Reconstruction of the Phylogeny of the Rhynchitids and Leaf-rolling Weevils (Coleoptera, Rhynchitidae, Attelabidae) Using the Synap Method: Communication 1

Abstract—The phylogenetic relationships in the families Rhynchitidae and Attelabidae have been reconstructed. The main synapomorphies have been revealed. The morphologically advanced groups have been distinguished in the families studied. The family Attelabidae forms two large branches. The most advanced is the supertribe Rhynchititae, the representatives of which could adapt not only to development in various parts of a plant, but also to rolling leaf packages. This supertribe consists of eight well-defined tribes forming three groups: (1) Auletini and Minurini; (2) Cesauletini, Eugnamptini and Isotheini; (3) Pterocolini, Rhynchitini and Byctiscini. The families Rhynchitidae and Attelabidae (leaf-rolling weevils) belong to the most surprising beetles on our planet. Some of them have developed the abil-ity to make leaf packages in which their larvae feed; others put eggs into fruits or vegetative parts of plants in which the larval development proceeds. The both families mostly inhabit forests and are associated with arboreal vegetation; those species that occur in open landscapes develop on herbs. These weevils are widel