scholarly journals Revision of the goldenrod-galling Rhopalomyia species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in North America

Zootaxa ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 2152 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
NETTA DORCHIN ◽  
MILES V. MCEVOY ◽  
TODD A. DOWLING ◽  
WARREN G. ABRAHAMSON ◽  
JOSEPH G. MOORE
Keyword(s):  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Eastern United States ◽  
Gall Midges ◽  
New Synonyms ◽  
New Synonym ◽  
Large Genus ◽  
History Of ◽  
Identification Of Species ◽  
Diverse Community

Goldenrods (Solidago and Euthamia species) are common herbs in the eastern United States that support a large and diverse community of highly specific gall-inducing insects. The majority of these insects are gall midges, of which 16 described species are bud, leaf, stem, rhizome, or flower-head gallers belonging to the large genus Rhopalomyia Rübsaamen. The present work is a taxonomic revision of the goldenrod-associated Rhopalomyia species, which includes a key to the identification of species based on their galls and host plants and descriptions of diagnostic characters for all species. Rhopalomyia lanceolata Felt is designated as a new synonym for R. lobata Felt, and R. albipennis Felt and R. carolina Felt are designated as new synonyms for R. solidaginis Loew. Neotypes are designated for R. hirtipes Osten Sacken and R. solidaginis, and two new species are described—R. gina Dorchin n.sp. and R. guttata Dorchin n.sp. Descriptions include illustrations of galls, male and female morphological characters, and the first description of pupae, where available. New or additional detailed information is also provided on gall structure, phenology, and life history of the gall midges.

Corrigendum to: Cladistic analysis and revision of Piestus Gravenhorst with remarks on related genera (Coleoptera : Staphylinidae : Piestinae)

2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 129
Author(s):  
Edilson Caron ◽  
Cibele S. Ribeiro-Costa ◽  
Alfred F. Newton
Keyword(s):  
Cladistic Analysis ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Sister Group ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Valid Species ◽  
Phylogenetic Position ◽  
Neotropical Forests ◽  
Rove Beetles ◽  
New Synonyms ◽  
Branch Support

Rove beetles of the genus Piestus Gravenhorst, 1806 are commonly captured under the bark of or inside decaying logs from Neotropical forests. Piestus belongs to the subfamily Piestinae, historically an ill-defined dumping-ground for Staphylinidae defined by plesiomorphic characters, but which has gradually been restricted in concept and currently includes only six additional extant genera worldwide. Piestinae in this restricted sense has been considered a probably monophyletic subfamily, but its status and phylogenetic position, as a possible sister-group of Osoriinae within the recently proposed Oxyteline group of staphylinid subfamilies, are uncertain and need confirmation. The main aim of the present study was to provide a morphological cladistic analysis and complete taxonomic revision of Piestus, which, as the type and most speciose genus of Piestinae, is critical for future phylogenetic studies involving the subfamily. In our study, the monophyly of Piestus is established and phylogenetic relationships among its species are proposed based on 70 adult morphological characters. Piestus is supported by 11 synapomorphies and high branch support. All species of Piestus are revised and the genus is redefined. The genus contains 43 species, including 13 species described here for the first time. The previously proposed subgenera Antropiestus Bernhauer, 1917, Eccoptopiestus Scheerpeltz, 1952, Elytropiestus Scheerpeltz, 1952, Lissopiestus Scheerpeltz, 1952, Piestus s. str., Trachypiestus Scheerpeltz, 1952 and Zirophorus Dalman, 1821 have not been confirmed, as they were found to be poly- or paraphyletic, or are here removed from Piestus, and therefore subgenera are not used. The main taxonomic changes are as follows. Lissopiestus, syn. nov. is proposed as new synonym of Eleusis Laporte, 1835 and its species, E. interrupta (Erichson, 1840), comb. rest., is transferred again to that genus. Antropiestus, syn. nov. and Eccoptopiestus, syn. nov. are proposed as new synonyms of Hypotelus Erichson, 1839 and their species, H. laevis (Solsky, 1872), comb. nov. and H. andinus (Bernhauer, 1917), comb. nov., are transferred to Hypotelus. Fourteen new synonymies are proposed (valid species listed first): P. lacordairei Laporte, 1835 = Z. furcatus Sharp, 1887, syn. nov.; P. capricornis Laporte, 1835 = P. frontalis Sharp, 1876, syn. nov.; P. pennicornis Fauvel, 1864 = P. plagiatus Fauvel, 1864, syn. nov.; P. rectus Sharp, 1876, syn. nov.; P. pygialis Fauvel, 1902, syn. nov.; P. surinamensis Bernhauer, 1928, syn. nov.; P. minutus Erichson, 1840 = P. nigrator Fauvel, 1902, syn. nov.; P. sulcatus Gravenhorst, 1806 = P. sanctaecatharinae Bernhauer, 1906, syn. nov.; P. condei Wendeler, 1955, syn. nov.; P. gounellei Fauvel, 1902 = P. wasmanni Fauvel, 1902, syn. nov.; P. mexicanus Laporte, 1835 = P. alternans Sharp, 1887, syn. nov.; P. aper Sharp, 1876 = P. schadei Scheerpeltz, 1952, syn. nov.; P. angularis Fauvel, 1864 = P. crassicornis Sharp, 1887, syn. nov.; H. andinus (Bernhauer, 1917) = P. strigipennis Bernhauer, 1921, syn. nov. One species is revalidated: P. fronticornis (Dalman, 1821), stat. rev., and one synonym is restored: P. penicillatus (Dalman, 1821) = P. erythropus Erichson, 1840, syn. rest. Neotypes are designated for P. lacordairei Laporte, 1835 and Oxytelus bicornis Olivier, 1811, and lectotypes are designated for P. puncticollis Fauvel, 1902, P. capricornis variety muticus Fauvel, 1902, P. zischkai Scheerpeltz, 1951, P. pennicornis Fauvel, 1864, P. plagiatus Fauvel, 1864, P. pygmaeus Laporte, 1835, P. niger Fauvel 1864, P. minutus Erichson, 1840, P. nigratror Fauvel, 1902, P. sulcatus Gravenhorst, 1806, P. sanctaecatharinae Bernhauer, 1906, P. sulcipennis Scheerpeltz, 1952, P. aper Sharp, 1876, P. schadei Scheerpeltz, 1952 and P. andinus Bernhauer, 1917.

New lectotypifications and new synonyms in Festuca (Poaceae, Pooideae, Loliinae) from the Central Andes

Phytotaxa ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 247 (4) ◽  
pp. 247 ◽  
Author(s):  
JUAN C. OSPINA
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Central Andes ◽  
Andes Mountains ◽  
Valid Species ◽  
Second Step ◽  
New Synonyms ◽  
The Andes ◽  
New Synonym ◽  
Differential Characters ◽  
Anatomical Characters

New lectotypifications and new synonyms are provided as a result of a systematic study of the genus Festuca from the Central Andes. In the Andes mountains of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, several species of Festuca are dominant components of the grasslands and high Andean steppes. Festuca circinata and F. dissitiflora occur in this area and were described based on morphological characters. Some authors have considered F. circinata as a valid species while others have treated it as a synonym of F. dissitiflora, together with F. dissitiflora var. loricata , F. dissitiflora var. villipalea, and F. erecta var. aristulata. In this study, a review of the taxonomy and nomenclature of F. castilloniana, F. circinata, and F. potosiana was performed, and their morphological and anatomical characters were compared with F. dissitiflora. Based on morphoanatomical and epidermal characters, this study contributes to the delimitation of F. circinata and F. dissitiflora. Nomenclatural notes and new anatomical and epidermal descriptions are included for these species. Differential characters between F. circinata and F. dissitiflora are discussed and F. circinata is restored as a valid species for Argentina. Festuca castilloniana and F. potosiana are synonymised under F. dissitiflora. Festuca dissitiflora var. loricata, F. dissitiflora var. villipalea, and F. erecta var. aristulata are excluded from the synonymy of F. dissitiflora and it is suggested that these names should be subordinate under F. fiebrigii. Festuca stuckertii is proposed as a new synonym of F. uninodis. Lectotypes are designated for the names F. argentinensis, F. dissitiflora, F. nemoralis and F. parodii, and second-step lectotypes are designated for the names F. circinata and F. ampliflora.

A revision of the genus Bubastes Laporte & Gory, 1836 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4832 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-75
Author(s):  
SVATOPLUK BÍLÝ ◽  
MARK HANLON
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
New Synonyms ◽  
South Wales

Taxonomic revision of the genus Bubastes Laporte & Gory, 1836. Thirteen new species are described: Bubastes barkeri sp. nov. (New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria), B. deserta sp. nov. (South Australia), B. dichroa sp. nov. (Western Australia), B. flavocaerulea sp. nov. (New South Wales, Queensland), B. hasenpuschi sp. nov. (Queensland), B. iridiventris sp. nov. (Western Australia), B. iris sp. nov. (Western Australia), B. macmillani sp. nov. (Western Australia), B. magnifica sp. nov. (Queensland, New South Wales), B. michaelpowelli sp. nov. (Western Australia), B. pilbarensis sp. nov. (Western Australia), B. remota sp. nov. (Northern Territory) and B. viridiaurea sp. nov. (Western Australia). The following seventeen new synonyms are proposed: Bubastes thomsoni Obenberger, 1928, syn. nov. = B. australasiae Obenberger, 1922, B. olivina Obenberger, 1920, syn. nov. = Neraldus bostrychoides Théry 1910, B. boisduvali Obenberger, 1941, syn. nov. = B. erbeni Obenberger, 1941, B. borealis Obenberger, 1941, syn. nov. = B. globicollis Thomson, 1879, B. laticollis Blackburn, 1888, syn. nov. = B. globicollis Thomson, 1879, B. simillima Obenberger, 1922, syn. nov. = B. globicollis Thomson, 1879, B. obscura Obenberger, 1922, syn. nov. = B. inconsistans Thomson, 1879, B. septentrionalis Obenberger, 1941, syn. nov. = B. inconsistans Thomson, 1879, B. viridicupraea Obenberger, 1922, syn. nov. = B. inconsistans Thomson, 1879, B. blackburni Obenberger, 1941, syn. nov. = B. kirbyi Obenberger, 1928, B. chapmani Obenberger, 1941, syn. nov. = B. kirbyi Obenberger, 1928, B. aenea Obenberger, 1922, syn. nov. = B. niveiventris Obenberger, 1922, B. saundersi Obenberger, 1928, syn. nov. = B. odewahni Obenberger, 1928, B. occidentalis Blackburn, 1891, syn. nov. = B. sphaenoida Laporte & Gory, 1836, B. persplendens Obenberger, 1920, syn. nov. = B. sphaenoida Laporte & Gory, 1836, B. splendens Blackburn, 1891, syn. nov. = B. sphaenoida Laporte & Gory, 1836 and B. strandi Obenberger, 1920, syn. nov. = B. suturalis Carter, 1915. Neotype is designated and redescribed for Bubastes cylindrica W. J. Macleay, 1888 and lectotypes are designated for Bubastes thomsoni Obenberger, 1928 and B. leai Carter, 1924. Morphological characters of the genus are presented and all species are illustrated (incl. historical types) and a key is provided for all species of the genus. 

A Taxonomic Revision of Fern Genus Pseudocyclosorus (Thelypteridaceae) from China and the Pan-Himalaya Region, with Special Reference to the Identity of Pseudocyclosorus stramineus

Phytotaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 424 (4) ◽  
pp. 197-216
Author(s):  
ZHONG-YANG LI ◽  
XIAN-CHUN ZHANG ◽  
ZHEN-LONG LIANG ◽  
JIE LI
Keyword(s):  
Special Reference ◽  
Species Delimitation ◽  
Morphological Study ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Morphological Features ◽  
Similar Species ◽  
Spore Morphology ◽  
Distribution Map ◽  
New Synonyms

The fern genus Pseudocyclosorus (Thelypteridaceae) from China and the Pan-Himalaya region is revised based on morphological study. Reduced basal pinnae, angles between costule and costae, and glands/hairs on abaxial surfaces/indusia are considered as the most diagnostic morphological characters for species delimitation. Genus Trigonospora was excluded from genus Pseudocyclosorus. This segregation is supported by multiple morphological features. Eight species were recognized here, namely Pseudocyclosorus tylodes, P. pseudofalcilobus, P. falcilobus, P. subochthodes, P. stramineus, P. ornatipes, P. esquirolii and P. canus. Twenty-one names were reduced as new synonyms. One name (P. duclouxii) was considered a dubious species. A key to these eight species, their descriptions, spore morphology and distribution map of each species are given.         Pseudocyclosorus stramineus was a long overlooked species, which has always been misidentified as other similar species, and was wrongly reduced as a synonym of P. duclouxii. Here based on morphology characters, the identity of P. stramineus as a species was reclaimed. A more detailed description with photographs and illustrations, and its whole distribution range are given here.

A taxonomic revision of the Pourthiaea villosa complex (Rosaceae)

Phytotaxa ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 244 (3) ◽  
pp. 201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binbin Liu ◽  
Deyuan Hong
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Blade ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Petiole Length ◽  
Analysis And Evaluation ◽  
Population Sampling ◽  
New Synonyms ◽  
Extensive Field ◽  
Statistical Support ◽  
Proper Analysis

The taxonomy of the Pourthiaea villosa complex, distributed in E Asia, is extremely controversial. The lack of proper analysis and evaluation of the characters used previously may have caused these controversies among taxonomists. The present study is the first comprehensive taxonomic revision of this complex. We have conducted extensive field observations, population sampling, examination of a large number of specimens and subsequent statistical analysis. All morphological characters used in previous taxonomic treatments were analyzed one by one. They include length, breadth, basal angle, and apex of leaf blade, length of petiole, length of pedicel, number of flowers, and density of indumentum on leaves, petiole, pedicel, hypanthium, and branchlets. We found that these characters were extremely variable both within and between populations of this complex. Such variations are continuous or with no statistical support, and there is no correlation between the different characters. Therefore, the characters used in this complex are of little value for species delimitation. As a result of our study, only one species, P. villosa, is recognized, without subdivision. Fourteen names are reduced as new synonyms of P. villosa. In addition, P. villosa is designated as the type of Pourthiaea and 10 lectotypes are designated.

Liogenys Guérin-Méneville, 1831 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Diplotaxini) from the Chacoan Province and its boundaries: taxonomic overview with four new species

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4938 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-59
Author(s):  
MARIANA ALEJANDRA CHERMAN ◽  
DANIEL SILVA BASÍLIO ◽  
KLEBER MAKOTO MISE ◽  
JOHANNES FRISCH ◽  
LÚCIA MASSUTTI DE ALMEIDA
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Species Status ◽  
New Synonyms ◽  
New Synonym ◽  
First Time ◽  
Biogeographical Province

A taxonomic revision of the Liogenys Guérin-Méneville, 1831 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Diplotaxini) from the Chacoan Biogeographical Province is presented. Liogenys now includes 92 species, including four new species described here: L. neoforcipata Cherman, new species; L. foveata Cherman, new species; L. isotarsis Cherman, new species; and L. truncata Cherman, new species; and the female of L. tarsalis Moser is described for the first time. Six new synonymies are proposed: L. denticulata Moser, 1918 is a new synonym of L. denticeps Blanchard, 1851; L. ophtalmica Frey, 1973 is a new synonym of L. bidenticeps Moser, 1919; L. mendozana incisa Frey, 1969 is a new synonym of L. mendozana Moser, 1918; L. flavicollis Blanchard, 1851 and L. fulvescens Blanchard, 1851 are new synonyms of L. pallens Blanchard, 1851; and L. densicollis Moser, 1921 is a new synonym of L. opacicollis Fairmaire, 1892. Liogenys cribricollis Moser, 1921 species status is revalidated from its synonymy with L. densicollis. A neotype is designated for Liogenys mendozana incisa Frey, 1969, as well as lectotypes for: L. bruchi Moser, 1924; L. cribricollis, L. denticulata, L. denticeps, L. fulvescens, L. latitarsis Moser, 1918; L. mendozana Moser, 1918; L. obscura Blanchard, 1851; L. opacicollis; and L. pallens. Redescriptions and/or diagnoses and updated geographical distributions are provided for 16 species. Six species previously known only from Argentina have their distribution expanded to Bolivia (L. mendozana; L. opacicollis; L. rectangula Frey, 1969), Paraguay (L. nigrofusca Moser, 1918; L. pallens), or to both of these countries (L. latitarsis). 

A taxonomic revision of four complexes in the genus Pourthiaea (Rosaceae)

Phytotaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 325 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
BIN-BIN LIU ◽  
DE-YUAN HONG
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Blade ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Lower Surface ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Population Sampling ◽  
New Synonyms ◽  
Species Complexes ◽  
Extensive Field ◽  
Qualitative Characters

The taxonomy of four species complexes of Pourthiaea (i.e., P. arguta, P. pilosicalyx, P. salicifolia, and P. sorbifolia), distributed in E, S, and SE Asia, is extremely controversial among authors. This situation may have been caused by the lack of proper analysis and evaluation of the characters at the population level used previously. The present study is the first comprehensive taxonomic revision of these four complexes. We conducted extensive field observations, population sampling, examination of a large number of specimens, and did subsequent statistical analysis of the characters. All the morphological characters used in previous taxonomic treatments were evaluated one by one at the population level. They are length, width, margin, number of lateral veins, type of base, type of apex, and shape of leaf blade, length of petioles, type of inflorescences, length of pedicels, and density of indumentum on leaf blade and inflorescences. All these characters were found to be extremely variable within population and continuously varied between populations, and thus they are of little value for delimiting species. However, seven characters, i.e., width of leaf blade, lateral veins of leaf blade parallel or not, lower surface of leaf blade glabrescent or not, type of fruit, sepals caducous or not, number of carpels, and ratio of number of fertile seeds to that of total seeds, were found distinctly different (for qualitative characters) or statistically discontinuous (for quantitative characters), and thus they are valuable for species delimitation in these four complexes. As a result, we recognize four species and two subspecies, P. pilosicalyx, P. salicifolia, P. sorbifolia, and P. arguta which consists of two subspecies: subsp. arguta and subsp. pustulata. Two new combinations, P. sorbifolia (W. B. Liao & W. Guo) B. B. Liu & D. Y. Hong and P. arguta subsp. pustulata (Lindl.) B. B. Liu & D. Y. Hong, are proposed herein. Forty-one taxa are reduced as new synonyms, and 20 lectotypes are designated here.

A complete species phylogeny of the marine midge Pontomyia (Diptera:Chironomidae) reveals a cosmopolitan species and a new synonym

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danwei Huang ◽  
Peter S. Cranston ◽  
Lanna Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rican ◽  
Dna Markers ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
Larval Population ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Species Phylogeny ◽  
New Synonym ◽  
History Of ◽  
Pacific Species

Pontomyia (Diptera : Chironomidae) is an exclusively marine and flightless insect genus with four described species from the Indo-Pacific and one undescribed taxon known only by its larvae, pupal skins and females from the western Atlantic. A previous study of relationships among three of the Indo-Pacific species reported each of them to be monophyletic, with high genetic diversity within P. natans Edwards, 1926, the type species, and P. pacifica Tokunaga, 1932. The evolutionary affinities of the Australian endemic P. cottoni Womersley, 1937, which resembles P. natans, as well as the putative Atlantic species are hitherto undetermined. A complete molecular phylogeny of the genus based on two nuclear and two mitochondrial DNA markers indicates that P. cottoni and a Puerto Rican (Atlantic) larval population are nested within the P. natans clade. Furthermore, P. natans and P. cottoni are inseparable in all morphological characters used previously to distinguish them. Therefore, we synonymise P. cottoni with P. natans, syn. nov., whose known range now encompasses all three ocean basins after including the Puerto Rican population. This distribution warrants further investigation into the life history of Pontomyia, a midge with one of the shortest known adult lifespans among insects.

Third time lucky? Another substantially revised sectional classification for Australasian Plagiochila (Plagiochilaceae: Jungermanniopsida)

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 70
Author(s):  
Matt A. M. Renner ◽  
Simon D. F. Patzak ◽  
Margaret M. Heslewood ◽  
Alfons Schäfer-Verwimp ◽  
Jochen Heinrichs
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Phylogeny Reconstruction ◽  
Medium Term ◽  
New Synonyms ◽  
New Synonym ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Molecular Phylogenetic ◽  
Sectional Classification ◽  
Robust Framework

Molecular phylogeny reconstruction has motivated recircumscription of all families and most genera within the Lophocoleinae, and in Plagiochila, the largest genus of this lineage, has refined the sectional classification as well. Here, we extend this ongoing revision in the first study focusing on species from Australasia, a region to date underrepresented in molecular phylogenetic datasets. We reconstructed a phylogeny containing more than 300 individuals from Australasia and the Pacific, and with this tested sectional circumscriptions within the two largely contradictory classifications recently proposed for Plagiochila. Neither scheme satisfactorily captures relationships among species and all sections prove paraphyletic or polyphyletic, with the exception of those defying these properties by virtue of containing only one species. We propose expanding the circumscription of several sections as the best option for achieving a revised classification representing monophyla that remains stable over the short to medium term, given current knowledge. Broader circumscriptions are proposed for section Denticulatae with section Tayloriae as a new synonym; section Arrectae with section Caducifoliae as a new synonym; a reinstated section Deflexifoliae; and section Plagiochila, to include P. trapezoidea; section Belangerianae to include sections Annotinae, Mitteniae and Strombifoliae as new synonyms; and section Durae with section Colensoae as a new synonym. Section Fragmentissimae is applied to the lineage previously named section Deltoideae nom. inval. or section Hodgsoniae nom. inval., as the Tasmanian P. ratkowskiana and New Zealand P. fragmentissima are the same, and sister to other species in the lineage containing P. deltoidea. Morphological characters supporting these groups are identified, but more importantly the proposed revisions provide a robust framework on which informed re-examination of morphology within this variable and species-rich genus can proceed, and we introduce some encouraging avenues in this area.

Cladistic analysis and revision of Piestus Gravenhorst with remarks on related genera (Coleoptera : Staphylinidae : Piestinae)

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edilson Caron ◽  
Cibele S. Ribeiro-Costa ◽  
Alfred F. Newton
Keyword(s):  
Cladistic Analysis ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Sister Group ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Valid Species ◽  
Phylogenetic Position ◽  
Neotropical Forests ◽  
Rove Beetles ◽  
New Synonyms ◽  
Branch Support

Rove beetles of the genus Piestus Gravenhorst, 1806 are commonly captured under the bark of or inside decaying logs from Neotropical forests. Piestus belongs to the subfamily Piestinae, historically an ill-defined dumping-ground for Staphylinidae defined by plesiomorphic characters, but which has gradually been restricted in concept and currently includes only six additional extant genera worldwide. Piestinae in this restricted sense has been considered a probably monophyletic subfamily, but its status and phylogenetic position, as a possible sister-group of Osoriinae within the recently proposed Oxyteline group of staphylinid subfamilies, are uncertain and need confirmation. The main aim of the present study was to provide a morphological cladistic analysis and complete taxonomic revision of Piestus, which, as the type and most speciose genus of Piestinae, is critical for future phylogenetic studies involving the subfamily. In our study, the monophyly of Piestus is established and phylogenetic relationships among its species are proposed based on 70 adult morphological characters. Piestus is supported by 11 synapomorphies and high branch support. All species of Piestus are revised and the genus is redefined. The genus contains 43 species, including 13 species described here for the first time. The previously proposed subgenera Antropiestus Bernhauer, 1917, Eccoptopiestus Scheerpeltz, 1952, Elytropiestus Scheerpeltz, 1952, Lissopiestus Scheerpeltz, 1952, Piestus s. str., Trachypiestus Scheerpeltz, 1952 and Zirophorus Dalman, 1821 have not been confirmed, as they were found to be poly- or paraphyletic, or are here removed from Piestus, and therefore subgenera are not used. The main taxonomic changes are as follows. Lissopiestus, syn. nov. is proposed as new synonym of Eleusis Laporte, 1835 and its species, E. interrupta (Erichson, 1840), comb. rest., is transferred again to that genus. Antropiestus, syn. nov. and Eccoptopiestus, syn. nov. are proposed as new synonyms of Hypotelus Erichson, 1839 and their species, H. laevis (Solsky, 1872), comb. nov. and H. andinus (Bernhauer, 1917), comb. nov., are transferred to Hypotelus. Fourteen new synonymies are proposed (valid species listed first): P. lacordairei Laporte, 1835 = Z. furcatus Sharp, 1887, syn. nov.; P. capricornis Laporte, 1835 = P. frontalis Sharp, 1876, syn. nov.; P. pennicornis Fauvel, 1864 = P. plagiatus Fauvel, 1864, syn. nov.; P. rectus Sharp, 1876, syn. nov.; P. pygialis Fauvel, 1902, syn. nov.; P. surinamensis Bernhauer, 1928, syn. nov.; P. minutus Erichson, 1840 = P. nigrator Fauvel, 1902, syn. nov.; P. sulcatus Gravenhorst, 1806 = P. sanctaecatharinae Bernhauer, 1906, syn. nov.; P. condei Wendeler, 1955, syn. nov.; P. gounellei Fauvel, 1902 = P. wasmanni Fauvel, 1902, syn. nov.; P. mexicanus Laporte, 1835 = P. alternans Sharp, 1887, syn. nov.; P. aper Sharp, 1876 = P. schadei Scheerpeltz, 1952, syn. nov.; P. angularis Fauvel, 1864 = P. crassicornis Sharp, 1887, syn. nov.; H. andinus (Bernhauer, 1917) = P. strigipennis Bernhauer, 1921, syn. nov. One species is revalidated: P. fronticornis (Dalman, 1821), stat. rev., and one synonym is restored: P. penicillatus (Dalman, 1821) = P. erythropus Erichson, 1840, syn. rest. Neotypes are designated for P. lacordairei Laporte, 1835 and Oxytelus bicornis Olivier, 1811, and lectotypes are designated for P. puncticollis Fauvel, 1902, P. capricornis variety muticus Fauvel, 1902, P. zischkai Scheerpeltz, 1951, P. pennicornis Fauvel, 1864, P. plagiatus Fauvel, 1864, P. pygmaeus Laporte, 1835, P. niger Fauvel 1864, P. minutus Erichson, 1840, P. nigratror Fauvel, 1902, P. sulcatus Gravenhorst, 1806, P. sanctaecatharinae Bernhauer, 1906, P. sulcipennis Scheerpeltz, 1952, P. aper Sharp, 1876, P. schadei Scheerpeltz, 1952 and P. andinus Bernhauer, 1917.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document