The phylogeny and classification of Embioptera (Insecta)

A phylogenetic analysis of the order Embioptera is presented with a revised classification based on results of the analysis. Eighty‐two species of Embioptera are included from all families except Paedembiidae Ross and Embonychidae Navás. Monophyly of each of the eight remaining currently recognized families is tested except Andesembiidae Ross, for which only a single species was included. Nine outgroup taxa are included from Blattaria, Grylloblattaria, Mantodea, Mantophasmatodea, Orthoptera, Phasmida and Plecoptera. Ninety‐six morphological characters were analysed along with DNA sequence data from the five genes 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, cytochrome c oxidase I and histone III. Data were analysed in combined analyses of all data using parsimony and Bayesian optimality criteria, and combined molecular data were analysed using maximum likelihood. Several major conclusions about Embioptera relationships and classification are based on interpretation of these analyses. Of eight families for which monophyly was tested, four were found to be monophyletic under each optimality criterion: Clothodidae Davis, Anisembiidae Davis, Oligotomidae Enderlein and Teratembiidae Krauss. Australembiidae Ross was not recovered as monophyletic in the likelihood analysis in which one Australembia Ross species was recovered in a position distant from other australembiids. This analysis included only molecular data and the topology was not strongly supported. Given this, and because parsimony and the Bayesian analyses recovered a strongly supported clade including all Australembiidae, we regard this family also as monophyletic. Three other families – Notoligotomidae Davis, Archembiidae Ross and Embiidae Burmeister, as historically delimited – were not found to be monophyletic under any optimality criterion. Notoligotomidae is restricted here to include only the genus Notoligotoma Davis with a new family, Ptilocerembiidae Miller and Edgerly, new family, erected to include the genus Ptilocerembia Friederichs. Archembiidae is restricted here to include only the genera Archembia Ross and Calamoclostes Enderlein. The family group name Scelembiidae Ross is resurrected from synonymy with Archembiidae (new status) to include all other genera recently placed in Archembiidae. Embiidae is not demonstrably monophyletic with species currently placed in the family resolved in three separate clades under each optimality criterion. Because taxon sampling is not extensive within this family in this analysis, no changes are made to Embiidae classification. Relationships between families delimited herein are not strongly supported under any optimality criterion with a few exceptions. Either Clothodidae Davis (parsimony) or Australembiidae Ross (Bayesian) is the sister to the remaining Embioptera taxa. The Bayesian analysis includes Australembiidae as the sister to all other Embioptera except Clothididae, suggesting that each of these taxa is a relatively plesiomorphic representatative of the order. Oligotomidae and Teratembiidae are sister groups, and Archembiidae (sensu novum), Ptilocerembiidae, Andesembiidae and Anisembiidae form a monophyletic group under each optimality criterion. Each family is discussed in reference to this analysis, diagnostic combinations and taxon compositions are provided, and a key to families of Embioptera is included.     

Phylogeny of embiopterans (Insecta)

A cladistic analysis of embiopterans, based on 157 species (representing 70% of the known genera) and 186 morphological characters, is presented, as well as a molecular analysis for 22 taxa using genes encoding 16S, 18S and 28S rDNA and COI. Species of all known families are included, except Andesembiidae Ross (specimens of which are in a private collection). The evidence presented supports the monophyly of four of the families (Australembiidae, Oligotomidae, Teratembiidae, and Anisembiidae). Notoligotomidae is paraphyletic and included within the Afro‐neotropical family Archembiidae (which is also paraphyletic). The genera Embia, Cleomia, Macrembia, and Dihybocercus (Embiidae) form, together with Australembiidae, a group strongly supported by morphology; the position of the remaining genera of Embiidae has two quite different resolutions. Almost 80% of the genera of Anisembiidae recently described appear as either paraphyletic or polyphyletic. Contrary to the opinion of other specialists, the major groups as well as the monophyly of some families are supported by features which have been ignored in classical approaches to the systematics of Embioptera, such as the ovipositor and cephalic and leg structures, characters with an almost perfect fit.     

Studies on Antipodal Hepaticae: II. Archeophylla Schuster and Archeochaete Schuster,New Genera of Blepharostomaceae

Abstract

The two genera Archeophylla Schust. and Archeochaete Schust., briefly diagnosed in a key to antipodal Hepaticae (Schuster, 1963 b), are described in detail; for the fint genus a second, new species is described. Archeophylla differs from other genera assigned to the Blepbarostomaceae in broadly unispiral elaters and the development of conspicuous trigones of the leaf cells. Archeochaete shows a series of synthetic features, such as a contracted perianth mouth and quadrifid bracts that lack armed margins, suggestive of Lophochaete Schust.; other features of the genus strongly suggest Temnoma Mitt., e.g. the non-bisbifid leaves and the tendency for smaller underleaves. This last genus was recently erroneously assigned to the Trichocoleaceae by Fulford (1963).

The discovery of these genera strongly indicates that the Blepharostomaceae must be broadly delimited; hence the families Pseudolepicoleaceae and Herzogiariaceae are placed in synonymy. Chaetocolea Spruce is also shown to belong probably to the Blepharostomaccae, in which case the Chaetocoleaceae would also have to be relegated to synonymy.     

Phylogeny and taxonomic revision of all genera of Conopidae (Diptera) based on morphological data

All global genera of the fly family Conopidae are revised here. A cladistic analysis of 117 morphological characters recorded from 154 species, including representatives of 59 genera and subgenera, recovers a phylogenetic hypothesis for the family. This hypothesis is used as the basis of a new classification for the family. Both Sicini and Zodionini are removed from Myopinae and elevated to subfamilial status. A new tribe, Thecophorini, is proposed within Myopinae to accommodate Thecophora, Scatoccemyia, and Pseudoconops. Two genera, Pseudomyopa and Parazodion, are removed from Dalmanniinae and placed in Myopinae and Zodioninae, respectively. Conopinae is divided into 11 tribes, seven of which are newly described (Asiconopini, Caenoconopini, Gyroconopini, Microconopini, Neoconopini, and Siniconopini). Some examined species are transferred to different or new genera and subgenera. A new genus, Schedophysoconops gen. nov. , and subgenus Asiconops (Aegloconops) subgen. nov. within Conopinae are described. A review of character evolution and phylogeography is included in light of the new classification. A catalogue of all genus‐group names is included with new emendations noted.     

PREDAEA WELDII,A NEW SPECIES OF RHODOPHYTA FROM HAWAII,WITH AN EVALUATION OF THE GENUS1

A new species of Predaea (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) is described from Hawaii. It is compared in important morphological details with other species of the genus, all of which are distributed in the subtropics. Predaea is likewise compared to the genera of Nemastomataceae, and should be included in that family. The genus Yadranella Ercegovic (Nemaliales, Rhodophyta) is placed in synonymy with Predaea.     

Cladistics and revision of Alitocoris with considerations on the phylogeny of the Herrichella clade (Hemiptera,Pentatomidae, Discocephalinae,Ochlerini)

Alitocoris Sailer, 1950, consists of four valid species described from Central America. In a recent cladistic analysis of Ochlerini, the genus was considered paraphyletic in the Herrichella Distant, 1911, group of taxa. The present study provides a cladistic analysis of the Herrichella clade, using 88 morphological characters and 40 taxa representing 21 genera of Ochlerini, including all known species of Alitocoris plus 16 new species. Outgroups included Eritrachys bituberculata Ruckes, 1959, Phereclus pluto Stål, 1862, and Adoxoplatys comis Breddin, 1903, with the last used for rooting. The cladistic analysis was conducted using TNT under heuristic searches and implied weighting of characters; 11 K‐values calculated for an average character fit ranged from 50 to 90% of a perfectly hierarchical character. The results corroborated the paraphyly of Alitocoris, calling for changes in the classification of the genus with the proposition of three new genera for two, three, and ten species, respectively, that will be described elsewhere. Alitocoris is redescribed and a key for the species is presented. Alitocoris brunneus, Alitocoris maculosus, and Alitocoris parvus are removed from the genus, and the new species Alitocoris grandis sp. nov. , Alitocoris lateralis sp. nov. , and Alitocoris ornatus sp. nov. are described. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London     

Phylogeny of Heteronychia: the largest lineage of Sarcophaga (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)

Sarcophaga Meigen is one of the megadiverse genera of true flies, with approximately 850 valid species worldwide. The genus is divided into about 160 subgenera, the validity of a vast majority of which has never been verified using cladistic methods. This paper deals with the mainly Palaearctic subgenus Heteronychia Brauer & Bergenstamm, which comprises 89 species and is thus the largest subunit of Sarcophaga. We performed a cladistic analysis of the group based exclusively on male morphological characters. Parsimony analyses were run on a matrix of 84 characters for 88 species. Species of the subgenera Discachaeta Enderlein and Notoecus Stein were also included in the matrix. A further analysis was carried out using a subset of characters from the terminalia alone (70 characters). The results show that the clade formed by Heteronychia, Discachaeta, and Notoecus is monophyletic, with Discachaeta emerging as polyphyletic whereas Sarcophaga (Notoecus) longestylata Strobl is nested within the Sarcophaga filia‐group. Character states supporting Heteronychia and the few well‐supported species‐groups are discussed in detail. The following synonymies are proposed: Discachaeta = Heteronychia ( syn. nov. ) and Notoecus = Heteronychia ( syn. nov. ). The paper also includes a historical background of the taxon in relation to the classification of the genus Sarcophaga over the past two centuries, as well as a terminological review of the male terminalia, particularly of the distiphallus. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London     

Generic revision of the New World tribe Hoplophorionini (Hemiptera: Membracidae: Membracinae)

Abstract. The tribe Hoplophorionini Goding, 1926, includes 105 species of treehoppers in 10 genera. All are apparently subsocial and lack mutualism with honeydew-collecting hymenopterans. In many species, parental investment in offspring is unique because of a specialized kicking defence (described herein) and construction of extra-ovipositional punctures in the host tissue through which nymphs feed. The tribe occurs from Canada to Chile, with most generic diversity in Central America but most species diversity near the equator. Three genera, Stalotypa Metcalf, Ramosella, new genus and Stirpis, new genus, are endemic to the Greater Antilles but do not constitute a monophyletic group; the first two genera appear most closely related to Turrialbia, new genus, from Costa Rica. Host plant specializations and other biological attributes are summarized for genera and species. A phylogenetic analysis of 23 hoplophorionine species produced 9 minimal-length cladograms that were similar in many respects. Potnia Stål appears to have retained the greatest number of ancestral features. Aposematic teneral coloration of adults probably evolved once. The modification of the ancestral kicking behaviour by the first hoplophorionines appears to have released them from a constraint on pronotal form. Diagnoses are given for adults of all genera and, when possible, for immatures. A key is presented for the 10 genera; three are described as New Genera based on the cladistic analysis: Ramosella, Stirpis, and Turrialbia. Three New Species are described: Ramosella thalli, Stirpis jamaicensis, and Turrialbia felina. The genus Micropepla Sakakibara is considered a junior synonym of Ochropepla Stal, New Generic Synonymy. Umbonia terribilis Walker is moved from synonymy under Alchisme virescens (Fairmaire) to a New Synonymy under Umbonia reducta Walker. The subspecies Platycotis vittata vittata (Fabricius), P. vittata lineata (Fairmaire), and P. vittata quadrivittata (Say) are returned to synonymy with Platycotis vittata (Fabricius), Reinstated Specific Synonymies. Three species are Reinstated as valid: Alchisme obscura (Walker) and A. veruta (Fowler), both from synonymy under A. turrita (Germar); and Umbonia reducta Walker, from synonymy under U. crassicomis (Amyot & Serville). Five New Combinations are proposed: Alchisme antigua (Funkhouser), referred from Umbonia; A. sordida (Germar), referred from Platycotis; A. sagittata (Germar), elevated from subspecific rank under Platycotis vittata; Ochropepla mourei (Sakakibara), referred from Micropepla; and Ramosella dominicensis (Ramos), referred from Platycotis. Platycotis nigrorufa (Walker), P. cornuta Plummer, P. salvini (Fowler), and P. fuscata (Fowler) were previously unplaced to subgenus; the first is referred to Platycotis (Lophopelta Stal) and the others to Platycotis (Platycotis Stål). Microschaema nigrostrigata Buckton is moved from synonymy under Alchisme recurva (Stål) to a New Synonymy under Ennya dorsalis (Fairmaire) of the tribe Polyglyptini, subfamily Smiliinae. A checklist with critical synonymies and indexes to hoplophorionine taxa and host plant associations are provided. Lectotypes are designated for Centrotus vittatus Fabricius, Hoplophora lineata Fairmaire, Membracis venosa Germar, Potnia affinis Buckton, and Triquetra obtusa Fowler.     

World revision of Dolichocolon Brauer & Bergenstamm (Diptera: Tachinidae: Exoristinae: Goniini)

The Palaeotropical goniine genus Dolichocolon Brauer & Bergenstamm is revised and analysed cladistically. Seventeen new species are described from Australia (Queensland, Northern Territory), Cameroon, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Senegal, Thailand, Uganda, Yemen, and Zimbabwe. The following new synonymy is proposed after direct comparison of primary types: Dolichocolon klapperichi Mesnil, 1967 = Dolichocolon orientale Townsend, 1927 syn. nov. A key to the 21 known species is presented. A cladistic analysis based on 36 morphological characters provides support for the monophyly of Dolichocolon. A sister‐group relationship is indicated between Dolichocolon and Kuwanimyia Townsend, whereas Dolichocolon chiangmaiensis sp. nov. from Thailand takes a position as sister group to all other Dolichocolon species. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 162 , 544–584.     

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 .     

Systematics and cladistics of a new Naupactini genus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae) from the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador

A new genus of broad‐nosed weevils belonging to the tribe Naupactini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is described, based on six species from the Páramo–Puna subregion (Andean region) of South America. Three species are new and three have been transferred from the genus Asymmathetes (Asymmathetes nigrans, Asymmathetes rugicollis, and Asymmathetes vulcanorum). The new genus is recognized by the black, denuded, and shiny tegument, the well‐developed pre‐epistome, the elytral base curved backwards on middle, the reduction of the hindwings, and the widely separated procoxae, closer to the anterior than to the posterior margin of the prosternum. A cladistic analysis of the six species of the new genus plus five out‐groups (Amitrus, Amphideritus, Asymmathetes, Melanocyphus, and Trichocyphus), using 49 morphological characters, resulted in a single cladogram. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 166 , 54–71.     

Towards a phylogeny of the flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae): morphology and phylogenetic implications of the acrophallus in the subfamily Sarcophaginae

The morphology of the acrophallus, the distal portion of the male phallus carrying the phallotreme, was studied in 72 exemplar species representing 56 genera and subgenera of the flesh fly subfamily Sarcophaginae. For 42 of those species, scanning electron microscopy was used to clarify the phallic morphology. Terms used to describe the male genitalia were updated based on new interpretations of homology. Male genitalic characters, combined with other morphological characters of adult males and females and of larvae, were used to construct a phylogeny. The monophyly of the subfamily was supported, and some generic‐level sister‐group relationships proposed in the literature, but without previous cladistic analyses, were also supported. The genus Blaesoxipha Loew, as currently recognized, was not monophyletic in our analysis. The genus Helicobia Coquillett is synonymized with Sarcophaga Meigen syn. nov. and treated as a subgenus of the latter. The Sarcophaga subgenera Neobellieria Blanchard and Mehria Enderlein were not monophyletic. Many of the clades in the analysis were supported primarily or exclusively by male genitalic character states, highlighting the importance of the male genitalia as a source of morphological characters for sarcophagine phylogeny. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 158 , 740–778.     

中国裸瘦足蝇属两新种（双翅目：瘦足蝇科）

记述中国瘦足蝇科裸瘦足蝇属Cliobata Enderlein 2新种:浅褐裸瘦足蝇Cliobata ecruis sp. nov.和周氏裸瘦足蝇Cliobata choui sp. nov.。浅褐裸瘦足蝇的鉴别特征为体浅褐色,胸部褐色具黄色斑;翅近端部具宽的透明带;生殖叉褐色,其臂部几乎与基部等长,臂基部中央具新月形凹陷。周氏裸瘦足蝇的鉴别特征为体黑色;翅近端部透明带窄;生殖叉黑褐色,其臂部长于基部,臂基部中央具半圆形凹陷。新种模式标本保存在中国农业大学昆虫博物馆。     

A convolute diversity of the Auriculariales (Agaricomycetes,Basidiomycota) with sphaeropedunculate basidia

Morphological and DNA data show that effused representatives of the Auriculariales (Basidiomycota) with sphaeropedunculate basidia belong to eleven genera of which seven are dealt with in this study. Among them, Myxarium is the largest genus containing 21 accepted species of which nine are reintroduced below and five are described as new. Protodontia is limited to three species only, P. subgelatinosa (the generic type) and two newly described species from Africa. Protoacia is a new monotypic genus for P. delicata, sp. nov., widely distributed on coniferous hosts in Eurasia. Myxariellum is erected for two new species with smooth hymenophore from northwestern North America while Gelacantha is introduced for G. pura, a new species with hydnoid hymenophore from Caucasus. Our data do not confirm the present synonymy of Sebacina sphaerospora with Tremella glaira, and these species are placed in two separate genera – Hydrophana, gen. nov., and Ofella, gen. nov., respectively. A key to European Myxarium and similar‐looking species is included.     

The suprageneric groups ofthe Pimplinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae): a cladistic re-evaluationand evolutionary biological study

The phylogenetic relationships of the suprageneric groupsof the ichneumonid subfamily Pimplinae (Hymenoptera) are re‐assessedusing 166 morphological and biological characters for 162 species,representing all of the available described genera and subgenera.The cladistic analysis was repeated using abstracted genera, re‐codedfrom the ­initial set of species, as terminal taxa. Thetopology of the resulting cladograms was similar. In the first (primary) analysisseveral genera (including Neotheronia, Itoplectis, Dolichomitus, Dreisbachia, Polysphincta, Oxyrrhexis and Zonopimpla)were not retrieved as monophyletic groups; however, all except thelast were found to be monophyletic in the second analysis. Theseresults suggest that using abstracted taxa may force a ‘falsemonophyly’ on the preselected groups. Thus we reject theuse of such abstractions, preferring instead to use exemplar speciesthat together show much of the variation that occurs within a hypothesizedgenus. Within the Pimplinae three major groupings were recognized,the Delomeristini (including the Perithoini syn. nov.) , thePimplini and the Ephialtini. Within the Pimplini, two generic groupswere recovered, the Xanthopimpla and Pimpla genus‐groups,but a third postulated group, the Theronia genus‐group, wasfound to be paraphyletic. Within the Ephialtini five groups wererecognized, the Pseudopimpla, Alophosternum, Camptotypus, Ephialtes and Sericopimpla genus‐groups.The spider parasitizing complex of genera (the Polysphincta genus‐complex)was found to nest within the Sericopimpla genus‐group confirmingthe placement of Polysphinctini as a synonym of Ephialtini. Problemswith the status of some existing genera are highlighted, but formalnomenclatural changes are not proposed. The ancestral Pimplinaeare hypothesized to have been solitary ectoparasitic idiobiontson weakly concealed immature Hymenoptera. The major radiations withinthe Pimplinae are shown as: (1) a progressive exploitation of cocooned,then weakly cocooned, lepidopterous pupae in the Pimplini leadingto idiobiont endoparasitism; (2) increasing specialization to attackhosts deeply concealed in wood in the Ephialtes genus‐group,and (3) specialization on a variety of cocooned hosts, includingspider egg sacs, leading to koinobiont ectoparasitism of spiders.A brief synopsis of the distribution of the group is given, and somebiogeographical inferences drawn. The group is presumed to haveoriginated and radiated on Laurasia; no evidence for trans‐Antarcticrelationships can be found. © 2002 The LinneanSociety of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society,2002, 136 , 421?485     

Phylogeny,classification and evolution of the water scavenger beetle tribe Hydrobiusini inferred from morphology and molecules (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Hydrophilinae)

The water scavenger beetle tribe Hydrobiusini contains 47 species in eight genera distributed worldwide. Most species of the tribe are aquatic, although several species are known to occur in waterfalls or tree mosses. Some members of the tribe are known to communicate via underwater stridulation. While recent morphological and molecular‐based phylogenies have affirmed the monophyly of the tribe as currently circumscribed, doubts remain about the monophyly of included genera. Here we use morphological and molecular data to infer a species‐level phylogeny of the Hydrobiusini. The monophyly of the tribe is decisively supported, as is the monophyly of most genera. The genus Hydrobius was found to be polyphyletic, and as a result the genus Limnohydrobius stat. rev. is removed from synonymy with Hydrobius, yielding three new combinations: L. melaenus comb.n. , L. orientalis comb.n. , and L. tumbius comb.n. Recent changes to the species‐level taxonomy of Hydrobius are reviewed. The morphology of the stridulatory apparatus has undergone a single remarkable transformation within the lineage, from a simple, unmodified pars stridens to one that is highly organized and complex. We present an updated key to genera, revised generic diagnoses and a list of the known distributions for all species within the tribe.     

Molecular phylogenetic support for a broader delimitation of Uvaria (Annonaceae), inclusive of Anomianthus,Cyathostemma, Ellipeia,Ellipeiopsis and Rauwenhoffia

Abstract

Uvaria (Annonaceae), a large palaeotropical genus of woody climbers, closely resembles several other smaller genera, including Anomianthus, Cyathostemma, Ellipeia, Ellipeiopsis and Rauwenhoffia. A molecular phylogenetic analysis of this group was undertaken using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods based on four chloroplast DNA regions (matK, psbA‐trnH spacer, rbcL and trnL‐F). The resultant trees were moderately well resolved with significant statistical support for most nodes. Uvaria is shown unequivocally to be paraphyletic, with all representatives of the other five genera nested within it. The distinguishing morphological characteristics of the related genera are re‐evaluated, and interpreted as no more than specialised adaptations of the basic Uvaria structure. The generic names Anomianthus, Cyathostemma, Ellipeia, Ellipeiopsis and Rauwenhoffia are accordingly reduced to synonymy with Uvaria, necessitating 11 new nomenclatural combinations and four replacement names.     

Revision of Pseudocorinna Simon and a new related genus (Araneae: Corinnidae): two more examples of spider templates with a large range of complexity in the genitalia

The genus Pseudocorinna Simon, 1910 is revised. The type species Pseudocorinna rutila Simon, 1910 from Guinea‐Bissau and Pseudocorinna septemaculeata Simon, 1910 from Bioko are redescribed. No material could be found of Pseudocorinna gracilior Simon, 1910 from Bioko which is to be considered nomen dubium. The genus further contains 27 species which are described as new: Pseudocorinna alligator, Pseudocorinna amicorum, Pseudocorinna amphibia, Pseudocorinna banco, Pseudocorinna bilobata, Pseudocorinna brianeno, Pseudocorinna celisi, Pseudocorinna christae, Pseudocorinna cymarum, Pseudocorinna doutreleponti, Pseudocorinna eruca, Pseudocorinna evertsi, Pseudocorinna febe, Pseudocorinna felix, Pseudocorinna gevaertsi, Pseudocorinna incisa, Pseudocorinna juakalyi, Pseudocorinna lanius, Pseudocorinna lobelia, Pseudocorinna natalis, Pseudocorinna naufraga, Pseudocorinna okupe, Pseudocorinna orientalis, Pseudocorinna perplexa, Pseudocorinna personata, Pseudocorinna ubicki, and Pseudocorinna victoria. The genus is characterized by the wide carapace and sternum and the dense network of dark warts on all sclerites of the prosoma. These structures are apparently outlets of underlying glands producing a gel‐like substance. The genus is restricted to the West and Central African forest area, ranging from Guinea‐Bissau to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The species are mainly found in very wet, temporarily inundated forests. A cladistic analysis strongly supported the erection of a new, closely related genus, Crinopseudoa gen. nov. , with very similar habitus but with poorly developed warts that have kept their original hair‐socket function. This genus contains 11 species, all of which are new, and has a distribution restricted to the West‐African refuge areas around Liberia and Cameroon. The type species is Crinopseudoa bong from Liberia. It further contains Crinopseudoa billeni, Crinopseudoa bongella, Crinopseudoa caligula, Crinopseudoa catharinae, Crinopseudoa ephialtes, Crinopseudoa flomoi, Crinopseudoa leiothorax, Crinopseudoa otus, Crinopseudoa paucigranulata, and Crinopseudoa titan. Both genera can be regarded as examples of successful somatic templates with a large range of morphologically different genitalia corroborating the ‘mate check’ hypothesis. Illustrated keys to the species of both genera are provided. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 162 , 271–350.     

Systematics of the genus Mayazomus (Arachnida: Schizomida): the relevance of using continuous characters and pedipalp setae patterns to schizomid phylogenetics

The schizomid genus Mayazomus Reddell & Cockendolpher, 1995, endemic to south‐eastern Mexico, currently comprises seven species. It was originally proposed to accommodate two species, from Chiapas and Tabasco. Recently, five additional species from Chiapas were described. The monophyly of the genus has never been tested using cladistic analysis. We undertook a phylogenetic analysis using the seven described species of Mayazomus as the ingroup, ten exemplar species representing the most similar New World hubbardiids as the outgroup, and one protoschizomid species to root the tree. The analysis was based on 130 morphological characters (continuous and discrete characters). The resulting topologies recovered Mayazomus as paraphyletic, with Heteronochrus estor Armas & Viquez, 2010, from Guatemala nested within the genus; therefore, we formally propose its synonymy herein. Mayazomus appears to be most closely related to Rowlandius Reddell & Cokendolpher, 1995, a South American genus. This contribution also provides new characters derived from the pedipalp setae with important phylogenetic information; as well as the implementation of morphometric ratios, as continuous characters, to partially codify the shape of the male flagellum. The relationships recovered amongst the outgroups used in this contribution are a reliable baseline for future analyses of the phylogeny of the New World schizomids.     

A Taxonomic Review of the Genera of the Aphelenchoidea (Fuchs, 1937) Thorne, 1949 (Nematoda: Tylenchida)

This generic level taxonomic review of the nematode superfamily Aphelenchoidea is based upon a study of specimens from 24 of the 28 described genera. The diagnoses of these genera are presented, and some are emended with new information. One new genus, Huntaphelenchoides, and five new combinations are proposed. The families Paraphelenchidae and Anomyctidae are placed in synonymy with Aphelenchidae and Aphelenchoididae, respectively. The genera Asteroaphelenchoides and Pseudaphelencboides are placed in synonymy under the genus Aphelenchoides. Rare male and/or female specimens of Peraphelenchus, Anomyctus, Laimaphelenchus, Aphelenchus, Cryptaphelenchoides, Megadorus, Tylaphelenchus, and Entaphelenchus, are redescribed and illustrated. Four plates, containing 106 original drawings of the males, females, stylets, and spicules of representatives of 22 aphelenchoid genera, are presented.