Sciaphilini

Abstract: During exploration for new biological control agents of yellow starthistle, Centaurea solstitialis L. (Asteraceae: Cardueae), in eastern Turkey, we observed four species of broad-nosed weevils (subfamily Entiminae) that are newly associated with this plant: Epiphanops persicus (Chevrolat), Eusomomorphus oligops Daniel, Altonomus modestus (Khnzorian), and Araxia cristofaroi sp. n. Host plants of these species are recorded for the first time. Adults of E. persicus feed on young spines of C. solstitialis capitula (flower heads), whereas A. modestus and A. cristofaroi feed on leaves of C. solstitialis rosettes. Large numbers of E. oligops adults were observed feeding on leaves of both C. solstitialis and Russian knapweed, Acroptilon repens (L.). The genus Araxia Khnzorian is transferred from tribe Brachyderini Schoenherr to the tribe Sciaphilini Sharp, and it is redescribed. Female genitalia of this genus were studied and described for the first time. The new species, Araxia cristofaroi sp. n., is described, illustrated, and compared with the only other known Araxia species: A. mucronata Khnzorian. A taxonomic key discriminating the two Araxia species was developed. The new species differs by having claws that are almost equal in length, thinner and longer protibiae, wider antennal scape, more slender rostrum, and shorter body length. A. mucronata is newly recorded for Turkish fauna.