A new species of the Stenus incanus group from Iran, with remarks on S. laetificus Ryvkin (Staphylinidae: Steninae)

Stenus taurus sp. n. from Northwest Iran is described in the S. incanus species group (s. str.) and compared to the West Palaearctic species assigned, S. incanus Erichson, 1839, S. pygmaeus Perris, 1866, and S. laetificus Ryvkin, 1990. Characters of the aedeagus, first of all the expulsion hooks and expulsion bands, are identified as being the most important diagnostic characters of these species, and illustrated in detail. The expulsion hooks of S. laetificus and S. pygmaeus are illustrated for the first time. The distinguishing characters of Stenus laetificus are compiled since this species could not be identified according to the original description. (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)