A molecular phylogenetic analysis of the basal Cucujoidea, with special consideration of the Cucujidae sensu latu (Coleoptera: Cucujiformia)

Using four mitochondrial genes (12S, 16S, COI, & COII) and three nuclear genes (18S, 28S & H3) we tested the monophyly and sister-group relationships of ten different beetle families currently included in the superfamily Cucujoidea. This analysis included eighty Old and New World taxa focusing heavily on the Silvanidae, Laemophloeidae, and traditionally closely related families. The data were analyzed with maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. Notably, Propalticidae was recovered within the Laemophloeidae, and does not deserve family level status. Brontinae was recovered as paraphyletic, and Brontini as polyphyletic, but the monophyly of Telephanini and Silvaninae was supported.