A synopsis of the dytiscidae of the galapagos islands, ecuador with description of rhantus galapagoensis sp.nov. (coleoptera: Dytiscidae)

A summary of distribution and biology of the five species of Galapagos Dytiscidae is given, along with a key for identification. Rhantus galapagoensis sp.nov. Balke and Peck is described from San Cristobal Island, Galapagos; important features are illustrated. The source of the dytiscid fauna is tropical America. The limited diversity of the dytiscid fauna is probably caused less by problems of dispersal and more by problems of colonization of islands that experience intense periodic drought.

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