A cladistic analysis of the Alticina sensu Bechyne, with a taxonomic revision of the genus Macrohaltica (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Alticinae)

The phylogenetic relationships among the genera of the subtribe "Alticina" sensu Bechyne (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Alticinae) are analyzed using cladistic methodology based on the external morphology of the adult stage. Alticina in Bechyne's sense includes such large and cosmopolitan genera as Altica. Since the monophyly of most flea beetle genera is unknown or remains untested, an exemplar approach is used with individual species scored as terminals. Geographically distinct species from across a particular genus range are sampled and included in each case to represent the genera. Some character systems are used for the first time (metendosternite, mouthparts, female genitalia), in addition to traditional characters. In total 52 species are scored for the ingroup. To test the monophyly of the ingroup, additional 51 species representing 28 genera of flea beetles (including 5 genera of traditional "Galerucinae") are included as outgroups. A global parsimony approach is followed as the most adequate, the Galerucinae genera used to root the tree.; Resulting cladograms indicate that monophyly of the Alticina sensu Bechyne is not supported. Altica, Lysathia, Macrohaltica and Conococha form a monophyletic group. Syphraea and Caeporis are found to form a well supported clade with the previous genera. Among the outgroup genera, a robust clade is found to include Deuteraltica, Strabala, Disonycha, Acanthonycha, Ocnoscelis, Eurylegna and Phrynocepha. All these genera share a particular type of reduced ovipositor. Lactina is found to be closely related with Diphaltica, but far removed from Altica and similar genera. Other groups well supported in the tree include Chaetocnema, Longitarsus, Phyllotreta, Epitrix and Hermeophaga and the grouping of Chlamophora + Diphaulaca + Myrcina + Platyprosopus. The basal relationships for Alticinae genera are very tentative, and may change as more taxa are included. However, several clades found are well supported and the proposed synapomorphies can serve as a foundation for further work to corroborate or reject these hypotheses.; The species of the Neotropical genus Macrohaltica Bechyne are taxonomically reviewed. Species are redescribed and illustrated, including some new to science. Information on host plant affiliation and geographic ranges is updated.