Phylogenetic analysis of New World Tillinae (Coleoptera: Cleridae) based on morphological characters

Cleridae consists primarily of predatory beetles with a worldwide distribution, and most authors recognize 12 subfamilies. Tillinae, the second largest subfamily within Cleridae, is represented by 543 species in 67 genera, with 11 genera found in the New World. Generic and specific limits within Tillinae are poorly defined. A phylogenetic analysis based on 91 morphological characters from 68 species in 10 genera of New World Tillinae was undertaken. The analysis included representatives of seven other subfamilies within Cleridae and members of Melyridae and Trogossitidae. Phylogenetic relationships among New World Tillinae genera are given, geographical information at the species level is presented and species groups are proportioned.  

Key words: checkered beetle, phylogeny, Cleroidea, morphology, subfamily