Generic revision and phylogeny of Microweiseinae (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The monophyly and phylogenetic relationships of the subfamily Microweiseinae were investigated. Twenty-three in-group taxa, representing all known genera of Microweiseinae (except for Microcapillata Gordon) were included in a cladistic analysis, based on 45 adult morphological characters. The parsimony analysis of the resulting data matrix supported the monophyly of Microweiseinae, Carinodulini, Serangiini and Microweiseini (inclusive of Sukunahikonini). The recognition of Sukunahikonini renders Microweiseini paraphyletic, and consequently both tribes were synonymized, retaining Microweiseini as a senior family-group name (syn.n.). Genera and tribes of Microweiseinae are diagnosed thoroughly, illustrated and keys to their identification are provided. The following nomenclatural changes were made: Hikonasukuna Sasaji and Orculus Sicard are synonymized with Scymnomorphus Weise (syn.n.); Gnathoweisea Gordon is synonymized with Microweisea Cockerell (syn.n.); Hikonasukuna monticola Sasaji and Orculus castaneus Sicard are transferred to Scymnomorphus (comb.n.); Smilia planiceps Casey, Gnathoweisea hageni Gordon, Gnathoweisea ferox Gordon, Gnathoweisea micula Gordon and Gnathoweisea texana Gordon are transferred to Microweisea (comb.n). Three new genera are described: Alleniusgen.n. for Allenius californianussp.n. (type species) from Mexico and Allenius ivieisp.n. from U.S.A.; Gordoneusgen.n. (type species Gnathoweisea schwarzi Gordon from U.S.A.); and Cathedranagen.n. (type species Cathedrana natalensissp.n. from South Africa). The first African member of Carinodulini, Carinodulina ruwenzoriisp.n. is described. The genera Microweisea, Coccidophilus, Serangium and Delphastus are well-known predators of sternorrynchous Hemiptera, such as scale insects (Diaspididae) and whiteflies (Aleyrodidae), and play a significant role in agricultural ecosystems as biocontrol agents. Host data and biological records are summarized for each genus.