Abstract
Mayfly (Ephemeroptera) systematics has considerably changed over the years, but many questions have yet to be answered. The synergistic connection between traditional knowledge and new data sources, producing increasingly complex information, has become a compelling issue for modern taxonomy. Molecular tests and the use of reliable reference sequence libraries may constitute effective complements to the traditional method in guiding recognition of species and giving information about taxonomic incongruences which require further examination. In the present study, we sought to verify the current Italian mayfly nomenclatural system through DNA barcoding and relevant points to reliably manage the available amount of morpho-ecological and molecular data are discussed. We investigated COI (Cytochrome oxidase I) sequence variation in 163 individuals of Italian mayflies, 126 of which were previously assigned to 24 morphologically recognised species, and 37 could be attributed only to generic taxonomic entities (“sp.”, “cf.” or “gr.”). DNA barcoding statistical tests for species delimitation hypotheses based on genetic distances and inferred gene trees were integrated with GenBank searches and surveys of the historical literature to better understand the knowledge acquired on the status and diversity of the investigated taxa. Combined criteria to define three categories of reliability were then assessed. Concurrent data allowing unambiguous identification were attained for only eight species. High intraspecific genetic distances (> 3%) and a lack of reliable reference material or convincing taxonomic information evidenced 29 critical states, deserving further investigation. Solid species names, potential cryptic species and entities about which little is known are pointed out for a future upgrade/reorganisation of the taxonomy of Italian Ephemeroptera.
Highlights
The taxonomy of mayflies has considerably changed in the last two centuries
In the second half of the 20th century, new progress was made in taxonomy from the morphological analysis based on type specimens, with closer attention to nomenclatural aspects
DNA barcoding was used to test the potential congruence of species identification and genetic variability
Summary
In Europe, different periods corresponding to improvements in knowledge can be traced through its advancement. In the 19th century, in-depth anatomical and morphological analyses were poorly considered, and a Linnean taxonomic scheme was mainly followed based on tegument colours and general aspect of the adults. The most representative scientist of that period was A. Later on (in the first half of the 20th century), closer attention was given to the description of more detailed morphological traits (i.e. larval and genital characters: Grandi 1960; Landa 1969) but taxonomic nomenclature did not follow at the same pace, and proper species identification was often uncertain. In the second half of the 20th century, new progress was made in taxonomy from the morphological analysis based on type specimens, with closer attention to nomenclatural aspects. Many other authors followed this approach in the last part of the century and summarised their results in comprehensive checklists (e.g. Thomas & Belfiore 2004; Bauernfeind & Soldán 2012)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
