STUDIES IN THE CNEMEPLATIINI I: A NEW SUBTRIBE AND REVISION OF THE GENUS ALAUDES HORN (COLEOPTERA: TENEBRIONIDAE: PIMELIINAE: CNEMEPLATIINI), WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW SPECIES FROM THE SOUTHWESTERN USA AND MEXICO, INCLUDING NOTES ON DISTRIBUTION AND BIOLOGY

The genus Alaudes Horn is revised and placed in a new subtribe, Alaudina. The genus includes A. singularis Horn, A. setigera Blaisdell, A. alternata Fall, and the following new species: A. mojavensis Aalbu, Caterino, and Smith (Mojave Desert: California and Arizona), A. coloradoensis Aalbu, Caterino, and Smith (Colorado Desert, California), A. moenkopii Aalbu, Caterino, and Smith (Colorado Plateau, northern Arizona and southern Utah), A. californicus Aalbu, Caterino, and Smith (Central Valley, California), and A. vizcainensis Aalbu, Caterino, and Smith (Vizcaino Desert: Baja California and Baja California Sur, Mexico). Alaudes fallax Fall, A. testacea Blaisdell, and A. squamosa Blaisdell are placed as new synonyms of A. singularis Horn. The subtribe Alaudina is described and diagnosed. A key is provided to the known Alaudes species. The biology of the genus is discussed, including host preference, immatures, life expectancy, and habitat diversity. All Alaudes species are associated with various species of ants (Formicidae), and some degree of colony integration is indicated by their possession of trichomes. The species span a range of habitats from extreme deserts to mid-elevation mesic montane forests. The immature stages are not known.