Revision of the genus Melitonoma (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae). 1. History, type species and revision of the M. juvenca species group

A brief history of the taxonomy of the genus Melitonoma Chevrolat, 1836, is presented. The type species of Melitonoma is discussed. Cryptocephalus pallens Fabricius, 1787, which is the type species of Melitonoma by monotypy, is now classified in the genus Diapromorpha Lacordaire, 1848. A request to the ICZN Commission to establish another type species for Melitonoma is necessary to maintain nomenclatural stability. The Melitonoma juvenca species group is established for large species of Melitonoma with black legs, head and apex of elytron. Western African representatives of this group are revised based on the study of the primary type specimens. Four species are recognised: Melitonoma juvenca (Lacordaire, 1848), M. simoni Weise, 1881, M. vinculata Weise, 1910 and M. dalaba sp. nov. (from the Republic of Guinea). The following new synonyms are proposed: Melitonoma juvenca (Lacordaire, 1848) = M. inclusa Jacoby, 1895 (syn. nov.); Melitonoma simoni Weise, 1881 = Clytra ivoirensis Pic, 1933 (syn. nov.). Lectotypes are designated for Melitonoma juvenca, M. simoni, M. vinculata and M. inclusa. Melitonoma puncticollis Lefèvre, 1883 and M. terminata Jacoby, 1903 are resurrected from synonymy with M. juvenca, pending further investigation as they do not belong to the M. juvenca species group. The status of Clytra decempunctata Olivier, 1808, and Coptocephala (Anisognatha) berlandi Pic, 1939 remains unresolved due to the probable loss of their type specimens, hence they are considered nomina dubia.