Description,circumscription and phylogenetics of the new tribe Zaeucoilini (Hymenoptera: Figitidae: Eucoilinae), including a description of a new genus

Abstract Neotropical eucoiline genera that have been included in and allied with the Zaeucoila genus group are redescribed. Following character analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction (25 taxa, 96 morphological characters, 1452 ribosomal and mitochondrial characters), this informal genus group was found to be monophyletic, and hence raised to formal recognition as a tribe of eucoilines, namely Zaeucoilini new tribe . Through phylogenetic reconstruction, Aegeseucoela Buffington was determined to be polyphyletic; the type species of Aegeseucoela, A. grenadensis (Ashmead), is transferred to Agrostocynips comb.n. ; the orphaned species, A. flavotincta (Kieffer), is transferred to Marthiella Buffington gen.n. , comb.n. Based on the examination of the holotype of Diranchis flavipes Ashmead, 1900 , this species is transferred to Rhabdeucoela comb.n. , where it is both a junior, subjective synonym of flavipes ( Ashmead, 1894 ) syn.n. and a junior, secondary homonym. Zaeucoilini contains the following genera: Agrostocynips Diaz, Dettmeria Borgmeier, Dicerataspis Ashmead, Lopheucoila Weld, Marthiella Buffington, Moneucoela Kieffer, Moritiella Buffington, Penteucoila Weld, Preseucoela Buffington, Rhabdeucoela Kieffer, Tropideucoila Ashmead and Zaeucoila Ashmead. Characters and character states applicable specifically to Zaeucoilini are defined and illustrated. Characters supporting the monophyly of each genus are discussed. The plesiomorphic host for members of the Zaeucoilini are postulated as agromyzid leaf‐mining Diptera, with one shift within the clade containing Dettmeria, Dicerataspis and Lopheucoila to fruit‐infesting Diptera. New host records are reported for species of Preseucoela, Rhabdeucoela and Zaeucoila. All known hosts for the species of each genus are reported, as are known distributions and locations of type specimens.     

Molecules,morphology and Mimeoma scarabs: evolutionary and taxonomic implications for a palm‐associated scarab group

Cyclocephaline scarabs, the second largest tribe of rhinoceros beetles, are important pollinators of early‐diverging angiosperm families in the tropics. The evolutionary history of cyclocephaline genera is poorly resolved and several genera are thought to be nonmonophyletic. We assess the monophyly of Mimeoma Casey, a group of Neotropical palm‐feeding scarabs, and its relationship to Cyclocephala with a phylogenetic analysis of 2899 bp of DNA sequence data and 18 morphological characters. All five species of Mimeoma were included in analyses along with species of Cyclocephala Dejean, Dyscinetus Harold and Tomarus Erichson as outgroup taxa. Nearly complete 28S, 12S and CO1 data were collected from 26 of 29 specimens, of which 16 samples were pinned, museum specimens. 28S data strongly support a nonmonophyletic Mimeoma; mitochondrial data (CO1 and 12S) suggest that Mimeoma species are nested within an apical clade of other Cyclocephala species; combined molecular and morphological data identify two strongly supported clades of Mimeoma species but do not support their sister relationship. Combined data show that Mimeoma species are nested within Cyclocephala, thus rendering Cyclocephala paraphyletic. Mimeoma is synonymized within Cyclocephala resulting in the following new combinations: Cyclocephala acuta Arrow n.comb ., Cyclocephala englemani (Ratcliffe) n.comb ., Cyclocephala maculata Burmeister n.comb ., Cyclocephala nigra (Endrödi) n.comb . and Cyclocephala signatoides Höhne n.comb . Our results demonstrate that pinned, museum specimens can be used to obtain DNA sequence data (particularly high‐copy gene regions) for evolutionary studies, and provide the first empirical support that host‐plant associations within cyclocephaline scarab clades are conserved at the plant family‐level.     

Cladistic analysis of morphological characters in the eulophine tribe Cirrospilini (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

A total of 56 morphological characters were analyzed for 53 cirrospiline species that represent all of the 17 described genera of the tribe. The other taxa of the Eulophinae included in the analysis were six species of six representative genera in the tribe Eulophini, a species of Elasmus (the only genus comprising the tribe Elasmini), and a species of Trichospilus (unplaced). Trichospilus and two of the six genera of Eulophini examined were placed within Cirrospilini. Monophyly of Cirrospilini (when these two genera of Eulophini and Trichospilus are included) and of the cirrospiline genera for which more than one species were examined was supported, but the relationships between the genera were poorly resolved. An exception was Cirrospilus, the largest genus in the Cirrospilini, monophyly of which was not supported to any extent.     

Phylogeny and evolution of phytophagous ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Epilachnini), with recognition of new genera

Phytophagous ladybird beetles of the tribe Epilachnini are a cosmopolitan, species‐rich group of significant economic importance as pests of agricultural crops. The tribe is well characterized morphologically and clearly monophyletic, but very little is known about its internal phylogenetic relationships and their genus‐level taxonomy. In order to infer the evolutionary history of Epilachnini, test its monophyly and provide a phylogeny‐based classification, we assembled a comprehensive dataset, consisting of four DNA markers (18S and 28S rRNA and 16S, COI mtDNA) and a matrix of 104 morphological characters for 153 species of Epilachnini representing all previously recognised genera, ～11% of the known species, and 14 outgroup taxa. Molecular, morphological and combined datasets were analysed using maximum likelihood, parsimony and Bayesian inference. Bayes factors and Approximately Unbiased tests (AU) were used to compare alternative phylogenetic hypotheses of unconstrained and backbone‐constrained analysis. Only 14 of the 25 included genera were recovered monophyletic, as originally defined. Afidentula Kapur, Afidenta Dieke, Afissula Kapur, Epilachna Chevrolat, Henosepilachna Li Toxotoma Weise and Mada Mulsant are shown to be poly‐ or paraphyletic; Chnootriba Chevrolat, Subafissa Bielawski, Lalokia Szawaryn & Tomaszewska and Papuaepilachna Szawaryn & Tomaszewska form monophyletic groups within larger clades of genus level. All of these genera are redefined here. The two largest genera of Epilachnini, Epilachna Chevrolat and Henosepilachna Li were represented by multiple monophyletic clades, which we described as new genera: Chazeauiana Tomaszewska & Szawaryn gen.n. ; Diekeana Tomaszewska & Szawaryn gen.n .; Fuerschia Tomaszewska & Szawaryn gen.n. and Ryszardia Tomaszewska & Szawaryn gen.n . The following new synonyms are proposed: Afissa Dieke (=Afissula Kapur); Henosepilachna Li in Li & Cook (=Subafissa Bielawski); Papuaepilachna Szawaryn & Tomaszewska (=Lalokia Szawaryn & Tomaszewska). This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:440E7FA4‐C859‐47E0‐8335‐30D478CBA8FA .     

A phylogenetic study of the Thygater‐Trichocerapis group and new scopes for the subgenera of Thygater Holmberg, (Hymenoptera,Apidae)

The bee tribe Eucerini is a large monophyletic taxon occurring in all continents, except Oceania and Antarctica, but far more diverse in the Americas and, especially, in the Neotropics. The phylogenetic relationships within its subtribe Eucerina, which contains the bulk of Eucerini diversity, is poorly understood, this being especially true for the relationships among its Neotropical representatives, which have been poorly represented in all phylogenetic studies, including Eucerini, to date. This leads to a generalized lack of confidence on the monophyly of the groups currently accepted as genera and subgenera. Here, a phylogenetic study based on three molecular markers (COI, 18S, and 28S, totalling about 1700 bp) and 58 morphological characters is presented as a contribution to the understanding of the relationships of the so‐called Thygater‐Trichocerapis group, and especially of the genus Thygater Holmberg, which has not previously been extensively sampled. Representatives of Trichocerapis, including its monotypic subgenus T. (Dithygater), are included for the first time in a phylogenetic study. The main results were: (i) support for the monophyly of the Thygater‐Trichocerapis group; (ii) support for the monophyly of Thygater; (iii) recognition of two main clades in Thygater, each one containing the type species of one of the previously recognized subgenera; and (iv) additional support for the position of Alloscirtetica as sister to all remaining Eucerina. Based on these results a redefinition of the scope of the two subgenera of Thygater is proposed, with changes in the subordination of three of its species, T. (Nectarodiaeta) chaetaspis comb.n. , T. (Nectarodiaeta) paranaensis comb.n. and T. (Thygater) mexicana comb.n.     

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.     

Testing the monophyly and position of the North American shrubby desert genus Leucophyllum (Scrophulariaceae: Leucophylleae)

Leucophyllum is one of the most remarkable endemic genera of North American deserts, with its simultaneous bloom of showy purple flowers. With Eremogeton and probably Capraria it forms part of tribe Leucophylleae. Leucophyllum has 16 species distributed mostly throughout the Chihuahuan and Tehuacán deserts. The three genera were sampled to investigate the phylogenetic relationships among them and to test the monophyly of Leucophyllum, based on plastid DNA (trnL‐F, rps16) and nuclear ribosomal (nr)DNA (internal transcribed spacer) sequences. Bayesian inference and maximum‐likelihood analyses confirmed that tribe Leucophylleae is monophyletic and formed by the three Neotropical genera. Separate (plastid DNA and nrDNA) and combined analyses retrieved Leucophyllum as paraphyletic, with L. mojinense as the sister species to the rest of the species in the tribe and Capraria spp. nested in one of two clades of Leucophyllum. Further monographic work is needed to identify the defining characters and limits of the genera, but we suggest that L. mojinense, with its different vegetative architecture, distinctive flowers and dissimilar distribution could be placed in its own genus. Each of the two clades in Leucophyllum could be considered a genus in its own right, and Capraria and Eremogeton can be recognized as independent genera, as they are at present. Leucophyllum ambiguum, the type species of the genus, belongs to one of the clades so the species of the other could be considered members of a new genus. The only diagnostic character detected at present is a ventricose corolla tube in one of the clades in Leucophyllum and a pressed corolla tube in the other. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London     

Phylogeny of Adramini (Diptera,Tephritidae) based on integrative evidence

Species of the tribe Adramini (Tephritidae: Trypetinae) are usually slender, and some specific species have eyes borne at the ends of their long stalks. This tribe is mainly distributed in the tropics and subtropics of the Afrotropical, Oriental and Australasian Regions; relatively few species occur in the Palearctic and Nearctic Regions. The phylogeny of the tribe Adramini is presented here based on analysis of morphological and molecular information (DNA sequences of nuclear 28S rDNA, mitochondrial COI and COII, and 16S rDNA genes) for its representative species in most genera. Three monophyletic groups (Adrama‐com‐group, Pelmatops‐com‐group and Dimeringophrys‐com‐group) were discovered in the combined morphological and molecular tree. The results showed moderate support for the monophyly of Adramini and strong support for most of its genera. However, Euphranta appears to be polyphyletic. Sapadrama, Celidodacus and Euphranta are basal taxon, and Coelopacidia, Soita and Trypanophion are closely related to the stalk‐eyed fruit flies (Pelmatops + Pseudopelmatops). A hypothesis regarding the morphology–function relationships for two main groups of Adramini (Adrama‐group and Pelmatops‐group) with different evolving probabilities is inferred. Sapadrama is proposed be removed from Adramini; a new genus, Ichneumonomacula Chen gen. n. and a new species Ichneumonmacula wangyongi Chen sp. n., are recognized and described, and a key to recognize the genera of Adramini around the world is provided.     

Generic revision and phylogeny of Microweiseinae (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

The monophyly and phylogenetic relationships of the subfamily Microweiseinae were investigated. Twenty‐three in‐group taxa, representing all known genera of Microweiseinae (except for Microcapillata Gordon) were included in a cladistic analysis, based on 45 adult morphological characters. The parsimony analysis of the resulting data matrix supported the monophyly of Microweiseinae, Carinodulini, Serangiini and Microweiseini (inclusive of Sukunahikonini). The recognition of Sukunahikonini renders Microweiseini paraphyletic, and consequently both tribes were synonymized, retaining Microweiseini as a senior family‐group name ( syn.n. ). Genera and tribes of Microweiseinae are diagnosed thoroughly, illustrated and keys to their identification are provided. The following nomenclatural changes were made: Hikonasukuna Sasaji and Orculus Sicard are synonymized with Scymnomorphus Weise ( syn.n. ); Gnathoweisea Gordon is synonymized with Microweisea Cockerell ( syn.n. ); Hikonasukuna monticola Sasaji and Orculus castaneus Sicard are transferred to Scymnomorphus ( comb.n. ); Smilia planiceps Casey, Gnathoweisea hageni Gordon, Gnathoweisea ferox Gordon, Gnathoweisea micula Gordon and Gnathoweisea texana Gordon are transferred to Microweisea ( comb.n ). Three new genera are described: Allenius gen.n. for Allenius californianus sp.n. (type species) from Mexico and Allenius iviei sp.n. from U.S.A.; Gordoneus gen.n. (type species Gnathoweisea schwarzi Gordon from U.S.A.); and Cathedrana gen.n. (type species Cathedrana natalensis sp.n. from South Africa). The first African member of Carinodulini, Carinodulina ruwenzorii sp.n. is described. The genera Microweisea, Coccidophilus, Serangium and Delphastus are well‐known predators of sternorrynchous Hemiptera, such as scale insects (Diaspididae) and whiteflies (Aleyrodidae), and play a significant role in agricultural ecosystems as biocontrol agents. Host data and biological records are summarized for each genus.     

Phylogenetic relationships within Diplotaxini Kirby (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae: Melolonthinae) with emphasis on Liogenys Guérin‐Méneville

Diplotaxini Kirby is one of the 29 tribes of Melolonthinae with Nearctic, Neotropical, Paleartic, Afrotropical and Oriental distribution. According to the current classification, Diplotaxini is composed of 706 species described in 21 genera. Neotropical Diplotaxini comprise 94 species, of which 78 are members of Liogenys Guérin Méneville, the largest Neotropical genus. Until now, no phylogenetic studies on Diplotaxini have tested whether the tribe is natural or artificial. This study tested the relationships among Diplotaxini genera, created hypotheses for better defining them, and assessed the monophyly of Liogenys. Cladistic analyses using 167 adult morphological characters were performed. The 83 included taxa represent three subfamilies of Melolonthidae, four tribes of Melolonthinae, and most genera of Diplotaxini, with emphasis on Liogenys. The data were analysed using parsimony under equal and implied weights. In both analyses, the traditional concept of Diplotaxini is shown to be a polyphyletic assemblage. Empecta Erichson and Clypeasta Fairmaire are closely related to Melolontha melolontha (Linnaeus) and Pseudoliogenys Moser close to Myloxenoides Martínez (Tanyproctini). Pachrodema Blanchard is identified as the sister group of Liogenys. The monophyly of both Pacuvia Curtis and Homalochilus Blanchard is confirmed and the paraphyly of Diplotaxis Kirby is suggested. The analyses strongly supported the polyphyly of Liogenys. To render this genus monophyletic, we transferred L. ferrugata Mannerheim (related to M. melolontha) to Phyllophaga Harris, and L. micropyga Burmeister to Diplotaxis, forming Diplotaxis micropyga (Burmeister, 1855) comb.n. ; and included Homoliogenys tarsalis (Moser) and Hilarianus anguliceps Blanchard in Liogenys. As H. anguliceps is syn. junior of Liogenys punctaticollis, Hilarianus is synonymized with Liogenys. Hilarianus ovalis and Hilarianus rufinus are here assigned to Manonychus, and Hilarianus uniformis and Hilarianus suboblongus to Blepharotoma, forming: Blepharotoma uniformis comb.n. , Blepharotoma suboblongus comb.n. , Manonychus ovalis comb.n. and Manonychus rufinus comb.n.     

Total evidence phylogenetic analysis and reclassification of Euschistus Dallas within Carpocorini (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae)

Robust phylogenetic hypotheses have become key for studies addressing the evolutionary biology and ecology of various groups of organisms. In the species‐rich heteropteran superfamily Pentatomoidea, phylogenies at lower taxonomic levels are still scarce and mostly employ exclusively morphological data. In this study, we conducted a total evidence phylogeny focusing on the tribe Carpocorini (Pentatomidae), using morphological data and four DNA markers (COI, Cytb, 16S and 28S rDNA; ～2330 bp; 32 taxa) in order to investigate the relationships within Euschistus Dallas, one of the most speciose pentatomid genera, and between Euschistus and related genera. Our hypotheses generated by maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference show that the current taxonomic composition and classification of Euschistus and allied genera are in need of revision. Euschistus was recovered as nonmonophyletic, with the subgenera forming four independent lineages: Euschistus (Euschistus) and Euschistus (Lycipta) Stål are sister groups; Euschistus (Euschistomorphus) Jensen‐Haarup is more closely related to Dichelops Spinola and Agroecus Dallas; and Mitripus Rolston is divided into two clades closely related to Sibaria Stål and Ladeaschistus Rolston. We chose not to change the classification of E. (Euschistomorphus) until further data become available, and propose to split Euschistus into three genera with the exclusion of Euschistus (Mitripus) and all of its species. Here we elevate Mitripus to genus rank to include M. acutus comb.n. , M. convergens comb.n. and M. legionarius comb.n. , and propose Adustonotus Bianchi gen.n. to include A. anticus comb.n. , A. latus comb.n. , A. tauricornis comb.n. , A. grandis comb.n. , A. hansi comb.n. , A. paranticus comb.n. , A. irroratus comb.n. and A. saramagoi comb.n. We also provide identification keys to the genera Adustonotus gen.n. , Ladeaschistus, Mitripus n. rank and Sibaria, here defined as the Mitripus genus group, and to the species of Mitripus and Adustonotus gen.n. Our results provide insights into the current status of the classification of the Pentatomidae, suggesting the need for phylogenetic analyses at different taxonomic levels within stink bugs. This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E09D2675‐0F2B‐4AAE‐9837‐257E0B18BC52 .     

A combined morphological and molecular phylogeny of the genus Chironius Fitzinger, 1826 (Serpentes: Colubridae)

Chironius is one of the most speciose genera of the South American colubrid snakes. Although the genus represents a well‐known radiation of diurnal racers, its monophyly, affinities with other Neotropical colubrid genera, and intrageneric relationships are open questions. Here, we present a phylogenetic analysis of Chironius based on a data matrix that combines one nuclear (c‐mos) and two mitochondrial (12S and 16S rRNA) genes with 37 morphological characters derived from scutellation, skull, and hemipenial features. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using maximum parsimony (MP) and maximum likelihood (ML). Our combined morphological and molecular analyses strongly support the monophyly of the genus Chironius and its sister‐group relationship with a clade formed by the genera Dendrophidion and Drymobius. Phylogenetic relationships within the genus Chironius is still controversial, although five clades are retrieved with medium to strong support. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London     

Alesiella gen.n. and a newly discovered relict lineage of Staphylinini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

This study aimed to identify the sister group of the poorly known and morphologically isolated Burmese species Quedius lineipennis within the tribe Staphylinini (Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) using morphological characters. Phylogenetic analysis of a broad taxon sample demonstrated that this Asian species is not a member of the genus Quedius but forms the sister taxon to the Neotropical genus Quediomacrus. Both taxa were shown to be members of a hitherto unrecognized lineage with a highly disjunct distribution. The lineage is hypothesized to be Asian in origin, with dispersals to the Americas during the early Eocene climatic maximum via Beringia and to Australia via land connections in the late Miocene. The current distribution of the lineage is considered to be relictual. New phylogenetic hypotheses within ‘Quediina’ and Staphylinini as a whole are proposed and the general tree topology of Staphylinini recovered by recent morphological studies is refined. Phylogenetic relationships within the Quedius complex remain unclear. Alesiella Brunke and Solodovnikov gen.n. , is erected for Quedius lineipennis and the Quedius subgenus Quedionuchus is reinstated to genus level with new combinations as follows: Quedionuchus atl (Smetana, 1975), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus calli (Smetana, 1976), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus cipactli (Smetana, 1976), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus coatl (Smetana, 1976), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus ehacatl (Smetana, 1976), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus ollin (Smetana, 1976), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus ozomatli (Smetana, 1975), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus reitterianus (Bernhauer, 1944), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus samuraicus (Bernhauer and Schubert, 1916), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus schultzei (Smetana, 1975), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus tecpatl (Smetana, 1976), comb.n. ; Quedionuchus xochitl (Smetana, 1976). Quedius lugubris Lokay, 1913 is transferred from the subgenus Quedionuchus to the subgenus Distichalius and placed in synonymy: Quedius punctatellus (Heer, 1839) = Quedius lugubris Lokay, 1913, syn.n . This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9C7D3C90‐FCB9‐414F‐911B‐194A1A6602DE .     

Phylogenetic relationships in Peniocereus (Cactaceae) inferred from plastid DNA sequence data

The phylogenetic relationships of Peniocereus (Cactaceae) species were studied using parsimony analyses of DNA sequence data. The plastid rpl16 and trnL-F regions were sequenced for 98 taxa including 17 species of Peniocereus, representatives from all genera of tribe Pachycereeae, four genera of tribe Hylocereeae, as well as from three additional outgroup genera of tribes Calymmantheae, Notocacteae, and Trichocereeae. Phylogenetic analyses support neither the monophyly of Peniocereus as currently circumscribed, nor the monophyly of tribe Pachycereeae since species of Peniocereus subgenus Pseudoacanthocereus are embedded within tribe Hylocereeae. Furthermore, these results show that the eight species of Peniocereus subgenus Peniocereus (Peniocereus sensu stricto) form a well-supported clade within subtribe Pachycereinae; P. serpentinus is also a member of this subtribe, but is sister to Bergerocactus. Moreover, Nyctocereus should be resurrected as a monotypic genus. Species of Peniocereus subgenus Pseudoacanthocereus are positioned among species of Acanthocereus within tribe Hylocereeae, indicating that they may be better classified within that genus. A number of morphological and anatomical characters, especially related to the presence or absence of dimorphic branches, are discussed to support these relationships.     

Lyneborgimyia magnifica gen. et sp.n. (Diptera: Syrphidae) from Tanzania,with a phylogenetic analysis of the Eumerini using new morphological characters

Lyneborgimyia magnifica gen. et sp.n. is described and placed with Merodon Meigen and Platynochaetus Wiedemann in the Merodon genus group within the tribe Eumerini. New morphological characters and terms are introduced, and precise definitions proposed for characters applied inconsistently in the literature. The species possesses several unique autapomorphies, including an additional cross‐vein between R₄₊₅ and M₁, and a sclerotized connection between sternite 1 and the metepimeron, which are unknown otherwise within Diptera. A parsimony‐based phylogenetic analysis including 73 characters from the adult morphology provides strong support for the monophyly of the Eumerini (Eumerus Meigen, Azpeytia Walker, Lyneborgimyia, Merodon, Platynochaetus) and the Merodon genus group, whereas no support is found for the possible monophyly of the genus Eumerus. A sister‐group relationship is indicated between the Afrotropical Lyneborgimyia and the Palaearctic Platynochaetus.     

A molecular and morphological phylogeny of the extant Augochlorini (Hymenoptera,Apoidea) with comments on implications for biogeography

The Augochlorini Beebe is a New World tribe of bees comprising 663 described species. Relationships among the genera of this monophyletic tribe remain uncertain. Here I provide a comprehensive phylogeny using morphological and molecular information. In all, 54 Augochlorini species plus 16 outgroups and 3017 molecular and 105 morphological characters were analysed. Sequences for four genes were analysed using Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood and parsimony. Morphological characters were taken from a literature review and analysed alone and in combination with molecular data using parsimony. The monophyly of Augochlorini and most genera is confirmed, with divergence of the main lineages of the tribe around 55–20 Ma. Seven clades were supported by most analyses and are here treated as genus‐level groups, as follows (combined analysis topology): (Corynura group, (Chlerogella group, (Rhinocorynura group, (Augochloropsis, (Megaloptidia group, (Neocorynura group, (Augochlora group, Megalopta group))))))). According to this topology, dim‐light foraging and cleptoparasitism arose three times in the tribe. According to my hypothesis, the diversification of Augochlorini may have begun as a response to vicariant events, including the split of the Neotropical/Andean regions and marine transgressions in the Amazon region.     

Monophyly of Euaesthetinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae): phylogenetic evidence from adults and larvae,review of austral genera,and new larval descriptions

Abstract We develop a morphological dataset for the rove beetle subfamily Euaesthetinae comprising 167 morphological characters (135 adult and 32 larval) scored from 30 terminal taxa including 25 ingroup terminals (from subfamilies Euaesthetinae and Steninae) and five outgroups. Four maximum parsimony analyses using different sets of terminals and character sets were run to test the monophyly of (1) Euaesthetinae, (2) Steninae, (3) Euaesthetinae + Steninae, (4) euaesthetine tribes Austroesthetini, Alzadaesthetini, Euaesthetini, Fenderiini and Stenaesthetini, and (5) the ten currently known austral endemic genera together. Analyses of adult and larval character sets separately and in combination recovered the monophyly of Euaesthetinae, Steninae, and both subfamilies together, with strong support. Analysis of 13 ingroup terminals for which complete data were available suggests that monophyly of Euaesthetinae is supported by 19 synapomorphies (13 adult, six larval), of Steninae by 23 synapomorphies (14 adult, nine larval), and of both subfamilies together by 24 synapomorphies (21 adult, three larval). Within Euaesthetinae, only the tribe Stenaesthetini was recovered as monophyletic based on adult characters, and in no analyses were the ten austral endemic genera recovered as a monophyletic group. Phylogenetic relationships among euaesthetine genera were weakly supported, although analyses including adult characters supported monophyly of Octavius and Protopristus separately, and of Octavius + Protopristus, Austroesthetus + Chilioesthetus and Edaphus + Euaesthetus. Steninae may include a third genus comprising two undescribed species probably possessing a ‘stick–capture’ method of prey capture, similar to that in Stenus. These two species formed a strongly supported clade recovered as the sister group of Stenus based on adult characters. Diagnoses and a key to adults are provided for the 15 euaesthetine genera currently known from the austral region (Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and southern South America). Euaesthetine larvae previously were known only for Euaesthetus, and we describe the larvae of nine more genera and provide the first larval identification key for genera of Euaesthetinae.