Phylogenetic reassessment of Cyclanthura, a Neotropical genus of Acalyptini associated with arum and cyclanth inflorescences (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Curculioninae)

The genus Cyclanthura Franz (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Curculioninae: Acalyptini) as presently defined is a monophyletic lineage with 15 described species that are intricately associated with the reproductive organs of the monocot plant families Araceae and Cyclanthaceae. Recent collecting efforts have allowed us to recognize new species within this group, fostered a better understanding of the natural history of some of the described Cyclanthura species, as well as amplified their distributional records. Here we present morphological and natural history information pertinent to seven new species in the genus from Colombia and Costa Rica. Based on a phylogenetic reanalysis of the genus using 25 terminals and more than 40 adult morphological characters, we discuss the likely mechanisms of diversification, host specificity, and distribution within Cyclanthura. In addition, the genus Xanthosoma Schott (Araceae) is newly recorded as the host plant for C. oculata Franz in Colombia, which contrasts with the previously hypothesized cyclanth hosts shared by the clade to which this species pertains. Finally, C. bipartita Franz is reported for the first time for South America, from the Amazonian region in Colombia.