Entomofauna of Vanikoro (Solomon Islands). Introduction and Coleoptera : Buprestidae

Entomological collections were made in november 2003 and may 2005 during a French archaecological expeditions to Vanikoro (Solomon Islands) in search of evidence on land and sea for what happened to Laperouse 11785-1788). the geography, geology. climate and vegetation types of Vanikoro are briefly presented along with a summary of collections made. Among the Buprestidae, the subject of this paper, Muoraxia bourgeoisi sp. nov. and Agrilus (Agrilus) funebris vanikorensis subsp. nov. from Vanikoro arc described. illustrated and compared with related species. Occurence of five other buprestid beetles from this island are commented and the biotopes in which they were collected are briefly described. (Resume d'auteur)