REVISION OF THE SPIDER BEETLE GENUS NIPTUS IN NORTH-AMERICA, INCLUDING NEW CAVE AND PHOLEOPHILE SPECIES (COLEOPTERA, PTINIDAE)

The genus Niptus is revised for North America. Four species of Niptus Boeildieu (N. giulianii NEW SPECIES, N. neotomae NEW SPECIES, N. sleeperi NEW SPECIES, and N. arcanus NEW SPECIES) are described from the Great Basin area, southwestern Arizona, the cape mountain region of Baja California, Mexico, and a California cave, respectively. Notes on the biology of Niptus species, as well as Ptinus clavipes, are presented. A key is provided to the species of Niptus found in North America. Phylogenetic considerations among Niptus, Pseudeurostus, and Eurostus are discussed. Habitat conservation is stressed for species restricted to single cave localities.