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

We describe and illustrate <i>Zavoticus yini</i> gen. et sp. nov., a fossil beetle of Euaesthetinae (Staphylinidae) from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber, and evaluate its phylogenetic placement based on morphological characters. <i>Zavoticus</i> shares several key features with the <i>Octavius</i> 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 <i>Octavius</i> generic group, <i>Octavius</i> and <i>Protopristus</i>, primarily by having only a very weak and indistinct dorsal nuchal depression. The discovery of <i>Zavoticus</i> adds to the limited but growing fossil record of Euaesthetinae and provides new insight into the early diversification of this group.