Abstract
The Sphaeridiinae (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) of New Caledonia are reviewed. Nineteen species are recognized.
They belong to the following tribes: Coelostomatini, Omicrini and Megasternini. Seven new species are described: Aculomicrus alesi sp.n., A. reticulatus sp.n., Dactylosternum circumcinctum sp.n., D. kanakorum sp.n., Psalitrus altipaniensis sp.n., P. kuscheli sp.n., and P. lapita sp.n The tribe Omicrini and Cercyon nigriceps (MARSHAM, 1802) are recorded from New Caledonia for the first time.
A lectotype is designated for Dactylosternum auripes FAUVEL, 1883. Keys to the species of all New Caledonian genera, except Kanala BALFOUR-BROWNE, 1939, are provided, important characters are illustrated.
The composition of the sphaeridiine fauna and its conservation priorities are discussed with emphasis to the geographic origin of the indigenous New Caledonian taxa.