Abstract
Simple SummaryMosquitoes are an extremely diverse group of aquatic insects, distributed over all continents except Antarctica. The mosquitoes belonging to the subgenus called Ochlerotatus, as understood by Reinert et al., comprise a group of several species which are endemic to the Americas, some of which are important vectors of human and animal pathogens. However, this group is characteristically undefined, i.e., no sets of characters define the group, and this presents a major challenge for the understanding of the evolutionary tree of the mosquitoes. This work underscores and contextualizes the complex taxonomic history of the group, reveals the major challenges we face in order to resolve the definition of this group, and presents a path forward for its successful revision.A review of all taxonomic actions within the subgenus Ochlerotatus Lynch Arribálzaga, 1891 (Diptera: Culicidae) sensu Reinert et al. (2008) is provided. In particular, the complex historical taxonomic treatment of the type species of this group is dissected and explained in detail. Additionally, current challenges with the definition of the subgenus and its constituents are discussed, as are the requisite steps for a successful revision of the taxon. Going forward, we conclude that a taxonomic revision of the species should include a neotype designation for Ochlerotatus scapularis (Rondani, 1848) from topotypical material. Additionally, we provide a review of the characters and taxa that need to be re-evaluated and well-described in order to stabilize the taxonomy of the subgenus. This effort represents a key step towards a stable nomenclature of the Tribe Aedini.
Highlights
The genus Aedes Meigen, 1818 (Diptera: Culicidae) has long been recognized as an unnatural assemblage [1,2]
The fundamental issue with the Ochlerotatus is the lack of definition for the nominotypical subgenus, which stems from the polymorphic nature of the type species and from the potentially polyphyletic nature of the assemblage of species contained within
This review presents an exhaustive description of the taxonomic history of Ochlerotatus (Ochlerotatus) and delineates the amount and complexity of change inflicted on this group from the original description by Rondani in 1848 to present
Summary
The genus Aedes Meigen, 1818 (Diptera: Culicidae) has long been recognized as an unnatural assemblage [1,2]. The controversy culminated in the publication of a provisional “utilitarian approach” to the Aedini nomenclature, the justification being that a more stable state of nomenclature could be achieved [10] Such an approach fails to address the underlying problems with the taxa involved, and was met with criticism from taxonomists. This review provides the evidence and justification for a taxonomic revision of the subgenus Ochlerotatus Lynch Arribálzaga as understood by Reinert et al [8], towards the redefinition of its genus. This effort represents a key step towards a stable nomenclature of the Aedini
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