1	Large species, length of body 4.8-5.3 mm; elytra with vague but clear, dark, longitudinal lines of which medial lines enclose an undulate pale marking (Fig. 416)	Laccophilus rivulosus (p. 85)
–	Smaller species, length of body 3.5-4.6 mm; elytral colour pattern different	2
2	Dark irrorations sparse at elytra-base forming a sub-basal, transverse pale area (Fig. 415); apical half of penis, strongly curved, simple, exhibits no distinct modifications (Fig. 256)	Laccophilus irroratus (p. 83)
–	Dark irrorations dense at base; if sparse no transverse, pale area formed (Figs 403, 412); apex of penis exhibits modifications	3
3	Dark irrorations at least partly “hollow” with pale irroration-area enclosed (Fig. 401)	4
–	Dark irroration almost completely dark (Fig. 412)	6
4	Penis apex broad; ends abruptly and exhibits no extension (Fig. 251)	Laccophilus inobservatus (p. 63)
–	Penis apex less broad; apex externally somewhat extended (Fig. 249)	5
5	Penis apex delicate, less pronounced (Fig. 249) (African mainland)	Laccophilus continentalis (p. 53)
–	Penis apex robust, pronounced (Fig. 250) (Madagascar)	Laccophilus posticus (p. 58)
6	Penis apex enlarged on both sides close to truncate apex (Fig. 252)	Laccophilus simplicistriatus (p. 66)
–	Penis apex enlarged on one (marginal) side or not enlarged close to truncate apex (Fig. 253)	7
7	Apical process of penis apex curved upwards (Fig. 255) (Madagascar)	Laccophilus complicatus (p. 80)
–	Apical process of penis apex not curved upwards (Fig. 253) (African mainland)	8
8	Penis long with apical process distinct (Fig. 253)	Laccophilus taeniolatus (p. 72)
–	Penis shorter with vague apical process (Fig. 254)	Laccophilus propinquus (p. 79)