Sistemática de Geniatini Burmeister, 1844 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae)

Abstract

This study employs cladistic methodology to propose evolutionary relationships within the Neotropical beetle tribe Geniatini Burmeister (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae), focusing on the internal relationships of the type genus Geniates Kirby. The present morphology-based phylogeny confirms the monophyly of the tribe Geniatini while revealing the polyphyly of Geniates as currently composed. This rendered various species or groups of species from Geniates as part of related geniatine genera as well as a highly modified genus Geniatosoma Costa Lima derived from within Geniates (s. nov.). As a result, the work establishes the former Geniatosoma as a new synonym of Geniates, leading to restored combinations (G. niger Ohaus and G. lindemannae Frey) and a new combination: G. matilei (Lacroix) comb. nov. Additionally, evidence supports the treatment of Geniates octavius+ and G. balzapambae+ as two distinct genera, which were recovered as monophyletic groups distantly related to Geniates s. nov. Several species are transferred from Geniates to the genera Lobogeniates Ohaus and Leucothyreus Macleay, rendering five new combinations. Furthermore, this study describes and illustrates seventeen new species of Geniates. The genus Geniates (sensu novo) is redefined, featuring diagnostic illustrations for the 40 composing species. New synonyms are proposed, and lectotypes and neotypes are designated. A comprehensive key to species of Geniates (s. nov.) is provided and their distributional information is synthesized in maps. Alongside, the study synonymizes Mimogeniates margaridae Martínez under Leucothyreus noctivagus Ohaus (new synonym), which is hereby redescribed and illustrated. Hence, the monotypic genus Mimogeniates Martínez is treated as a new synonym of Leucothyreus Macleay. Lastly, four new species of the genus Trizogeniates Ohaus are described and illustrated in the following paper, which is supplemented by additional morphological information on the female external genitalia and male endophallus, and a revised key to Trizogeniates species.