Systematics and phylogeny of the Asclerosibutia-group of genera (Coleoptera, Oedemeridae), with description of a new genus and seven new species from tropical Africa

Abstract

The phylogenetic relationships of the Asclerosibutia-group are studied, based on the examination of the type species of all genera previously described. The phylogenetic hypothesis supports that the Asclerosibutia-group is a monophyletic assemblage. On the base of the cladistic analysis, three genera can be recognized, i.e., Idgiomimula Blair, 1926, gen. rediv., Monosigynes gen. n. and Asclerosibutia Pic, 1914, with the following relationships: Idgiomimula (Monosigynes (Asclerosibutia)). Seven new species are described: Idgiomimula uhligi sp. n., Monosigynes difformis sp. n., Monosigynes marci sp. n., Monosigynes zarazagai sp. n., Monosigynes sphyrninus sp. n., Asclerosibutia girardi sp. n. and Asclerosibutia beardae sp. n. Danerces semipicea Karsch. 1881. Microsessinia notatipennis Pic, 1922, Microsessinia rufithorax Pic, 1958, are transferred to the genus Monosigynes. Microsessinia cyanescens Pic, 1922 is transferred to Asclerosibutia and Asclerosibutia terminalis Blair, 1926 is transferred to Idgiomimula. The following new synonyms are established: Microsessinia Pic, 1922 (= Asclerosibutia Pic, 1914), Microsessinia notatipennis var. atrimembris Pic, 1935 (= Monosigynes notatipennis (Pic, 1922)), Asclerosibutia gabonica Pic, 1914. Nacerdes latenigra Pic, 1922, Asclerosibutia lineaticollis var. rufipennis Blair, 1926, Asclerosibutia reducta Pic, 1930, Asclerosibutia divisa Pic. 1952, Asclerosibutia lineaticollis var. ealensis Pic, 1952 (all synonyms of Asclerosibutia lineaticollis Pic, 1914). and Asclerosibutia abdominalis Blair, 1926 (= Asclerosibutia marshalli Blair, 1926). Keys to the genera and species are given. All descriptions are accompanied by male and female genital illustrations. Lectotypes for the following species are designated: Monosigynes rufithorax Pic, 1958, Asclerosibutia violacea Blair, 1926, and Asclerosibutia lineaticollis var. rufipennis Blair. 1926.