The genus Microplinthus, with description of four new species (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae)

Abstract

The genus Microplinthus Zherikhin, 1987 is revised. It is assigned to the tribe Aminyopini Voss, 1956, based on the female genitalia and the presence of appendiculate claws in one species. The following new species are described: M. parbatensis sp. n. (Central Nepal); M. kaligandaki sp. n. (Central Nepal); M. shiva sp. n. (India: Darjeeling); M. laurae sp. n. (India: Darjeeling; Sikkim; Central-western Nepal?). The genus is apparently the sister group to Falsanchonus Zherikhin, 1987. Mutual relationships among the nine species of Microplinthus are suggested based on a phylogenetic analysis.

Keywords

• taxonomy
• new species
• coleoptera
• curculionidae
• molytinae
• microplinthus
• himalaya