A new species of Helophorus Fabricius, 1775 from the Chinese Altai, with notes on the former subgenus Atractohelophorus Kuwert, 1886 and selected species (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae)

Abstract

Helophorus sinoglacialis sp. n. (Coleoptera: Helophoridae) is described from a single female taken among gravel at the edge of the Kran river in the Chinese Altai (Xinjiang Province) and postglacial fossils representing about seven specimens. The possible habitats are discussed and illustrated and the fossil site, the Halashazi Wetland, is described. The status of the former subgenus Atractohelophorus Kuwert, 1896 is discussed, and an illustrated account is given of species of the Helophorus glacialis and h. guttulus groups, as set out by Angus (1985), as well as of othr relevant species.