejiang),S.magnus Yin & Li,2012(Xizang),S.maoershanus sp.n.(Guangxi),S.nujiangensis sp.n.(Yunnan),S.obliquus Shen & Yin,2020(Zhejiang),S.pani sp.n.(Xizang),S.paulus Yin & Li,2012(Zhejiang),S.perpusillus Yin & Li,2012(Yunnan),S.rarus Yin & Li,2012(Yunnan),S.shan sp.n.(Shaanxi),S.shennong sp.n.(Hubei),S.sichuanicus Yin & Li,2012(Sichuan),S.similis Shen & Yin,2020(Zhejiang,Jiangxi),S.tangliangi Yin & Li,2012(Yunnan),S.tianquanus sp.n.(Sichuan),S.tibialis Yin & Li,2012(Yunnan),S.traversus sp.n.(Xizang),S.usitatus Yin & Li,2012(Yunnan),S.valentulus sp.n.(Guangxi),S.wuyishanus Yin & Li,2012(Fujian),S.xingdoumontis sp.n.(Hubei),S.xizangicus sp.n.(Xizang),and S.yunnanicus Yin & Li,2012(Yunnan).1.The above 36 species are described in detail,with their taxonomic history,distribution,and illustrations given.The diagnostic characters for each species are discussed.2.A database of the the world species of Sathytes is built.3.A key to the Chinese species of Sathytes is presented.4.A catalog of world Sathytes species is provided.5.The distributions of the Chinese species are mapped,and their pattern analyzed.