New fossil evidence of the early diversification of bees: Paleohabropoda oudardi from the French Paleocene (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Anthophorini)

Phylogenetic relationships among and within the major groups of bees (Apoidea Apiformes) were recently reconsidered using extensive molecular and morphological datasets. The next step in the study of bee evolution will consist in estimating the antiquity of the nodes within the inferred topologies. We describe here the third oldest bee fossil, Paleohabropoda oudardi gen. n. sp. N. (Apidae, Apinae, Anthophorini) from the Paleocene of Menat (France, Puy-de-Dôme; 60 Myr). Phylogenetic analysis of 17 morphological characters and morphometric analysis of the wing shape were used to recover, respectively, its taxonomic position and morphological affinities. Our results indicate that Paleohabropoda oudardi gen. n. sp. n. clearly belongs to the Anthophorini. Paleohabropoda is therefore the oldest fossil that can be confidently date and place to an extant tribe. Its wing shape is surprisingly close to the extant genus Habropoda . The discovery of Paleohabropoda oudardi gen. n., sp. n. brings further evidence for the Cretaceous diversification of major lineages of bees and for strong constancy of wing shape within the Anthophorini.     

Phylogeny, classification, and biogeography of the cycloteline Therevinae (Insecta: Diptera: Thereavidae)

Twenty-one members of the Laurasian group of Therevinae (Diptera: Therevidae) are compared using 65 adult morphological characters. Cladistic analysis using parsimony on the 17 ingroup and 4 outgroup taxa provides a well-supported hypothesis of relationships among taxa within the Gyclotelini, tribe nov. The Cyclotelini is a monophyletic assemblage of mostly New World genera, including Anolinga , gen. nov. , Breviperna Irwin, Coleiana , gen. nov. , Crebraseta , gen. nov. , Cyclotelus Walker, Mesonana , gen.nov. , and Ozodiceromyia Bigot. In addition, three Old World genera, Ammothereva Lyneborg, Bugulaverpa , gen. nov. , and Procyclotelus Nagatomi & Lyneborg, are included in the tribe. These ten genera are divided into two monophyletic genus-groups, the Brevipema-group and the Cyclotelus-group. Keys are provided for the genera of Cyclotelini. The tribe, the two informal genus-groups, and all genera are diagnosed; five new genera and six new species are proposed. The biogeographical histories of the genera are discussed in terms of their cladistic relationships using methods of cladistic biogeography. Two major vicariant events account for the current distribution of the tribe. The first relates to the Beringian land bridge connecting western North America and eastern Asia. Second, New World cyclotelines were profoundly affected by the Early Eocene breakup of the archipelagic bridge between North and South America, and the distributions support the hypotheses favouring the continental origin of the Greater Antilles.     

Phylogeny and Phytogeography of the Betulaceae (to be continued)

In the present thesis, a detailed review of the literature was given on the Betulaceae. Some new data was provided based on the author’s studies in order to analyze various characters, such as inflorescence, flower, pollen and leaf epidermis, among the genera treated. The polarity of the characters was determined according to the criteria of outgroup comparison and compatibility analysis. A cladistic analysis was made using the methods of Maximal Same Steps and Minimal Parallel Evolution developed by Xu (1993). The generic distributions in both modern and fossil times were outlined, and their distribution center, place and time of origin and the way of dispersal were discussed. An attempt was made to discuss early differentiation, geographical radiation and morphological evolution of the family on the background of paleogeography and paleoclimatology, tracing back as far as the Late Cretaceous and Early Tertiary. Finally, supraspecific taxa, from section to tribe, were systematically arranged.     

IMMATURE STAGES OF AUSTRALIAN ANTHOPHORINAE (HYMENOPTERA: APOIDEA)

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Immature stages of two species in each of the two tribes, Anthophorini and Melectini, of Anthophorinae found in Australia were studied for the first time. The larvae and pupa of Amegilla (Amegilla) pulchra (Smith), the mature larva and pupa of Amegilla (Asarapoda) sp., the mature larva of Thyreus lugubris (Smith) and the pupa of Thyreus caeruleopunctatus (Blanchard) are described and the larvae are figured, and information is given on their behaviour and development.     

桦木科植物的系统发育和地理分布

本文对桦木科植物的研究历史作了详细的总结。在钻研文献的基础上,补充了部分系统学资料,使得花序、花、芬粉、叶表皮等各类性状能够在属间进行比较。根据外类群比较、和谐性分析等原则确定了性的演化极性,利用最大同步法和最小平行演化法对桦木科植物进行了分支分析。对各属的现代分布和地史分布作了描述,在此基础上,讨论了桦木科植物的分布中心、起源地、起源的时间和散布途径。作者试图回到遥远的晚白垩纪和早第三纪,从描绘     

Atelinae phylogenetic relationships: The trichotomy revived?

This research examines phylogenetic relationships between members of the Atelinae subfamily (Alouatta, Ateles, Brachyteles, and Lagothrix), based on analysis of three genetic regions. Two loci, cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COII) and the hypervariable I portion of the control region, are part of the mitochondrial genome. The other is a single-copy nuclear gene, Aldolase A Intron V. Analysis of these genetic regions provides support for tribe Alouattini containing the Alouatta species, while tribe Atelini contains the other three genera. However, these three genetic regions produce conflicting results for relationships among tribe Atelini members. Previous genetic studies supported grouping Brachyteles with Lagothrix, leaving Ateles in a separate subclade. The present data sets vary based on the genetic region analyzed and method of analysis suggesting all possible cladistic relationships. These results are more consistent with investigations of morphology and behavior among these primates. The primary cause of discrepancy between this study and previous genetic studies is postulated to reside in increased sampling in the present study of genetic variation among members of the Atelinae, specifically Ateles. The present study utilized samples of Ateles from all postulated species for this genetically variable primate, while previous studies used only one or two species of Ateles. This paper demonstrates that shifting relationships are produced when different species of Ateles are used to reconstruct phylogenies. This research concludes that a trichotomy should still be supported between members of tribe Atelini until further analyses, which include additional Atelinae haplotypes are conducted.     

A palaeontological and phylogenetical analysis of squaliform sharks (Chondrichthyes: Squaliformes) based on dental characters

Squaliformes comprise the major proportion of modern deep-water sharks, yet their fossil history and phylogenetic relationships are still poorly understood. New analyses have been undertaken, however, and new living and fossil species have been discovered during the past 10 years. A cladistic analysis involving 29 dental characters has been made and most living and fossil genera are included. On the basis of their dental morphology, the monophyly of the Squaliformes can be supported if the fossil genus Protospinax is excluded. The traditional phylogenetic positions of most living genera, Protosqualus, Cretascymnus and Eoetmopterus, are confirmed despite the fact that the Oxynotidae, Etmopterinae, Palaeomicroides, Proetmopterus and Microetmopterus have some atypical phylogenetic relationships within the Squaliformes. The addition of the palaeontological data in a phylogenetic tree including fossil and living Squaliformes demonstrates some gaps in the fossil record. Nevertheless, and as a consequence of that stratigraphy-phylogeny inference, two particular events can be pinpointed in the history of the Squaliformes: the first one occurs after the major Cenomanian-Turonian anoxic event and the second one after the Cretaceous/Tertiary crisis. The first radiation involves the majority of the living Squaliformes (Somniosinae, Centrophorinae, most of the Etmopterinae, Oxynotinae) in deep-sea waters, the second, the more epipelagic sharks (most of the Dalatiidae), suggesting a secondary adaptation to more shallow environments.     

云南食植瓢虫族的系统位置及属间关系

本文对云南食植瓢虫族昆虫形态学,特别是跗爪基齿,上颚侧齿,雌、雄性外生殖器等性状的研究,讨论了本族的属间关系;应用分支系统学的原理和方法,对本族系统位置的研究进行了尝试。采用最大同步法对本族5个属8个性状状态进行了分支分析,其结果与传统分类结果有一定的差异。结论支持将食植瓢虫属分为3个亚属,其中2个为新亚属。     

PARASITES AND OTHER ORGANISMS ASSOCIATED WITH NESTS OF AMEGILLA FRIESE (HYMENOPTERA: ANTHOPHORINAE)

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Amegilla (Amegilla) pulchra (Smith) (Anthophorinae, Anthophorini) is parasitised by Thyreus caeruleopunctatus (Blanchard) (Anthophorinae, Melectini), Miltogramma sp. (Sarcophagidae), Zonitis sp. (Meloidae), and fungus, and information is given on the habits of the parasites and the number of cells parasitised. A specimen of Thyreus nitidulus (Fabricius) was seen working in a nest. Trogoderma apicenne Reitter (Dermestidae) and Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius) (Anobiidae) were reared on debris in old cells.
Amegilla (Asarapoda) sp. is parasitised by Thyreus lugubris (Smith).
Pyemotes ventricosus (Newport) (Acarina, Pyemotidae) killed pupae of both species of Amegilla in open cells.
A. (A.) pulchra is the first hymenopterous host recorded for an Australian Meloid.     

Phylogeny and classification of the Scopulini moths (Lepidoptera: Geometridae, Sterrhinae)

The phylogenetic relationships of the genera in the geometrid tribe Scopulini (Lepidoptera: Sterrhinae) were examined using 141 characters of adult morphology and ecology. The study material included 92 species, representing all previously recognized genera and covering the morphological variation and full geographical range of the tribe. The cladistic analysis resulted in 20 equally parsimonious trees and a strict consensus cladogram based on these was well resolved. A majority of the recovered synapomorphic characters have been used previously in the taxonomy of the tribe. However, many novel characters were found in the sclerotized structures of the thorax. Many previously recognized genera were found to be nonmonophyletic and based on the present revised, synapomorphy-based classification, the number of recovered genera is reduced considerably. Twenty new generic synonyms and 90 new or revived species combinations are proposed. Seven genera are considered valid, with the large genus Scopula Schrank including over 85% of all species in the tribe. The taxonomic history of the tribe is reviewed and the problems of earlier classifications are discussed. A key to the genera is presented, although an informal diagnosis is preferred. All recognized genera are illustrated and a revised world checklist of the Scopulini is presented.  © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2005, 143 , 473−530.     

Phylogenetic systematics of Pseudolebinthus, a new genus of Eneopterinae crickets (Orthoptera, Grylloidea, Eneopteridae) from south-east Africa

Abstract.  Within a framework of historical analysis of Eneopterinae crickets, the genus Pseudolebinthus Robillard gen.n. and two new species P. africanus Robillard, sp.n. and P. whellani Robillard, sp.n. , endemic from south-east Africa, are described. A cladistic analysis using 198 morphological characters and 47 terminals assessed the phylogenetic position of the new taxa within the subfamily. The resultant topologies support the previously proposed phylogeny for the subfamily and contained tribes. The monophyly of Pseudolebinthus is supported strongly as well as its sister relationship with Xenogryllus within the tribe Xenogryllini. A key to Eneopterinae tribes, Xenogryllini genera and Pseudolebinthus species is given. Taxonomic, evolutionary and acoustic issues raised by the recognition of Pseudolebinthus are discussed.     

Evaluating the monophyly and phylogenetic relationships of Brassolini genera (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae)

Abstract.  This study uses 80 morphological characters and cladistic analysis to evaluate the monophyly and phylogenetic relationships of 18 genera that constitute the butterfly tribe Brassolini. Most characters derive from genitalia, confirming previous generic definitions based mainly on wing characters, and showing that 16 of 18 genera are monophyletic. Mimoblepia Casagrande, syn.n. was subsumed within Opoptera Aurivillius to address the paraphyly of the latter, but resolution of the status of Aponarope Casagrande requires further study. The results suggest that the Brassolini includes six suprageneric groups/clades. Although this study verifies some genus-level relationships put forward over 100 years ago, some new hypotheses of relationships are proposed. Tracing larval host plant use onto the Brassolini phylogeny indicates that species in this tribe retain the use of Arecaceae and Poaceae from their 'satyroid' ancestors.     

The Phytogeography of Caprifoliaceae s. str. with Its Implications for Understanding Eastern Asiatic Flora

The Caprifoliaceae s. str. as here defined consists of 4 tribes and 12 genera: Caprifolieae (Lonicera, Leycesteria), Linnaeeae (Symphoricarpos, Abelia, Zabelia, Linnaea, Dipelta, Kolkwitzia, Heptacodium ), Diervilleae (Diervilla, Weigela ), Triosteae (Triosteum). Based on chorology, fossil records and dominant woody habit, the family may be considered as a fairly old one and probably originated in the Late Cretaceous or the Early Tertiary. In the light of facts, such as a number of phylogenetic series of Abelia, Triosteum and Weigela occurring in east Asia, Heptacodium, endemic to East Asia, as a link between the tribe Caprifolieae and the tribe Linnaeeae, and existence in East Asia of a high percentage of both palaeoendemic genera and some neoendemics, East Asia seems to be the centerof diversity of the family. Six Eastern Asiatic endemic genera might be grouped under three categories, Heptacodium, Dipelta and Kolkwitzia as palaeoendemics, Weigela as active epibiotics, and Zabelia and Leycesteria as neoendemics. The above inferences are made only on the basis of three main attributes, systematic position of genera isolated or not, their geographical distribution continuous or discontinuous with the closest relatives and the degree of diversification of forms or distinction between species within a genus, without consideration of insufficient fossil records and cytological data.     

COMMENTS ON GENOMIC GENERA IN THE TRITICEAE (POACEAE)

Generic delimitation in the Triticeae has long been problematical because the extensive hybridization in the group is not readily accomodated in a hierarchical classification. The genomic genera of Löve (1984) are one solution, but fully one-third of them are polyphyletic, incorporating 2 or more genomes. The suggestion that the tribe be considered a single genus (Stebbins, 1956) is theoretically defensible—the genus would be strictly monophyletic—but probably impractical. This paper presents a cladistic analysis of the tribe that differs from previous analyses in that it uses only strictly monophyletic (monogenomic) groups as terminal taxa; hybrids (heterogenomic groups) are shown as reticulations. Monophyletic groups can then be delimited to minimize the number of polyphyletic genera. A classification incorporating genomic information is derived from the phylogeny.     

Implications of morphological phylogenetics for the placement of the generaAdenocaulon andEriachaenium (Asteraceae)

Adenocaulon andEriachaenium are two problematic genera because their tribal and subfamilial placement in Asteraceae is uncertain. Previous cladistic analyses based on molecular data undertaken to analyze the relationships within Asteraceae, placeAdenocaulon in the tribe Mutisieae (Cichorioideae). This paper investigates cladistic relationships amongAdenocaulon andEriachaenium and tribes of subfamilies Cichorioideae and Asteroideae using morphological data. Thirty-eight characters were scored across 52 genera selected as exemplar taxa to represent the current classification system. In the analysis (one tree, length = 86, c.i. = 0.55, r.i. = 0.64)Adenocaulon andEriachaenium are sister taxa and appear as an isolated clade nested in Cichorioideae. A new, tentative position among the tribes of the paraphyletic Cichorioideae is proposed for these two isolated genera.     

A cladistic analysis of the nomadine bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)

Abstract. This study compares the results of Rozen's cladistic analysis of the larvae of fifteen genera of cleptoparasitic bees in the subfamily Nomadinae with an independent data set of adult characters for the same genera. Adult characters exhibited considerably higher levels of homoplasy and poorer resolution of cladistic relationships, with multiple equally parsimonious cladograms. However, comparison of a Nelson consensus tree based on adult characters with the cladogram based on larval characters reveals three components consistently supported in both analyses (the tribes Epeolini and Ammobatini, and Neopasites + Neolarra) , one component supported only by adult characters (Isepeolus + Protepeolus) , and one terminal component supported only by larval characters (Nomada + Ammobatini), as well as several more inclusive groupings based on larval characters that are difficult to compare with the adult consensus tree because it shows so much less resolution. When adult and larval characters are combined in a single data matrix, the resulting cladogram closely resembles the cladogram based on larval characters alone, although levels of homoplasy are considerably higher than in the larval analysis.
A preliminary analysis of adult characters for thirty-four genera in the Nomadinae also exhibited high levels of homoplasy and very large numbers of equally parsimonious cladograms. Nevertheless, certain consistent monophyletic groupings, most notably the Epeolini and Ammobatini, were also supported in this analysis. The one currently recognized tribe whose monophyly has received no support from any analysis is the Nomadini.
The relevance of these phylogenetic hypotheses to our understanding of host associations and variable features of egg morphology and oviposition behaviour in nomadine bees is briefly discussed.     

A Phylogenetic Study of Tribe Euphorbieae (Euphorbiaceae)

A phylogenetic investigation of a monophyletic lineage of spurge plants, tribe Euphorbieae, was conducted to elucidate evolutionary relationships, to clarify biogeographic patterns, and to reexamine the previous classification of Euphorbieae. Cladistic analyses of the 52 morphological characters of 61 species resulted in 2922 equally most parsimonious trees of 193 steps with a consistency index of 0.34. The strict consensus tree indicates genus Anthostema of subtribe Anthosteminae as a likely sister group to all other members of tribe Euphorbieae. The morphological data support a monophyletic origin of subtribe Euphorbiinae, but the subtribes Anthosteminae and Neoquillauminiinae did not form monophyletic groups. Although the previous taxonomic treatments within tribe Euphorbieae have supported the generic status of Pedilanthus, Monadenium, Synadenium, Chamaesyce, and Elaeophorbia, the results of this analysis do not support generic placement of them based on cladistic principles. Recognition of these groups as genera results in Euphorbia becoming a paraphyletic group. One solution to this problem in Euphorbieae is to divide the largest genus Euphorbia into several monophyletic genera and to keep the generic ranks for previously recognized genera. The distribution of basal endemic genera in Euphorbieae showed African and east Gondwanan affinities and strongly indicated that the ancestor of Euphorbieae originated prior to the breakup of Gondwanaland from an old group in Euphorbiaceae. However, some recent African taxa of Euphorbia should be interpreted by transoceanic dispersal from the New World ancestors.     

忍冬科(狭义)植物地理及其对认识东亚植物区系的意义

本文所谓狭义的忍冬科,包含4族、12属即忍冬族(忍冬属、鬼吹箫属),北极花族(毛核属,糯米条属、六道木属、北极花属、双盾木属、猬实属、七子花属),锦带花族(德维花属、锦带花属)和莛子？族(莛子？属)。基于它们的分布、化石资料和以木本为主的特性,忍冬科可认为是一个古老的科,可能起源于晚白垩纪或早第三纪。又基于以下事实：在东亚糯米条属、莛子？属和锦带花属中,可见到一系列的系统发育列;东亚特有的七子花属,是联系忍冬族和北极花族的一个中间纽带;东亚不但有较高比例的古特有属,还有一些新特有属;由此,我们认为东亚是该科的多样化中心。在化石和细胞学资料不充分的情况下,我们仅根据三个主要特征,如属的系统位置是否孤立,与近缘属的分布区是否间断及属内的分化类型的多寡和种间的区别是否明显,试图将6个东亚特有属归为三类：七子花属、双盾木属和猬实属作为古特有属,锦带花属作为活化了的古特有属,六道木属和鬼吹箫属作为新特有属。