Revision of the South African genus Epibrithus Marshall (Curculionidae, Entiminae) with description of two new species
Abstract
The monotypic genus Epibrithus (Curculionidae: Entiminae) was described by Marshall for Epibrithus pustulatus Marshall, 1955, a species from the Citrusdal region in a Western inland region of the Cape Floristic Region. This paper provides the re-description of the genus, the re-description of E. pustulatus and the description of two new species, Epibrithus longicarinatus Haran & Hansen sp. nov. and Epibrithus boroveci Haran & Hansen sp. nov. from South Africa. The species can most readily be distinguished on features of ventrite 5 of males, and features of the aedeagus and copulatory sclerites. COI data supports the morphological divisions. Based on morphological examination, we propose to transfer the genus to the tribe Oosomini until larger molecular revisions can confirm tribal relationships. Epibrithus appears to be native to a small area in the valleys/mountain slopes of the Western part of the Cape Floristic region. Adult Epibrithus appear to favour dense shrubs and trees, are rarely obtained in the field, and are scarce in collections.
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