Profile of a species: Attagenus rufiventris Pic (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)

A complete description of Attagenus rufiventris Pic, 1927 is provided for the first time. The habitus, antennae and ventrites are illustrated. Females are marginally, but significantly, larger than males; both sexes are slightly over 4 mm long. Variation in the colour pattern is quantified and found to be little in both males and females. Both sexes are dissected, measured, and images of the male genitalia are presented for the first time. The aedeagus is short at less than 13% of the body length. The identification of A. rufiventris compared with other South African Attagenus species is discussed. The article elaborates on the importance of detailed description and clear presentation of the male genitalia. Morphometric analysis takes intraspecific variation into account, which is often largely overlooked when describing new species. Such analysis is also vital for recognition of cryptic species.