G. it. Ent., 16 (68): 511-548
March 2023
Revision of the Megasoma (Megasoma) janus (Felsche, 1906) species-group
with historical and biological notes
(Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Dynastinae)
by
MASSIMO PRANDI *
* Massimo Prandi, Via del Seminario 16, I-25087 Salò BS, ITALY. E-mail: prandi.m@libero.it
Abstract - The taxa of the genus Megasoma Kirby, 1825 (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Dynastinae) related to M. janus (Felsche, 1906) are revised. Megasoma (Megasoma) janus is recognized as a polytypic species, with the nominotypical subspecies Megasoma (Megasoma) janus janus (Felsche, 1906) referring to the populations occurring through the Paranaense Plateau biome of eastern Paraguay, from Concepcion to Caazapá departments, and in western São Paulo and Paraná states in Brazil, and the subspecies Megasoma (Megasoma) janus argentinum Hohne, 1923 for the populations occurring through the South American Gran Chaco biome in Argentina, western Paraguay, southern Bolivia and western Brazil (restricted to Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul states). The populations occurring in a small area in central Bolivia and in a small area in São Paulo state in Brazil are recognized as two separate new subspecies, and described respectively as Megasoma (Megasoma) janus chaparense ssp. nov. and Megasoma (Megasoma) janus grossii ssp. nov. The work includes an overview of the taxonomic history of the involved taxa and the re-descriptions of the known subspecies. Additionally, a distribution map and an identification key are provided.
