Ancient diversity of Afrotropical Microborus: three endemic species – not one widespread

By

Jordal, Bjarte

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2017

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

710

Pages

33-42

Subjects

Africa , Curculionidae , Hexacolini , Madagascar , Microborus , molecular phylogeny , Scolytinae

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.710.14902

 

Abstract

The primarily Neotropical genus Microborus Blandford is represented with three species in Africa and Madagascar. The previously recorded species from this region, M. boops Blandford, is a Neotropical species restricted to Central America and is likely not found in the Afrotropics. The previously recognised species in western parts of Africa is M. camerunus (Eggers) and is resurrected from synonymy under M. boops. Molecular and morphological data revealed a second species of this complex in Madagascar, M. brevisetosus Jordal. Another new species, M. angustus Jordal, co-occurs with M. camerunus in Cameroon. Substantial genetic divergence indicate that Microborus was established in the Afrotropical region long before human transport across oceans. A key to Afrotropical species is provided.