Cretofigulus (Coleoptera: Lucanidae: Lucaninae): a new genus with two new species in mid-Cretaceous amber from northern Myanmar

A new fossil stag beetle genus, Cretofigulus gen. nov., is identified and described from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber from northern Myanmar. Two new species, C. caoqiangi sp. nov. and C. hollowayae sp. nov. are herein described and illustrated. Additionally, the morphological differences between Cretofigulus gen. nov. and the related extant genus Figulus Macleay, 1819 are discussed. Cretofigulus gen. nov. is the second fossil record of the subfamily Lucaninae from Burmese amber. Despite an evolutionary divergence of approximately 99 million years, Cretofigulus gen. nov. exhibits a striking morphological resemblance to extant Figulus. Key diagnostic features of Cretofigulus gen. nov., including reduced sexual dimorphism, suggest behavioral and ecological parallels with modern Figulini Burmeister, 1847, such as carnivorous feeding habits and adaptation to a monogamous lifestyle within decaying wood.