Gyronotus marginatus Peringuey 1888

Revalidation of Gyronotus marginatus P��ringuey, 1888 (Figs. 1E, 3) Although Scholtz & Howden (1987: 82) did not see the type of G. marginatus, they stated that ��� Gyronotus marginatus P��ringuey is without doubt a synonym of G. pumilus. Although the type is missing from the P��ringuey collection it is clear from the description and the type locality that the two names refer to one species. Consequently we synonymize G. marginatus with G. pumilus ���. The type of Gyronotus marginatus has subsequently been located in the Iziko South African Museum (ISAM). It is clearly larger than any specimens of Gyronotus pumilus, as are the paratype specimens (examined by ALVD) that are housed in BMNH. Consequently, we revalidate Gyronotus marginatus from the junior subjective synonymy with Gyronotus pumilus and re-elevate it to species rank. Diagnosis. Gyronotus marginatus is clearly much bigger than Gyronotus pumilus. Also, the elytra of G. marginatus are shagreened and fairly even while the elytra of G. pumilus are shagreened and somewhat rugose.
Published as part of Deschodt, Christian M. & Davis, Adrian L. V., 2019, New southern African species and a revalidation in the dung beetle genus Gyronotus van Lansberge, 1874 (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) with an updated key, pp. 275-282 in Zootaxa 4624 (2) on page 281, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4624.2.10, http://zenodo.org/record/3259222
{"references":["Scholtz, C. H. & Howden, H. F. (1987) A revision of the southern African Canthonina (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae). Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa, 50, 75 - 119."]}