A new weevil genus Nefis gen. nov. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Lixinae): systematics and taxonomic revision

The new genus Nefis gen. nov. is described within the tribe Lixini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and its systematic position is discussed. The new genus is recognized by short rectangular rostrum, trapezoidal female tergite VIII with truncate apex and long setaceous posterolateral margins, visible 2-segmented labial palpi and protruding sinuate dorsal apex of protibiae. Nefis gen. nov. is close to Larinus Dejean, 1821, Rhinocyllus Germar, 1817, and Bangasternus Gozis, 1882. Three new species are described from Turkey and Afghanistan: Nefis attilai sp. nov., Nefis kabakovi sp. nov. and Nefis korotyaevi sp. nov. Lectotypes are designated for Larinus brevirostris Hochhuth, 1851, Larinus capiomonti Faust, 1885, Larinus reitteri Faust, 1889, Larinus liliputanus Faust, 1890, Larinus exclusus Faust, 1891, Larinus ochroleucus Capiomont v. pachyrrhinus Petri, 1907, and Larinus ochroleucus ssp. carthami Hoffmann, 1957. New synonyms and new combinations are proposed for Nefis brevirostris Hochhuth, 1851 comb. nov. [= Larinus reitteri Faust, 1889 syn. nov.], Nefis liliputanus Faust, 1890 comb. nov. [= Larinus exclusus Faust, 1891 syn. nov.], Nefis pachyrrhinus Petri, 1907 stat. rev. & comb. nov. [= Larinus badghysensis Ter-Minasian, 1982 syn. nov. = Larinus turcmenus Khnzorian, 1990 syn. nov.], Nefis ochroleucus Capiomont, 1874 comb. nov., Nefis capiomonti Faust 1885 comb. nov. Nefis afghanicus Ter-Minasian, 1987 comb. nov., Larinus inflatirostris Petri, 1907 is a nomen nudum. Larinus brevirostris Hochhuth is selected as the type species of the new genus. In total, nine species are included in Nefis. All species are described or redescribed, illustrated, and a key is provided. Host plant data and brief ecological observations are presented.