Prototrichalus is transferred to the Tenebrionoidea: A comment on Molino-Olmedo et al., 2020, 'The description of Prototrichalus gen. nov. And three new species from Burmese amber supports a mid- Cretaceous origin of the Metriorrhynchini (Coleoptera, Lycidae)'

Newly available specimens of Prototrichalus Molino-Olmedo et al., 2020 yield further diagnostic characters for the phylogenetic classification of this recently described genus. We show that Prototrichalus has tarsal formula 5-5-4, short trochanters, kidney-shaped eyes; the antennae are inserted in front of eyes and palpomeres substantially differ from all net-winged beetles. These characters identify tenebrionoid families as potential relatives of Prototrichalus. For example, extant and Eocene Ischalia Pascoe, 1860 (Anthicidae: Ischaliinae) resemble Prototrichalus in the structure of elytral costae and costal interspaces. As a result, we transfer Prototrichalus from Elateroidea: Lycidae to Tenebrionoidea incertae sedis. The earlier claim that Prototrichalus pushes the origin of Metriorrhynchini beyond earlier estimates is incorrect. The radiation of major net-winged beetle lineages was estimated-123 million years ago and the deepest splits within Metriorrhynchini to 77-98 million years ago and these estimations were not considered in the discussion on Prototrichalus. We assume that the superficial similarity in the general appearance of Prototrichalus and net-winged beetles can be a result of mimicry in already very diverse Cretaceous beetles, but only further discoveries of additional species can provide robust evidence for the convergent evolution.(c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Newly available specimens of Prototrichalus provide further diagnostic characters for its phylogenetic classification. Based on detailed descriptions and comparisons, it is revealed that Prototrichalus shares similarities with the tenebrionoid families, leading to its transfer from Elateroidea: Lycidae to Tenebrionoidea incertae sedis. The earlier claim regarding the origin of Prototrichalus and its relation to the net-winged beetles is incorrect. Further discoveries are needed to provide robust evidence for the superficial similarity between Prototrichalus and net-winged beetles.