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Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny
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This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Print) 1863-7221 - ISSN (Online) 1864-8312
Published by Senckenberg Deutsches Entomologisches Institut

[2 journals]

A morphometric approach to the comparative morphology of aedeagi shapes in
net-winged beetles: A case study on the Macrolycus dotatus species group
(Coleoptera: Lycidae)
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 897-916
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e111281
  Authors : Hao Yu Liu, Ruo Lan Du, Wei Zhao, Xing Ke Yang, Yu Xia Yang : Insect male genitalia show an evolutionarily variable morphology that is valuable for both species identification and phylogenetic analyses. However, we often encounter some difficulties when conducting relevant studies due to only quantitative variations exhibited in male genitalia. In this study, based on the taxonomy of the Macrolycus dotatus species group (a total of seven species, including three new species described here), we analyzed the male genitalia shapes by GM and then constructed the phenotypic relationships by UPGMA, NJ and MP analyses. The results demonstrated that the species could be well delineated by the shape of male genitalia, and the produced phenograms frequently recovered phenotypic similarity between the coupled species, including M. atronotatimimus sp. nov. + M. huoditangensis sp. nov. and M. aemulus + M. dotatus, which is useful for making comparisons in species descriptions. Meanwhile, the MP analysis of male genitalia shape using two landmark configurations is considered reliable in inferring the phylogenetic relationship among species in terms of the consistency between its topologies and the molecular phylogeny. This study sheds new light on improving the morphological taxonomy of insects in lower grades while fully utilizing the taxonomic value of male genitalia in a phylogenetic context. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Mon, 27 Nov 2023 18:39:03 +020
Molecular barcoding of the Persian Gulf mangrove associated brachyuran
crabs
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 889-896
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e96839
  Authors : Sana Sharifian, Ehsan Kamrani, Maria A. Nilsson, Hanieh Saeedi : Brachyuran crabs constitute the dominant fauna in intertidal and supratidal coasts of mangrove forests. We sampled the most commonly occurring crab species from the biodiversity rich Persian Gulf mangrove forest. We identified crabs from Camptandriidae, Dotillidae, Ocypodidae, Macrophthalmidae, and Sesarmidae as the most common species in the sampled regions. Molecular barcoding was applied to determine 11 species (29 specimens) of the mangrove crabs. Two mitochondrial genes were used to barcode the specimens and these were included in a larger phylogenetic data set. Many of the analyzed species showed a close phylogenetic relationship with species from the Northern Arabian Sea. The results provide the first steps to study the genetic diversity of the mangrove crab community along the Iranian coasts to support protection and management of mangrove ecosystems and its associated taxa. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Tue, 14 Nov 2023 11:31:03 +020
New fossil stoneflies (Plecoptera: Arctoperlaria) from Australia testify
ancient dispersal across Pangea
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 881-888
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e109833
  Authors : Pavel Sroka, Jakub Prokop : The stonefly suborders Arctoperlaria and Antarctoperlaria reflect the current division of the diversity of this insect order between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. However, there are several exceptions to this pattern, the most notable being the family Notonemouridae, which is phylogenetically deeply subordinate within the northern Arctoperlaria, but distributed in South Africa, South America, and Australia. Various hypotheses have been proposed regarding the circumstances of their dispersal to the south. Some estimated their origin as relatively recent, with long-distance dispersal to the southern continents in the Late Cretaceous or early Paleogene. On the other hand, fossils of Notonemouridae have been dated to the Middle Jurassic, proving the lineage is very ancient. However, all known notonemourid fossils originate from Asia and the timing of their dispersal to the south cannot be precisely estimated. Here we report new fossil stoneflies from the Late Jurassic Talbragar Fish Beds, Australia, described as Talbragaria australis gen. et sp. nov. and attributed to Notonemouridae. This finding represents the first fossil evidence of the northern suborder Arctoperlaria in the Southern Hemisphere, and confirms the north-to-south dispersal of Notonemouridae across Pangea prior to the continental break-up. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Tue, 14 Nov 2023 11:12:27 +020
Plant bugs with swollen antennae: a morphology-based phylogenetic analysis
of Heterocapillus Wagner, 1960 and related genera (Hemiptera: Miridae:
Phylinae)
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 845-879
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e104396
  Authors : Fedor V. Konstantinov : Plant bugs of the genus Heterocapillus (Miridae: Phylinae) are predominantly Mediterranean minute black phylines with distinctly swollen antennomeres I and II. The monophyly and relationships of this group has been questioned in several studies. This paper provides a morphology-based phylogeny inferred with Parsimony and Bayesian analyses of the genus and a diverse array of outgroups. Based on these results, Heterocapillus is here redefined as monotypic. A new monotypic genus Abietocapsus gen. nov. is erected to accommodate Phoenicocoris dissimilis (Reuter, 1878) and updated diagnoses are provided for the genera Lobicris Putshkov, 1977 gen. dist., Mesopsallus Wagner, 1970 gen. dist., and Salicarus Kerzhner, 1962. The following new combinations are established: Campylomma atlanticum (Wagner, 1963) comb. nov., Campylomma pusillum (Reuter, 1878) comb. nov., Mesopsallus amygdali (Wagner, 1960) comb. nov., Mesopsallus fagi (Drapolyuk, 1990) comb. nov., Mesopsallus mali (Meyer-Dür, 1843) comb. nov., Mesopsallus pici (Reuter, 1899) comb. nov., Mesopsallus rhodani (Fieber, 1861) comb. nov., Mesopsallus validus (Reuter, 1901) comb. nov., Psallus (Phylidea) validicornis (Reuter, 1876) comb. nov., Salicarus cavinotum (Wagner, 1973) comb. nov., Salicarus genistae (Lindberg, 1948) comb. nov., Salicarus nitidus (Horváth, 1905) comb. nov., and Salicarus perpusillus (Wagner, 1960) comb. nov. Atractotomus schmiedeknechti Reuter, 1899 is synonymized with Atractotomus parvulus Reuter, 1878. Heterocapillus niger Wagner, 1966 is synonymized with Psallus (Phylidea) validicornis (Reuter, 1876). The highly homoplastic nature of the antennal shape in phylines is demonstrated, suggesting against using these features as diagnostic at the generic level. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Thu, 9 Nov 2023 16:35:04 +0200
New insights into the phylogeny of Stephanidae (Hymenoptera: Apocrita),
with a revision of the fossil species
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 819-844
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e107579
  Authors : Si-Xun Ge, Zhuo-Heng Jiang, Li-Li Ren, Cornelis van Achterberg, Jiang-Li Tan : The family Stephanidae (Hymenoptera) constitutes a unique group within the Apocrita, playing a pivotal role in the evolution of parasitoid wasps. Although the phylogeny of Stephanidae has been previously inferred, it remains at a low resolution when considering both extinct and extant genera, as well as the enigmatic extinct genus †Electrostephanus. Here, we undertake a revision of Stephanidae extinct, presenting descriptions of new specimens from late Cretaceous Burmese amber and early Eocene Baltic amber. Combining all extant and extinct genera, the phylogeny of Stephanidae was analyzed, incorporating 57 species within 21 genera based on 64 morphological characters. We apply both under maximum parsimony with equal weighting and implied weighting methods, with four species representing early Apocrita as outgroups. Divergence times are estimated by utilizing extinct taxa as calibration points. A new basal subfamily of stephanid wasp, †Lagenostephaninae subf. nov. was established, encompassing †Lagenostephanus and the newly described genera †Tumidistephanus gen. nov and †Neurastephanus gen. nov. The genus †Electrostephanus is redefined, with two species assigned under distinct genera, †Neurastephanus gen. nov. and †Aphanostephanus gen. nov.. We discuss some of the putative morphological synapomorphies of evolutionary significance within the phylogenetic framework. Our results complement several characteristics of great taxonomic importance for Stephanidae and provide new insights into the early evolution of the family. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Thu, 2 Nov 2023 18:05:40 +0200
Two new subterranean Typhlonesticus (Araneae: Nesticidae) from the Alps
with notes on their ecology, distribution and conservation
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 801-818
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e106948
  Authors : Marco Isaia, Giuseppe Nicolosi, Alessandro Infuso, Carles Ribera : The spider genus Typhlonesticus Kulczyński, 1914 (Araneae: Nesticidae) includes seven species, most of which exhibiting strict preference for caves, abandoned mines and other subterranean habitats. In Italy the genus is represented by two species: T. morisii (Brignoli, 1975), an extremely narrow endemic species from SW-Alps with a very high level of subterranean adaptation and T. idriacus (Roewer, 1931), showing a much wider distribution in NE-Italy and poor adaptations to subterranean life. Our recent biospeleological surveys in the Alps lead to the discovery of new populations of highly troglomorphic Typhlonesticus that proved to belong to two new species based on morphological and molecular data. Considering the rarity of these new species, we provide general information on their ecology and distribution, including a comparative analysis of troglomorphic traits in Typhlonesticus in relation to biogeographic factors. Information on the conservation status, useful for assessing their extinction risk based on International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines, is also provided. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Thu, 2 Nov 2023 09:09:24 +0200
Breakaway from a globular body shape: molecular phylogeny reveals the
evolutionary history of the enigmatic springtail Mackenziella psocoides
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 781-799
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e104522
  Authors : Clément Schneider, Cyrille A. D’Haese : Mackenziella psocoides Hammer, 1953 (Collembola: Mackenziellidae) is a widespread but uncommon springtail. Its unusual body shape (ovoid, with partial coalescence of abdominal segments) has puzzled the specialists for a long time, until the discovery of males allowed to relate the species to a family of globular springtails, the Sminthurididae. Yet, the precise phylogenetic position of M. psocoides, and hence of the Mackenziellidae, remained ambiguous. In this work, we report a new locality for M. psocoides in Germany. We provide the first DNA sequences (nuclear ribosomal DNA operon) for the species, as well as the first images using scanning electron microscopy. We investigate its phylogenetic position based on the molecular data and specify details on its morphology. Our results show that M. psocoides is nested inside of Sminthurididae, as the sister group of Sphaeridia Linnaniemi, 1912. Consequently, Mackenziellidae syn. nov. is here synonymized with Sminthurididae. We include Mackenziella and Sphaeridia in the Sphaeridiainae subfam. nov., a replacement name for Sphaeridiinae Richard, 1968 that is a junior homonym of Sphaeridiinae Latreille, 1802 (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae). Corresponding to its phylogenetic position within Sminthurididae, the evolutionary origin of M. psocoides is younger than previously thought (79 mya +/- 35 my). The lineage accumulated an unusual amount of body modifications involving, among others, the loss of the globular body shape. This rapid rate of evolution is, to our knowledge, unique in springtails. It shows that globular body shape is not an evolutionary dead-end, and the secondary acquisition of a linear body shape and recovery of longitudinal flexibility is still possible. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Tue, 19 Sep 2023 17:38:16 +030
On a taxonomic feature that has been overestimated in classification
practice: an integrative taxonomic revision of Stephoblemmus Saussure,
1877 based on morphology and molecular phylogeny (Orthoptera: Grylloidea;
Gryllidae; Gryllinae)
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 761-779
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e104772
  Authors : Yan-Na Zheng, Jun-Jie Gu, Zhu-Qing He, Huateng Huang, Li-Bin Ma : The hemispherical head is prevalent in Gryllinae crickets, so the rare crickets that have a unique form of head will be extremely unusual. In previous studies, this special feature can be one of the important features to distinguish and identify these crickets. But does this particular head shape truly reflect a clear-cut taxonomic relationship' The species of the genus Loxoblemmus have a typical truncate head; species of the genus Stephoblemmus have a more exaggerated truncate head, with the frontal end even extending into a lamellar. The genus Mitius is relatively unusual in that species of this genus have both globose or truncate heads. How are these species related' Does the cephalic shape perfectly reflect the natural classification of these species' Based on these questions, the study applied species definition and morphological classification to explore the intergeneric and intrageneric species relationships of the genera Mitius, Stephoblemmus, and Loxoblemmus, and derived the following main conclusions: (1) Mitius and Stephoblemmus are related and distinct from Loxoblemmus; (2) Mitius species bear two types of frons (truncated and rounded), but this feature disallows them to be classified as natural groups; (3) one genus synonym and three species synonyms are raised (Mitius Gorochov, 1985 syn. n., Mitius splendens (Shiraki, 1930) syn. n., Mitius eryuanensis Yuan, Xie & Liu, 2021 syn. n. and Mitius brevipennis Yuan, Ma & Gu, 2022 syn. n.), and seven new status combinations are proposed (Stephoblemmus blennus (Saussure, 1877) comb. n., Stephoblemmus castaneus (Chopard, 1937) comb. n., Stephoblemmus enatus Gorochov, 1994 comb. n., Stephoblemmus flavipes (Chopard, 1928) comb. n., Stephoblemmus minor (Shiraki, 1911) comb. n., Stephoblemmus minutulus (Yang & Yang, 1995) comb. n. and Stephoblemmus vaturu (Otte & Cowper, 2007) comb. n.). The studies indicated that frons shapes that appear to be significantly different might not always reflect the correct Gryllinae species relationships and a combination of more taxonomic features and taxonomic techniques is needed often to reveal the true taxonomic relationships. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:19:07 +030
Comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial genomes of three
Zeugodacus species (Insecta: Tephritidae: Dacinae) and their
phylogenetic relationships with other congeners
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 747-759
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e105025
  Authors : Hoi-Sen Yong, Sze-Looi Song, Kah-Ooi Chua, Yvonne Jing Mei Liew, I. Wayan Suana, Phaik-Eem Lim, Kok-Gan Chan, Praphathip Eamsobhana : The complete mitogenomes of fruit flies Zeugodacus (Javadacus) calumniatus, Z. (Javadacus) heinrichi and Z. (Sinodacus) hochii have similar gene order and contain 37 genes and a non-coding region. They share an identical start codon for the respective protein-coding genes (PCGs), an identical TAA stop codon for 11 PCGs, TAG for cob, and an incomplete T stop codon for nad5. The cloverleaf structure of most of the tRNAs is similar in the three Zeugodacus species. Phylogenetic analyses reveal Z. (Parasinodacus) cilifer to be external to two main clades: (A) monophyletic subgenus Zeugodacus; and (B) subgenera Javadacus and Sinodacus. The present results indicate that the taxonomic status of some taxa needs clarification. Z. calumniatus is genetically very similar to Z. tau and is not congruent with its current placement in the munda complex. Z. mukiae NC_067083 is genetically very similar to Z. scutellaris, but differs significantly from Z. mukiae MG683384 of the arisanicus (arisanica) complex. On the other hand, Z. proprediaphorus is genetically distinct from and not a synonym of Z. diaphorus. Z. caudatus sensu stricto from Indonesia forms a sister lineage with Z. diversus, instead of with the Malaysian and Chinese taxa of Z. caudatus sensu lato. A notable incongruence is the sister lineage of Z. (Sinodacus) hochii and Z. (Javadacus) heinrichi among other taxa of subgenus Javadacus. A more extensive taxon sampling, particularly the subgenus Sinodacus (and other subgenera), is needed to clarify/resolve their subgenus status. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Fri, 8 Sep 2023 17:31:21 +0300
First mitochondrial genomes of the crane fly tribe Elephantomyiini
(Diptera, Tipuloidea, Limoniidae): comparative analysis and phylogenetic
implications
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 731-746
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e97946
  Authors : Zehui Kang, Yuanyuan Xu, Guoquan Wang, Ding Yang, Xiao Zhang : Limoniidae, the most speciose family in the superfamily Tipuloidea, consists of four subfamilies and more than 11,000 species. However, mitochondrial (mt) genome sequences, which have been widely used for phylogenetic study, are available for only 11 species across three subfamilies. Thus, a larger variety of mt genome sequences in Limoniidae are required to improve our understanding of tipuloid phylogeny and genomic evolution. Here we present mt genomes of Elephantomyia (Elephantomyia) inulta Alexander, 1938 and Helius (Helius) pluto Alexander, 1932, representing the first mt genomes of the tribe Elephantomyiini (Limoniidae). The two mt genomes are typical circular DNA molecules and show similar gene order, nucleotide composition and codon usage. Standard ATN start and TAR stop codons are present in most protein-coding genes. All transfer RNA (tRNA) genes exhibited the cloverleaf secondary structure typical for metazoans except in tRNASer(AGN), which lacks the dihydrouridine arm. Phylogenetic analyses were performed based on four nucleotide matrixes for the currently sequenced species of Tipuloidea using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods. Four-cluster likelihood mapping was used to study incongruent signals between different topologies. Pediciidae is supported as the earliest lineage in Tipuloidea, and the sister-group relationship between Cylindrotomidae and Tipulidae is also supported, but the monophyly of Limoniidae is not supported. Our study also supports the monophyly of Elephantomyiini (Elephantomyia + Helius), as one of origins of flower-visiting in Limoniidae. Although Elephantomyiini is sister to Limoniinae + Epiphragma (Limnophilinae) in our study, a more precise understanding of its phylogenetic position in Tipuloidea will require additional studies that include a broader species sample. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Fri, 8 Sep 2023 17:16:29 +0300
Torymus sinensis and its close relatives in Europe: a multilocus
phylogeny, detailed morphological analysis, and identification key
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 705-730
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e98141
  Authors : Ionela-Mădălina Viciriuc, Mircea-Dan Mitroiu, Richard Robinson Askew, Nicolas Ris, Lucian Fusu, Nicolas Borowiec : The introduction of the biological control agent Torymus sinensis Kamijo (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Torymidae) to control the populations of the chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae) is considered one of the successful programs in biological control. The species was involved in interspecific hybridisation in Japan and the specimens imported into Europe were derived from this hybrid lineage, showing signs of introgression. The discovery of mitochondrial haplotypes or possible Enolase haplotypes from T. beneficus or of specimens with shorter ovipositor does not necessarily imply that T. beneficus is present in Europe, only that the European specimens are of hybrid origin. Of the native European Torymus species associated with D. kuriphilus, the molecular and morphometric results indicate Torymus notatus (Walker) as the closest species to T. sinensis. The two are part of the same species-group (cyaneus group), are nested together in the multivariate ratio analysis and are the closest genetically based on all three nuclear markers: Enolase (1.5% divergence), Wingless (2%) and ITS2 (13%). However, on the mitochondrial marker COI the closest species is Torymus rubi (Schrank) at 9.9% divergence. As such, T. notatus is the most likely candidate for accidental interspecific hybridisation if this is to happen in Europe. We provide an illustrated identification key for the European species of Torymus associated with D. kuriphilus, an important but lacking tool for biological control programs. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Fri, 4 Aug 2023 20:29:40 +0300
The earliest evidence of Omophroninae (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 689-704
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e101374
  Authors : Kateřina Rosová, Jakub Prokop, Jörg U. Hammel, Rolf G. Beutel : Omophroninae is a distinctive monogeneric group of Carabidae, presumably placed relatively close to the root of the megadiverse adephagan family. In the present study we describe a larva belonging to Omophroninae from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber and erect a new genus †Cretomophron. Several features support the placement in this small but distinctive subfamily, such as the wedge-shaped head, the large triangular nasale, the elevated antennae with the apical segment directed sideways, the large and bidentate mandibular retinaculum, the enlarged hexagonal prothorax, legs with a distinct armature of spines, and the relatively narrow and posteriorly tapering abdomen. In contrast to larvae of the extant genus Omophron Latreille, the posterior tentorial grooves are not shifted backwards, apparently a plesiomorphic feature, the 2nd antennomeres are markedly longer, and the legs bear long setae and rather thin and long spike-like setae. †Cretomophron also differs in the presence of numerous setae arranged in transverse rows on abdominal segment VI. Lateral lobe-like expansions of abdominal tergites are a conspicuous feature of the new genus but similar structures occur in later instars of Omophron. Structural specializations of the head, prothorax and legs strongly suggest that the larvae were burrowing in sand, like adults and larvae of the extant genus, and that they were efficient predators, detecting prey with the unusually shaped antennae and long maxillae, grasping it with the elongate apical mandibular tooth, and squeezing and piercing it between the bidentate retinaculum and large and triangular nasale. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Tue, 1 Aug 2023 14:47:06 +0300
Taxonomic revision and phylogeny of the sharpshooter genus Dasmeusa
Melichar, 1926, with a scanning electron microscopy study of D. pauperata
(Fabricius, 1803) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Cicadellini)
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 655-687
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e102848
  Authors : Nathalia H. Pecly, Daniela M. Takiya, Rodney R. Cavichioli, Gabriel Mejdalani : The genus Dasmeusa is distributed in Northern and Northeastern Brazil and the Guianas. Until the present study, six species were recognized within Dasmeusa. The species of this genus are very similar in terms of color and external morphology, being distinguished mainly by the male terminalia. Here, we review and redescribe Dasmeusa and its species, describe four new species, and present the first phylogenetic analysis of the genus, including 40 morphological characters and 15 terminal taxa. Dasmeusa flavescens Metcalf and Erythrogonia bicolor Metcalf are considered junior synonyms of the type-species, Dasmeusa pauperata (Fabricius). Scanning electron microscopy was employed for a detailed study of the integument of the type-species, including sensilla, surface sculpturing, brochosomes, organ of Evans, and other structures. The phylogenetic analysis with equal weights resulted in nine most parsimonious trees. The implied weighting method resulted in two trees, both with the same ingroup topology as observed in one of the nine equal-weights trees. This preferred topology is as follows: ((D. basseti (D. mendica (D. rafaeli sp. nov., D. falcifera sp. nov.))) (D. isabellina (D. oriximina sp. nov. (D. pauperata (D. imperialis, D. dinizi sp. nov.))))). Dasmeusa was recovered as monophyletic in all trees, being supported by five apomorphic characters. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Tue, 1 Aug 2023 14:36:35 +0300
Phylogeny of the old and fragmented genus Austrocoenosia Malloch reveals
new evidences on the morphology and evolution of the genera Coenosia
Meigen and Neodexiopsis Malloch (Diptera: Muscidae)
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 611-653
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e104969
  Authors : Luciano Damián Patitucci, Pablo Ricardo Mulieri, Márcia Souto Couri, Martha Cecilia Domínguez : Coenosiini (Diptera: Muscidae) is a large cosmopolitan tribe of muscids, within which Coenosia Meigen and Neodexiopsis Malloch are the genera with the largest number of species. In this work, we revised for the first time, all the species placed by Malloch (1934) under Austrocoenosia, an endemic genus from the Andean Patagonian Forests, whose species are now placed in Coenosia and Neodexiopsis. We provide detail redescriptions for eight species placed by Malloch (1934) under Austrocoenosia, and decribed two new species (Coenosia delneneo sp. nov. and Coenosia patagonica sp. nov.), with high quality photographs detailing new structures of the male and female terminalia. To establish the position of the species of Austrocoenosia with respect to Coenosia and Neodexiopsis, we made a phylogenetic analysis using implied weighting for 36 taxa and 132 morphological characters of adults, including male and female genitalia. We recovered all species of Austrocoenosia as Coenosia species. We propose the following nomenclature actions: Austrocoenosia as a junior synonymy of Coenosia (syn. rest.); Coenosia brevicornis (Malloch) (comb. nov.), Coenosia dubia (Bigot) (comb. rest.); Coenosia hucketti, Pont (nom. nov.) and Coenosia nigerrima (Malloch) (comb. rest.). We also propose Coenosia spumicola Pont as an unplaced species of Coenosia sensu lato. Finally, we updated the geographic distributions for all species and observed several new male and female terminalia structures, which enriched the discussion of the genera and the tribe. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Fri, 21 Jul 2023 16:41:02 +030
Integrative species delimitation in the morphologically conservative
Stegana subgen. Orthostegana (Diptera, Drosophilidae)
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 581-610
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e102683
  Authors : Ya-Lian Wang, Zi-Qi Peng, Feng-Liang Jin, Hong-Wei Chen, Jia Huang : With the increasing number of cryptic species discovered in major branches of the subfamily Steganinae, accurate species identification is becoming challenging. Possible evolutionary stasis often gives rise to the formation of morphological conservatism and cryptic species, as is the case for the members of the Stegana (subgen. Orthostegana). In this study, the species boundaries of all Asian Orthostegana were accessed based on two mitochondrial genes [cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2)] using different species delimitation methods and evolutionary models. By integrating morphological and molecular evidence, we clearly validated the evolutionary independence of all five known species and identified nine new species from Southwest China: Stegana (Orthostegana) aini Peng & Chen sp. nov., S. (O.) brevivittata Peng & Chen sp. nov., S. (O.) cuodi Peng & Chen sp. nov., S. (O.) fuscofemorata Peng & Chen sp. nov., S. (O.) latipalpula Peng & Chen sp. nov., S. (O.) macrostephana Peng & Chen sp. nov., S. (O.) mohnihei Peng & Chen sp. nov., S. (O.) obscurala Peng & Chen sp. nov., and S. (O.) pinguitia Peng & Chen sp. nov. Moreover, we discussed the relationship between the Asian Orthostegana lineage and the subgen. Oxyphortica, and the necessity of taxonomic re-evaluation for the Neotropical species with molecular data. The high morphological conservatism within Orthostegana is largely the outcome of in situ diversification for adapting to the ecological environment. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:07:12 +030
Notorhinus floresi sp. nov. gen. nov.: The first records of Siphonophorida
in Chile and Siphonorhinidae in South America (Colobognatha)
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 565-579
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e100520
  Authors : Leif Moritz, Antonio Parra-Gómez : The millipede family Siphonorhinidae (order Siphonophorida) shows a scattered distribution in South Africa, Madagascar, India, Southeast Asia, and North America. So far, the family is unknown from South America, while species of Siphonophoridae, the second family of the order, are relatively abundant on the continent. However, not a single Siphonophorida is known from Chile. Here we describe the monotypic genus Notorhinus gen. nov. with N. floresi sp. nov. and record a second Notorhinus (undescribed) species, as first records of the order Siphonophorida in Chile and of the family Siphonorhinidae in South America. Notorhinus gen. nov. is distinct from the remaining Siphonorhinidae by the arrangement of the sensilla basiconica on the antennae and other somatic and sexual characters. However, it shows close morphological affinities to the North American genus Illacme Cook and Loomis 1928. In the Americas Siphonorhinidae were previously only known from California (USA), where they inhabit subterranean micro-habitats. The Chilean species was found under a piece of decaying wood in a small patch of fragmented native forest. Thus, the group shows a disjunct antitropical distribution in America at ca. 37° North and 38° South. They might be the relict of a once greater distribution, which persisted in these areas due to similar climatic conditions. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Fri, 9 Jun 2023 13:16:51 +0300
Fossil Cymbiodyta from Baltic amber confirms Euro-American ancient
distribution of the genus (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae)
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 555-563
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e100385
  Authors : Martin Fikáček, Jan Simon Pražák, Andrew E. Z. Short, François Rion : We describe the first definite fossil of the water scavenger beetle subfamily Enochrinae (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae): Cymbiodyta samueli sp. n. from the Eocene Baltic amber from the Lithuanian coast. The new species is extremely similar and likely closely related to the only European species, C. marginella and confirms the European occurrence of the genus since the Eocene. A reanalysis of the historical biogeography of the genus, including the fossil taxon, revealed a wide Euro-American distribution of the ancestor of all modern species of the genus, corresponding to the position of landmasses and existing land connections between North America and Europe in the Late Cretaceous. The biogeographic reconstructions and the fossil both suggest that European Cymbiodyta is an ancient relict lineage which used to be more diverse in the past but survived until today in a single species C. marginella. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Fri, 9 Jun 2023 09:17:02 +0300
The Neotropical antlion genus Ameromyia Banks, 1913 (Neuroptera:
Myrmeleontidae), systematics and redefinition under a phylogenetic
approach
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 499-553
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e89641
  Authors : Leon Gustavo de Miranda Tavares, Renato Jose Pires Machado, Adolfo Ricardo Calor : A taxonomic revision and the first phylogenetic hypothesis of the Neotropical genus Ameromyia Banks (Myrmeleontidae: Brachynemurini) is herein presented. The phylogeny is based on 45 morphological characters and recovered the traditional Ameromyia as paraphyletic in respect to the monotypic genus Venezueleon Stange, which is here synonymized under Ameromyia. Three species are synonymized (A. hirsuta Navás and A. stevensi Navás under A. nigriventris (Walker), and A. pentheri Navás under A. strigosa (Banks)) and two new species are described (A. clepsydra sp. nov. and A. explicata sp. nov.). Ameromyia sensu novo is a valid genus with 12 species restricted to South America, and divided into two species groups. Taxonomic keys are also presented to adults and larvae, as well as a discussion on the genus biology. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Wed, 7 Jun 2023 16:10:02 +0300
Christelenkidae, a new extinct family based on a new taxon from Eocene
Baltic amber (Diptera: Acalyptratae), with X-ray synchrotron
microtomography imaging of its structures
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 475-498
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e101441
  Authors : Jindřich Roháček, Jörg U. Hammel, Viktor Baranov : A new family of Diptera Acalyptratae, Christelenkidae Roháček fam. nov., is established for Christelenka multiplex Roháček gen. et sp. nov., an unusual extinct taxon described from a unique male specimen preserved in Baltic amber (Mid-late Eocene, ca 48–34 Ma). Apart from detailed examination by light microscopy and photography, the holotype of the new species has also been studied by means of X-ray synchrotron microtomography with the aim of obtaining additional morphological data for consideration of its relationships. Because of a very peculiar combination of morphological characters, the new family is tentatively considered a separate lineage of Acalyptratae having no apparent sister-group relationship with any of the known families. Its probable relationships to some families of Opomyzoidea and Ephydroidea are discussed. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Thu, 25 May 2023 14:32:32 +030
Dasyophthalma (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae): systematics,
distribution, and conservation perspectives of a butterfly genus endemic
from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 455-473
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e96397
  Authors : Augusto Henrique Batista Rosa, Eduardo de Proença Barbosa, Patrícia Avelino Machado, Ricardo Russo Siewert, André Victor Lucci Freitas : Dasyophthalma includes five species of medium-sized butterflies, all endemic from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. All known species are univoltine and are dayflying, differently from other Brassolini that are mostly crepuscular. In despite of recent advances little is known about their natural history. Three out of the five species are included in the Brazilian Red List of threatened fauna and are of conservation concern. The present study provides for the first time a phylogenetic assessment of all Dasyophthalma species based on a molecular approach based on three loci. Also, the taxonomic status of D. rusina delanira was revised based on molecular data. In addition, up-to-date distributional data and conservation aspects of the threatened species from the genus are presented and discussed. The molecular phylogenetic analysis supports the monophyly of Dasyophthalma, with Dynastor darius as its sister-group, and, combined with a genetic divergence analysis, supported Dasyophthalma delanira stat. rest. as a valid name to species-level, sister-group to D. geraensis (and not a subspecies of D. rusina). The geographical range (extent of occurrence and area of occupancy) for all five species are presented, showing that these are very restricted for D. delanira stat. rest. and D. geraensis, following the distributions of the high-altitude forests. As much biological information about the genus is lacking, the present study can serve as a starting point for future studies on Dasyophthalma, adding information that can be crucial for future conservation actions and essential to assure the future of the threatened species in this genus. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Tue, 23 May 2023 13:16:22 +030
Under the Cretaceous bark: Fossil evidence for the ancient origin of
subcortical lifestyle of clown beetles (Coleoptera: Histeridae)
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 439-453
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e102404
  Authors : Jan Simon Pražák, Martin Fikáček, Jakub Prokop, Tomáš Lackner : We describe three new genera and four new species of the Histeridae (Coleoptera) from the mid-Cretaceous amber in Myanmar. Platycretus muscularis Simon Pražák & Lackner gen. & sp. nov. represents the first known fossil of the subfamily Histerinae from the Cretaceous. We assign the remaining three fossils, Olexum complanatum Simon Pražák & Lackner gen. & sp. nov., Cretanapleus seideli Simon Pražák & Lackner gen. & sp. nov., and Yethiha pubescens Simon Pražák & Lackner sp. nov. to the subfamily Dendrophilinae. Platycretus muscularis and O. complanatum have adaptations typical for the subcortical lifestyle (flattened body shape, dilated protibiae), proving this life strategy existed in independent lineages of clown beetles already in the Cretaceous. We also provide a review of all Histeridae fossil species described up to date and test the phylogenetic position of all of them including the newly described ones. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Fri, 28 Apr 2023 15:06:51 +030
Looks are deceiving: a cladistic analysis, three new species, and a new
diagnosis of Paravima Caporiacco, 1951 (Opiliones: Agoristenidae)
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 409-437
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e85571
  Authors : Andrés F. García, Osvaldo Villarreal : A morphological cladistic analysis, consisting of 45 terminals and 58 characters was performed to evaluate the monophyly of the genus Paravima Caporiacco, 1951, and its relationship to other Leiosteninae. The analysis resulted in two most parsimonious trees, all recovering Paravima as monophyletic with the inclusion of two species formerly described in Avima Roewer, 1949, therefore, the following nomenclatural acts are herein proposed: Paravima plana (Goodnight & Goodnight, 1949) comb. nov., and Paravima quirozi (González-Sponga, 1981) comb. nov., Avima vigirima (Villarreal-M & Rodríguez-Manzanilla, 2003) is here considered as a junior subjective synonym of P. quirozi (González-Sponga, 1981) comb. nov., Paravima acanthoconus Villarreal-Manzanilla & DoNascimiento, 2005 is here considered as a junior subjective synonym of Paravima propespelunca González-Sponga, 1987, and Paravima flumencaurimarensis González-Sponga, 1987 is here considered as a junior subjective synonym of Paravima goodnightorum Caporiacco, 1951. Additionally, three new species are described: P. lokura sp. nov. (Tamá National Natural Park, Norte de Santander department) and P. magistri sp. nov. (Los Tunos Natural Reserve, Cundinamarca department), both from Colombia; and P. totoro sp. nov. (Henri Pittier National Park, Aragua state) from Venezuela. Finally, an emended generic diagnosis, a key for all the species, and a distributional map are presented. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Thu, 20 Apr 2023 13:51:03 +030
Phylogeny and classification of Endromidae (Lepidoptera: Bombycoidea)
based on mitochondrial genomes
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 395-408
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e90721
  Authors : Min Deng, Andreas Zwick, Qi Chen, Cheng-Qing Liao, Wei Wang, Xing Wang, Guo-Hua Huang : The small, relict-like moth family Endromidae is well-established within the superfamily Bombycoidea, but relationships within the family have remained vague for the last decade, primarily due to very limited taxon sampling. This resulted in the explicit removal of all internal suprageneric classification by Zwick et al. (2011) when they synonymized Mirinidae and the bombycid subfamilies Oberthueriinae and Prismostictinae with Endromidae. Nucleotide and amino acid data sets of the 13 mitochondrial, protein-coding genes from representatives of 13 of the 16 accepted endromid genera were used to estimate phylogenetic relationships based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. The results strongly support Endromidae as a monophyletic group and enable the establishment and diagnosis of four subfamilies (Endrominae, Mirininae stat. rev., Oberthueriinae stat. rev. and Prismostictinae stat. rev.). Within subfamily Oberthueriinae, we establish three tribes: Oberthueriini stat. rev., Andracini tribe nov. and Mustiliini tribe nov. We provide morphological diagnoses and a genus-level checklist for the three tribes. Promustilia yajiangensis Wang, X. & Zolotuhin, 2015 is transferred to Mustilizans as M. yajiangensis comb. nov. to establish reciprocal monophyly of the two genera, and Andraca gongshanensis is transferred to Pseudandraca as P. gongshanensis comb. nov. We also synonymize Andraca (Chrypathemola) syn. nov. with Andraca (Andraca), as the latter is deeply nested within the former. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Thu, 20 Apr 2023 13:48:35 +030
A review of the subgenus Parapisa of Apisa (Lepidoptera: Erebidae:
Arctiinae) with description of a remarkable species from Cameroonian
Highlands
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 371-394
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e96319
  Authors : Anna Paśnik, Sebastian Tarcz, Łukasz Przybyłowicz : The subgenus Parapisa of the genus Apisa is reviewed based on the examination of 104 specimens. Apisa (P.) cinereocostata and A. (P.) subargentea are redescribed and their intraspecific variation is analysed in detail. A new species A. (P.) asipa, similar in the general coloration to other Apisa taxa, but very distinctive in the male genital morphology and the shape of the wing scales, is described from Cameroon and Nigeria. Apisa (P.) cinereocostata is hypothesized to be a widespread, but highly polymorphic taxon with significant variation in body size, intensity of grey coloration, and the proportions and shape of certain morphostructures of male genitalia. Determination keys and extensive illustrations of the variation are provided to enable proper identification of specimens. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Thu, 6 Apr 2023 16:16:16 +0300
Diversity and phylogeny of the extinct wasp subfamily Lancepyrinae
(Hymenoptera, Bethylidae) revealed by mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 345-369
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e96737
  Authors : Manuel Brazidec, Frédéric Legendre, Vincent Perrichot : The Lancepyrinae are an extinct subfamily of Bethylidae known exclusively from Cretaceous amber deposits of Lebanon, Spain, Taimyr and Myanmar. In this study, we describe and illustrate four new genera and five new species of lancepyrine wasps from the Albian of Hkamti and late Albian-early Cenomanian of Kachin (Myanmar): Azepyris delamarrei gen. et sp. nov., Burmapyris ohmkuhnlei sp. nov., Gwesped groehni gen. et sp. nov., Paralanceis chotardi gen. et sp. nov. and Yunbayin rossei gen. et sp. nov. These taxa not only highlight the taxonomic diversity of the Lancepyrinae during the mid-Cretaceous but they also reveal the morphological disparity of the subfamily. To establish the phylogenetic relationships of these fossils and to check the monophyly of the Lancepyrinae, we add them to a pre-existing morphological matrix and perform a cladistic analysis. We retrieve the subfamily as poorly supported yet monophyletic, with the newly described taxa deeply nested in it. A key to the genera of Lancepyrinae is provided. Finally, we erect the subfamily Cretabythinae subfam. nov. for the genera Cretabythus Evans, 1973, Holopsenelliscus Engel, 2019 and Megalopsenella Jouault et al., 2020 as no taxonomic treatment has been provided for these taxa after the transfer of Holopsenella Engel et al., 2016 as Aculeata incertae sedis. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Tue, 4 Apr 2023 17:13:25 +0300
Revision of the genera Eutrecha and Xenotrecha (Solifugae: Ammotrechidae),
taxonomic notes on Ammotrechinae, and description of a remarkable new
Eutrecha from Colombia
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 317-344
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e95181
  Authors : Ricardo Botero-Trujillo, Leonel Martínez, Hernán Augusto Iuri, Andrés Alejandro Ojanguren-Affilastro, Leonardo Sousa Carvalho : The solifuge genera Eutrecha Maury, 1982 and Xenotrecha Maury, 1982 are among the rarest and most elusive groups of camel spiders in the New World. Since their inception, both genera have remained unclassified within the subfamilial scheme of Ammotrechidae, where they belong, and their systematic position and affinities to other genera continue to be unexplored. This contribution addresses the affinities that Eutrecha and Xenotrecha have to the type genus of Ammotrechinae, Ammotrecha Banks, 1900. Based on the taxonomic distribution of characters shared by these genera, it is proposed that the three are closely related and classified into Ammotrechinae. Revised diagnoses are presented for Ammotrechinae s.str., Eutrecha, and Xenotrecha, and redescriptions are presented for species of these genera, when possible. A new species, Eutrecha belenensis sp. nov., is described from Colombia, raising to three the number of species in the genus. New material of Eutrecha florezi Villareal-Blanco, Armas and Martínez, 2017 and Xenotrecha huebneri (Kraepelin, 1899) is referenced, thus extending the distribution range of these species in Colombia and Brazil, respectively. Ammotrechinae s.str. is here defined by the presence of a retroventral longitudinal carina on the movable finger of the chelicerae and a cleavage plane basally on the femur of pedipalps, among other characters. The cleavage plane allows the pedipalp to be autotomized, representing the first report of pedipalp autotomy in Solifugae. This work also presents a discussion on the taxonomy of Ammotrechidae and delves into some aspects that affect the current delimitation of some of its subfamilies. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Tue, 4 Apr 2023 17:12:36 +0300
Evaluating the significance of wing shapes in inferring phylogenetic
proximity among the generic taxa: an example of Cantharinae (Coleoptera,
Cantharidae)
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 303-316
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e101411
  Authors : Wei Zhao, Hao Yu Liu, Xue Ying Ge, Yu Xia Yang : The resolution of phylogenetic relationship among animals is still one of the most challenging problems in systematic zoology. Insect wing is a highly valued morphological character in the systematics, but few studies have been conducted to quantify wing shape variations for phylogenetic reconstruction. In this study, with Cantharinae as the subject, we conducted the GM analyses from hindwings of 16 representative genera. Further, we conducted the UPGMA based on Procrustes distance and Euclidean similarity measure of Mahalanobis distance, respectively, and NJ analysis of the Mahalanobis distance, as well as MP analysis using merged landmark dataset. In the meantime, we constructed the phylogenetic relationships among these genera based on the mitochondrial genomes, with a total of 41 sequences novel to Cantharinae, by BI and ML analyses. As a result, the CVA analysis demonstrated that the hindwing shapes of the cantharid genera are significantly different from one another. All the topologies produced by the GM data partially correspond with that of mitogenomic data. The close relationships of some genera are frequently recovered, including Cyrebion + Themus, Cantharis + Taiwanocantharis + Taocantharis, Stenothemus + Falsopodabrus + Habronychus. These results prove the importance and potential application of the hindwing shapes in recovering the relationships among the sibling genera. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Fri, 17 Mar 2023 15:47:48 +020
The first larva of the cucujiform superfamily Cleroidea from the Mesozoic
and its ecological implications (Coleoptera)
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 289-301
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e98418
  Authors : Jiří Kolibáč, Kateřina Rosová, Jan Simon Pražák, Jörg U. Hammel, Jakub Prokop : A larva of Cleroidea in Burmese amber is described, which is the first record of an immature beetle of the basal cucujiform superfamily for the Mesozoic. Well-preserved unique specimen is described and illustrated using traditional methods as well as synchrotron-radiation-based micro-computed tomography (SRµCT) to reconstruct the specimen and discern integumental details of cephalic structures, especially the mouthparts. Cretorhadalus constantini gen. et sp. nov. is unambiguously assigned to the melyrid lineage of Cleroidea and tentatively classified within the basal family Rhadalidae. Within this family, this fossil larva has the ancestral cleroid pattern of the stemmata (2+3) and well-developed hooked urogomphi. Based on a comparison with extant rhadalids, as well as most members of the melyrid lineage, the larvae and adults of this new species were probably carnivorous, living on the trunks and branches of trees or in galleries where they foraged for soft xylophagous insects. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:03:26 +020
A revision of the Pieris napi-complex (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) and
similar species with distribution in China
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 257-287
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e85191
  Authors : Si Xun Ge, Zhuo Heng Jiang, Jia Qi Wang, Kui Song, Chao Zhang, Shao Ji Hu : The taxonomic status of the Pieris napi-complex and similar species which occur in China are revised. Relevant species distributed in the adjacent regions were included to clarify the status of Chinese species and were briefly revised. All those species are described and illustrated and new synonyms are established. A molecular phylogenetic analysis is also performed on the species group including similar species, to investigate the phylogenetic relationships between taxa. Species of the Pieris napi-complex that occur in China and adjacent regions are redefined, with four similar species excluded (P. melaina, P. extensa, P. chumbiensis gyantsensis and P. melete). A distribution map and keys of the complex including similar species are provided. The taxon P. mihon Yakovlev, 2006 stat. nov. is raised from subspecies to species status; P. narina Verity, 1908 stat. rev. is confirmed as a distinct species rather than a subspecies of P. ochsenheimeri; Pieris euorientis Verity, 1908 stat. rev. is recovered as a distinct species sister to P. dulcinea. Two taxa, ssp. sauron and ssp. bryonides are moved from subspecies of P. euorientis and P. bryoniae, respectively, to P. napi, i.e. P. napi sauron Yakovlev, 2004 comb. nov and P. napi bryonides Sheljuzhko, 1910 comb. rev. A new synonym is proposed: Pieris ochsenheimeri tianshansis Tadokoro, Shinkawa & Wang, 2014, new synonym of P. mihon Yakovlev, 2006. A new mistaken identification is proposed: Pieris dulcinea kneitzi is a misidentification of Pieris erutae kneitzi Eitschberger, 1983 comb. rev. Five Chinese species belonging to the Pieris napi-complex were confirmed, namely P. narina, P. mihon, P. latouchei, P. dulcinea, and P. erutae. Among them, two species, P. mihon Yakovlev, 2006 and Pieris narina Verity, 1908, are newly recorded from China. The taxonomic status of Pieris steinigeri Eitschberger, 1983 and Pieris bryoniae sifanica Grum-Grshimailo, 1895 is also discussed. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:01:12 +020
Taxonomic revision of the Merodon tarsatus species group (Diptera,
Syrphidae)
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 201-256
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e93570
  Authors : Ante Vujić, Snežana Radenković, Anatolij Barkalov, Nataša Kočiš Tubić, Laura Likov, Tamara Tot, Grigory Popov, Alex Prokhorov, Ebrahim Gilasian, Shehzad Anjum, Mihajla Djan, Banafsha Kakar, Andrijana Andrić : The phytophagous hoverfly genus Merodon Meigen, 1803 (Diptera, Syrphidae) presently comprises 205 described species distributed in the Palaearctic and Afrotropical regions, and it is differentiated into multiple species groups. In this work, we revise the Merodon tarsatus species group, providing an illustrated key to species, a detailed discussion on relevant taxonomic characters, and a morphological diagnosis. We summarize morphological characteristics of the 12 species in the M. tarsatus group, together with available distributional data. Moreover, we provide descriptions for five new species, namely Merodon angustitarsis Vujić & Gilasian sp. nov., M. dumosus Vujić, Likov & Radenković sp. nov., M. latiantennatus Vujić, Popov & Prokhorov sp. nov., M. namaghijamii Vujić, Likov & Radenković sp. nov. and M. pakistanicus Vujić, Likov & Radenković sp. nov. Additionally, we describe one more species, Merodon nigroalatus Vujić, Likov & Radenković sp. nov., that belongs to the same lineage and is related to the Merodon tarsatus group based on molecular markers and structure of male genitalia, but lacks modifications of the metatarsus and sternum 4 that are the main diagnostic features of the group. Furthermore, we redefine and redescribe seven taxa of the M. tarsatus group. Following detailed analyses of type material, we revise the status of all available taxa related to M. tarsatus and we propose the following new synonyms: M. ankylogaster Hurkmans, 1993 syn. nov. (junior synonym of M. hypochrysos Hurkmans, 1993); M. persicus Hurkmans, 1993 syn. nov. (junior synonym of M. oidipous Hurkmans, 1993); and M. xanthipous Hurkmans, 1993 syn. nov. (junior synonym of M. marginicornis Hurkmans, 1993). We apply Maximum Parsimony and Maximum Likelihood analyses of the 5′ end of the mitochondrial COI gene sequences to genetically characterize species in the M. tarsatus group and the related species, M. nigroalatus Vujić, Likov & Radenković sp. nov. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:16:55 +020
On the mysterious Seychellois endemic spider genus Cenemus (Araneae,
Pholcidae)
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 179-200
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e86793
  Authors : Bernhard A. Huber, Guanliang Meng : The Pholcidae subfamily Smeringopinae has been revised extensively over the last decade, and most of its currently eight genera can now be placed with some confidence in the phylogeny of the family. A notable exception has been the endemic Seychellois genus Cenemus Saaristo, 2001. Morphologically, the genus is mainly characterized by plesiomorphies, which resulted in weakly supported and unstable positions in previous cladistic analyses. Molecular data have not previously been available. Here we revise the morphology of the type species Cenemus culiculus (Simon, 1898), including first SEM photos, and present the first molecular data for the genus. Morphology and molecules continue to give conflicting results regarding the sister taxon of Cenemus, but our analyses strongly support a position of the genus within the northern group of Smeringopinae (Northern Africa and the Mediterranean to India) rather than in the southern group (Subsahara Africa). This supports the idea that Cenemus is an ancient taxon, dating back to the breakup of Gondwana, between the separation of the Mascarene platform from Madagascar (~85 mya) and its separation from India (~60 mya). In addition, we present first molecular data for the recently established Smeringopinae genus Maghreba Huber, 2022, which is consistently resolved as sister to Crossopriza Simon, 1893; we present molecular evidence for the polyphyly of Holocnemus Simon, 1873, supporting previous morphological evidence; and we present an annotated list of the Pholcidae of the Seychelles, most of which are supposedly recent human introductions. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Fri, 10 Feb 2023 13:46:49 +020
Parampelomyia, another new gall midge genus (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)
associated with Vitaceae, with description of a new species developing in
flower buds of the porcelain berry in Japan
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 165-177
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e86898
  Authors : Ayman Khamis Elsayed, Tadao Ichita, Makoto Tokuda : We describe a gall midge Parampelomyia yukawai Elsayed and Tokuda gen. nov. sp. nov. belonging to the subtribe Schizomyiina (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae: Asphondyliini) based on an integrative taxonomic study. This species forms barely-swollen flower bud galls on the porcelain berry Ampelopsis brevipedunculata var. heterophylla (Vitaceae) in Japan. The new genus is distinguishable from all known schizomyiine genera by tarsomere I lacking a ventroapical extension, the bulbous base of the protrusible portion of the ovipositor, the fused and sclerotized female cerci, the bidentate gonostylus, and the larval terminal abdominal segment that bears two corniform, two asetose and six setose papillae. The new genus is compared with and separated from the similar genera Schizomyia and Ampelomyia morphologically and phylogenetically. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Thu, 26 Jan 2023 18:18:03 +020
Phylogenetic analysis and revision of the leafhopper genus Acuera DeLong &
Freytag (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Gyponini) based on morphological data
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 79-164
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e81961
  Authors : Alexandre Cruz Domahovski, Rodney Ramiro Cavichioli : Based on a phylogenetic analysis using implied weighting for 59 taxa and 155 morphological characters, we provided a taxonomic revision for Acuera. The genus was recovered as polyphyletic; herein we described three new genera and 16 new species, and proposed 23 new combinations, a new status and four new synonyms for Gyponini. Coarctana gen. nov. is described to include 15 species: C. rana (DeLong & Freytag) comb. nov. (type species) transferred from Acuera; five species transferred from Curtara, C. apena (DeLong & Freytag) comb. nov., C. pedica (DeLong) comb. nov., C. punctata (Spångberg) comb. nov., C. secara (DeLong & Triplehorn) comb. nov., and C. serpenta (DeLong) comb. nov.; and nine new species, C. asymmetrica sp. nov., C. glabra sp. nov., C. nigromedia sp. nov., C. occultata sp. nov., C. oricula sp. nov., C. parvula sp. nov., C. striata sp. nov., C. taurina sp. nov., and C. vilavelha sp. nov. Effossana gen. nov. includes eight species: two species transferred from Acuera, E. gloma (DeLong & Freytag) comb. nov. (type species) and E. fructa (DeLong & Freytag) comb. nov.; two species transferred from Curtara, E. gatuna (DeLong & Wolda) comb. nov. and E. scapa (DeLong) comb. nov.; and four new species, E. assimulata sp. nov., E. circumnota sp. nov., E. intrinseca sp. nov., and E. tenuemarginata sp. nov. A new monotypic genus, Propincurtara gen. nov., is described to include P. longilinea sp. nov. The subgenus Parcana is raised to genus rank, comprising nine species: P. atitlana (Fowler) comb. nov., P. concilia (DeLong & Freytag) comb. nov., P. extara (DeLong & Freytag) comb. nov., P. mimica (DeLong & Freytag) comb. nov., P. spreta (Fowler) comb. nov., and P. ultima (DeLong & Freytag) comb. nov. (type species); also three species transferred from Curtara, P. albororata (Fowler) comb. nov., P. animosa (DeLong & Freytag) comb. nov., and P. ventusa (DeLong & Freytag) comb. nov. Curtara lineatana DeLong & Freytag is a junior synonym of P. concilia (DeLong & Freytag) comb. nov., Acuera inlustra DeLong & Freytag is a junior synonym of Hamana manifesta DeLong, and A. culmena DeLong & Freytag and A. prodiga DeLong & Freytag are synonyms of A. menaca DeLong & Freytag. Four species of Acuera are transferred to Curtara: C. facera (DeLong & Freytag) comb. nov., C. labella (Osborn) comb. nov., C. nama (DeLong & Freytag) comb. nov., and C. patula (DeLong & Freytag) comb. nov. Two new species, A. extenuata sp. nov. and A. umbra sp. nov. are described and placed in the subgenus Acuera. We provide descriptions and illustrations of the new taxa, redescription of the type species of the genera Acuera, Coarctana gen. nov., Effossana gen. nov., and Parcana stat. nov., 40 new country and Brazilian states records, and key to males of each genus. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Fri, 20 Jan 2023 17:35:59 +020
Total evidence analysis elucidates the tangled systematic scenario within
Fidicinini (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha, Cicadidae)
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 35-77
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e85755
  Authors : Tatiana Petersen Ruschel, Filipe Michels Bianchi, Luiz Alexandre Campos, Gervásio Silva Carvalho : The Linnean, Wallacean, and Darwinian shortfalls are knowledge gaps about species taxonomy, distribution, and evolution, respectively. Fidicinini is a tribe of cicadas that suffers from these gaps. We assessed specimens of the tribe sharing similar male genital shape (uncus), but fitting the somatic morphology of either Dorisiana Metcalf, 1952 and Guyalna Boulard & Martinelli, 1996. We build a phylogenetic hypothesis by total evidence analysis and perform a character optimization of the uncus and timbal cover shapes, the last used as diagnostic for both genera. Dorisiana and Guyalna were recovered non-monophyletic. A new genus, Acanthoventris gen. nov., and ten new species are proposed: A. charrua Ruschel sp. nov., A. claudiae Ruschel sp. nov., A. faustopsaltrius Ruschel sp. nov., A. iara Ruschel sp. nov., A. igneus Ruschel sp. nov., A. olivarius Ruschel sp. nov., A. phoenix Ruschel sp. nov., A. rubemi Ruschel sp. nov., A. tumidus Ruschel sp. nov., and A. viridinotatus Ruschel sp. nov.; and three new combinations A. densusus (Boulard & Martinelli, 2011) comb. nov., A. drewseni (Stål, 1854) comb. nov., and A. jauffreti (Boulard & Martinelli, 2001) comb. nov. We provide illustrated identification keys, occurrence maps, and discuss the distribution of the species in the new genus. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Fri, 20 Jan 2023 11:08:36 +020
Phylogenetic analysis of the Belostoma plebejum group sensu Nieser
(Insecta, Hemiptera, Belostomatidae): the effect of adding continuous
characters on its accuracy
- Abstract: Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 81: 1-34
  DOI : 10.3897/asp.81.e87378
  Authors : José R. I. Ribeiro, Augusto Ferrari : The Belostoma plebejum group comprises nine species, and the most evident characteristic shared by all species of the group is a phallus that is strongly curved ventrally. The difficulty in studying its species is much aggravated by the scarcity of identified material in Brazilian collections, and this has negatively impacted phylogenetic studies within the group. We tested the monophyly of the B. plebejum group using discrete and continuous characters under different weighting schemes and inferences. We described B. lanemeloi sp. nov. and B. nieseri sp. nov. and they served as the basis to study the phylogenetic relationships. A strict-consensus tree recovered under maximum parsimony and with implicit weighting scheme is as follows: (B. parvum, ((B. lanemeloi sp. nov., (B. nessimiani, B. nieseri sp. nov.)), (B. micantulum var1, (B. micantulum var2, (B. estevezae, ((B. plebejum, (B. minusculum var1, B. minusculum var2)), ((B. nicaeum var1, B. nicaeum var2), ((B. lariversi var1, B. lariversi var2), (B. pygmeum var1, B. pygmeum var2))))))))). The monophyly of the B. plebejum group is corroborated by four non-homoplastic synapomorphies, and the aforementioned condition of the phallus is one of them. We tested the phylogenetic integrity of some species of the B. plebejum group, and only the exemplars of B. micantulum did not constitute monophyletic clades. Comparing the topologies obtained by different approaches clearly showed the presence of different scenarios in terms of heterogeneity of evolutionary rates among characters, but this could also be influenced by the disproportionate number of discrete characters compared with continuous characters. HTML XML PDF
  PubDate: Mon, 16 Jan 2023 13:46:40 +020