A phylogenetic analysis of North American Mordellini (Mordellidae: Mordellinae)

Mordellini is one of five tribes belonging to the family Mordellidae, or the tumbling flower beetles. The resolution and relationships among the genera within Mordellini is poorly understood. Characters used to define genera within Mordellini have never been tested in a phylogenetic framework and many of the current diagnostic features used in generic delineations are poorly understood and potentially plesiomorphic or homoplastic. This study tests the monophyly of North American Mordellini and all included genera. Special attention is placed on the study of character evolution with the objective of elucidating characters useful in defining generic limits. This analysis will help to clarify the current understanding of North American Mordellini diversity and provide a frame work for future studies.