Male polymorphism in some Old World species of Cryptocheilus Panzer (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)

The hypothesis that males of certain species of the pompilid genus Cryptocheilus Panzer are polymorphic, first proposed by H. Wolf, is examined critically in the light of modern knowledge of the mating systems of Hymenoptera and the known biology of Cryptocheilus species. Speculations are made as to the likely selection pressures operating to produce this phenomenon; nine Old World species of Cryptocheilus are identified as probable examples. The taxonomic implications of the hypothesis are considered; one new generic and nine new specific synonymies are listed, and lectotypes are designated for three nominal species. Two names are retrieved from synonymy for species here recognized as valid. A key is provided for the extreme forms of the males of these species; more detailed treatment must await full revision of Cryptocheilus.     

The crassicornis species‐group of the genus Anotylusi (Staphylinidae)

The crassicornis Group of the genus Anotylus is defined and its species revised. Three of these, garambanus, opacifrons and quadricollis, are described as new; three new synonymies are recognized. A key is provided to the eight species, and the ranges of the species indicated by maps. The phylogeny of the species-group is discussed, and illustrated by means of a cladogram.     

Carmine cochineal killers: the flower fly genus Eosalpingogaster Hull (Diptera: Syrphidae) revised

The flower fly genus Eosalpingogaster Hull, predator of the carminic acid producer cochineal (Dactylopiidae), is revised. Two new species are described (knutsoni sp.n. and umbra sp.n. ) and an identification key is provided for all known species. Diagnoses, illustrations, synonymies and distributional and biological data are given. Three new synonyms are proposed [texana Curran as jun.syn. of cochenillivora (Guérin‐Méneville); liposeta Fluke and dactylopianus Blanchard as jun.syn. of nigriventris (Bigot)] and two lectotypes are designated for cochenillivora (Guérin‐Méneville) and nigriventris (Bigot). Eosalpingogaster is elevated to full generic status based on adult morphological characters, biological data and a new phylogenetic analysis of molecular characters with genes 28S, 18S and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I. All data, images and drawings are available online as an example of the utility of international standards for biodiversity informatics.     

A revision of the grass-living genus Podothrips (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)

The genus Podothrips Hood is redefined, and three new species are described: orion and australis from Australia and moundi from New Guinea. Two new synonymies are recorded in Podothrips and fuscus Moulton and monsterae Moulton are excluded. A key to the nineteen species and an annotated catalogue are provided. The distribution and biology of the genus are briefly discussed.     

Revision and phylogenetic analysis of the New World genus Neoclypeodytes Young (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Hydroporinae: Bidessini)

The western North American and northern Central American genus Neoclypeodytes Young is revised. Twenty‐five valid species are recognized in the genus. One additional name, N. luctuosus (Guignot) is treated as species of uncertain status. Eleven new species are described: N. amybethae, N. anasinus, N. astrapus, N. challeti, N. edithae, N. haroldi, N. megalus, N. nanus, N. roughleyi, N. similis and N. tumulus. Six new synonymies are established: N. centralis (Sharp) = N. cinctellus (LeConte); N. substriatus (Sharp) = N. discedens (Sharp); N. americanus (Guignot), N. decoratus (Fall) and N. quadrisignatus (Sharp) = N. fryii (Clark); and N. rugulosus (Guignot) = N. obesus (Sharp). Lectotypes are designated for N. curtulus (Sharp), N. discedens, N. discretus (Sharp), N. lynceus (Sharp), N. obesus, N. ornatellus (Fall), N. pictodes (Sharp), N. plicipennis (Crotch), N. quadrinotatus (Sharp), N. quadripustulatus, N. quadrisignatus and N. substriatus. A key is provided for the known species of Neoclypeodytes. Distribution maps, illustrations of important morphological features and natural history notes are provided for each species. A single possible synapomorphy was found supporting the monophyly of Neoclypeodytes, a pattern of two maculae on each elytron. The perplexing and unresolved relationships of Neoclypeodytes to other bidessine genera are discussed. A cladistic analysis using twenty‐two characters of adult morphology is presented for twenty‐five species of Neoclypeodytes, with Uvarus lacustris (Say) and Liodessus affinis (Say) as outgroup taxa (rooted at U. lacustris). A single most parsimonious cladogram was obtained.     

Phylogeny and classification of the Elachistidae s.s. (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea)

Abstract. The classification of the gelechioid family Elachistidae (Lepidoptera) is revised on the basis of a phylogenetic analysis. Pee-Wee analysis of 131 characters of adult and pupal morphology and larval mode of life, coded for seventy elachistid species, results in a classification with three recognized genera: Perittia, Stephensia and Elachista. Elachista is further divided into four subgenera. The phylogenetic relationships of the genera and subgenera are (Perittia (Stephensia ((E. sg. Dibrachia (E. sg. Hemiprosopa, E. sg. Aphelosetia)) (E. sg. Elachista)))). Twenty-four new generic synonyms and thirty-eight new generic combinations of species are proposed. A checklist is given for the species of Elachistidae in their revised generic combinations, including nine new synonymies. Due to secondary homonymy, Elachista dasycara nom. n. is proposed as a new name for Eurynome albella Chambers.     

Systematics of Pipizini and taxonomy of European Pipiza Fallén: molecular and morphological evidence (Diptera,Syrphidae)

Vuji?, A., Ståhls, G., A?anski, J., Bartsch, H., Bygebjerg, R. & Stefanovi?, A. (2013). Systematics of Pipizini and taxonomy of European Pipiza Fallén: molecular and morphological evidence (Diptera, Syrphidae). —Zoologica Scripta, 42, 288–305. In the present work the monophyly and molecular phylogenetic relationships of the genera of tribe Pipizini (Syrphidae) were investigated based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and nuclear 28S rDNA sequences, and the relationships among species of genus Pipiza Fallén, 1810 based on mtDNA COI sequences. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of Pipizini supported Pipiza as monophyletic and as sister group to all other Pipizini, and resolved other Pipizini genera as monophyletic lineages except for genus Heringia Rondani, 1856. To recognize the distinctness and maintain the monophyly the genus Heringia was redefined, generic rank was assigned to Neocnemodon Goffe, 1944 stat. n., and the genus Claussenia Vuji? & Ståhls gen. n., type‐species Claussenia hispanica (Strobl, 1909), was described. A revision of the European Pipiza species, including a discussion of taxonomic characters and a morphological redefinition of all included species, is presented. One new species, Pipiza laurusi Vuji? & Ståhls sp. n. was described. The taxa Pipiza carbonaria Meigen, 1822; Pipiza fasciata, Meigen 1822; Pipiza lugubris (Fabricius, 1775), Pipiza noctiluca (Linneaues, 1758), Pipiza notata Meigen, 1822 were redefined. Lectotypes are designated for 17 taxa, and neotypes were designated for seven taxa. Fourteen new synonymies were proposed. Male genitalia were illustrated for all the species, and a key of the 12 European species for males and females was provided. Geometric morphometrics of wing landmarks and extended sampling of mtDNA COI sequences was employed to delimitate taxa of the P. noctiluca and P. lugubris complexes. Despite subtle morphological differences, wing geometric morphometrics variables of wing size and shape showed highly significant differences among species within P. noctiluca and P. lugubris complexes, which were supported by the molecular data.     

Some Entolomataceae (Agaricales) from Costa Rica

A preliminary account of Entolomataceae from Costa Rica is presented. Three new taxa are described, two inClitopilus, one inRhodocybe, and three new combinations are proposed inInocephalus. Five taxa ofClitopilus are reported for the first time from Costa Rica and a key to species is provided. Four species ofRhodocybe are discussed and a key to the six species known from Costa Rica is also provided.Alboleptonia earlei, Inocephalus murraii, Inocephalus quadratum, Rhodocybe incarnata andRhodocybe pseudonitellina are now known to occur in Costa Rica.     

Oligoneuria Pictet: phylogenetic analysis and description of three new species from Brazil (Ephemeroptera: Oligoneuriidae)

For 150 years O. anomala has been the only known species of Oligoneuria, the type genus of the Oligoneuriidae (Ephemeroptera). However, two species have been recently described and Oligoneuria has been proposed as a senior synonym of the genus Oligoneurioides. In the present paper, based on material from the Amazon and Brazilian Atlantic Forest, three new species are described, including information on all life stages. Given these new species, as well as the lack of cladistic support for the proposed synonymy between Oligoneuria and Oligoneurioides, a phylogenetic analysis was performed in order to address the relationships between all species and to test the status of Oligoneurioides. Our results show that the status of the genus is uncertain, mainly due to the lack of knowledge of the type species of O. anomala, known exclusively from a female subimago. Taking into account phylogenetic as well as taxonomic arguments, we propose that the genus Oligoneuria should be divided into three subgenera: Oligoneuria s.s., for O. anomala; Oligoneuria (Yawari) new subgenus, for Oligoneuria truncata sp.n. ; and Oligoneuria (Oligoneurioides) for the remaining five species, including O. amandae sp.n. and O. mitra sp.n. This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A2AEE4B7‐FEA8‐4067‐8F3B‐666095EDB997 .     

Systematic revision of the living species of Bullidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Cephalaspidea), with a molecular phylogenetic analysis

Bullidae are a worldwide family of marine shelled cephalaspidean gastropods with a mainly tropical distribution, but also with some representatives in temperate waters. The taxonomy of the group has in the past been based only on shell characters, and the few anatomical accounts available have not addressed more than one to three species, so there has been no agreement about the number of valid species. Seventy‐two specific names and 16 varietal names have been proposed worldwide. The systematics of the family Bullidae are revised, based not only on shells but also on anatomy of all extant species and on DNA sequence data. Twelve species are recognized worldwide, including one new species here described, and all are assigned to the genus Bulla. Two species occur in the eastern Atlantic, B. striata and B. mabillei; two in the western Atlantic, B. occidentalis and B. solida; two in the eastern Pacific, B. gouldiana and B. punctulata; and six in the Indo‐West Pacific, B. ampulla, B. arabica sp. nov. , B. orientalis, B. peasiana, B. quoyii and B. vernicosa. Full synonymies and taxonomic histories are provided for each species. In order to promote taxonomic stability, neotypes are designated for B. striata, B. solida, B. nebulosa (valid name B. gouldiana) and B. vernicosa, and lectotypes for B. occidentalis, B. mabillei, B. punctulata, B. ampulla and B. quoyii. The type locality of B. ampulla is restricted to Mauritius. Bullidae show a general morphological stasis, with anatomy being very similar between species. However, there are high levels of intraspecific variability in the shell, radula and male genital system. In some cases species could only be separated based on molecular data . After defining the characters and geographical range of each species it became clear that sympatric species (a maximum of three) show distinctive shells and reproductive structures, which makes identification straightforward. This study employs an integrative approach, combining information on shells, anatomy, DNA and geographical distribution, in order to resolve the systematics of a difficult taxonomic group. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 153 , 453–543.     

Male polymorphism in some Old World species of Cryptocheilus Panzer (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)

The hypothesis that males of certain species of the pompilid genus Cryptocheilus Panzer are polymorphic, first proposed by H. Wolf, is examined critically in the light of modern knowledge of the mating systems of Hymenoptera and the known biology of Cryptocheilus species. Speculations are made as to the likely selection pressures operating to produce this phenomenon; nine Old World species of Cryptocheilus are identified as probable examples. The taxonomic implications of the hypothesis are considered; one new generic and nine new specific synonymies are listed, and lectotypes are designated for three nominal species. Two names are retrieved from synonymy for species here recognized as valid. A key is provided for the extreme forms of the males of these species; more detailed treatment must await full revision of Cryptocheilus.     

Morphological phylogeny and classification of Winthemiini (Diptera: Tachinidae: Exoristinae)

Winthemiini is a worldwide tribe in the subfamily Exoristinae (Diptera: Tachinidae) with 200 species in 16 genera. We confirm the monophyly of Winthemiini and examine relationships among the constituent genera based on a parsimonious analysis of adult morphological characters for 53 species representing 12 out of 16 currently recognized Winthemiini genera. As a result, Winthemiini is divided into three major clades, with relationships as follows: ((Rhaphiochaeta [Ossidingia, Nemorilla]) ((Hemisturmia [Avibrissosturmia, Triodontopyga]) ([Smidtia, Winthemia])). A revised classification system for Winthemiini is proposed, recognizing 12 genera. Four new synonymies are proposed – Diotrephes and Chesippus as junior synonyms of Smidtia, and Hemisturmiella and Parachetolyga as junior synonyms of Winthemia – along with four new combinations: Winthemia brasiliana (Guimarães) comb.n. , W. metopia (Bischof) comb.n. , Smidtia atriventris (Walker) comb.n. , and S. notialis (Reinhard) comb.n.     

The species of the genus Micrambe Thomson 1863, from South Africa (Coleoptera: Cryptophagidae)

The 22 species of the genus Micrambe Thomson known from South Africa are analyzed and revised. Micrambe danielssoni sp. nov is described. Following a detailed study of the type material in different entomological collections, the status of two taxa is revised and two new synonymies are proposed: Micrambe kolbei Grouvelle 1908, syn. nov. for Micrambe minuta Grouvelle 1908, and Micrambe similis Bruce 1957, syn. nov. for Micrambe peringueyi Grouvelle 1908. A lectotypus is designated for one taxon: Micrambe capensis (Redtenbacher 1867). A key to all the species occurring in South Africa is presented.     

Evolution of Philopotinae,with a revision and phylogeny of the New World spider fly genus Philopota Wiedemann (Diptera,Acroceridae)

Philopotinae are hunchbacked spider flies represented by 63 fossil and extant species in 15 genera worldwide. Philopota Wiedemann, 1830, is the most species‐rich genus within the subfamily. Here, the evolution of Philopotinae is discussed, and a revision and phylogeny of Philopota based on adult morphology are presented. Nine of the 12 extant Philopotinae genera were included in our analysis, and 22 species were recognized in Philopota, of which 13 are described as new. Seven new synonymies are proposed. The phylogenetic analysis included 33 terminal taxa (22 ingroup and 11 outgroup species) and used 53 morphological characters, resulting in a single most parsimonious tree under equal weights. The monophyly of Philopota is recovered, and the Palaearctic genus Oligoneura is hypothesized as its sister‐group.