A new genus of microphthalmic Rhytirrhinini from Andean leaf litter (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract

AbstractThe rhytirrhinine genus Andesianellus gen. n. (type species A. microphthalmicus sp. n.), and nine new species, are described from the highlands of Colombia (1), Ecuador (5), and Peru (3). Andesianellus species are characterized by the following combination of character states: very small body size (< 3.5 mm), eyes reduced to 8 or fewer facets, rostrum distinctly tricarinate dorsally, and basal elytral margin raised and subcarinate. Most specimens were collected in berlese funnel samples of various kinds of montane forest leaf litter. The closest relatives are hypothesized to be the Andean genera Adioristidius Voss and Macrostyphlus Kirsch.