Zavoticus yini gen. et sp. nov., a New Euaesthetine Rove Beetle From Mid‐Cretaceous Kachin Amber (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

We describe and illustrate Zavoticus yini gen. et sp. nov., a fossil beetle of Euaesthetinae (Staphylinidae) from mid‐Cretaceous Kachin amber, and evaluate its phylogenetic placement based on morphological characters. Zavoticus shares several key features with the Octavius generic group, including a distinct metendosternal stalk, two pairs of parasclerites on abdominal segments IV–VI, and apically attached abdominal intersegmental membranes. It differs from the two extant genera of the Octavius generic group, Octavius and Protopristus, primarily by having only a very weak and indistinct dorsal nuchal depression. The discovery of Zavoticus adds to the limited but growing fossil record of Euaesthetinae and provides new insight into the early diversification of this group.