Original Contribution to the Systematic Revision of the Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles) of South East Nigeria: Morphological, Molecular, and Biogeographic Analysis

The leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae represents one of the most species-rich phytophagous beetle groups globally, yet its taxonomy in the Nigerian rainforest zone remains unresolved, with large numbers of undescribed species and uncertain synonymies persisting from colonial-era collections. A modern systematic revision integrating morphological, molecular, and biogeographic evidence is urgently needed. This study undertakes an original systematic revision of Chrysomelidae from South East Nigeria based on collections at Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi states. Beetles will be collected using Malaise traps, sweep netting, and light traps at 40 forest, farmland, and edge sites over three years. Morphological examination using stereomicroscopy and SEM will describe key diagnostic characters. COI, 28S, and H3 gene markers will construct a molecular phylogeny for Nigerian and comparative African specimens. Ancestral area reconstruction will model the biogeographic origin of lineages. At least 10 species are expected to be formally described as new to science, and a comprehensive illustrated identification key will be produced. This research makes a foundational taxonomic contribution to Nigerian Coleoptera systematics, filling a persistent knowledge gap that hampers both biodiversity assessment and economic entomology in South East Nigeria. Keywords: Chrysomelidae, systematic revision, leaf beetles, molecular phylogeny, South East Nigeria