A revision of Metriorrhynchus from the Philippines with molecular evidence of an Australian origin of the Oriental Metriorrhynchus fauna (Coleoptera: Lycidae)

Abstract

The Metriorrhychus fauna of the Philippines is revised. All known species are redescribed and seven new species are added: M. isarogensis sp. n., M. menieri sp. n., M. mindanaoensis sp. n., M. newbataanensis sp. n., M. ochii sp. n., M. palawanensis sp. n., and M. takedai sp. n. Additionally, M yoshioi sp. n. is described from Sulawesi. Xylobanus longissimus Pic, 1922 is transferred to Metriorrhynchus, and Metriorrhynchus pallidus (Dalman in Schoenherr, 1818) is transferred to Leptotrichalus Kleine, 1925. The dispersal routes and speciation of Metriorrhynchus from the Philippines, Sulawesi and the Oriental Region were studied using mtDNA markers. One dispersal event is supposed for establishing of the Greater Sunda Islands fauna and another one for the Philippine fauna. Both faunas underwent speciation in the respective areas and all species show high degree of endemism. The Metriorrhynchus in Palawan is of Philippine origin in contrast with the tectonic history of Palawan and its connection with Borneo during the last glacial maximum.