Preliminary insights into the phylogeny of the genus Lachnopus Schoenherr 1840 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae)

The genus Lachnopus Schoenherr (Entiminae: Geonemini) is considered the largest and most widespread entimine weevil genus of the Caribbean region. With 57 described species and several additional species awaiting description, the genus nevertheless lacks a modern and comprehensive revision that would clarify its diagnostic features and delimitation. To this end, we carried out a morphological phylogenetic analysis including 30 species of Lachnopus, and select outgroup species on the genera Trigonoscuta, Epicaerus, Ischionoplus (all Geonemini), and Exophthalmus (Eustylini). According to our preliminary results, at least three clades are formed within the genus, indicating a possible need to split up the genus into several smaller and monophyletic groups.