DOI: 10.3897/asp.84.e157646

Authors: Lucas Quevedo, Renato S. Capellari, Carlos José E. Lamas

Abstract: Understanding the biogeographic patterns that explain species distribution in the Americas is a long and challenging endeavor. Insects represent a potentially promising group for these kinds of investigations, but deficits in basic taxonomic and systematic knowledge hinder the development of many studies. In this context, a cladistic analysis of the Pan-American genus Achradocera Becker (Diptera: Dolichopodidae: Diaphorinae) was conducted using a morphology-based matrix comprising 54 characters and 18 terminal taxa, including all 12 known species of the genus and six outgroup taxa. The analysis yielded two topologies under equal weighting and one under implied weighting of characters. Achradocera was recovered as monophyletic, and two species groups are proposed: the barbata group (Nearctic: A. barbata and A. arcuata) and the femoralis group (Neotropical: A. excavata, A. femoralis, A. meridionalis, and A. tuberculata). Biogeographic analyses were performed using the Geographically Explicit Event Model (GEM) method, which identified vicariance as the primary driver of speciation events in Achradocera, with founder events playing a secondary role. The results provide insights into the patterns that may explain the evolutionary history of the genus across the Americas, and potentially contributing to the understanding of patterns observed in other taxa with similar distributions, while also fostering discussions that can be integrated into broader frameworks, such as insect biogeography and studies of other taxa.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.83.e144844

Authors: Kirstern Lica Follmann Haseyama, Claudio José Barros de Carvalho, Elaine Della Giustina Soares, Silvio Shigueo Nihei

Abstract: Abstract Polietina is a genus of Muscidae found in the New World, particularly in the Neotropical region. The genus is currently classified within the subfamily Muscinae and consists of 15 species whose phylogenetic relationships have been previously studied using morphological data. In our study, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis based on 37 morphological characters sourced from the literature and eight molecular markers (12S, 16S, 18S, 28S, cytochrome C oxidase subunit I, cytochrome b, region 4 of carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase-aspartate transcarbamoylase dihydroorotase, and elongation factor 1-ɑ), totaling 5366 characters. We obtained molecular data for eight species of the genus and four outgroup taxa from original sequencing and public repositories. We used Bayesian posterior probabilities to estimate the topology, as follows: (P. flavidicincta ((P. rubella (P. concina (P. wulpi, P. orbitalis))) (P. steini ((P. flavithorax (P. ponti, Polietina sp.)) (P. major (P. prima (P. bicolor (P. minor (P. univittata, Polietina sp.))))))))). The reciprocal monophyly of all species for which more than one identified sequence was available is supported by our results. Our analysis largely supports the previously published hypotheses regarding the phylogeny of Polietina. However, major differences were observed between the locations of P. flavidicincta and P. flavithorax. Additionally, we discuss the identity of unidentified Polietina specimens with sequences published in GenBank or new sequences produced as part of our study.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.83.e146637

Authors: Danilo César Ament, Eduardo A.B. Almeida

Abstract: Abstract We address an old but still controversial question of morphological phylogenetics: whether additive (or ordered) coding is beneficial to properly extracting phylogenetic information from phenotypical variation. To empirically evaluate the value of the additive coding, we compared the impact of multistate additive, non-additive, and binary codings for 14 quantitative characters in a phylogenetic analysis of a genus of phorid flies (Diptera). First, we compared which of these morphological codings were most effective for the morphological matrix to approximate the results of a molecular data set. We then compared which morphological coding strategies yielded the best Bayesian posterior probabilities when concatenated to molecular data. We also calculated consistency and retention indices for each binary element of the additive characters and contrasted these results to a measure of phylogenetic signal. Overall, these indices were lower for additive characters than for the others but still indicate reasonable accommodation in the tree. Additive coding outperformed the multistate non-additive coding by recovering higher Bayesian posterior probabilities in the concatenated dataset. Additive coding was also among the best coding strategies for the morphological matrix to approximate the phylogenetic signal from an independent source of evidence—i.e., molecular results. Therefore, quantitative information coded as additive had reasonable phylogenetic congruence with other data and improved the phylogenetic results of morphological data in most cases. These results support the use of additive coding for phylogenetic analysis and encourage other similar empirical evaluations aiming to explore the generality of the benefits of this coding method.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.83.e137073

Authors: Hoi-Sen Yong, Sze-Looi Song, Kah-Ooi Chua, Yvonne Jing Mei Liew, I. Wayan Suana, Phaik-Eem Lim, Kok-Gan Chan, Praphathip Eamsobhana

Abstract: The complete mitogenomes of fruit flies Zeugodacus (Javadacus) calumniatus, Z. (Javadacus) heinrichi and Z. (Sinodacus) hochii have similar gene order and contain 37 genes and a non-coding region. They share an identical start codon for the respective protein-coding genes (PCGs), an identical TAA stop codon for 11 PCGs, TAG for cob, and an incomplete T stop codon for nad5. The cloverleaf structure of most of the tRNAs is similar in the three Zeugodacus species. Phylogenetic analyses reveal Z. (Parasinodacus) cilifer to be external to two main clades: (A) monophyletic subgenus Zeugodacus; and (B) subgenera Javadacus and Sinodacus. The present results indicate that the taxonomic status of some taxa needs clarification. Z. calumniatus is genetically very similar to Z. tau and is not congruent with its current placement in the munda complex. Z. mukiae NC_067083 is genetically very similar to Z. scutellaris, but differs significantly from Z. mukiae MG683384 of the arisanicus (arisanica) complex. On the other hand, Z. proprediaphorus is genetically distinct from and not a synonym of Z. diaphorus. Z. caudatus sensu stricto from Indonesia forms a sister lineage with Z. diversus, instead of with the Malaysian and Chinese taxa of Z. caudatus sensu lato. A notable incongruence is the sister lineage of Z. (Sinodacus) hochii and Z. (Javadacus) heinrichi among other taxa of subgenus Javadacus. A more extensive taxon sampling, particularly the subgenus Sinodacus (and other subgenera), is needed to clarify/resolve their subgenus status.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.82.e116703

Authors: Kinga Walczak, Thomas Pape, James F. Wallman, Krzysztof Szpila, Andrzej Grzywacz

Abstract: The muscid genus Achanthiptera Rondani (Diptera: Muscidae) was classified within its own subfamily Achanthipterinae for decades due to a misinterpretation of adult morphology. Conversely, the larval morphology suggested that Achanthiptera should be classified within Azeliinae, yet no formal changes were implemented based on this source of data. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), we examined the larval morphology of Ac. rohrelliformis (Robineau-Desvoidy), Potamia littoralis Robineau-Desvoidy and Australophyra rostrata Robineau-Desvoidy. Despite the challenges posed by the poor condition of hundred-year-old museum specimens of Ac. rohrelliformis for light microscopy, CLSM examination yielded satisfactory results. Additionally, CLSM observations revealed peculiar modifications to the cephaloskeleton, including a dome-shaped (second instar) or spade-like (third instar) anterior rod attached to each mouthhook in Ac. rohrelliformis and P. littoralis. These structural modifications are likely to enhance the efficiency of food collecting by enlarging the surface of the mouthhooks. The results of our morphological analyses lead to the conclusion that larvae of Au. rostrata are facultative carnivores, while modified accessory oral sclerites in Ac. rohrelliformis and P. littoralis suggest a saprophagous feeding strategy. This study contributes new evidence that Achanthiptera is the sister taxon to Potamia Robineau-Desvoidy, and both are nested within the subfamily Azeliinae.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.82.e111985

Authors: Carol-Anne Villeneuve, Louwrens P. Snyman, Emily J. Jenkins, Nicolas Lecomte, Isabelle Dusfour, Patrick A. Leighton

Abstract: Abstract Arctic ecosystems face increasing risks from vector-borne diseases due to climate-driven shifts in disease patterns and vector distribution. However, species identification challenges impact vector-borne disease surveillance, necessitates accurate identification. Aedes species are predominant among Arctic mosquitoes and pose health risks, with some species potentially carrying Jamestown Canyon and Snowshoe hare viruses. However, identifying Aedes species is challenging, especially under Arctic conditions and with complex adult traits. This study assessed the suitability of DNA barcoding (COI and ITS2 regions) and morphological characteristics for the identification of Arctic black-legged Aedes. It also aimed to evaluate the reliability of publicly available sequences. Our analysis focused on Aedes impiger, Aedes nigripes, and two species from the Punctor subgroup – Aedes hexodontus and Aedes punctor. In our study, the COI barcoding region distinguished Ae. impiger and Ae. nigripes but not within the species of the Punctor subgroup. In addition, the ITS2 barcoding region did not differentiate the species. When we evaluated GenBank and BOLD sequences, we found issues of under-representation and misidentifications, particularly within the Punctor subgroup. Based on these results, we recommend addressing identification difficulties, particularly within the Punctor subgroup, and advocate for more comprehensive morphological and molecular identification strategies. Integrating morphology and DNA barcoding holds promise for robust disease surveillance in Arctic regions, yet challenges persist, especially in complex species groups like the Punctor subgroup. Tackling these issues is pivotal to ensuring accurate vector status determination and reliable disease risk assessments in a rapidly changing Arctic ecosystem.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.82.e109995

Authors: Daubian Santos, Guilherme Cunha Ribeiro

Abstract: Abstract Eloeophila Rondani, 1856 and Idioptera Macquart, 1834 are two genera of the family Limoniidae (Diptera) distinguished by the presence of a supernumerary cross-vein m-cu. Although these genera were previously combined, there has been a lack of phylogenetic tests to investigate the evolutionary relationship between them. In this study, we conducted a cladistic analysis that indicates that Idioptera form a clade within Eloeophila, and therefore the two genera should be synonymized under Idioptera. Consequently, 87 species of Eloeophila are transferred to Idioptera.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.81.e106356

Authors: He-Nan Li, Wen-Ya Pei, Ming-Fu Wang, Bang-Qing Chen, Hong-Lin Peng, Rong-Jun Cao, Ming-Teng Zhao, Jun Yang, Xiao-Chen Zhang, Dong Zhang

Abstract: Anthomyiidae is a cosmopolitan and diverse family of Calyptratae, and is routinely considered to play key roles in both ecology and agriculture. The higher-level phylogenetic classification of Anthomyiidae has been highly controversial, necessitating further molecular data for precise reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships. In this study, we successfully acquired and annotated 18 new mitogenomes of anthomyiids. Moreover, the mitogenomes of the following genera Eustalomyia, Hyporites, Leucophora, Emmesomyia and Eutrichota are reported for the first time. The 18 mitogenomes are compared with confamilial species to assess genetic variation and to better understand evolutionary relationships within the family Anthomyiidae. In comparisons among 13 mitochondrial protein coding genes (PCG), the calculation of evolutionary rate exhibited nad1 as the fastest evolving gene in Anthomyiidae. Among the anthomyiids investigated, cox2 and nad4 had the lowest genetic distance across the 13 PCGs, suggesting a high degree of conservation for these two genes. Herein, we conducted phylogenetic analyses of the newly sequenced mitogenomes along with 11 known anthomyiids to investigate the interrelationships of Anthomyiidae. Our results indicate that Anthomyiidae is a monophyletic lineage and sister group to Scathophagidae, confirming prior findings based on morphological and molecular analyses. We recovered two subfamilies as monophyletic (Myopininae, Pegomyinae) while Anthomyiinae was polyphyletic. The great species diversity of anthomyiid flies limits the availability of mitogenomes for accurately resolving the phylogeny of Anthomyiidae. Nonetheless, our study provides novel insight into the molecular taxonomy, evolution, and phylogeny of the family Anthomyiidae.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.81.e104426

Authors: Noor Izwan-Anas, Van Lun Low, Zubaidah Ya’cob, Emmanuel Y. Lourdes, Mohamad Rasul Abdullah Halim, Mohd Sofian-Azirun, Hiroyuki Takaoka, Peter H. Adler

Abstract: Black flies play a prominent role in public health and the epidemiology of parasitic diseases of humans, domesticated and wild animals. Correct identification and a comprehensive survey are required to identify vector and pest species and thus understand their biological attributes which play a vital role in the monitoring program. DNA barcoding is an established molecular tool that provides rapid and accurate species identification. Our study strengthens the molecular database for black flies in Malaysia by adding 59 cytochrome c oxidase I sequences for 22 species, of which 14 are included for the first time. These sequences, combined with those in public databases, represent a total of 338 sequences for 52 Malaysian species, nearly 50% of which were collected from type localities. At the subgeneric level, barcode gap analysis most accurately identified species in the subgenus Nevermannia (92%), followed by Simulium s. l. (91%), and Gomphostilbia (81%). The remaining sequences were ambiguous and could not be distinguished from those of nearest neighbour species due to an overlap in genetic divergence and low genetic diversity, especially between insular species. Tree analyses indicate that certain species had incomplete lineage sorting and low mitochondrial signals. Possible cryptic species were indicated in the Simulium (Gomphostilbia) batoense and S. (G.) epistum species groups. Species delimitations were consistent with morphological identifications except in large species groups such as the S. (G.) asakoae, S. (G.) batoense, S. (G.) epistum, and S. (Simulium) melanopus groups. The use of type specimens or specimens collected from type localities (topotypes) in barcoding is strongly recommended for reference sequences to increase the reliability of the molecular database.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.81.e105025

Authors: Hoi-Sen Yong, Sze-Looi Song, Kah-Ooi Chua, Yvonne Jing Mei Liew, I. Wayan Suana, Phaik-Eem Lim, Kok-Gan Chan, Praphathip Eamsobhana

Abstract: The complete mitogenomes of fruit flies Zeugodacus (Javadacus) calumniatus, Z. (Javadacus) heinrichi and Z. (Sinodacus) hochii have similar gene order and contain 37 genes and a non-coding region. They share an identical start codon for the respective protein-coding genes (PCGs), an identical TAA stop codon for 11 PCGs, TAG for cob, and an incomplete T stop codon for nad5. The cloverleaf structure of most of the tRNAs is similar in the three Zeugodacus species. Phylogenetic analyses reveal Z. (Parasinodacus) cilifer to be external to two main clades: (A) monophyletic subgenus Zeugodacus; and (B) subgenera Javadacus and Sinodacus. The present results indicate that the taxonomic status of some taxa needs clarification. Z. calumniatus is genetically very similar to Z. tau and is not congruent with its current placement in the munda complex. Z. mukiae NC_067083 is genetically very similar to Z. scutellaris, but differs significantly from Z. mukiae MG683384 of the arisanicus (arisanica) complex. On the other hand, Z. proprediaphorus is genetically distinct from and not a synonym of Z. diaphorus. Z. caudatus sensu stricto from Indonesia forms a sister lineage with Z. diversus, instead of with the Malaysian and Chinese taxa of Z. caudatus sensu lato. A notable incongruence is the sister lineage of Z. (Sinodacus) hochii and Z. (Javadacus) heinrichi among other taxa of subgenus Javadacus. A more extensive taxon sampling, particularly the subgenus Sinodacus (and other subgenera), is needed to clarify/resolve their subgenus status.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.81.e97946

Authors: Zehui Kang, Yuanyuan Xu, Guoquan Wang, Ding Yang, Xiao Zhang

Abstract: Limoniidae, the most speciose family in the superfamily Tipuloidea, consists of four subfamilies and more than 11,000 species. However, mitochondrial (mt) genome sequences, which have been widely used for phylogenetic study, are available for only 11 species across three subfamilies. Thus, a larger variety of mt genome sequences in Limoniidae are required to improve our understanding of tipuloid phylogeny and genomic evolution. Here we present mt genomes of Elephantomyia (Elephantomyia) inulta Alexander, 1938 and Helius (Helius) pluto Alexander, 1932, representing the first mt genomes of the tribe Elephantomyiini (Limoniidae). The two mt genomes are typical circular DNA molecules and show similar gene order, nucleotide composition and codon usage. Standard ATN start and TAR stop codons are present in most protein-coding genes. All transfer RNA (tRNA) genes exhibited the cloverleaf secondary structure typical for metazoans except in tRNASer(AGN), which lacks the dihydrouridine arm. Phylogenetic analyses were performed based on four nucleotide matrixes for the currently sequenced species of Tipuloidea using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods. Four-cluster likelihood mapping was used to study incongruent signals between different topologies. Pediciidae is supported as the earliest lineage in Tipuloidea, and the sister-group relationship between Cylindrotomidae and Tipulidae is also supported, but the monophyly of Limoniidae is not supported. Our study also supports the monophyly of Elephantomyiini (Elephantomyia + Helius), as one of origins of flower-visiting in Limoniidae. Although Elephantomyiini is sister to Limoniinae + Epiphragma (Limnophilinae) in our study, a more precise understanding of its phylogenetic position in Tipuloidea will require additional studies that include a broader species sample.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.81.e104969

Authors: Luciano Damián Patitucci, Pablo Ricardo Mulieri, Márcia Souto Couri, Martha Cecilia Domínguez

Abstract: Coenosiini (Diptera: Muscidae) is a large cosmopolitan tribe of muscids, within which Coenosia Meigen and Neodexiopsis Malloch are the genera with the largest number of species. In this work, we revised for the first time, all the species placed by Malloch (1934) under Austrocoenosia, an endemic genus from the Andean Patagonian Forests, whose species are now placed in Coenosia and Neodexiopsis. We provide detail redescriptions for eight species placed by Malloch (1934) under Austrocoenosia, and decribed two new species (Coenosia delneneo sp. nov. and Coenosia patagonica sp. nov.), with high quality photographs detailing new structures of the male and female terminalia. To establish the position of the species of Austrocoenosia with respect to Coenosia and Neodexiopsis, we made a phylogenetic analysis using implied weighting for 36 taxa and 132 morphological characters of adults, including male and female genitalia. We recovered all species of Austrocoenosia as Coenosia species. We propose the following nomenclature actions: Austrocoenosia as a junior synonymy of Coenosia (syn. rest.); Coenosia brevicornis (Malloch) (comb. nov.), Coenosia dubia (Bigot) (comb. rest.); Coenosia hucketti, Pont (nom. nov.) and Coenosia nigerrima (Malloch) (comb. rest.). We also propose Coenosia spumicola Pont as an unplaced species of Coenosia sensu lato. Finally, we updated the geographic distributions for all species and observed several new male and female terminalia structures, which enriched the discussion of the genera and the tribe.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.81.e102683

Authors: Ya-Lian Wang, Zi-Qi Peng, Feng-Liang Jin, Hong-Wei Chen, Jia Huang

Abstract: With the increasing number of cryptic species discovered in major branches of the subfamily Steganinae, accurate species identification is becoming challenging. Possible evolutionary stasis often gives rise to the formation of morphological conservatism and cryptic species, as is the case for the members of the Stegana (subgen. Orthostegana). In this study, the species boundaries of all Asian Orthostegana were accessed based on two mitochondrial genes [cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2)] using different species delimitation methods and evolutionary models. By integrating morphological and molecular evidence, we clearly validated the evolutionary independence of all five known species and identified nine new species from Southwest China: Stegana (Orthostegana) aini Peng & Chen sp. nov., S. (O.) brevivittata Peng & Chen sp. nov., S. (O.) cuodi Peng & Chen sp. nov., S. (O.) fuscofemorata Peng & Chen sp. nov., S. (O.) latipalpula Peng & Chen sp. nov., S. (O.) macrostephana Peng & Chen sp. nov., S. (O.) mohnihei Peng & Chen sp. nov., S. (O.) obscurala Peng & Chen sp. nov., and S. (O.) pinguitia Peng & Chen sp. nov. Moreover, we discussed the relationship between the Asian Orthostegana lineage and the subgen. Oxyphortica, and the necessity of taxonomic re-evaluation for the Neotropical species with molecular data. The high morphological conservatism within Orthostegana is largely the outcome of in situ diversification for adapting to the ecological environment.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.81.e101441

Authors: Jindřich Roháček, Jörg U. Hammel, Viktor Baranov

Abstract: A new family of Diptera Acalyptratae, Christelenkidae Roháček fam. nov., is established for Christelenka multiplex Roháček gen. et sp. nov., an unusual extinct taxon described from a unique male specimen preserved in Baltic amber (Mid-late Eocene, ca 48–34 Ma). Apart from detailed examination by light microscopy and photography, the holotype of the new species has also been studied by means of X-ray synchrotron microtomography with the aim of obtaining additional morphological data for consideration of its relationships. Because of a very peculiar combination of morphological characters, the new family is tentatively considered a separate lineage of Acalyptratae having no apparent sister-group relationship with any of the known families. Its probable relationships to some families of Opomyzoidea and Ephydroidea are discussed.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.81.e93570

Authors: Ante Vujić, Snežana Radenković, Anatolij Barkalov, Nataša Kočiš Tubić, Laura Likov, Tamara Tot, Grigory Popov, Alex Prokhorov, Ebrahim Gilasian, Shehzad Anjum, Mihajla Djan, Banafsha Kakar, Andrijana Andrić

Abstract: The phytophagous hoverfly genus Merodon Meigen, 1803 (Diptera, Syrphidae) presently comprises 205 described species distributed in the Palaearctic and Afrotropical regions, and it is differentiated into multiple species groups. In this work, we revise the Merodon tarsatus species group, providing an illustrated key to species, a detailed discussion on relevant taxonomic characters, and a morphological diagnosis. We summarize morphological characteristics of the 12 species in the M. tarsatus group, together with available distributional data. Moreover, we provide descriptions for five new species, namely Merodon angustitarsis Vujić & Gilasian sp. nov., M. dumosus Vujić, Likov & Radenković sp. nov., M. latiantennatus Vujić, Popov & Prokhorov sp. nov., M. namaghijamii Vujić, Likov & Radenković sp. nov. and M. pakistanicus Vujić, Likov & Radenković sp. nov. Additionally, we describe one more species, Merodon nigroalatus Vujić, Likov & Radenković sp. nov., that belongs to the same lineage and is related to the Merodon tarsatus group based on molecular markers and structure of male genitalia, but lacks modifications of the metatarsus and sternum 4 that are the main diagnostic features of the group. Furthermore, we redefine and redescribe seven taxa of the M. tarsatus group. Following detailed analyses of type material, we revise the status of all available taxa related to M. tarsatus and we propose the following new synonyms: M. ankylogaster Hurkmans, 1993 syn. nov. (junior synonym of M. hypochrysos Hurkmans, 1993); M. persicus Hurkmans, 1993 syn. nov. (junior synonym of M. oidipous Hurkmans, 1993); and M. xanthipous Hurkmans, 1993 syn. nov. (junior synonym of M. marginicornis Hurkmans, 1993). We apply Maximum Parsimony and Maximum Likelihood analyses of the 5′ end of the mitochondrial COI gene sequences to genetically characterize species in the M. tarsatus group and the related species, M. nigroalatus Vujić, Likov & Radenković sp. nov.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.81.e86898

Authors: Ayman Khamis Elsayed, Tadao Ichita, Makoto Tokuda

Abstract: We describe a gall midge Parampelomyia yukawai Elsayed and Tokuda gen. nov. sp. nov. belonging to the subtribe Schizomyiina (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae: Asphondyliini) based on an integrative taxonomic study. This species forms barely-swollen flower bud galls on the porcelain berry Ampelopsis brevipedunculata var. heterophylla (Vitaceae) in Japan. The new genus is distinguishable from all known schizomyiine genera by tarsomere I lacking a ventroapical extension, the bulbous base of the protrusible portion of the ovipositor, the fused and sclerotized female cerci, the bidentate gonostylus, and the larval terminal abdominal segment that bears two corniform, two asetose and six setose papillae. The new genus is compared with and separated from the similar genera Schizomyia and Ampelomyia morphologically and phylogenetically.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.80.e82831

Authors: Lucas Roberto Pereira Gomes, Maria Aparecida Cassilha Zawadneak, Magda Clara Vieira da Costa-Ribeiro, Tiago Miguel Jarek, Claudio José Barros de Carvalho

Abstract: Delia sanctijacobi is critically assessed and given a revised description using data from scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and DNA barcode analysis. This species is recorded for the first time in Brazil and Peru. We provide a morphological identification key (with figures) for Delia species from Brazil, a molecular identification based on COI (cytochrome C oxidase subunit I) barcode sequences and an updated distributional map. We also report the first occurrence of D. sanctijacobi feeding on Brassica species in Brazil. This potential pest was observed in broccoli roots (Brassica oleracea var. italica; Brassicaceae) in União da Vitória, Paraná, southern Brazil, in August and September of 2017. The infested plants displayed reduced growth due to damage to the stem base or death if severely attacked.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.80.e83035

Authors: Daubian Santos, Rodrigo dos Reis Santos, Guilherme Cunha Ribeiro

Abstract: The subgenus Amphineurus (Ramphoneurus Alexander) (Diptera: Limoniidae), a group of craneflies endemic to southern South America, is revised. The previously described species are redescribed and illustrated, along with fifteen new species: A. (R.) alexanderi sp. nov., A. (R.) amorimi sp. nov., A. (R.) anchoralis sp. nov., A. (R.) anfractus sp. nov., A. (R.) billinghami sp. nov., A. (R.) caleuchus sp. nov., A. (R.) deceptus sp. nov., A. (R.) falcatus sp. nov., A. (R.) immaculatus sp. nov., A. (R.) morphyi sp. nov., A. (R.) oosterbroeki sp. nov., A. (R.) podenasi sp. nov., A. (R.) theischingeri sp. nov., A. (R.) triangularis sp. nov., and A. (R.) stigmaticus sp. nov. In addition, A. (R.) fuscifusus Alexander is considered a nomen dubium. A phylogenetic analysis with a broad taxonomic sampling with all valid species of the subgenus A. (Rhamphoneurus Alexander) and species from all the subgenera of Amphineurus Skuse is performed. The broad outgroup sampling used in the study (including taxa from the entire range of distribution of Amphineurus) suggests that the subgenus A. (Rhamphoneurus) is a monophyletic taxon, that its closest relatives are taxa currently distributed in New Zealand, and that Australasian taxa are paraphyletic with respect to the Neotropical Clade.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.80.e78315

Authors: Christoforos Pavlou, Emmanouil Dokianakis, Nikolaos Tsirigotakis, Vasiliki Christodoulou, Yusuf Özbel, Maria Antoniou, Nikos Poulakakis

Abstract: The genus Phlebotomus (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) comprises a group of small winged insect species of medical importance. To date, ten species of Phlebotomus are known to be present in Greece; yet their evolutionary history is poorly studied due to the lack of comprehensive phylogenetic and phylogeographic studies. Herein, we aim to clarify the phylogenetic relationships amongst the local species collected from 12 Aegean Islands, Cyprus and Turkey; and to identify which of the palaeogeographic events may have influenced their biogeographic history. Our analyses revealed for the first time the presence of P. cf. major and P. sergenti in the Aegean Islands. All studied local species were retrieved as monophyletic and the mtDNA and nDNA phylogenetic trees indicated a plausible mitochondrial introgression between the closely related species of the P. major complex. From a palaeogeographic viewpoint, the major driving force that shaped the biogeographic history of the studied Phlebotomus species seems to be the dispersal that started in the Oligocene epoch, followed by several speciation events that occurred at the end of Miocene and the Plio-Pleistocene, including multiple dispersal events of Asiatic origin. The Messinian Salinity Crisis, the bimodal Mediterranean climate, and the glacial and interglacial periods were identified as key drivers for the diversification of the local species of Phlebotomus.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.80.e69618

Authors: Marcelo Domingos de Santis, Silvio Shigueo Nihei

Abstract: Abstract Dufouriini are a worldwide distributed tachinid tribe comprised of 51 species in 13 genera, made up of parasitoids of adult Coleoptera. The systematic positioning of Dufouriini has been controversial. Currently, it is placed within Dexiinae, but was previously placed in Phasiinae and Voriinae, and has even had the status of subfamily. Delimitation and composition of Dufouriini has also been debated, whether it is a single tribe or divided into two (Dufouriini and Freraeini) or three (Dufouriini, Oestrophasiini and Freraeini) tribes. Herein, we present the first phylogenetic analysis of Dufouriini based on total evidence using morphological data from adult and immature stages. The taxonomic sampling included all genera in Dufouriini (including Oestrophasiini) and also the genus belonging to Freraeini, a historically related tribe. Data matrix comprised 35 species and 22 genera in the ingroup, and 185 characters constructed from eggs, first instar larvae, puparia and adults, including female and male terminalia and spermathecae. The phylogenetic analysis recovered Dexiinae as paraphyletic in relation to Phasiinae, since the clade (Freraeini (Dufouriini + Oestrophasiini)) is more closely related to Phasiinae than Dexiinae. Dufouriini, Oestrophasiini and Freraeini are recovered as separate monophyletic tribes, strongly supported by a number of synapomorphies. Oestrophasiini is revalidated. A new synonymy is proposed: Comyopsis Townsend syn. nov. of Ebenia Macquart. Accordingly, Ebenia fumata (Townsend, 1919) is nomen preoccupatum by Ebenia fumata (Wulp, 1891), thus we change its specific epithet by designation of the new replacement name Ebenia neofumata Santis and Nihei [nomen novum]. The genera Mesnilana and Rhinophoroides are removed from Dufouriini and tentatively placed into Palpostomatini. Finally, Cenosoma stat. rev., previously a subgenus of Oestrophasia, is revalidated as genus.

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DOI: 10.3897/asp.79.e65861

Authors: Ante Vujić, Tamara Tot, Andrijana Andrić, Jelena Ačanski, Ljiljana Šašić Zorić, Celeste Pérez-Bañón, Andrea Aracil, Sanja Veselić, Maja Arok, Ximo Mengual, André van Eck, Santos Rojo, Snežana Radenković

Abstract: Abstract Merodon natans group (Diptera, Syrphidae) taxa are reviewed using an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological, morphometric and molecular techniques. The approach substantiates recognition of the three species: M. calcaratus (Fabricius, 1794), M. natans (Fabricius, 1794) and M. pulveris Vujić & Radenković in Radenković et al. 2011, and reveals the existence of a new species, M. makrisi Vujić, Radenković & Tot sp. nov., which is described. It also highlights the existence of a series of natans group populations, especially on some of the Mediterranean islands, in the Levant and in the Afrotropical Region, for which more comprehensive data are required to clarify their status. A key is provided to the natans lineage species currently recognised, and preimaginal stages of some natans-group species are described for the first time. Redescriptions for M. calcaratus and M. natans are provided. A neotype is selected for M. natans. Lectotypes are designated for M. annulatus (Fabricius, 1794) and M. melancholicus (Fabricius, 1794). Merodon annulatus is recognised as a synonym of M. natans.

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