Abstract

Subgenus Anthrenodes Chobaut (Coleoptera: Dermestidae: Megatominae: Anthrenus Geofroy) contains variable species types, including several species with slim antennae, no notch on the inner eye margin, and small, triangular aedeagi. Previous studies on Anthrenodes species bearing these features found they also contained large sclerites within the bursa copulatrix. Te aims of this study were to establish whether all Anthrenodes species bearing these characteristics have large sclerites within the bursa copulatrix, and in the process describe new species and add new images to existing species descriptions. In all cases, images of external and internal features are provided. Tree new species: Anthrenus (Anthrenodes) gracilius, Anthrenus (Anthrenodes) monsus, and Anthrenus (Anthrenodes) afghanicus are described from Jordan or Afghanistan. Te descriptions of three further species: A. (A.) distinctus Kadej and Háva, A. (A.) klapperichi Kadej and Háva, and A. (A.) semenovi Mroczkowski are enhanced with additional images. For comparative purposes and completeness, A. (A.) bicolor Holloway, A. (A.) prietoi Holloway, and A. (A.) sarnicus Mroczkowski are included in the study. All species studied had sets of large, complex sclerites in the bursa copulatrix with considerable inter-species variation in structure. Te function of these sclerites and the range of species likely to contain them are discussed.