New Afrotropical and Oriental elements in the weevil fauna of Iran (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) with discussion on their origin

Abstract

Examination of Conocarpus erectus L., an adventive ornamental plant growing on Kish Island, revealed Myllocerus undecimpustulatus and Systates omanicus, both weevils new to Iran. Comparatively mesophilic Myllocerus undecimpustulatus is an invasive pest with origin from the Indian subcontinent, and is highly recommended for Internal Quarantine (A1) in Iran. Xerophilic Systates omanicus was thus far considered an endemic of eastern Arabia but likely it is also native to Kish Island. This finding is in line with hypothesis on Pleistocene colonization of Arabia and Persian Gulf region with subsequent speciation of Systates during African Humid Period occurring from the very beginning of Marine Isotope Stage 5.