We present a phylogeny of the Chrysomelidae based on 18S ribosomal DNA and morphological data from Reid (1995a, b, 2000) including outgroups from the weevils (Curcurlionoidea) and other chrysomeloid taxa. The phylogenetic relationships between the subfamilies of Chrysomelidae are discussed and compared to previous studies. This study recovers Megascelis well within the tribe Eumolpini and suggests the need for further taxonomic study in the eumolpines. The Chrysomelinae and the Galerucinae are strongly supported as sister taxa; and the Timarchini is discussed as an appropriate outgroup for studies of Galerucinae phylogeny. This study supports a monophyletic Galerucinae s.l. including flea beetles, and a monophyletic Galerucinae s.s. (Galerucini of Reid), if some additional taxa are classified as incertae sedis. We suggest that the traditionally alticine genus Megistops and possibly genus Erynephala be added to the list of galerucine taxa considered incertae sedis or "problematic" pending further studies. Synetini is supported as the sister taxon to the Chrysomelinae + Galerucinae sensu lato as previously hypothesized in one of two analyses. The placement of Cassidinae is sensitive to the treatment of the data, with the differentially weighted analysis placing them as the sister to the Chrysomelinae + Galerucinae. Our analysis does not support the hypothesis that the chrysomelid subfamilies with bifid tarsal setae form a monophyletic group, because the Cassidinae s.l. are grouped apart from the clade including Bruchinae, Donaciinae and Criocerinae. We suggest that the apparent convergence in this character could be an adaptation to monocot feeding.
Species 1: Coleoptera Chrysomelidae (Leaf beetle)
Species 2: Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Megistops vandepolli (flea beetle)
Species 3: Coleoptera Chrysomelidae Erynephala punticollis
Keywords: bifid setae, phylogeny
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