Revision of the soil-weevil genus Guineobius Osella from New Guinea (Coleoptera, Curculionoidea, Entiminae, Celeuthetini)

Abstract

Four new species of the entimine soil-weevil genus Guineobius Osella (G. niger Riedel, G. minutus Riedel, G. depressus Riedel, G. baliemensis Riedel) are described from the highlands of Irian Jaya. This is the first record of this genus for the western part of New Guinea. The two formerly known species of this genus from Papua New Guinea are redescribed. A key is given to all species and the phylogenetic significance of characters is discussed. The relative length of abdominal sternites proved to be highly variable within the genus. The possession of modified scales in most species is suggested as an apomorphic character for Guineobius Osella. Notes are given on ecology and conservation.