Taxonomy of the ‘Synargis axenus complex’ belonging to the ‘Synargis regulus’ species group,with a phylogenetic reassessment of the genus Synargis Hübner, 1819 (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae: Nymphidiini)

Three new species of Synargis Hübner, 1819, from Paraguay and southern and central Brazil are described: Synargis fandanga sp. nov. from Paraguay (Amambay and Paraguari) and southern Brazil (Paraná and Santa Catarina), Synargis rasqueada sp. nov. from central Brazil (Mato Grosso), and Synargis gorpa sp. nov. from southern Brazil (Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul). Lectotypes are designated for Lemonias axenus Hewitson, 1876, Ematurgina axenus ochrophlegma Sitchel, 1911, Ematurgina acervata Seitz, 1932, and Ematurgina perrupta Seitz, 1932. Ematurgina ochrophlegma f. dissimilis Hayward, 1949, is a new synonym of Synargis bifasciata (Mengel, 1902), and Ematurgina ochrophlegma f. distincta Hayward, 1949, is a new synonym of Synargis axenus (Hewitson, 1876). The revalidation of E. perrupta Seitz, 1932, and the new status Synargis ochrophlegma (Stichel, 1911) are proposed. Ematurgina perrupta ab. roeberi Seitz, 1932, and Ematurgina bifasciata ochrophlegma ab. leucomelaina Breyer, 1930, are considered unavailable names. Based on a previous phylogenetic hypothesis, the phylogeny of the genus Synargis is reassessed, adding these new and revalidated taxa, and nine additional characters. The ‘Synargis regulus’ species group and the ‘Synargis axenus complex’ are recovered as monophyletic, with S. gorpa sp. nov. sister to the remaining species of the ‘S. axenus complex’. Additionally, an up‐to‐date geographical distribution map and a dichotomous key are provided, and the taxonomy of the taxa involved is discussed. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London     

A phylogenetic study on genera of Cidariini from the Holarctic and the Indo-Australian areas (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae)

A cladistic analysis of forty-one species, belonging to ten genera, of the Cidariini sensu Herbulot from the Holarctic and the Indo-Australian areas, was performed using seventy-seven characters including larval and pupal data. Eight most parsimonious cladograms were found (length 398, CI 0.30, RI 0.70). The monophyly of the Cidariini is demonstrated, using selected species of Xanthorhoini sensu Herbulot as the outgroup. The relationships among the genera are as follows: ( Ecliptopera ( Eulithis ( Cidaria (( Plemyria ( Chloroclysta , Dysstroma ))(( Thera , Pennithera ) ( Heterothera ))))). This result suggests some taxonomic changes: Dysstroma Hübner, stat. rev. and Chloroclysta Hübner stat. rev. are sister taxa; Heterothera Inoue stat. rev. includes Viidaleppia Inoue, syn.n., Heterothera firmata (Hübner) comb.n. is transferred from Pennithera Viidalepp to Heterothera sensu lato . The results of confirmation and incongruence tests suggest that the characters from adult and immature stages exhibit the same evolutionary pattern. Thus the phylogeny derived from the combined data matrix does not give a misleading conclusion, even though there are many missing states in the larval data set.     

A review of the moth tribe Palyadini with the description of a new genus (Geometridae: Ennominae)

The tribe Palyadini Guenée is revised at the generic level. It includes about 115 described species, and occurs in tropical America with representatives from Florida to Argentina. There are six genera: Palyas Guenée, Phrygionis Hübner, Pityeja Herrich-Schäffer, Argyrotome Warren, Opisthoxia Hübner, and a new genus Ophthalmoblysis. Ophthalmophora Guenée and Argyroplutodes Warren are treated as junior synonyms of Opisthoxia. Checklists of the species-group names in each genus are included.     

THE CLADISTICS OF AMAURIS BUTTERFLIES: CONGRUENCE, CONSENSUS AND TOTAL EVIDENCE

Abstract— Two data sets for 10 species of African milkweed butterflies (Nymphalidae, Danainae: one Danaus , two Tirumala , seven Amauris ) have been analysed cladistically, separately and in combination. One data set comprised 32 morphological characters, the other comprised 68 chemical compounds from male scent organs. Analysed separately, the two data sets produced six similar but non-identical minimum-length solutions. Analysed together, the combined data set of 100 characters produced a single minimum-length tree, identical to one of the three solutions for the morphological data set. The combined data produced a more informative result than congruence comparisons based on strict or combinable component consensus analysis. These results, together with re-analysis of a morphological data set for all 15 species of Amauris (which produced 12 minimum-length solutions), permit increased resolution of the existing classification of this Afrotropical genus, including the formal recognition of two subgenera, Amauris ( Amauris ) Hübner, and Amauris ( Amaura ) Geyer ( stat. rev. ). The fit of uniquely derived, unreversed chemical characters to the tree raises the possibility that stepwise additive evolution of semiochemicals may have occurred during cladogenesis of these mimetic butterflies. The implications for chemoecology and speciation are briefly discussed.     

Cladistic analysis of the Neotropical butterfly genus Adelpha (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), with comments on the subtribal classification of Limenitidini

Abstract.  A two-stage cladistic analysis of 114 characters from adult and immature stage morphology provided phylogenetic hypotheses for the diverse Neotropical nymphalid butterfly genus Adelpha Hübner. Higher-level cladistic relationships were inferred for thirty Adelpha species and twenty other species of Limenitidini, confirming the monophyly of Adelpha as currently conceived and indicating several montane Asian species as potential sister taxa for the genus. Cladistic relationships between all eighty-five Adelpha species were then inferred using three outgroup combinations. Basal and terminal nodes were reasonably resolved and supported, but a low proportion of non-wing pattern characters resulted in weak resolution and support in the middle of the tree. The most basal members of Adelpha feed on the temperate or montane plant family Caprifoliaceae, suggesting that a switch from this family early in the evolutionary history was important in subsequent diversification into tropical lowland habitats. The cladograms confirm suspicions of earlier authors that dorsal mimetic wing patterns have convergently evolved a number of times in Adelpha . The subtribal classification of Limenitidini is discussed and both Lebadea (from Parthenina) and Neptina are transferred to Limenitidina, whereas Cymothoe , Bhagadatta and Pseudoneptis (all formerly Limenitidina) are regarded as incertae sedis .     

Taxonomy of the Cidariini (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) in Korea (I)

ABSTRACT Among forty species of the Korean Cidariini, a tribe of Larentiinae (Lepidoptera, Geometridae), nineteen species of ten genera are revised: Ecliptopera Warren, Lampropteryx Stephens, Eustroma Hübner, Eveeliptopera Inoue, Lobogonodes Bastelberger, Hysterura Warren, Sibatania Inoue, Eulithis Hiibner, Gandaritis Moore, and Electrophaes Prout. The diagnostic characters and monophyly of each genus are provided. Figures of adults including male and female genitalia, and distribution maps in Korea are also provided.     

Cuban Calisto (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae), a review based on morphological and DNA data

The Cuban species of Calisto are reviewed based on the morphology of adult and immature stages, as well as DNA sequences of six genes (COI, EF1α, wingless, GAPDH, RpS5, CAD). A new species, Calisto occultasp. n., is described from the northeastern Cuban mountains. Calisto smintheus Bates, 1935 and Calisto bruneri, Michener 1949 are revised and revalidated. A new status, the species level, is proposed for Calisto brochei, Torre 1973, Calisto muripetens, Bates 1939 and Calisto bradleyi, Munroe 1950. The immature stages of Calisto smintheus, Calisto brochei,and Calisto occulta are described for the first time, and those of Calisto herophile, Hübner 1823 are redescribed. Useful morphological characters for adults are the shape and conspicuousness of androconial patch, the number and relative size of white dots on underside of hindwing, the shape of aedeagus, the shape of digitiform projection of genitalia valve, the shape and relative size of tegumen and uncus, the relative size of female genitalia, the height of sterigmal ring dorsal crown of the latter, and the relative size of corpus bursae and ductus bursae. For the immature stages, the most important characters are the color pattern of head capsule, the number and width of longitudinal lines of body, in the larvae; and the color pattern and the absence or presence of dorsal ridges on the abdomen of pupae. The phylogenetic relationships between the Cuban Calisto species are quite robust and well-supported; however, conflict between mitochondrial and nuclear datasets was detected in Calisto brochei, Calisto muripetens and to a lesser degree in Calisto bradleyi.     

Intra- and interspecific sex-pheromone communication in the genus Yponomeuta

ABSTRACT. Male behaviour in pheromone attraction was observed in a wind tunnel for eight species of the genus Yponomeuta Latreille. Interspecific responses and the effect of some combinations of female pheromones were also investigated. The results show that the species Yponomeuta cagnagellus (Hübner), Y. malinellus Zeller, Y. rorellus (Hübner) and Y. plumbellus (Den. & Schiff.) are isolated by the specificity of their female pheromones. The other four species, Y. evonymellus (L.), Y. padellus (L.), Y. irrorellus (Hübner) and Y. vigintipunctatus (Retz.), exhibited interspecific pheromone attraction.     

Two new species of Antispila Hübner (Lepidoptera: Adeloidea: Heliozelidae) associated with Hydrangea (Hydrangeaceae) from China

The genus Antispila Hübner, [1825] is poorly recorded from China. Two new Antispila species, A. longcangensis, sp. nov. and A. emeishanensis, sp. nov. feeding on Hydrangeaceae, are described from Sichuan, China. The adult male and female, genitalia and venation of both species are illustrated. Diagnostic characters of these species are compared with other described Antispila species from China. DNA barcodes sequences of the two new species are also provided.     

Reconsidering the taxomony of several Ostrinia species in the light of reproductive isolation: a tale for Ernst Mayr

We reconsider the taxonomy of a group of closely related Ostrinia spp., illustrating how useful Mayr's biological species concept remains for studying speciation patterns and processes. We review and re-analyse recent data on Ostrinia scapulalis , Ostrinia nubilalis , Ostrinia narynensis and Ostrinia orientalis , along with those obtained over > 45 years in the former Soviet Union. The ten species of the 'trilobed uncus' group in the Ostrinia genus are classified into subgroups according to male mid-tibia morphology. However, none of the characters that further discriminate between them (female sex pheromones, male genitalia and calling time) varies together with male mid-tibia morphology, and neither do molecular markers. Moreover, male mid-tibia morphology appears to depend on only two diallelic loci and seems to be unrelated to reproductive isolation between Ostrinia taxa. By contrast, reproductive isolation is strongly related to host-plant type. In accordance with Mayr's species concept, we thus propose a revision of the trilobed uncus Ostrinia spp. based primarily on host-plant type. We propose that O. narynensis Mutuura & Munroe, 1970 ( syn. nov. ) and O. orientalis Mutuura & Munroe, 1970 ( syn. nov. ) be synonymized with O. scapulalis (Walker, 1859). We further demonstrate that O. nubilalis auctt. pro parte feeding on mugwort, hop, and several other dicotyledons (previously called the ' O. nubilalis mugwort-race' in France) also belongs to O. scapulalis . Consequently, we propose that only O. nubilalis specimens feeding on maize (the former French ' O. nubilalis maize-race') belong to O. nubilalis (Hübner, 1796). The implications of this revision are discussed.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 91 , 49–72.     

New or little-known species of the genus Amphimenes Bates, 1873 (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Lebiinae) from Vietnam

Twelve new species of the genus Amphimenes Bates, 1873 are described from Vietnam: Amphimenes maculatussp. n., Amphimenes bidoupensissp. n., Amphimenes gracilissp. n., Amphimenes montanussp. n., Amphimenes giganteussp. n., Amphimenes mediussp. n., Amphimenes minutussp. n., Amphimenes rufipessp. n., Amphimenes reflexicollissp. n., Amphimenes planicollissp. n., Amphimenes nitidussp. n., and Amphimenes kabakovisp. n.. Amphimenes rugulipennis Bates, 1892, comb. n., is transferred from the genus Brachichila Chaudoir, 1869 and is redescribed from fresh material. A key to all congeners is provided, these being arranged into five new species-groups. Adults of the rugulipennis- and piceolus-groups show subcortical habits, while those of the medius-, rufipes- and planicollis- groupsare herpetobiotic, resulting in such morphological adaptations as partly reduced eyes, missing wings and adnate elytra.     

A new species of tiger beetle from southeastern Arizona and Mexico (Coleoptera,Carabidae, Cicindelini)

A new tiger beetle species, Cicindelidia melissa Duran & Roman, sp. n., of the tribe Cicindelini, is described from high elevation montane forests of southeastern Arizona and Mexico. It appears to be most closely related to Cicindelidia nebuligera (Bates) but is distinguished on the basis of multiple morphological characters and geographic range. The new species is also superficially similar to the widespread Cicindelidia sedecimpunctata (Klug), but distinguished on the basis of multiple morphological characters and habitat. Habitus, male and female reproductive structures, and known distribution map are presented.     

A review of the genera of Macariini with a revised classification of the tribe (Geometridae: Ennominae)

The generic classification of moths of the tribe Macariini Guenée is reviewed critically, and a revised classification is presented. The review is based on a survey of species across the taxonomic and geographical range of the tribe. In the new framework, the number of genera is reduced considerably. Two genera are very large: Macaria Curtis (mainly New World) and Chiasmia Hübner (largely Old World) together include over half of all macariine species. Twenty-three genera are accepted in the tribe; the identity of two genera remain uncertain. No single character defines the tribe, but diagnostic features include one or more of the following: the presence of enlarged setae ('horns') on the uncus in the male genitalia; a divided valva; and a modified condition of sternum A8 in the male. The taxonomic history of the tribe is reviewed briefly and the problems of previous systems are explained mainly by the regional approach adopted. A diagnosis is presented for each genus. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2002, 134 , 257–315.     

Phylogenetic studies of the subgenus Nialoe (s. lat.) (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Genus Pterostichus), part 2: The Asymmetricus species group

Pterostichus (Nialoe) asymmetricus Bates and its allies are revised based on the membranous parts of their genitalia. Four new taxa, P. (N.) ovaliphallus sp. nov., P. (N.) fujimurai ibukiyamanus ssp. nov., P. (N.) shotaroi kiimontanus ssp. nov., and P. (N.) basilobatus sp. nov. are described. A cladistic analysis based on 31 morphological characters reveals that Daisenilaoe (s. str.) Nakane and Straneo is included as one clade within Nialoe (s. str.). The speciation and dispersal process of this species group are also discussed.     

Revision and phylogenetic analysis of the Central American endemic genus Phalangogonia Burmeister (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Anoplognathini)

Abstract.  Phalangogonia Burmeister is revised and now includes eight species: P . dispar Ohaus, P . jamesonae , sp.n., P . lacordairei Bates, P . obesa Burmeister, P . parilis Bates, P . punctata Franz, P . ratcliffei , sp.n. and P . sperata Sharp. Phalangogonia debilidens Ohaus is placed in synonymy with P . sperata . Lectotypes are designated for the following nominal species: P . dispar Ohaus, P . lacordairei Bates, P . parilis Bates and P . championi Bates. Neotypes are designated for: P . obesa Burmeister, P . sperata Sharp, P . stipes Sharp and P . debilidens Ohaus. A cladistic analysis of the species of Phalangogonia was executed using thirty-two morphological characters of adults.     

Polycentropus cianficconiae sp. n. from Sicily and Descriptions of the Females of the Polycentropus Species Found in Sicily (Trichoptera,Polycentropodidae)

The male and female of Polycentropus cianficconiae sp. n. (Peloritani Mountains, Northeast Sicily) are described. This new species is related to P. divergens Mosely, 1930, of which the variability of some characters of male genitalia is examined. Female genitalia of the new species are compared to those of P. divergens, P. malickyi Moretti, 1981 and P. mortoni Mosely, 1930. The characters of female genitalia are useful for evaluating the relatedness and differences among the species. They agree with the findings of the study on male genitalia.     

New tools for resolving phylogenies: a systematic revision of the Convolutidae (Acoelomorpha, Acoela)

Molecular sequence data, morphological characters of spermatozoa, and newly obtained morphological characters of penis musculature are used here to revise the systematics of the family Convolutidae (Acoela). Species having isodiametric penes with non-anastomosing longitudinal muscles are transferred to the family Isodiametridae fam. nov. Species with longitudinal penis muscle fibres that anastomose or cross-over each other remain in the Convolutidae. Some species of the genera Convoluta and Conaperta (Convolutidae) are transferred to the genus Isodiametra gen. nov. (Isodiametridae fam. nov.). The genus Stomatricha (Otocelididae) is transferred to the family Convolutidae. Convoluta opisthandropora (Convolutidae) is transferred to the genus Pseudohaplogonaria (Haploposthiidae). Aphanostoma sanguineum (Convolutidae) is transferred to the genus Pseudactinoposthia (Actinoposthiidae).     

Development of a synthetic plant volatile-based attracticide for female noctuid moths. I. Potential sources of volatiles attractive to Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

This paper is the first of a series which will describe the development of a synthetic plant volatile-based attracticide for noctuid moths. It discusses potential sources of volatiles attractive to the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), and an approach to the combination of these volatiles in synthetic blends. We screened a number of known host and non-host (for larval development) plants for attractiveness to unmated male and female moths of this species, using a two-choice olfactometer system. Out of 38 plants tested, 33 were significantly attractive to both sexes. There was a strong correlation between attractiveness of plants to males and females. The Australian natives, Angophora floribunda and several Eucalyptu s species were the most attractive plants. These plants have not been recorded either as larval or oviposition hosts of Helicoverpa spp., suggesting that attraction in the olfactometer might have been as nectar foraging rather than as oviposition sources. To identify potential compounds that might be useful in developing moth attractants, especially for females, collections of volatiles were made from plants that were attractive to moths in the olfactometer. Green leaf volatiles, floral volatiles, aromatic compounds, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were found. We propose an approach to developing synthetic attractants, here termed 'super-blending', in which compounds from all these classes, which are in common between attractive plants, might be combined in blends which do not mimic any particular attractive plant.     

The peculiar Asian ghost moth genus Bipectilus Chu & Wang: taxonomy and systematic position (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae s.str.)

Abstract Bipectilus Chu & Wang, 1985, from China, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam is redescribed. Eight species are recognized in the genus; two were described previously ( Gorgopis unimacula Daniel and Bipectilus yunnanensis Chu & Wang) and six new species are named. A key to the males is provided and all species and their genitalia are described and illustrated. One new combination is established and one lectotype is designated. Observations on the cuticular anatomy of Bipectilus are presented. The monophyly of Bipectilus is supported by several autapomorphies but the genus also possesses many plesiomorphic traits including spurs on the hind tibia in some species. Bipectilus is placed in the Hepialidae s.str. and the autapomorphies of that taxon are summarized. It is concluded that Bipectilus represents an early lineage within the family, and possibly represents the sister-group of all other Hepialidae s.str. All Asian species originally placed in Gorgopis Hübner are removed from this endemic Afrotropical hepialid genus.