Molecular analyses of flightless weevils <i>Chiloneus</i> from Sicily and adjoining islands revealed new synonymy (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The trophic ecology of Chiloneus weevil species from Sicily was unknown until recently when the host plant these closely related discovered. opportunity to collect many samples elusive allowed us re-evaluate morphology and genetic relationships among three closest four inhabiting adjoining islands. We analysed a fragment cox1 mitochondrial gene adult specimens collected Drimia pancration in Sicily, Pantelleria, Pelagie Islands Malta study population structure different nominal known so far. Both morphological results suggest that previous are actually two with disjunct distribution, for which new synonymy C. hoffmanni (González, 1970) (= solarii Pesarini, 1970, syn. nov.) is established. meridionalis (Boheman, 1840) inhabits main island Pantelleria island, while restricted Adults very similar general appearance but still distinguishable by set well-established characters presented here key their identification. approach provided evidence certain degree variation within would be worth addressing phylogeographic perspective future work.urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1F03BA05-B7A9-44B7-8225-321174A1E3FB