A taxonomic study of the Platydracus brachycerus group with descriptions of three new species from China (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae, Staphylininae)

We here propose a species group within the genus Platydracus, the brachycerus group, that is very likely associated with termites and includes three known species: Platydracus brachycerus Smetana & Davies, 2000; Platydracus juang Smetana, 2005; and Platydracus donnyi Rougemont, 2015. We also describe three new species belonging to this group, all from China: P. smetanai sp. n. (Zhejiang, Anhui, Hunan, Guangxi), P. gracilis sp. n. (Guangxi) and P. paragracilis sp. n. (Yunnan). Platydracus juang is newly recorded from Hunan, Guangxi, Guangdong and Hainan provinces. A key to species of the Platydracus brachycerus group is provided.