Redescriptions and lectotype designations of Central American species of Phaenonotum Sharp (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae) based on the type material from the David Sharp collection.

In order to understand the identity of the Central American species of the genus Phaenonotum Sharp, 1882, the type specimens of the species described by Sharp (1882) deposited in the David Sharp collection in the Natural History Museum in London have been re-examined. The following species are redescribed: Phaenonotum apicale Sharp, 1882, P. collare Sharp, 1882, P. dubium Sharp, 1882 (confirmed as junior synonym of P. exstriatum (Say, 1835)), P. laevicolle Sharp, 1882, P. rotundulum Sharp, 1882 and P. tarsale Sharp, 1882. Lectotypes are designated for P. apicale, P. collare, P. rotundulum and P. tarsale. External diagnostic characters and morphology of male genitalia are illustrated. A table summarizing diagnostic characters allowing the identification of the species is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]