A review of the jewel beetles of the genus Meliboeus in Israel (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

The fauna of Meliboeus Deyrolle of Israel has been surveyed. Twelve species are recorded and illustrated, one was found immediately adjacent to Israel’s southern border, another one may merit a new species description, and we cannot exclude the possibility of other species yet to be discovered. Data on the taxonomy, distribution and ecology of recorded species are summarised. Two species are recorded for the first time from Israel, Meliboeus fulgidicollis and M. monnerati. Meliboeus aureolus, Meliboeus fulgidicollis, Meliboeus parvulus are recorded for the first time from Jordan. These findings underline the importance of Israel as a biological hotspot in the Mediterranean region. An identification key to the Meliboeus species of Israel is provided.

This contribution is dedicated to Prof. Vladimir I. Chikatunov, the curator emeritus of the Coleoptera collection at the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv University (SMNHTAU). Prof. Chikatunov has contributed a lot to our knowledge and understanding of Buprestidae in general, and Meliboeus in par­ticular, in Israel, with many of the specimens collected by himself. I wish him many more good years in the service for science and his homeland.