Rhagophthalmidae Olivier, 1907 (Coleoptera, Elateroidea): described genera and species, current problems, and prospects for the bioluminescent and paedomorphic beetle lineage

Rhagophthalmidae are a small beetle family known from the eastern Palaearctic and Oriental realms. Rhagophthalmidae are closely related to railroad worms (Phengodidae) and fireflies (Lampyridae) with which they share highly modified paedomorphic females and the ability to emit light. Currently, Rhagophthalmidae include 66 species classified in the following 12 genera: Pic, 1921 (two spp.), Pic, 1921 (two spp.), Pascoe, 1860 (two spp.), Gorham, 1883 (two spp.), Westwood, 1849 (eight spp.), Pic, 1937 (six spp.), Gorham, 1883 (two spp.), Kawashima, 2000 (three spp.), Pic, 1937 (one sp.), Pic, 1921 (two spp. in two subgenera), Pic, 1918 (two spp.), and Motschulsky, 1854 (34 spp.). The replacement name Kundrata, is proposed for Gorham, 1883b (described in subgenus Haplocladon) which is preoccupied by Gorham, 1883a. The genus Pic, 1943 is tentatively placed in Lampyridae: Ototretinae. Lectotypes are designated for Pic, 1918 and Pic, 1918. Interestingly, in the eastern part of their distribution, Rhagophthalmidae have remained within the boundaries of the Sunda Shelf and the Philippines demarcated by the Wallace Line, which separates the Oriental and Australasian realms. This study is intended to be a first step towards a comprehensive revision of the group on both genus and species levels. Additionally, critical problems and prospects for rhagophthalmid research are briefly discussed.