Phylogenetic analysis of Cardiophorinae (Coleoptera, Elateridae) inferred from adult morphology in Egypt

Abstract

Phylogenetic relationships based on adult morphological characters of the subfamily Cardiophorinae genera, subgenera and species were performed for the first time in Egypt. The phylogenetic relationships among 20 Cardiophorinae species were based on computerized cladistic analysis of matrix of 43 adult morphological characters. According to the analyzed data, Cardiophorinae is a monophyletic group defined by at least three synapomorphic characters namely a well-developed cordiform scutellum, short prosternal intercoxal process and reduced mesepimeron. The cladistic analysis also indicates three main lineages (genera) of varied composition and diversity within the species.