Abstract
A phylogenetic analysis of Xyphon was completed using 45 adult morphological characters and 1,076 base pairs of the mtDNA gene NADH dehydrogenase 1. Multiple specimens, representative of the range of morphological variation found in each previously described species, were scored for the morphological data matrix to test the monophyly of each species. These tests supported the following synonymies: Xyphon gillettei (Ball, 1901) to include X. balli (Knull, 1940) syn. nov.; and X. reticulatum (Signoret, 1854) to include X. diductum (Fowler, 1900) syn. nov., X. dyeri (Gibson, 1919) syn. nov., and X. sagittiferum (Uhler, 1895) syn. nov. Parsimony and Bayesian techniques were used to infer relationships among species, resulting in almost identical tree topologies. In all analyses Xyphon was monophyletic and Draeculacephala was its sister genus although clade support for Xyphon was generally low. The analyses suggest that a clade comprising X. flaviceps (Riley) and X. fulgidum (Nottingham) is sister to the remainder of the genus, and a clade comprising X. gillettei and X. spadice sp. nov. was sister to a clade containing X. triguttatum (Nottingham), X. nudum (Nottingham), and X. reticulatum. The six currently recognized species, including X. spadice sp. nov., are described and illustrated and a key to adult Xyphon is provided.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
