Holotype : male (SSM) labeled as follows: “CROATIA, NORTHERN DALMATIA: town of Benkovac, settlement of Gornji Karin, village of Popovići, Jamurka (Rnjakuša II) Pit, 216 m a.s.l., 44°04'44.1"N, 15°41'00.3"E, 8.II.2019, TR” (white label, printed) / “Holotypus Spelaeobates (Spelaeobates) coriniensis sp. nov. Ćurčić, Vesović, Vrbica & Rađa det. 2022” (red label, printed).

Paratypes (three males and five females). The same data as for HT (IZFB). All paratypes are labeled with white, printed locality labels and with red printed labels “Paratypus Spelaeobates (Spelaeobates) coriniensis sp. nov. Ćurčić, Vesović, Vrbica & Rađa det. 2022” (Fig. 2).

Spelaeobates (Spelaeobates) coriniensis sp. nov. is named after Corinium, a Roman town in the area of today’s Gornji Karin, a settlement close to its type locality.

The new species is most closely related to another species of Spelaeobates s. str., S. novaki, by the rimmed lateral pronotal margins, the presence of a dilated first protarsomere in males, a low, unangled mesoventral carina, the presence of its apically attenuated median lobe of the aedeagus, and by the presence of four parameral setae (Figs 2, 3, 7, 8) (Müller 1901; Jeannel 1924; Guéorguiev 1976).

Spelaeobates (S.) coriniensis sp. nov. is easily distinguished from S. (S.) novaki in terms of TL (R 2.37–2.50 mm vs. R 2.50–2.80 mm), length of antennae when stretched backwards (reaching end of elytra vs. not reaching end of elytra), length of first two antennomeres (antennomere II longer than antennomere I vs. antennomeres I and II approximately equal in length), A6L/A3L (M 0.93, R 0.88–1.00 vs. M 0.79, R 0.76–0.82), A8L/A3L (M 0.85, R 0.75–0.93 vs. M 0.65, R 0.59–0.71), A11L/A8L (M 1.94, R 1.77–2.08 vs. M 2.27, R 2.09–2.40), maximum width of head (between first quarter and third vs. between first third and middle), punctuation on pronotum (fine, punctures separated vs. strong, punctures merged), EL/EW in males (R 1.56–1.71 vs. R 1.53), maximum width of elytra (before middle vs. around at middle), EW/PW (R 2.15–2.34 vs. R 2.37–2.50), width of first protarsomere in males (less broadened vs. more broadened), and shape of median lobe of aedeagus in dorsal view (more narrowed distally, pointed apically vs. gradually narrowed distally, almost sub-parallel, rounded apically) and in lateral view (less curved basally, almost straight apically vs. more curved basally, slightly bent downward apically) (Table 1, Figs 2, 3, 7, 8) (Müller 1901; Jeannel 1924; Guéorguiev 1976).

Small-sized leptodirine. TL M 2.42 mm (2.43 mm in males, 2.41 mm in females), R 2.37–2.50 mm (2.37–2.50 mm in both males and females).

Habitus : Body shape leptodiroid (Fig. 2A, B), colour yellowish.

Integument : Lustrous, microsculptured both dorsally and ventrally (Fig. 2C, D, F–L). Sparsely distributed deep punctures present on head, while densely distributed, fine and separated on both pronotum and elytra (Fig. 2C, D, F, G, K, L). Entire body dorsally covered with yellow pubescence of short length (erect on head, while recumbent on both pronotum and elytra) (Fig. 2A, B).

Head : About one and a half times as long as wide (HL/HW M 1.49, R 1.37–1.65), more elongate in males (HL/HW M 1.52 in males, M 1.46 in females), with no eyes, occipital carina in the shape of a curved concave line (Fig. 2A, C). Head widest between first quarter and third. Frons roundly impressed between antennal insertions. Labrum transverse, with a few long setae. First maxillary palpomere of similar length and width, shorter than second maxillary palpomere. Maxillary palpomeres II and III of similar length (M3L/M2L M 1.02, R 0.85–1.09). Penultimate maxillary palpomere widened apically. Ultimate maxillary palpomere short, slender, gradually narrowing apically. Antennae inserted in basal quarter of head, thin, narrow proximally (except for first two antennomeres, which are thickened), slightly widened distally, longer in males, AL M 1.83 mm, R 1.71–1.97 mm (1.88–1.97 mm in males, 1.71–1.82 mm in females), reaching end of elytra in males (Fig. 2A, B, E). Antennomeres I and II short and wide, second of which slightly longer and narrower. Following four antennomeres thinner and slightly longer than antennomere II. Antennomere III longer than adjacent antennomeres (A3L/A2L M 1.26, R 1.15–1.33; A3L/A4L M 1.09, R 1.00–1.15). Antennomeres VII, IX, and X quite expanded distally. Antennomere VIII relatively short and narrow, shorter and narrower than anatennomeres VII, IX, X, and XI. Ultimate antennomere slender, widened sub-distally, then narrowing apically, narrower than penultimate one (A11W/A10W M 0.78, R 0.67–0.83). Antennomere I shortest, while antennomeres IX and XI longest. Other ratios of length of certain antennomeres: A6L/A3L M 0.93, R 0.88–1.00; A8L/A3L M 0.85, R 0.75–0.93; A11L/A8L M 1.94, R 1.77–2.08.

Prothorax : Pronotum bell-shaped, elongate, longer than wide (PL/PW M 1.24, R 1.21–1.28; M 1.26, R 1.24–1.28 in males; M 1.23, R 1.21–1.27 in females), widest around anterior third, broader (HW/PW M 0.89, R 0.87–0.92) and shorter than head (PL/HL M 0.95, R 0.89–0.98) (Fig. 2A, F). Lateral margins rounded anteriorly, after which they constrict towards posterior end, slightly concave posteriorly. Pronotal base straight, somewhat shorter than elytral base. PB/AM M 0.86, R 0.81–0.93. Anterior margin barely convex medially, almost straight. Lateral margins and pronotal base rimmed. Fore pronotal angles weakly expressed, rounded, obtuse. Hind pronotal angles well-expressed, obtuse, not protruding backwards. Pronotal disc moderately convex (Fig. 2B).

Mesothorax : Mesoventral carina very low, barely noticeable, with a few setae (Fig. 2H). No tooth, anterior and posterior margins observed. Mesoventrite with a long process between mesocoxae, which is gradually narrowing apically (Fig. 2I). Scutellum large, sub-triangular (Fig. 2K, J).

Metathorax : Metaventrite without carina.

Elytra : Wide, ovoid, almost of same width in males and females (EL/EW M 1.64, R 1.56–1.71 in males; M 1.64, R 1.60–1.69 in females), markedly wider than pronotum (EW/PW M 2.25, R 2.15–2.34) (Fig. 2A, K). Maximum width a little before middle. Lateral margins arcuate. Marginal furrows not visible from above. Shoulders barely visible, obtuse, covered by hind pronotal angles. Elytral disc markedly convex, steeply declining both basally and apically in lateral view (Fig. 2B). Parasutural stria absent. Elytral apex slightly attenuated, rounded. Pygidium covered by elytra.

Legs : Elongate and slender (Fig. 2A, B). Femora widened basally, constricted in distal half. Tibiae thin, gently curved, gradually widening distally. Each protibia with a very fine comb over entire apical third of outer margin. Fore tarsi four-segmented in both sexes, only first protarsomere in males dilated (P1W/P2W M 1.75, R 1.50–2.00). Tarsal claws thin, elongate, curved, pointed apically.

Male genitalia : Aedeagus elongate, slender, small, well chitinised (Fig. 3A, B). Median lobe in dorsal view straight, gradually narrowing distally, with a sharp apex, markedly longer than parameres (Fig. 3A). Median lobe in lateral view quite flattened, curved basally, almost straight proximally, narrowing apically (Fig. 3B). Basal bulb small, narrow, sub-parallel, slightly widened distally and bilobed in dorsal view (Fig. 3A), while elongate and widened basally in lateral view (Fig. 3B). Tegmen wide from above (Fig. 3A), in the shape of a ring around basal bulb (Fig. 3B). Parameres elongate, slender, arcuate, sub-apically curved exteriorly, each with a moderately widened rounded apex in dorsal view (Fig. 3A), while straight, sub-parallel in lateral view (Fig. 3B). Each paramera bearing four apical close-set setae, two of which longer, while two shorter (Fig. 3A). No copulatory piece observed within inner sac (Fig. 3A, B).

Female genitalia : Spermatheca small, chitinised, curved, markedly constricted medially, spherical both basally and apically (Fig. 6A). Gonostyli short, straight, moderately widened, gradually narrowing distally, pointed apically (Fig. 6B). Each gonostylus carrying one long apical seta.

Male abdominal sternite IX (urite) : Small, narrowing apically, sub-triangular.

Female abdominal ventrite VIII : Small, transverse, with no anterior process, hairy, especially posteriorly.

Some degree of sexual dimorphism was noted in this new species. Namely, it was found that: (i) antennae are longer in the males than in the females; (ii) antennomeres VIII–X are more elongate in the males than in the females; (iii) head is more elongate in the males than in the females; (iv) pronotum is slightly more elongate in the males than in the females; (v) first protarsomere is wider in the males than in the females.

Jamurka (Rnjakuša II) Pit, village of Popovići, close to the settlement of Gornji Karin and the town of Benkovac, northern Dalmatia, Croatia.

The new species inhabits a few pits in the vicinity of the town of Benkovac and the city of Šibenik in northern Dalmatia (Croatia). Its type locality, the Jamurka (Rnjakuša II) Pit, represents the northernmost location of a Spelaeobates species. At the same time, this is the first official finding of a species of the genus Spelaeobates on the mainland, which confirms that this genus is distributed both on the islands and on the mainland of Dalmatia (Jalžić 1982). It is possible that the new species also inhabits the surrounding subterranean habitats in northern Dalmatia.

Individuals of S. (S.) coriniensis sp. nov. were collected by hand from the walls and floor in the innermost part of the Jamurka (Rnjakuša II) Pit, in places that were in complete darkness, with a high degree of humidity and the presence of trickling water.

Holotype : male (SSM) labeled as follows: “CROATIA, NORTHERN DALMATIA: city of Šibenik, island of Murter, settlement of Tisno, village of Jezera, Jezeranka Pit, 42 m a.s.l., 43°47'16.1"N, 15°37'25.3"E, 2.VI.2019, TR” (white label, printed) / “Holotypus Spelaeobates (Spelaeobates) coriniensis nonveilleri ssp. nov. Ćurčić, Vesović, Vrbica & Rađa det. 2022” (red label, printed).

Paratypes (10 specimens). The same data as for HT [three males and five females, IZFB]; two males (IZFB) labeled as follows: “CROATIA, NORTHERN DALMATIA: city of Šibenik, village of Banjevci, Šušnjevača Pit, 149 m a.s.l., 43°53'29.9"N, 15°38'20.8"E, 5.XI.2019, TR”. All paratypes are labeled with white, printed locality labels and with red printed labels “Paratypus Spelaeobates (Spelaeobates) coriniensis nonveilleri ssp. nov. Ćurčić, Vesović, Vrbica & Rađa det. 2022” (Fig. 4).

Spelaeobates (Spelaeobates) coriniensis nonveilleri ssp. nov. is named after late Prof. Dr Guido Nonveiller, a famous Serbian and Croatian biospeleologist and an excellent connoisseur of the subterranean beetle fauna of the Balkans.

The new subspecies is morphologically closest to the nominotypic subspecies S. (S.) coriniensis coriniensis ssp. nov., with which we compared it.

Spelaeobates (S.) coriniensis nonveilleri ssp. nov. differs from S. (S.) coriniensis coriniensis ssp. nov. with respect to head shape (more elongate and narrower vs. shorter and wider), A6L/A3L (R 0.81–0.88 vs. R 0.88–1.00), shape of certain antennomeres (antennomeres I–V and IX–XI more elongate in first subpecies, whereas antennomeres VI–VIII more elongate in second subspecies), shape of pronotum (more elongate, widest before level of first third, lateral margins strongly convex anteriorly, with right hind angles vs. less elongate, widest at level of first third, lateral margins rounded anteriorly, with obtuse hind angles), PL/PW (R 1.24–1.38 vs. R 1.21–1.28), shape of process between mesocoxae on mesoventrite (sub-parallel vs. gradually narrowing apically), shape of elytra (more narrowed apically vs. less narrowed apically), shape of basal bulb in dorsal view (broadened distally vs. narrow, sub-parallel), and shape of spermatheca (less constricted medially vs. more constricted medially) (Table 1, Figs 2–6).

Small-sized leptodirine. TL M 2.46 mm (2.42 mm in males, 2.52 mm in females), R 2.34–2.59 mm (2.34–2.52 mm in males, 2.47–2.59 mm in females).

Habitus : Body shape leptodiroid (Fig. 4A, B), colour yellowish.

Integument : Shiny, microsculptured both dorsally and ventrally (Fig. 4C, D, F–L). Sparsely distributed deep punctures present on head, while densely distributed, fine and separated on both pronotum and elytra (Fig. 4C, D, F, G, K, L). Entire body dorsally covered with yellow pubescence of short length (erect on head, while recumbent on both pronotum and elytra) (Fig. 4A, B).

Head : More than one and a half times as long as wide (HL/HW M 1.57, R 1.53–1.61), with no differences in shape between males and females, anophthalmous, occipital carina in the shape of a curved concave line (Fig. 4A, C). Head widest in first quarter or between first quarter and third. Frons roundly impressed between antennal insertions. Labrum transverse, with a few long setae. First maxillary palpomere of similar length and width, shorter than second maxillary palpomere. Maxillary palpomeres II and III of similar length (M3L/M2L M 0.97, R 0.85–1.09). Penultimate maxillary palpomere widened apically. Last maxillary palpomere short, thin, gradually narrowing apically. Antennae inserted in basal quarter of head, slender, narrow proximally (except for first two antennomeres, which are widened), slightly widened distally, longer in males, AL M 1.86 mm, R 1.77–1.94 mm (1.86–1.94 mm in males, 1.77–1.85 mm in females), reaching end of elytra in males (Fig. 4A, B, E). Antennomeres I and II short and wide, second of which slightly longer and narrower. Following four antennomeres more slender and slightly longer than antennomere II. Antennomere III longer than adjacent antennomeres (A3L/A2L M 1.34, R 1.23–1.45; A3L/A4L M 1.21, R 1.07–1.31). Antennomeres VII, IX, and X quite dilated distally. Antennomere VIII relatively short and narrow, shorter and narrower than anatennomeres VII, IX, X, and XI. Ultimate antennomere thin, widened sub-distally, then narrowing apically, narrower than preceding (A11W/A10W M 0.84, R 0.67–1.00). Antennomere I shortest, while antennomeres IX and XI longest. Other ratios of length of certain antennomeres: A6L/A3L M 0.86, R 0.81–0.88; A8L/A3L M 0.75, R 0.65–0.81; A11L/A8L M 2.03, R 1.77–2.25.

Prothorax : Pronotum bell-shaped, elongate, longer than wide (PL/PW M 1.30, R 1.24–1.38; M 1.29, R 1.24–1.33 in males; M 1.31, R 1.28–1.38 in females), widest between first fourth and third, wider (HW/PW M 0.91, R 0.87–0.97) and shorter than head (PL/HL M 0.91, R 0.89–0.96) (Fig. 4A, F). Lateral margins strongly convex anteriorly, then narrowing towards posterior end, markedly concave posteriorly. Pronotal base almost straight, slightly shorter than elytral base. PB/AM M 0.89, R 0.83–0.96. Anterior margin convex medially. Lateral margins and pronotal base rimmed. Fore pronotal angles weakly expressed, rounded, obtuse. Hind pronotal angles well-expressed, right, not protruding backwards. Pronotal disc moderately convex (Fig. 4B).

Mesothorax : Mesoventral carina very low, barely noticeable, with a few setae (Fig. 4H). No tooth, anterior and posterior margins observed. Mesoventrite with a long, sub-parallel process between mesocoxae (Fig. 4I). Scutellum large, sub-triangular (Fig. 4K, J).

Metathorax : Metaventrite with no carina.

Elytra : Broad, ovoid, almost of same width in males and females (EL/EW M 1.63, R 1.55–1.76 in males; M 1.66, R 1.55–1.73 in females), markedly wider than pronotum (EW/PW M 2.28, R 2.18–2.36) (Fig. 4A, K). Maximum width a little before middle. Lateral margins arcuate. Marginal furrows not visible from above. Shoulders barely noticeable, obtuse, covered by hind pronotal angles. Elytral disc markedly convex, steeply declining basally and gently declining apically in lateral view (Fig. 4B). Parasutural stria absent. Elytral apex slightly attenuated, rounded. Pygidium covered by elytra.

Legs : Elongate and thin (Fig. 4A, B). Femora broadened basally, constricted in distal half. Tibiae slender, gently curved, gradually widening distally. Each protibia with a very fine comb over entire apical third of outer margin. Fore tarsi four-segmented in both sexes, only first protarsomere in males slightly dilated (P1W/P2W M 1.20, R 1.00–1.50). Tarsal claws thin, elongate, curved, pointed apically.

Male genitalia : Aedeagus elongate, thin, small, well chitinised, almost the same as in the nominotypic subspecies (Fig. 5A, B). Median lobe in dorsal view straight, gradually narrowing apically, with a sharp apex, barely longer than parameres (Fig. 5A). Median lobe in lateral view quite flattened, curved basally, almost straight proximally, narrowing apically (Fig. 5B). Basal bulb small, broadened distally and bilobed in dorsal view (Fig. 5A), elongate and broadened basally in lateral view (Fig. 5B). Tegmen wide from above (Fig. 5A), in the shape of a ring around basal bulb (Fig. 5B). Parameres elongate, thin, arcuate, sub-apically curved exteriorly, each with a moderately broadened rounded apex in dorsal view (Fig. 5A), while straight, sub-parallel in lateral view (Fig. 5B). Each paramera carrying four apical close-set setae, three of which longer, while one shorter (Fig. 5A). No copulatory piece observed within inner sac (Fig. 5A, B).

Female genitalia : Spermatheca small, chitinised, curved, somewhat constricted medially, spherical both basally and apically (Fig. 6C). Gonostyli short, straight, moderately broadened, gradually narrowing distally, pointed apically. Each gonostylus with one long apical seta.

Male abdominal sternite IX (urite) : Small, narrowing apically, sub-triangular (Fig. 6D).

Female abdominal ventrite VIII : Small, transverse, with no anterior process, hairy, especially posteriorly (Fig. 6E).

Some degree of intrasubspecific variability was noted in the new subspecies. It refers to the differences between the two known populations (one from the Jezeranka Pit, and the other from the Šušnjevača Pit). The following differences were observed between the individuals of the two populations mentioned: (i) head is widest in the first quarter in individuals from the population from the Jezeranka Pit vs. head is widest between the first quarter and third in specimens from the Šušnjevača Pit; (ii) antennomeres III, V, and IX, maxillary palpomere I, and elytra are more elongate in individuals from the Jezeranka Pit; (iii) antennomeres VI–VIII, X, and XI are more elongate in individuals from the Šušnjevača Pit; (iv) maxillary palpomere III is longer than maxillary palpomere II in individuals from the Šušnjevača Pit vs. maxillary palpomere III is shorter than maxillary palpomere II in individuals from the Jezeranka Pit. However, the identical shape of the aedeagus indicates that individuals from both populations belong to the same subspecies.

Some degree of sexual dimorphism was noted in this new subspecies. Namely, it was found that: (i) the females are slightly longer than the males; (ii) the antennae of the males are longer than those of the females; (iii) antennomeres VIII–X are more elongate in the males than in the females; (iv) first protarsomere is broader in the males than in the females.

Jezeranka Pit, village of Jezera, close to the settlement of Tisno and the city of Šibenik, northern Dalmatia, Croatia.

This new subspecies is currently known from only two localities in the vicinity of the city of Šibenik, northern Dalmatia, Croatia – the Jezeranka Pit (type locality) in the village of Jezera, near the settlement of Tisno, and the Šušnjevača Pit in the village of Banjevci. The first site is on the island (Murter), while the second is on the mainland. At the same time, this is the second official finding of a species of the genus Spelaeobates on the mainland. It is likely that the new subspecies also lives at other insular and non-insular subterranean sites in the surrounding area in northern Dalmatia.

Specimens of S. (S.) coriniensis nonveilleri ssp. nov. were collected manually from the walls and floor in the innermost parts of the Jezeranka and Šušnjevača Pits, in places that were in complete darkness, with a high degree of humidity and the presence of trickling water.

Topotypes : one male and four females (IZFB) labeled as follows: “CROATIA, NORTHERN DALMATIA: island of Dugi Otok, village of Savar, Strašna Peć Cave, 70 m a.s.l., 44°00'16.6"N, 15°02'19.1"E, 1.VII.1997, TR”. All topotypes are labeled with white, printed locality labels (Fig. 7).

For purpose of comparisons, we have examined the topotype material of S. (S.) novaki collected by the last author of this study. This species is described on the basis of the type series of specimens collected in September 1900 by Josef Müller and Petar Novak in two caves on two northern Dalmatian islands – the Strašna Peć Cave, village od Savar, island of Dugi Otok, and a small cave in the village of Mali Iž, island of Iž (Müller 1901). Later Pretner (1973) determined the correct name of the second cave site (its exact name is the Jezero Cave). In his original description of S. (S.) novaki, Müller (1901) did not indicate how many specimens are included in the type series, nor is there any information about their sex or where they were deposited. Based on the data and illustrations in the paper of Müller (1901), it can be concluded that the type series of this species consisted of both male and female specimens.

After reading both the original description of S. (S.) novaki by Müller (1901) and the subsequent morphological data on the species by Jeannel (1924), as well as a careful examination of the topotype specimens of S. (S.) novaki, we have found that some of the data given in the earlier literature on the morphology of the species do not agree with the characteristics of the topotype specimens we have observed. Namely, both Müller (1901) and Jeannel (1924) reported that the parameres of the aedeagus of S. (S.) novaki lack setae. Furthermore, in the drawing of the aedeagus by Müller (1901), no parameral setae are present. However, in the topotype male of S. (S.) novaki, we observed that each paramere has four apical setae, as in S. (S.) coriniensis sp. nov. In the work of Müller (1901), it was noted that the head of S. (S.) novaki is nearly twice as long as wide, the pronotum is 1.5 times longer than wide, antennomeres I and II are of similar width, the last antennomere is wider than the preceding ones, and the first protarsomere of the males is about twice as long as wide. However, in the specimens of the same species that we have examined, the head is about 1.5 times as long as wide, the pronotum is nearly one third longer than wide, antennomere I is wider than antennomere II, the last antennomere is narrower than the preceding ones, and the first protarsomere of the male is about 1⅔ times longer than wide (Table 1). Müller (1901) noted that the pronotum of S. (S.) novaki is finely punctate, but Jeannel (1924) reported that it is strongly punctate, which we also observed in our specimens. For these reasons, we have decided to redescribe the species S. (S.) novaki and add additional data on its morphology here.

Small-sized leptodirine. TL M 2.63 mm (2.57 mm in males, 2.64 mm in females), R 2.57–2.70 mm (2.57 mm in males, 2.60–2.70 mm in females).

Habitus : Body shape leptodiroid (Fig. 7A, B), colour yellowish-brown.

Integument : Lustrous, microsculptured both dorsally and ventrally (Fig. 7C, E, F, H). Densely distributed deep punctures present on head, pronotum (often merged) and elytra (particularly strong) (Fig. 7C, E, F). Entire body dorsally covered with yellow pubescence of short length (erect on head, while recumbent on both pronotum and elytra) (Fig. 7A, B).

Head : About one and a half times as long as wide (HL/HW M 1.47, R 1.38–1.53), slightly more elongate in males (HL/HW M 1.49 in males, M 1.46 in females), with no eyes, occipital carina in the shape of a curved concave line (Fig. 7A, C). Head widest between first third and half. Frons roundly impressed between antennal insertions. Labrum transverse, with a few long setae. First maxillary palpomere of similar length and width, shorter than second maxillary palpomere. Maxillary palpomeres II and III of similar length (M3L/M2L M 1.09, R 1.00–1.18). Penultimate maxillary palpomere widened apically. Ultimate maxillary palpomere short, slender, gradually narrowing apically. Antennae inserted in basal quarter of head, thin, narrow proximally (except for first two antennomeres, which are thickened), slightly widened distally, longer in males, AL M 1.81 mm, R 1.75–1.93 mm (1.93 mm in males, 1.75–1.79 mm in females), not reaching end of elytra in both sexes (Fig. 7A, B, D). Antennomeres I and II short and wide, of similar length, second of which slightly narrower. Following four antennomeres thinner and slightly longer than antennomere II. Antennomere III longer than adjacent antennomeres (A3L/A2L M 1.37, R 1.23–1.42; A3L/A4L M 1.24, R 1.21–1.31). Antennomeres VII, IX, and X quite expanded distally. Antennomere VIII relatively short and narrow, shorter and narrower than anatennomeres VII, IX, X, and XI. Ultimate antennomere slender, widened sub-distally, then narrowing apically, narrower than penultimate one (A11W/A10W M 0.75, R 0.67–0.83). Antennomere VIII shortest, while antennomeres IX and XI longest. Other ratios of length of certain antennomeres: A6L/A3L M 0.79, R 0.76–0.82; A8L/A3L M 0.65, R 0.59–0.71; A11L/A8L M 2.27, R 2.09–2.40.

Prothorax : Pronotum bell-shaped, elongate, longer than wide (PL/PW M 1.29, R 1.26–1.32; M 1.32, R 1.32 in males; M 1.28, R 1.26–1.30 in females), widest slightly before anterior third, broader (HW/PW M 0.93, R 0.88–0.98) and shorter than head (PL/HL M 0.96, R 0.90–0.98) (Fig. 7A, E). Lateral margins rounded anteriorly, after which they constrict towards posterior end, slightly concave posteriorly. Pronotal base straight, somewhat shorter than elytral base. PB/AM M 0.86, R 0.81–0.90. Anterior margin straight. Lateral margins and pronotal base rimmed. Fore pronotal angles weakly expressed, rounded, obtuse. Hind pronotal angles well-expressed, obtuse, not protruding backwards. Pronotal disc moderately convex (Fig. 7B).

Mesothorax : Mesoventral carina very low, barely noticeable, with a few setae (Fig. 7G). No tooth, anterior and posterior margins observed. Mesoventrite with a long, sub-parallel process between mesocoxae (Fig. 7H). Scutellum large, sub-triangular (Fig. 7E, F).

Metathorax : Metaventrite without carina.

Elytra : Wide, ovoid, of similar width in males and females (EL/EW M 1.53, R 1.53 in males; M 1.55, R 1.49–1.60 in females), markedly wider than pronotum (EW/PW M 2.44, R 2.37–2.50) (Fig. 7A, F). Maximum width a little before middle. Lateral margins arcuate. Marginal furrows not visible from above. Shoulders barely visible, obtuse, covered by hind pronotal angles. Elytral disc markedly convex, steeply declining both basally and apically in lateral view (Fig. 7B). Parasutural stria absent. Elytral apex slightly attenuated, rounded. Pygidium not entirely covered by elytra.

Legs : Elongate and slender (Fig. 7A, B). Femora widened basally, constricted in distal half. Tibiae thin, gently curved, gradually widening distally. Each protibia with a very fine comb over entire apical third of outer margin. Fore tarsi four-segmented in both sexes, only first protarsomere in males dilated (P1W/P2W M 1.67, R 1.67). Tarsal claws thin, elongate, curved, pointed apically.

Male genitalia : Aedeagus elongate, slender, small, well chitinised (Fig. 8A, B). Median lobe in dorsal view straight, sub-parallel, gradually narrowing distally, with a rounded apex, longer than parameres (Fig. 8A). Median lobe in lateral view quite flattened, curved basally, straight proximally and slightly bent downward distally, narrowing apically (Fig. 8B). Basal bulb small, narrow, sub-parallel and slightly widened distally in dorsal view (Fig. 8A), while elongate and widened basally in lateral view (Fig. 8B). Tegmen wide from above (Fig. 8A), in the shape of a ring around basal bulb (Fig. 8B). Parameres elongate, slender, arcuate, sub-apically curved exteriorly, each with a moderately widened rounded apex in dorsal view (Fig. 8A), while almost straight, sub-parallel in lateral view (Fig. 8B). Each paramera bearing four apical close-set setae, two of which longer, while two shorter (Fig. 8A, B). No copulatory piece observed within inner sac (Fig. 8A, B).

Female genitalia : Spermatheca small, chitinised, straight basally, curved sub-apically, spherical both basally and apically (Fig. 8C). Gonostyli short, straight, moderately widened, gradually narrowing distally, pointed apically. Each gonostylus carrying one long apical seta.

Male abdominal sternite IX (urite) : Small, narrowing apically, sub-triangular.

Female abdominal ventrite VIII : Small, transverse, with no anterior process, hairy, especially posteriorly, slightly bilobed distally (Fig. 8D).

This species inhabits two caves located on two northern Dalmatian islands – the Strašna Peć Cave (island of Dugi Otok) and the Jezero Cave (island of Iž) (Pretner 1973). It is possible that it also inhabits other subterranean sites on the same and neighbouring islands.