Phylogenetic status of some unique species representing Blapstinina Mulsant amp; Rey (Tenebrionidae: Blaptinae: Opatrini), and implications for continued study of the subtribe.

Blapstinus Dejean is the most taxonomically challenging genus within Blapstinina Mulsant Rey (Tenebrionidae: Opatrini). With over 120 species, it is widely distributed throughout the Americas, with representatives reaching Canada on the northern range edge, and Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay in the south. Traditionally, Blapstinus has been distinguished from other blapstinoid beetles via well-developed metathoracic wings and their lack of synapomorphies present in other genera; however, fused and tapering aedeagal parameres were recently introduced as a potential autapomorphy for the genus.

On the type species of the genus Dendarus Dejean, 1821 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

Based on type specimen investigation, the status of Helops tristis Rossi, 1790 as the type species of the genus Dendarus Dejean, 1821 is confirmed. Lectotypes are designated for Helops tristis and Pandarus coarcticollis Mulsant, 1854 both are classified in Dendarus. Pandarus libanicus Desbrochers des Loges, 1881 is recognised as a junior synonym of Dendarus calcaratus Baudi di Selve, 1881.