Phylogenetic relationships of a new species of seed-beetle infesting Cercis siliquastrum L. in China and in Europe (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae: Bruchini)

Abstract

Bruchidius siliquastrin. sp. is described. This seed–beetle develops in pods of Cercis siliquastrum, a widely grown ornamental tree. Several recent reports reveal that this species is well established in Southern France. The presence of this species is also reported from Hungary. The relationships of this new species are investigated using both morphological data and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Our results indicate that this species is likely related to a mostly Paleotropical group, which includes members of genera Bruchidius and Conicobruchus. Hypotheses on the geographic origin of this new species are also discussed. © 2007 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.