Coptorhina Hope, 1830

Genus Coptorhina (type species — C. africana) comprises 15 described species of black to dark-brown, middle-size beetles (10-20 mm). Representatives of this genus are widely distributed in Africa south of Sahara.
Coptorhines can be easily separated from other coprines by characteristic deep sinuation on the lateral margin of elytra (and correspondingly widened metepisternon) and shape of clypeus. Elytra are fused along lateral margins. When the beetle flies, elytra are not opened but raised a little.

All coptorhines are assumed to feed on lamellar mushrooms (Agaricaceae). Bidentate clypeus with wedge-shaped sinuation is used for cutting a mushroom, especially for cutting off lamellae. Probably, the beetles cannot feed on non-lamellate fungi.


Coptorhina klugi

Coptorhina nitidipennis

    Coptorhines are quite rare in collections. I had only one opportunity to collect a series of C. auspicata Peringuey (about 30 spm.) and 2 spm. of Ñ. nitidipennis Boheman in Naboomspruit District (ca. 150 km N of Pretoria, RSA). The beetles were found on pasture in shallow burrows under mushrooms (Agaricus ?arvensis). Disturbed beetles excreted liquid with quite strong, unpleasant odor.
    Sexual dimorphism is indistinct and there is no difference between sexes in shape of clypeus, pronotum, and fore tibial spur. Most species of coptorhines were described on the basis of structure of pronotum, but examination of large series of C. auspicata shows that shape of pronotum varies greatly. Larva is similar to other known larvae of Coprinae in body shape. It leaves in a ball of decomposed fungi provided by parents.
    At present coptorhines are being studied at the Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria. Further information may be obtained by e-mail.

*Coptorhina auspicata*. Variability of body size and pronotum shape

*Coptorhina auspicata*. Larva

1st instar	3rd instar	3rd instar