The first molecular phylogeny of Blosyrini weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae) rejects monophyly of the tribe and documents a new Asian clade with the highest diversity in the Hengduan Mountains.

This paper targets diversity and phylogeny of the Old World weevil tribe Blosyrini and, specifically, its Asian members. Phylogenetic analysis of one mitochondrial and two nuclear DNA fragments from 78 terminals reveals that Blosyrini weevils, although monophyletic in Asia, in Madagascar, and in continental Africa, do not share a unique common ancestor. Instead, they form a strongly supported clade together with representatives of two other tribes of broad-nosed weevils: Cneorhinini and Dermatodini.

Phylogenetic placement of a new Melanophilharmostes Paulian, 1968 pill scarab (Coleoptera: Hybosoridae: Ceratocanthinae) from Cameroon: molecular results decipher misleading morphology.

This study targets two specimens of a morphologically highly unusual pill scarab from Cameroon. The original morphology-inspired hypothesis that these beetles represent a new genus is refuted. Instead, a phylogenetic analysis of 90 terminals and 3231 aligned DNA positions linked both specimens with the Afrotropical genus Melanophilharmostes Paulian, 1968.

The first molecular phylogeny of the weevil subfamily Lixinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) casts doubts on the monophyly of its tribes.

This paper targets the nearly cosmopolitan weevil subfamily Lixinae. A phylogenetic analysis of one mitochondrial and two nuclear DNA fragments obtained from 87 Lixinae and 49 outgroup terminals strongly supports the monophyly of the subfamily. The molytine tribe Mecysolobini is the likeliest sister group of Lixinae; adults of both taxa share the likely synapomorphic condition of the greatly shortened labial palpi.

Genome sequencing reveals extraordinary cephalic horns in the Madagascan dung beetle genus (Coleoptera, Scarabaeinae): insight from a revision of species group.

In this study, we test and corroborate the phylogenetic position of within using mitogenomes and nuclear loci. Our recent samplings revealed that males of the former Paulian, 1975 (today under d'Orbigny, 1915) have extraordinary bilateral clypeal horns which are exclusive within the genus. We provide a taxonomic review of the species group of and discuss the systematic position of within the group.

Endogean beetles (Coleoptera) of Madagascar: deep soil sampling and illustrated overview.

This study addresses the diversity of deep soil beetles on the old continental island of Madagascar. We highlight Coleoptera as the only order of insects repeatedly occupying the deep soil (=endogean) habitat. We describe and illustrate soil flotation technique used during our fieldwork in Madagascar in December 2019.