First Molecular Phylogeny in Mecopini: New Insights into Classification

Mecopini is a group of sexually dimorphic weevils from Asia, Australia, and Africa, comprising 16 genera and over 90 species. While it was widely studied in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, research has declined, with no modern molecular studies. This study provides the first molecular analysis of Mecopini, examining seven genera and nine species from Taiwan and the Philippines. Findings reveal that Agametis Pascoe, 1870 is genetically distinct, while Mesochirozetes Heller, 1931 and Chirozetes Pascoe, 1871 are polyphyletic. We propose reclassifying Agametis under Conoderitae and elevating Mesochirozetes to genus status, calling for a reevaluation of Mecopini taxonomy.

Read the full article, published by Zoological Studies, here

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