Diversity and distribution of blister beetles (Coleoptera, Meloidae) from north-western Saudi Arabia: new observations and first description of a male Mylabris desertica Bologna, 2007

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Abstract
This study presents the first faunistic records of blister beetles (Coleoptera, Meloidae) from north-western Saudi Arabia, specifically Hejaz mountains and north Tihama, expanding the known distribution range of the species within the country. Field surveys were conducted between 2022 and 2024, aiming to cover different seasons. These observations contribute to the knowledge of the diversity of meloid fauna of the country and underscoring the importance of continued faunistic exploration in north-western Saudi Arabia, a region that remains relatively under-surveyed in terms of meloid diversity. Three species ( Hycleus borchmannianus , Hycleus trizonatus , Mylabris filicornis ) and one genus ( Sitaris ) are recorded for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Besides that, this work also provides the first description of the male morphology and genitalia of Mylabris desertica Bologna, 2007.

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