Phylogeny and biogeography of the lamioid genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phlomis</Emphasis> (Lamiaceae)

The genus Phlomis is one of the largest genera of subfamily Lamioideae (Lamiaceae) with more than 100 recognised species distributed in Asia, southern Europe and northern Africa. Morphological studies have suggested that the species can be split into two morphologically distinct groups that have previously been recognised as either sections or separate genera. The current study represents the first molecular phylogenetic study of the genus in which taxa representative of the entire genus are included. In contrast to considerable morphological and ecological variation among taxa, sequence variation in the trnL intron, the trnL – F intergenic spacer, and the rps16 intron was low, resulting in sparse phylogenetic resolution, particularly among the South West Asian and Mediterranean taxa. However, the results support a split of the genus into two separate groups that are recognised here as the genera Phlomoides and Phlomis in order to decrease taxonomic complexity. The close relationship between Phlomis s.l. and Eremostachys, pointed out by several authors, is confirmed, and in a noteworthy new finding, the small Asian genus Notochaete, is more closely related to the Phlomis s.l. lineage than previously assumed. The two monotypic genera Pseuderemostachys and Lamiophlomis as well as Notochaete hamosa are transferred to Phlomoides and three new combinations are made. Character optimisation analyses based on geographic distributions of all taxa show that the groups obtained by molecular phylogenetic analysis correlate well with biogeography. The results suggest that the Phlomis s.l. lineage has a Central Asian origin in an area around Western China.     

Systematic positions of Lamiophiomis and Paraphlomis (Lamiaceae) based on nuclear and chloroplast sequences

Genera Lamiophlomis and Paraphlomis were originally separated from genus Phlomis s.l. on the basis of particular morphological characteristics. However, their relationship was highly contentious, as evidenced by the literature. In the present paper, the systematic positions of Lamiophlomis, Paraphlomis, and their related genera were assessed based on nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and chloroplast rpl16 and trnL-F sequence data using maximum parsimony (MP) and Bayesian methods. In total, 24 species representing six genera of the ingroup and outgroup were sampled. Analyses of both separate and combined sequence data were conducted to resolve the systematic relationships of these genera. The results reveal that Lamiophlomis is nested within Phlomis sect. Phlomoides and its genetic status is not supported. With the inclusion of Lamiophlomis rotata in sect. Phlomoides, sections Phlomis and Phlomoides of Phlomis were resolved as monophyletic. Paraphlomis was supported as an inde-pendent genus. However, the resolution of its monophyly conflicted between MP and Bayesian analyses, suggesting the need for expended sampling and further evidence.     

Molecular phylogeny of Russulaceae (Basidiomycetes; Russulales) inferred from the nucleotide sequences of nuclear large subunit rDNA

Phylogenetic relationships of the genera Russula and Lactarius were investigated using sequence data from the nuclear-encoded large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA). Ninety-five sequences belonging to the genera Russula and Lactarius, including 31 sequences from the databases, were used in this study. Analysis of the LSU rDNA region indicated that Russulaceae was divided into six groups (group A–F) in the neighbor-joining (NJ) tree. Lactarius consisted of one large clade (group A). Therefore, this genus was found to be monophyletic. However, the monophyly of genus Russula remained unclear. The genus Russula consisted of five groups in the NJ tree. Group B includes sects. Plorantes and Archaeinae (Heim), and group C includes sects. Delicoarchaeae and Russula in the NJ tree. Neither of the two groups formed a single clade in the most parsimonius (MP) tree. Group D includes many taxa having colored spore prints and amyloid in suprahilar plage of spores in sect. Russula and sect. Rigidae. Group E consists of only sect. Compactae and is further divided into three subclades, represented by R. densifolia, R. nigricans, and R. subnigricans, respectively. Group F contains sects. Rigidae, Ingratae, and Pelliculariae. Sect. Compactae and sect. Plorantes should not be as closely related as previously supposed. Russula earlei may be placed in sect. Archaeinae Heim. Russula flavida (subsect. Amoeninae) is placed in sect. Russula with R. aurea with a high bootstrap value (99%). The nuclear LSU rDNA region is a useful tool in recognization of species of Russulaceae and may provide information concerning phylogenetic relationships between the genera Russula and Lactarius.     

Evolution of trichome types and its systematic significance in the genus Phlomoides (Lamioideae–Lamiaceae)

Despite a number of recent molecular phylogenetic studies on Phlomoides, in terms of trichome morphology the genus is still among the most poorly studied taxa in the family Lamiaceae. In order to test the utility of trichome characters for delimitation of sections, subsection and species of Phlomoides, we examined trichomes of 64 species representing all recognized sections and subsections using stereomicroscopy and scaning electron microscopy. Two basic types of trichomes could be identified: non‐glandular and glandular. Both trichome types can be simple or branched. The glandular trichomes were sessile, short stalked or long stalked. Different kinds of branched trichomes were observed in most species of P. sect. Phlomoides, i.e. symmetrically stellate, stellate with a central long branch, bi‐ or trifurcate. The species of P. sect. Filipendula were mostly covered by simple trichomes. Moreover, variation in trichome characters appears to have particular value, not only for the classification at sectional or subsectional rank, but also for delimitation of species within each section. For example, all studied species of P. subsect. Fulgentes are characterized by various kinds of stellate trichomes, while the trichome variability in P. subsect. Tetragonae was sufficiently high for species discrimination. An ancestral character state reconstruction was performed in order to investigate the evolution of trichome types and it revealed the following evolutionary trends in trichome characters of Phlomoides: 1) branched trichomes are primitive in Phlomoides as compared to simple ones, 2) long simple non‐glandular trichomes are derived as compared to short simple ones and 3) the presence of stalked glandular trichomes is advanced as compared to subsessile or sessile ones.     

Molecular phylogeny of the mainly Mediterranean genera Chaenorhinum,Kickxia and Nanorrhinum (Plantaginaceae,tribe Antirrhineae), with focus on taxa in the Flora Iranica region

Plantaginaceae tribe Antirrhineae as revised by Sutton (1988) comprises about 30 genera that have undergone significant taxonomic changes in recent years, many of which have yet to be assessed by detailed phylogenetic analyses, including Kickxia, Nanorrhinum and Chaenorhinum. To examine the monophyly, relationships and rank of Kickxia, Nanorrhinum and Chaenorhinum, we conducted a phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and chloroplast DNA (rpl32‐trnL) sequence data, with special focus on the Flora Iranica region. We sampled 22 species of Kickxia s.l. (16 of Kickxia s.s. and 6 of Nanorrhinum), 2 species of Anarrhinum, 12 species of Chaenorhinum, 19 representatives of nine additional genera of Antirrhineae, and several outgroup taxa representing other genera of Plantaginaceae. Parsimony and Bayesian analyses of the two datasets produced almost congruent trees, although taxon sampling differed. Our results indicate that Chaenorhinum can be subdivided into two highly supported groups of species, partially matching two of the currently recognized sections of the genus. Albraunia and Holzneria are nested within the Chaenorhinum clade and should not be recognized as distinct genera. Two clades corresponding to Kickxia sect. Kickxia and Kickxia sect. Valvatae were also highly supported. Our data, whn combined with all other available evidence, support recognition of the clade comprising Kickxia sect. Valvatae at the genus level, as Nanorrhinum. Based on this result, six names are here transferred to Nanorrhinum. A diagnostic key to the seven genera of tribe Antirrhineae known from the Flora Iranica region is also provided.     

Molecular phylogeny of Pamphagidae (Acridoidea,Orthoptera) from China based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II sequences

Abstract Phylogenetic relationships of Pamphagidae were examined using cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII) mtDNA sequences (684 bp). Twenty‐seven species of Acridoidea from 20 genera were sequenced to obtain mtDNA data, along with four species from the GenBank nucleotide database. The purpose of this study was analyzing the phylogenetic relationships among subfamilies within Pamphagidae and interpreting the phylogenetic position of this family within the Acridoidea superfamily. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using neighbor‐joining (NJ), maximum parsimony (MP) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods. The 684 bp analyzed fragment included 126 parsimony informative sites. Sequences diverged 1.0%–11.1% between genera within subfamilies, and 8.8%–12.3% between subfamilies. Amino acid sequence diverged 0–6.1% between genera within subfamilies, and 0.4%–7.5% between subfamilies. Our phylogenetic trees revealed the monophyly of Pamphagidae and three distinct major groups within this family. Moreover, several well supported and stable clades were found in Pamphagidae. The global clustering results were similar to that obtained through classical morphological classification: Prionotropisinae, Thrinchinae and Pamphaginae were monophyletic groups. However, the current genus Filchnerella (Prionotropisinae) was not a monophyletic group and the genus Asiotmethis (Prionotropisinae) was a sister group of the genus Thrinchus (Thrinchinae). Further molecular and morphological studies are required to clarify the phylogenetic relationships of the genera Filchnerella and Asiotmethis.     

Molecular phylogeny of Nothoholosticha (Protozoa,Ciliophora, Urostylida) and systematic relationships of the Holosticha-complex

The marine ciliate Nothoholosticha is characterized by having a Holosticha-like ciliature pattern but without migratory frontoterminal cirri. However, its systematic position and its relationship to other members of the Holosticha-complex have not yet been resolved. In order to gain deeper insights into these relationships, the small subunit rRNA (SSrRNA) gene and the rRNA internal transcribed spacer and 5.8SrRNA (ITS1–5.8S-ITS2) region of two marine Anteholosticha species, as well as the ITS1–5.8S-ITS2 region of N. fasciola, were sequenced, and molecular trees (BI, ML, NJ and MP trees) were constructed. Although our analyses failed to conclusively resolve the phylogeny of this assemblage, certain conclusions could be drawn. Firstly, Nothoholosticha is a valid genus that is more closely related to Pseudokeronopsis than to other Holosticha-complex genera. Secondly, sequence analyses and phylogenetic trees of several Anteholosticha species revealed a high molecular diversity, which does not support the monophyly of this genus. Thirdly, the current assignment of certain well-known genera, e.g. Holosticha, Anteholosticha, Apokeronopsis, Parabirojimia, Psammomitra, Diaxonella, Metaurostylopsis and Thigmokeronopsis, to the families Bakuellidae (sensu Berger 2006), Urostylidae (sensu Berger 2006) or Holostichidae (sensu Berger 2006) is challenged by the molecular data presented here. And fourthly, the families Holostichidae and Pseudokeronopsidae (sensu Lynn 2008) are probably paraphyletic, and their systematic assignments await further evaluation.     

12 Phylogeny of the euglenoid loricate genera trachelomonas and strombomonas based on morphological and molecular data

Since the separation of the Trachelomonas subgroup “Saccatae” into a new genus, Strombomonas Deflandre (1930), there has been some question as to its validity. Deflandre's separation was based on morphological characteristics such as the shape of the lorica, lack of a distinctive collar, possession of a tailpiece, lack of ornamentation, and ability to aggregate particles on the lorica. Recent molecular analyses indicated that the loricate taxa were monophyletic, but few species have been sampled. The LSU rDNA from eleven Strombomonas and thirty‐eight Trachelomonas species was sequenced to evaluate the monophyly of the two genera. Bayesian and maximum‐likelihood analyses found one monophyletic clade for each genus. The Trachelomonas clade was weakly supported, but had five strongly supported subclades. Morphological characters, such as lorica development and pellicle strip reduction, also supported separation of the genera. Lorica development in Strombomonas occurred from the anterior of the cell to the posterior, forming a shroud over the protoplast whereas in Trachelomonas, a layer of mucilage was excreted over the entire protoplast, followed by creation of the collar at the anterior end. Taxa from both genera underwent exponential strip reduction at the anterior and posterior poles. In Strombomonas, only one reduction was visible in the anterior pole, while in most Trachelomonas species, two reductions were visible. Likewise, Strombomonas species possessed two whorls of strip reduction in their posterior end compared to a single whorl of strip reduction in Trachelomonas species. The combined morphological and molecular data support the retention of Trachelomonas and Strombomonas as separate genera.     

A molecular phylogeny of Hebeloma species from Europe

In order to widen the scope of existing phylogenies of the ectomycorrhizal agaric genus Hebeloma a total of 53 new rDNA ITS sequences from that genus was generated, augmented by sequences retrieved from GenBank, and analysed using Bayesian, strict consensus and neighbour joining methods. The lignicolous Hebelomina neerlandica, Gymnopilus penetrans, and two species of Galerina served as outgroup taxa. Anamika indica, as well as representatives of the genera Hymenogaster and Naucoria, were included to test the monophyly of Hebeloma, which is confirmed by the results. Hebeloma, Naucoria, Hymenogaster and Anamika indica cluster in a strongly supported monophyletic hebelomatoid clade. All trees largely reflect the current infrageneric classification within Hebeloma, and divide the genus into mostly well-supported monophyletic groups surrounding H. crustuliniforme, H. velutipes, H. sacchariolens, H. sinapizans, and H. radicosum, with H. sarcophyllum being shown at an independent position; however this is not well supported. The section Indusiata divides with strong support into three groups, the position of the pleurocystidiate Hebeloma cistophilum suggests the possible existence of a third subsection within sect. Indusiata. Subsection Sacchariolentia is raised to the rank of section.     

Phylogenetics of Chinese Dryopteris (Dryopteridaceae) based on the chloroplast rps4-trnS sequence data

Dryopteris is one of the largest and most taxonomically complex fern genera in the Dryopteridaceae, with 127 species occurring throughout temperate, sub-temperate, subtropical, and tropical China. Investigations of the evolutionary relationships of a subset of these Chinese Dryopteris species, using DNA sequence-based methods, specifically tested the monophyly of the genus and the validity of the previous subgeneric classifications. Sixty species of Dryopteris, four closely related non-Dryopteris and three species of Arachniodes, were used as outgroup taxa. The rps4-trnS region of the chloroplast genome was sequenced in these species for the first time. Both maximum parsimony (MP) and neighbor-joining (NJ) analyses identified six polyphyletic clades that contained Dryopteris species. These results were supported by a Bayesian analysis of the same data set. The phylogenetic patterns strongly suggest the polyphyletic status of Dryopteris; the monophyletic groupings of the species do not correspond with either Fraser-Jenkins [In: Bull Brit Mus (Nat Hist) Bot 14(3):183–218, 1986} or Wu (In: Flora Reipublica Popularis Sinicae Tomus 5 (1) pp 1–241, 2000] subgeneric classification of Dryopteris, except in a few specific cases. This work represents the first molecular systematic analyses of Chinese Dryopteris, and we propose the next steps necessary to recognize new subgenera of the genus.     

Phylogenetic relationships of the Magnoliaceae inferred from cpDNA matK sequences

The coding region of the matK gene was sequenced to infer the phylogeny of the family Magnoliaceae. Phylogenetic analyses of 21 matK sequences representing ten genera of Magnoliaceae and three outgroups suggest relationships among both subfamilies and genera. Monophyly of the subfamily Liriodendroideae (the genus Liriodendron) and the subfamily Magnolioideae is strongly supported, respectively. Within the subfamily Magnolioideae, three clades are formed: (1) the genus Magnlietia, (2) the subgenus Magnolia, and (3) the subgenus Yulania, with the genera Michelia, Paramichelia, Tsoongiodendron, Alcimandra, Kmeria, Parakmeria and Manglietiastrum. However, the genus Magnolia is shown to be a polyphyletic group, and the genus Michelia a paraphyletic group. Relatively low sequence divergences are detected among genera of the the subfamily Magnolioideae, ranging from 0.14% to 1.70%, especially in the tribe Micheliinae (0.14–0.98%). Molecular evidence from matK sequence data suggests that the phylogenetic positions and the delimitation of the eight genera Magnolia, Michelia, Tsoongiodendron, Paramichelia, Alcimandra, Kmeria, Parakmeria and Manglietiastrum need to be reconsidered. Received: 2 January 2000 / Accepted: 12 February 2000     

Genetic diversity and phylogenetic position of the subclass Astomatia (Ciliophora) based on a sampling of six genera from West African oligochaetes (Glossoscolecidae, Megascolecidae), including description of the new genus Paraclausilocola n. gen

To more confidently assess phylogenetic relationships among astome ciliates, we obtained small subunit (SSU) rRNA sequences from nine species distributed in six genera and three families: Almophrya bivacuolata, Eudrilophrya complanata, Metaracoelophrya sp. 1, Metaracoelophrya sp. 2, Metaracoelophrya intermedia, Metaradiophrya sp., Njinella prolifera, Paraclausilocola constricta n. gen., n. sp., and Paraclausilocola elongata n. sp. The two new species in the proposed new clausilocolid genus Paraclausilocola n. gen. are astomes with no attachment apparatus, two files of contractile vacuoles, and an arc-like anterior suture that has differentiations of thigmotactic ciliature on the anterior ends of the left kineties of the upper surface. Phylogenetic analyses were undertaken using neighbor-joining, Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood, and maximum parsimony. The nine species of astomes formed a strongly supported clade, showing the subclass Astomatia to be monophyletic and a weakly supported sister clade to the scuticociliates. There were two strongly supported clades within the astomes. However, genera assigned to the same family were found in different clades, and genera assigned to the same order were found in both clades. Thus, astome taxa appear to be paraphyletic when morphology is used to assign species to genera.     

Phylogeny and systematics of the tribe Sonerileae (Melastomataceae) in Africa: A revised taxonomic classification

The tribe Sonerileae in tropical Africa and Madagascar is a morphologically diverse lineage that consists of 239 species in 10 genera. In this study, we present the first in-depth phylogenetic analysis of African Sonerileae to test monophyly of the currently recognized genera. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using sequence data from two nuclear (nrITS and nrETS) and three plastid loci (accD-psaI, ndhF and psbK-psbL). Sampling consisted of 140 accessions including 64 African, 27 Malagasy, 46 Asian, and three neotropical Sonerileae together with a broad outgroup sampling (105 spp.). Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference approaches, and a careful reassessment of morphological characters was carried out. Our results neither support the monophyly of the Old World nor African Sonerileae. The monospecific African genus Benna is partially supported as sister to Phainantha, one of the basal neotropical lineages, while African and Malagasy Medinilla are nested among the SE Asian genera. Gravesia (116 spp.), the most species-rich and morphologically diverse genus in Madagascar, is recovered as monophyletic. The African genera of Sonerileae Calvoa, Dicellandra, and Preussiella form well-supported clades. In contrast, Amphiblemma (including Amphiblemma molle) and Cincinnobotrys s.l. (including Cincinnobotrys felicis) are not monophyletic. To accommodate the caulescent C. felicis we propose reinstatement of the monospecific genus Bourdaria. For the distinctive A. molle a new genus Mendelia is described. Calvoa hirsuta is designated here as the type of genus Calvoa, lectotypes are designated for Medinilla engleri and Veprecella lutea, and a neotype is designated for Preussiella kamerunensis.     

Aphis (Hemiptera: Aphididae) species groups found in the Midwestern United States and their contribution to the phylogenetic knowledge of the genus

A phylogeny of the genus Aphis Linnaeus, 1 758 was built primarily from specimens collected in the Midwest of the United States. A data matrix was constructed with 68 species and 41 morphological characters with respective character states of alate and apterous viviparous females. Dendrogram topologies of analyses performed using UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean), Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian analysis of Cytochrome Oxidase I, Elongation Factor 1‐α and primary endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola 16S sequences were not congruent. Bayesian analysis strongly supported most terminal nodes of the phylogenetic trees. The phylogeny was strongly supported by EF1‐α, and analysis of COI and EF1‐α molecular data combined with morphological characters. It was not supported by single analysis of COI or Buchnera aphidicola 16S. Results from the Bayesian phylogeny show 4 main species groups: asclepiadis, fabae, gossypii, and middletonii. Results place Aphis and species of the genera Protaphis Börner, 1952, Toxoptera Koch, 1856 and Xerobion Nevsky, 1928 in a monophyletic clade. Morphological characters support this monophyly as well. The phylogeny shows that the monophyletic clade of the North American middletonii species group belong to the genus Protaphis: P. debilicornis (Gillette & Palmer, 1929 ), comb. nov., P. echinaceae (Lagos and Voegtlin, 2009 ), comb. nov., and P. middletonii (Thomas, 1879 ). The genus Toxoptera should be considered a subgenus of Aphis (stat. nov.). The analysis also indicates that the current genus Iowana Frison, 1954 should be considered a subgenus of Aphis (stat. nov.).     

MULTIGENE ANALYSES OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC EUGLENOIDS AND NEW FAMILY,PHACACEAE (EUGLENALES)1

Bayesian and maximum‐likelihood (ML) analyses of the combined multigene data (nuclear SSU rDNA, and plastid SSU and LSU rDNA) were conducted to evaluate the phylogeny of photosynthetic euglenoids. The combined data set consisted of 108 strains of photosynthetic euglenoids including a colorless sister taxon. Bayesian and ML analyses recovered trees of almost identical topology. The results indicated that photosynthetic euglenoids were divided into two major clades, the Euglenaceae clade (Euglena, Euglenaria, Trachelomonas, Strombomonas, Monomorphina, Cryptoglena, Colacium) and the Phacaceae clade (Phacus, Lepocinclis, Discoplastis). The Euglenaceae clade was monophyletic with high support and subdivided into four main clades: the Colacium, the Strombomonas and Trachelomonas, the Cryptoglena and Monomorphina, and the Euglena and Euglenaria clades. The genus Colacium was positioned at the base of the Euglenaceae and was well supported as a monophyletic lineage. The loricate genera (Strombomonas and Trachelomonas) were located at the middle of the Euglenaceae clade and formed a robust monophyletic lineage. The genera Cryptoglena and Monomorphina also formed a well‐supported monophyletic clade. Euglena and the recently erected genus Euglenaria emerged as sister groups. However, Euglena proxima branched off at the base of the Euglenaceae. The Phacaceae clade was also a monophyletic group with high support values and subdivided into three clades, the Discoplastis, Phacus, and Lepocinclis clades. The genus Discoplastis branched first, and then Phacus and Lepocinclis emerged as sister groups. These genera shared a common characteristic, numerous small discoid chloroplasts without pyrenoids. These results clearly separated the Phacaceae clade from the Euglenaceae clade. Therefore, we propose to limit the family Euglenaceae to the members of the Euglena clade and erect a new family, the Phacaceae, to house the genera Phacus, Lepocinclis, and Discoplastis.     

Polyphyly of the genus Apalis and a new generic name for the species pulchra and ruwenzorii

The genus Apalis is a member of the African forest warblers clade of the Cisticolidae. In view of its morphological diversity, it was suggested that this genus needs a taxonomic revaluation. For this, we sequenced a nuclear intron (myoglobin intron 2) and two mitochondrial protein‐coding genes (ND2 and ND3). The 2016 bp of sequence data obtained were aligned and subjected to parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. All three genes strongly reject the monophyly of Apalis but support the placing of all apalises within a broader clade of forest cisticolids which also includes Urolais. Within this forest clade, a subclade is defined which includes the genera Urolais, Schistolais and a well‐supported clade comprising three afromontane species, the Black‐collared Apalis Apalis pulchra, the Ruwenzori Apalis Apalis ruwenzorii and the African Tailorbird Artisornis. This subclade is sister to other members of Apalis, including the type species of the genus the Bar‐throated Apalis Apalis thoracica. A new generic name, Oreolais, is suggested for the Black‐collared and Ruwenzori Apalises.     

Molecular phylogeny of flat‐footed flies (Diptera: Platypezidae): main clades supported by new morphological evidence

The molecular phylogeny of flat‐footed flies is inferred from analysis of DNA sequence data from the five mitochondrial genes 12S, 16S, COI, COII and CytB, and the nuclear gene 28S and discussed with the recent systematics based on morphological features. The Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony analyses included 42 species of 18 genera, representing all four extant subfamilies (Microsaniinae, Melanderomyiinae, Callomyiinae and Platypezinae) and all known genera except one (Metaclythia). Representatives of the brachycerous taxa Lonchopteridae, Phoridae, Sciadocerinae (Phoridae) and Opetiidae are used as outgroups, and Lonchoptera was used to root the trees. Our results show Platypezidae consisting of two well‐supported clades, the first with the subfamilies Melanderomyiinae + Callomyiinae and the second formed by subfamily Platypezinae. Genus Microsania was resolved as a separate lineage distant from Platypezidae which clustered with Opetiidae as its sister group, both together forming a sister group to Platypezidae. At the generic level, the genus Agathomyia proved not to be monophyletic in any of the analyses. The species Chydaeopeza tibialis is sister to Agathomyia sexmaculata, and consequently, the genus Chydaeopeza Shatalkin, 1992 is a new junior synonym of Agathomyia Verrall, 1901. Bifurcated setae on legs of adult Platypezidae are documented as a new synapomorphy of the family, exclusive of Microsania. Outstretched wings and only a small overlap of their surfaces at resting position are considered a new synapomorphy for the subfamily Platypezinae. Other phylogenetically important characters defining main clades are documented, and their relevance/validity in phylogenetic studies is discussed. The current systematic concept of Platypezidae is discussed, and new phylogenetic hypotheses are proposed.