Andrew B. T. Smith

Family-group names in Coleoptera (Insecta)

Abstract We synthesize data on all known extant and fossil Coleoptera family-group names for the first time. A catalogue of 4887 family-group names (124 fossil, 4763 extant) based on 4707 distinct genera in Coleoptera is given. A total of 4492 names are available, 183 of which are permanently invalid because they are based on a preoccupied or a suppressed type genus. Names are listed in a classification framework. We recognize as valid 24 superfamilies, 211 families, 541 subfamilies, 1663 tribes and 740 subtribes. For each name, the original spelling, author, year of publication, page number, correct stem and type genus are included. The original spelling and availability of each name were checked from primary literature. A list of necessary changes due to Priority and Homonymy problems, and actions taken, is given. Current usage of names was conserved, whenever possible, to promote stability of the classification. New synonymies (family-group names followed by genus-group names): Agronomina Gistel, 1848 syn. nov. of Amarina Zimmermann, 1832 (Carabidae), Hylepnigalioini Gistel, 1856 syn. nov. of Melandryini Leach, 1815 (Melandryidae), Polycystophoridae Gistel, 1856 syn. nov. of Malachiinae Fleming, 1821 (Melyridae), Sclerasteinae Gistel, 1856 syn. nov. of Ptilininae Shuckard, 1839 (Ptinidae), Phloeonomini Ádám, 2001 syn. nov. of Omaliini MacLeay, 1825 (Staphylinidae), Sepedophilini Ádám, 2001 syn. nov. of Tachyporini MacLeay, 1825 (Staphylinidae), Phibalini Gistel, 1856 syn. nov. of Cteniopodini Solier, 1835 (Tenebrionidae); Agronoma Gistel 1848 (type species Carabus familiaris Duftschmid, 1812, designated herein) syn. nov. of Amara Bonelli, 1810 (Carabidae), Hylepnigalio Gistel, 1856 (type species Chrysomela caraboides Linnaeus, 1760, by monotypy) syn. nov. of Melandrya Fabricius, 1801 (Melandryidae), Polycystophorus Gistel, 1856 (type species Cantharis aeneus Linnaeus, 1758, designated herein) syn. nov. of Malachius Fabricius, 1775 (Melyridae), Sclerastes Gistel, 1856 (type species Ptilinus costatus Gyllenhal, 1827, designated herein) syn. nov. of Ptilinus Geoffroy, 1762 (Ptinidae), Paniscus Gistel, 1848 (type species Scarabaeus fasciatus Linnaeus, 1758, designated herein) syn. nov. of Trichius Fabricius, 1775 (Scarabaeidae), Phibalus Gistel, 1856 (type species Chrysomela pubescens Linnaeus, 1758, by monotypy) syn. nov. of Omophlus Dejean, 1834 (Tenebrionidae). The following new replacement name is proposed: Gompeliina Bouchard, 2011 nom. nov. for Olotelina Báguena Corella, 1948 (Aderidae). Reversal of Precedence (Article 23.9) is used to conserve usage of the following names (family-group names followed by genus-group names): Perigonini Horn, 1881 nom. protectum over Trechicini Bates, 1873 nom. oblitum (Carabidae), Anisodactylina Lacordaire, 1854 nom. protectum over Eurytrichina LeConte, 1848 nom. oblitum (Carabidae), Smicronychini Seidlitz, 1891 nom. protectum over Desmorini LeConte, 1876 nom. oblitum (Curculionidae), Bagoinae Thomson, 1859 nom. protectum over Lyprinae Gistel 1848 nom. oblitum (Curculionidae), Aterpina Lacordaire, 1863 nom. protectum over Heliomenina Gistel, 1848 nom. oblitum (Curculionidae), Naupactini Gistel, 1848 nom. protectum over Iphiini Schönherr, 1823 nom. oblitum (Curculionidae), Cleonini Schönherr, 1826 nom. protectum over Geomorini Schönherr, 1823 nom. oblitum (Curculionidae), Magdalidini Pascoe, 1870 nom. protectum over Scardamyctini Gistel, 1848 nom. oblitum (Curculionidae), Agrypninae/-ini Candèze, 1857 nom. protecta over Adelocerinae/-ini Gistel, 1848 nom. oblita and Pangaurinae/-ini Gistel, 1856 nom. oblita (Elateridae), Prosternini Gistel, 1856 nom. protectum over Diacanthini Gistel, 1848 nom. oblitum (Elateridae), Calopodinae Costa, 1852 nom. protectum over Sparedrinae Gistel, 1848 nom. oblitum (Oedemeridae), Adesmiini Lacordaire, 1859 nom. protectum over Macropodini Agassiz, 1846 nom. oblitum (Tenebrionidae), Bolitophagini Kirby, 1837 nom. protectum over Eledonini Billberg, 1820 nom. oblitum (Tenebrionidae), Throscidae Laporte, 1840 nom. protectum over Stereolidae Rafinesque, 1815 nom. oblitum (Throscidae) and Lophocaterini Crowson, 1964 over Lycoptini Casey, 1890 nom. oblitum (Trogossitidae); Monotoma Herbst, 1799 nom. protectum over Monotoma Panzer, 1792 nom. oblitum (Monotomidae); Pediacus Shuckard, 1839 nom. protectum over Biophloeus Dejean, 1835 nom. oblitum (Cucujidae), Pachypus Dejean, 1821 nom. protectum over Pachypus Billberg, 1820 nom. oblitum (Scarabaeidae), Sparrmannia Laporte, 1840 nom. protectum over Leocaeta Dejean, 1833 nom. oblitum and Cephalotrichia Hope, 1837 nom. oblitum (Scarabaeidae).

A Review of the Family-group Names for the Superfamily Scarabaeoidea (Coleoptera) with Corrections to Nomenclature and a Current Classification

Abstract For the first time, all family-group names in the superfamily Scarabaeoidea (Coleoptera) are evaluated using the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature to determine their availability and validity. A total of 383 family-group names were found to be available, and all are reviewed to scrutinize the correct spelling, author, date, nomenclatural availability and validity, and current classification status. Numerous corrections are given to various errors that are commonly perpetuated in the literature. A reversal of precedence is used to preserve the prevailing usage of the following family-group names: Eupariini Schmidt, 1910 (over Ataeniini Harold, 1868); Pachydemini Burmeister, 1855 (over Elaphocerini Blanchard, 1851); Heterosternina Bates, 1888 (over Macropnina Horn, 1866); and Anomalina Streubel, 1839 (over Euchlorina Hope, 1839).

AN OVERVIEW OF THE CLASSIFICATION AND EVOLUTION OF THE MAJOR SCARAB BEETLE CLADES (COLEOPTERA: SCARABAEOIDEA) BASED ON PRELIMINARY MOLECULAR ANALYSES

Abstract We present a preliminary overview of our molecular phylogenetics research on the superfamily Scarabaeoidea. The molecular data consists of 28S ribosomal DNA sequences (mainly D2 and D3 expansion regions) for over 600 taxa and 18S ribosomal DNA sequences (mainly E17 to E35 expansion regions) for over 150 representative taxa within the lineages sampled. Based on our preliminary molecular phylogenetic results, Scarabaeoidea includes three major groups: 1) Geotrupidae, Passalidae, and Pleocomidae; 2) Lucanidae, Diphyllostomatidae, Trogidae, and Glaresidae; and 3) Hybosoridae, Ochodaeidae, Glaphyridae, and Scarabaeidae. The broad evolutionary patterns within the Scarabaeoidea are discussed with respect to phylogeny and evolution.

The diversity and biogeography of the Coleoptera of Churchill: insights from DNA barcoding

BackgroundColeoptera is the most diverse order of insects (>300,000 described species), but its richness diminishes at increasing latitudes (e.g., ca. 7400 species recorded in Canada), particularly of phytophagous and detritivorous species. However, incomplete sampling of northern habitats and a lack of taxonomic study of some families limits our understanding of biodiversity patterns in the Coleoptera. We conducted an intensive biodiversity survey from 2006–2010 at Churchill, Manitoba, Canada in order to quantify beetle species diversity in this model region, and to prepare a barcode library of beetles for sub-arctic biodiversity and ecological research. We employed DNA barcoding to provide estimates of provisional species diversity, including for families currently lacking taxonomic expertise, and to examine the guild structure, habitat distribution, and biogeography of beetles in the Churchill region.ResultsWe obtained DNA barcodes from 3203 specimens representing 302 species or provisional species (the latter quantitatively defined on the basis of Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units, MOTUs) in 31 families of Coleoptera. Of the 184 taxa identified to the level of a Linnaean species name, 170 (92.4%) corresponded to a single MOTU, four (2.2%) represented closely related sibling species pairs within a single MOTU, and ten (5.4%) were divided into two or more MOTUs suggestive of cryptic species. The most diverse families were the Dytiscidae (63 spp.), Staphylinidae (54 spp.), and Carabidae (52 spp.), although the accumulation curve for Staphylinidae suggests that considerable additional diversity remains to be sampled in this family. Most of the species present are predatory, with phytophagous, mycophagous, and saprophagous guilds being represented by fewer species. Most named species of Carabidae and Dytiscidae showed a significant bias toward open habitats (wet or dry). Forest habitats, particularly dry boreal forest, although limited in extent in the region, were undersampled.ConclusionsWe present an updated species list for this region as well as a species-level DNA barcode reference library. This resource will facilitate future work, such as biomonitoring and the study of the ecology and distribution of larvae.

Revision of the Southern South American Endemic Genus Aulacopalpus Guérin-Méneville with Phylogenetic and Biogeographic Analyses of the Subtribe Brachysternina (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Anoplognathini)

Abstract Phylogenetic analyses were performed on the 17 taxa in the subtribe Brachysternina (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Anoplognathini) as a means of resolving classification conflicts and of identifying monophyletic groups. Results demonstrated that the subtribe is monophyletic and is composed of three monophyletic genera: Aulacopalpus Guérin-Méneville (nine species), Brachysternus Guérin-Méneville (seven species), and Hylamorpha Arrow (one species). Characters that define the genera are discussed, and the biogeography of the group is discussed. The genus Aulacopalpus is revised and now includes A. aconcaguensis new species, A. castaneus (Laporte), A. ciliatus (Solier), A. clypealis Ohaus, A. pilicollis (Fairmaire), A. punctatus (Fairmaire and Germain), A. pygidialis Ohaus, A. valdiviensis new species, and A. viridis Guérin-Méneville. The generic name Tribostethes Curtis is placed in synonymy with the valid name Aulacopalpus Guérin-Méneville; the species name Aulacopalpus fulvovirens Ohaus is placed in synonymy with the valid name Aulacopalpus castaneus (Laporte); the species name Amblyterus variabilis Philippi is placed in synonymy with the valid name Aulacopalpus punctatus (Fairmaire and Germain); and the species name Aegolasia michaelseni Kolbe is placed in synonymy with the valid name Aulacopalpus pilicollis (Fairmaire). Aulacopalpus viridis Guérin-Méneville is designated as the type species for the generic name Amblyterodes Germain. Phytholaema herrmanni herrmanni Germain is designated as the type species for the generic name Melicurus Germain, and the genus is transferred from the Brachysternina to the tribe Xylonychini (Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) as a junior synonym of the genus Phytholaema Blanchard. A lectotype is designated for each of the following names: Amblyterus variabilis Philippi, Aulacopalpus clypealis Ohaus, Aulacopalpus fulvovirens Ohaus, Aulacopalpus pygidialis Ohaus, Bembegeneius fulvescens Solier, Tribostethes ciliatus Solier, and Tribostethes pilicollis Fairmaire. A neotype is designated for Aegolasia michaelseni Kolbe, Aulacopalpus viridis Guérin-Méneville, Brachysternus castaneus Laporte, Tribostethes punctatus Fairmaire and Germain, and Tribostethes virens Philippi and Philippi. Descriptions of all species are included. A key to the genera of Neotropical Anoplognathini and species in the genus Aulacopalpus is provided.

Reclassification of Homocopris Burmeister as a Valid Genus to Accommodate Three Species Formerly in Dichotomius Hope (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Coprini)

Burmeister (1846) created Homocopris as a subgenus of Copris Geoffroy for the Chilean species Copris torulosus Eschscholtz, 1822. Harold (1869) latermovedC. torulosus to the genusPinotusErichson, 1847, thereby placingHomocopris in synonymywith Pinotus. The species Pinotus torulosus remained in this combination until Martínez (1951) determined Pinotus to be a junior synonym of Dichotomius Hope, 1838. Dichotomius is a very large genus centered in South America, but widely distributed in the New World. The purpose of this note is to reassess the status of Homocopris in order to facilitate use of the name in upcoming publications. Our ongoing studies ofDichotomius have led us to reaffirm Burmeister’s original conclusions about the taxonomic uniqueness of C. torulosus. It, along with two other species, Dichotomius achamas (Harold, 1880) and Dichotomius buckleyi (Waterhouse, 1891), share a combination of characters that distinguish them from other Dichotomius and related genera of Coprini. These characters are: a) a transverse, keel-like, ventral clypeal process (conical and usually bifurcate in Dichotomius); b) presence of a supplemental, lateral, pronotal carina above the carina separating the pronotum and hypomeron (supplemental carina lacking in Dichotomius); c) metatibial spur flattened and truncated apically (bifurcate or subapically dentate inDichotomius); and d) the absence of a large medial lamella-copulatrix-like structure in the internal sac (present inDichotomius). Based on this evidence, Homocopris Burmeister, new status, is hereby considered a valid genus of Coprini (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae). The type species of the genus is Copris torulosus Eschscholtz by monotypy. The species here included in the genus are: Homocopris torulosus (Eschscholtz), new combination, recorded from Chile, Argentina, and Brazil; Homocopris achamas (Harold), new combination, recorded from Colombia; and Homocopris buckleyi (Waterhouse), new combination, recorded from Ecuador. Several new species are also known to us and will be described in an upcoming revision of the genus. We thank W. D. Edmonds for his constructive review of the preliminary manuscript. FZVMwas sponsored by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado deMato Grosso (570847/2008 and 447441/2009) and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq PDJ 151603/2007-3). Part of this work was funded by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais/Biota Minas (CRA-APQ 03554-0).

Clarification on the Nomenclatural Status of Six Genus-Group Names in the Tribe Trichiini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae)

Abstract Six genus-group names in the tribe Trichiini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) are discussed with regards to their availability and validity under the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Aleurostictus Kirby, Archimedius Kirby, Euclidius Kirby, Gymnodus Kirby, Tetrophthalmus Kirby, and Trichinus Kirby all have priority over most other generic names in the tribe but none of the names are in prevailing usage. Clarifications are needed due to the reemergence of Aleurostictus Kirby in current literature and confusion over the nomenclatural status of the other names. Type species are designated for Aleurostictus Kirby, Tetrophthalmus Kirby, and Stegopterus Burmeister and Schaum. The gender of the genera Trigonopeltastes Burmeister and Schaum and Apeltastes Howden is also discussed.

Larval Descriptions for the Neotropical Genus Platycoelia (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Anoplognathini)

Abstract The larvae of Platycoelia gaujoni Ohaus and Platycoelia lutescens Blanchard (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) are described. These are the first descriptions of Neotropical Anoplognathini larvae. The character states shared by larval Platycoelia and two previously described Australian Anoplognathini larvae are examined. Character states that separate known Anoplognathini larvae from other Rutelinae tribes are also discussed.

Synopsis of the pelidnotine scarabs (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Rutelinae, Rutelini) and annotated catalog of the species and subspecies

Abstract The pelidnotine scarabs (Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Rutelini) are a speciose, paraphyletic assemblage of beetles that includes spectacular metallic species (“jewel scarabs”) as well as species that are ecologically important as herbivores, pollinators, and bioindicators. These beetles suffer from a complicated nomenclatural history, due primarily to 20th century taxonomic and nomenclatural errors. We review the taxonomic history of the pelidnotine scarabs, present a provisional key to genera with overviews of all genera, and synthesize a catalog of all taxa with synonyms, distributional data, type specimen information, and 107 images of exemplar species. As a result of our research, the pelidnotine leaf chafers (a paraphyletic group) include 27 (26 extant and 1 extinct) genera and 420 valid species and subspecies (419 extant and 1 extinct). Our research makes biodiversity research on this group tractable and accessible, thus setting the stage for future studies that address evolutionary and ecological trends. Based on our research, 1 new species is described, 1 new generic synonym and 12 new species synonyms are proposed, 11 new lectotypes and 1 new neotype are designated, many new or revised nomenclatural combinations, and many unavailable names are presented. The following taxonomic changes are made: New generic synonym: The genus Heteropelidnota Ohaus, 1912 is a new junior synonym of Pelidnota MacLeay, 1819. New species synonyms: Plusiotis adelaida pavonacea Casey, 1915 is a syn. n. of Chrysina adelaida (Hope, 1841); Odontognathus gounellei Ohaus, 1908 is a revised synonym of Pelidnota ebenina (Blanchard, 1842); Pelidnota francoisgenieri Moore & Jameson, 2013 is a syn. n. of Pelidnota punctata (Linnaeus, 1758); Pelidnota genieri Soula, 2009 is a syn. n. of Pelidnota punctata (Linnaeus, 1758); Pelidnota lutea (Olivier, 1758) is a revised synonym of Pelidnota punctata (Linnaeus, 1758); Pelidnota (Pelidnota) texensis Casey, 1915 is a revised synonym of Pelidnota punctata (Linnaeus, 1758); Pelidnota (Strigidia) zikani (Ohaus, 1922) is a revised synonym of Pelidnota tibialis tibialis Burmeister, 1844; Pelidnota ludovici Ohaus, 1905 is a syn. n. of Pelidnota burmeisteri tricolor Nonfried, 1894; Rutela fulvipennis Germar, 1824 is syn. n. of Pelidnota cuprea (Germar, 1824); Pelidnota pulchella blanda Burmeister, 1844 is a syn. n. of Pelidnota pulchella pulchella (Kirby, 1819); Pelidnota pulchella scapularis Burmeister, 1844 is a syn. n. of Pelidnota pulchella pulchella (Kirby, 1819); Pelidnota xanthogramma Perty, 1830 is a syn. n. of Pelidnota pulchella pulchella (Kirby, 1819). New or revised statuses: Pelidnota fabricelavalettei Soula, 2009, revised status, is considered a species; Pelidnota rioensis Soula, 2009, stat. n., is considered a species; Pelidnota semiaurata semiaurata Burmeister, 1844, stat. rev., is considered a subspecies. New or comb. rev. and revised status: Plusiotis guaymi Curoe, 2001 is formally transferred to the genus Chrysina (C. guaymi (Curoe, 2001), comb. n.); Plusiotis transvolcanica Morón & Nogueira, 2016 is transferred to the genus Chrysina (C. transvolcanica (Morón & Nogueira, 2016), comb. n.). Heteropelidnota kuhnti Ohaus, 1912 is transferred to the genus Pelidnota (P. kuhnti (Ohaus, 1912), comb. n.); Odontognathus riedeli Ohaus, 1905 is considered a subspecies of Pelidnota rubripennis Burmeister, 1844 (Pelidnota rubripennis riedeli (Ohaus, 1905), revised status and comb. rev.); Pelidnota (Strigidia) acutipennis (F. Bates, 1904) is transferred to the genus Sorocha (Sorocha acutipennis (F. Bates, 1904), comb. rev.); Pelidnota (Odontognathus) nadiae Martínez, 1978 is transferred to the genus Sorocha (Sorocha nadiae (Martínez, 1978), comb. rev.); Pelidnota (Ganonota) plicipennis Ohaus, 1934 is transferred to the genus Sorocha (Sorocha plicipennis (Ohaus, 1934), comb. rev.); Pelidnota similis Ohaus, 1908 is transferred to the genus Sorocha (Sorocha similis (Ohaus, 1908), comb. rev.); Pelidnota (Ganonota) yungana Ohaus, 1934 is transferred to Sorocha (Sorocha yungana (Ohaus, 1934), comb. rev.); Pelidnota malyi Soula, 2010: 58, revised status; Xenopelidnota anomala porioni Chalumeau, 1985, revised subspecies status. To stabilize the classification of the group, a neotype is designated for the following species: Pelidnota thiliezi Soula, 2009. Lectotypes are designated for the following names (given in their original combinations): Pelidnota brevicollis Casey, 1915, Pelidnota brevis Casey, 1915, Pelidnota debiliceps Casey, 1915, Pelidnota hudsonica Casey, 1915, Pelidnota oblonga Casey, 1915, Pelidnota pallidipes Casey, 1915, Pelidnota ponderella Casey, 1915, Pelidnota strenua Casey, 1915, Pelidnota tarsalis Casey, 1915, Pelidnota texensis Casey, 1915, and Scarabaeus punctatus Linnaeus, 1758. The following published infrasubspecific names are unavailable per ICZN Article 45.6.1: Pelidnota (Odontognathus) cuprea var. coerulea Ohaus, 1913; Pelidnota (Odontognathus) cuprea var. rufoviolacea Ohaus, 1913; Pelidnota (Odontognathus) cuprea var. nigrocoerulea Ohaus, 1913; Pelidnota pulchella var. fulvopunctata Ohaus, 1913; Pelidnota pulchella var. sellata Ohaus, 1913; Pelidnota pulchella var. reducta Ohaus, 1913; Pelidnota unicolor var. infuscata Ohaus, 1913. The following published species name is unavailable per ICZN Article 11.5: Neopatatra synonyma Moore & Jameson, 2013. The following published species name is unavailable per application of ICZN Article 16.1: Parhoplognathus rubripennis Soula, 2008. The following published species name is unavailable per application of ICZN Article 16.4.1: Strigidia testaceovirens argentinica Soula, 2006, Pelidnota (Strigidia) testaceovirens argentinica (Soula, 2006), and Pelidnota testaceovirens argentinica (Soula, 2006). The following published species names are unavailable per application of ICZN Article 16.4.2: Homonyx digennaroi Soula, 2010; Homonyx lecourti Soula, 2010; Homonyx mulliei Soula, 2010; Homonyx simoensi Soula, 2010; Homonyx wagneri Soula, 2010; Homonyx zovii Demez & Soula, 2011; Pelidnota arnaudi Soula, 2009; Pelidnota brusteli Soula, 2010; Pelidnota chalcothorax septentrionalis Soula, 2009; Pelidnota degallieri Soula, 2010; Pelidnota lavalettei Soula, 2008; Pelidnota lavalettei Soula, 2009; Pelidnota dieteri Soula, 2011; Strigidia gracilis decaensi Soula, 2008, Pelidnota (Strigidia) gracilis decaensi (Soula, 2008), and Pelidnota gracilis decaensi (Soula, 2008); Pelidnota halleri Demez & Soula, 2011; Pelidnota injantepalominoi Demez & Soula, 2011; Pelidnota kucerai Soula, 2009; Pelidnota malyi Soula, 2010: 36-37; Pelidnota mezai Soula, 2009; Pelidnota polita darienensis Soula, 2009; Pelidnota polita orozcoi Soula, 2009; Pelidnota polita pittieri Soula, 2009; Pelidnota punctulata decolombia Soula, 2009; Pelidnota punctulata venezolana Soula, 2009; Pelidnota raingeardi Soula, 2009; Pelidnota schneideri Soula, 2010; Pelidnota simoensi Soula, 2009; Pelidnota unicolor subandina Soula, 2009; Sorocha carloti Demez & Soula, 2011; Sorocha castroi Soula, 2008; Sorocha fravali Soula, 2011; Sorocha jeanmaurettei Demez & Soula, 2011; Sorocha yelamosi Soula, 2011; Xenopelidnota bolivari Soula, 2009; Xenopelidnota pittieri pittieri Soula, 2009. Due to unavailability of the name Pseudogeniates cordobaensis Soula 2009, we describe the species as intentionally new (Pseudogeniates cordobaensis Moore, Jameson, Garner, Audibert, Smith, and Seidel, sp. n.).

Late Cretaceous phymosomatids and the true identity of Cidarites granulosus Goldfuss, 1829 (Echinoidea, Phymosomatoida)

A revision of Late Cretaceous species of the common regular echinoid genus Phymosoma Haime in d’Archiac & Haime, 1853 has revealed that Cidarites granulosus Goldfuss, 1829 has generally been misinterpreted in the literature. The type specimen of this species is undoubtedly conspecific with material from the lower Maastrichtian of Rügen, northeast Germany. What authors have referred to as Phymosoma granulosum in northern temperate (boreal) regions of western Europe and in the Middle East in fact represents an undescribed form which we here name Phymosoma ravni sp. nov., which differs from Cidarites granulosus in having better-developed biserial pore zones adapically, proportionally larger mamelons on primary tubercles, a flush peristome, and stout, non-facetted primary spines. The proper placement of Cidarites granulosus within the family Phymosomatidae Pomel, 1883 is ambiguous; it appears to be most closely related to Phymosoma.