Larval Morphological Characters Research Articles

Unravelling phylogenetic relationships among regionally co-existing species: Hydropsyche species (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) in the Loire River

Taxonomy is undoubtedly complementary to other fields in biology such as ecology, and both ecologists and taxonomists increasingly acknowledge that they can profit from phylogenetic ecology or ecological phylogeny, respectively. However, such mutual relations between these disciplines are constrained by traditional focuses on different operational scales: taxonomists are more familiar with large scales (e.g., global, continental, many species of a given clade), whereas ecologists are more familiar with small scales (regional, ecosystems, habitats, few species of a given clade). To foster mutually fruitful, 2-way exchanges between taxonomy and ecology at such smaller scales requires assessments of the small-scale performance of taxonomic practices so far used at larger scales. Such assessments are the objective of this study. To combine quantified ecology and phylogeny at the smaller scale, we designed a research project using 9 species of Hydropsyche (Trichoptera) from the Loire River (i.e., we focus on the regional scale). Here, we tried to unravel the phylogenetic relationships of this regional set of species using (1) many different characters (molecular and morphological characters of larvae and adults), (2) taxonomic congruence instead of total evidence (as the former provides more opportunities for future research on links between different data sets), and (3) an explicit data matrix and analysis methods that are commonly recommended for phylogenetic studies (e.g., maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, bootstrapping), and we also included traditional, parsimonious, phylogenetic reasoning. Combining these elements, we obtained the following information for the regional Hydropsyche representatives from the Loire: (1) phylogenetic clusters of the species, (2) phylogenetic distances among the species, and (3) phylogenetic polarities of characters (plesioto apomorphies) in the species tree. For our future ecological studies, this will enable (1) establishment of priorities in species selections for experimental approaches, (2) establishment of relationships between ecological and phylogenetic distances, and (3) interpretation of ecological response gradients across the species in the context of evolutionary processes such as adaptation, niche conservatism, or fitness. These future ecological studies will provide elements that in turn should be useful for taxonomists wishing to include small-scale ecological data into their analyses.

Evolution of morphology, ontogeny and life cycles within the Crustacea Thecostraca

We use a previously published phylogenetic analysis of the Thecostraca to trace character evolution in the major lineages of the taxon. The phylogeny was based on both molecular (6,244 sites from 18S rna, 28S rna and H3 genes) and 41 larval morphological characters with broad taxon sampling across the Facetotecta (7 spp.), Ascothoracida (5 spp.), and Cirripedia (3 acrothoracican, 25 rhizocephalan and 39 thoracican spp.). Morphological apomorphies are identifi ed in larval morphology for almost all major branches within the Thecostraca. Characters from the cypris larva provide a long suite of apomorphies for the Cirripedia and reinforce the concept that this larva was a prerequisite to the tremendous success of that taxon. The evolution of parasitism, obligatory in three major taxa, is discussed. We conclude that the last common ancestor to the Cirripedia was most likely a suspension feeder, and the advanced metamorphosis and endoparasitism known from the Rhizocephala and strongly indicated for the Facetotecta are the result of convergent evolution. We also discuss reproductive systems, which range from separate sexes, over hermaphrodites combined with a separate male sex (androdioecy), to pure hermaphroditism. It is concluded, as envisaged by Darwin, that the Thecostraca provide excellent opportunities for studying the evolution of a wide range of complex life history traits which can now be better analyzed and understood in a robust phylogenetic framework.

Comparative morphology, biology and phylogeny of terminal-instar larvae of the European species of Toryminae (Hym., Chalcidoidea, Torymidae) parasitoids of gall wasps (Hym. Cynipidae)

We present a phylogenetic and taxonomic study of the morphology and biology of the terminal-instar larval stage of 19 species representing all the genera of Torymidae parasitoids of gall wasps in Europe, with the single exception of Megastigmus. The genera studied include Adontomerus Nikol'skaya, Idiomacromerus Crawford, Chalcimerus Steffan & Andriescu, Glyphomerus Förster, Pseudotorymus Masi and Torymus Dalman. We primarily used chaetotaxy and some head structures. The terminal-instar larvae of all studied species are thoroughly described for the first time and illustrated with SEM images. We provide diagnostic characters for the family and the genera studied, and keys to genera and species for the identification of torymid larvae associated with cynipid galls. The majority of the torymid larvae studied are solitary monophagous parasitoids. Finally, to assess the potential use of larval characters in systematic studies of the family, a phylogenetic analysis of the studied taxa based on 42 larval morphological characters is proposed and compared with the current taxonomy of Torymidae. Our results suggest that body chaetotaxy, and characters of the head and mouthparts could be used for genera and species discrimination.

Characterisation of the Larvae of Australian Nacophorini

The Australian Nacophorini and related taxa are described using 43 larval morphological characters. A selection of these characters were used previously for a morphological phylogeny of the Australian Ennominae together with characters of the ova and adults. The larvae of 67 species are illustrated using photographs and setal maps. On this basis, tentative comparisons are made between the Australian Nacophorini and the world fauna.

Systematics and biogeography of the fishfly genus Parachauliodes (Megaloptera: Corydalidae) endemic to the east Asian islands

Abstract The fishfly genus Parachauliodes van der Weele, 1909 comprises six species from Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, ranging along the east Asian islands. Herein, all the Parachauliodes species are described, including two new species, namely P. asahinai sp.n. and P. niger sp.n. A cladistic analysis based on adult and larval morphological characters was conducted to reconstruct the interspecific phylogeny of the Parachauliodes species. Two main clades within Parachauliodes were obtained from the cladistic analysis, namely ‘P. asahinai +P. continentalis’ and ‘(P. japonicus + P. yanbaru) + (P. nebulosus + P. niger)’. Based on the present interspecific phylogeny and distribution patterns of Parachauliodes, its ancestor might have invaded the east Asian islands by a land bridge from Taiwan via Ryukyu to the Japanese archipelago about 10−5 million years ago.

Tasmanitachoides belongs to Trechini (Coleoptera:Carabidae): discovery of the larva, its phylogenetic implications and revised key to Trechitae genera

This study is aimed at solving the long-standing ambiguity about the phylogenetic placement of the Australian ground-beetle genus Tasmanitachoides. A recently published phylogeny of the supertribe Trechitae using morphological characters of larvae is re-examined in light of new discoveries. The results of the phylogenetic analysis of 65 informative characters for 36 taxa reject the previously maintained opinion of affinities between Tasmanitachoides and Tachyini. Instead it is hypothesised that the genus is a member of the monophyletic tribe Trechini and most likely belongs to the Trechodina radiation, represented in the analysis by the genera Perileptus and Thalassophilus. Older-instar larvae of Tasmanitachoides, Kenodactylus and Mioptachys, as well as the first-instar larva of Pachydesus, are described. An updated identification key to all analysed Trechitae genera is provided.

Grazers, shredders and filtering carnivores—The evolution of feeding ecology in Drusinae (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae): Insights from a molecular phylogeny

We examined the phylogenetic relationships between species and genera within the caddisfly subfamily Drusinae (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) using sequence data from two mitochondrial loci ( cytochrome oxidase 1, large subunit rRNA) and one nuclear gene ( wingless). Sequence data were analysed for 28 species from five genera from the subfamily. We analysed individual and combined data sets using a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo and a maximum parsimony approach and compared the performance of each partition for resolving phylogenetic relationships at this level. In terms of resolution and phylogenetic utility wingless outperformed the two mitochondrial gene partitions. Using both Shimodaira-Hasegawa and expected likelihood weights tests we tested several hypotheses of relationships previously inferred based on adult morphological characters. The data did not support the generic concept, or many previously proposed species groupings, based on adult morphology. In contrast, the molecular data correlated with the morphology and feeding ecology of larvae. Using Bayesian ancestral character state reconstructions we inferred the evolution of feeding ecology and relevant larval morphological characters. Our analyses showed that within the subfamily Drusinae two derived feeding types evolved. One of these—grazing epilithic algae—is otherwise unusual in the Limnephilidae and may have promoted the high degree of diversity in the Drusinae.

Phylogeny of the higher Libelluloidea (Anisoptera: Odonata): An exploration of the most speciose superfamily of dragonflies

Although libelluloid dragonflies are diverse, numerous, and commonly observed and studied, their phylogenetic history is uncertain. Over 150 years of taxonomic study of Libelluloidea Rambur, 1842, beginning with Hagen (1840), [Rambur, M.P., 1842. Neuropteres. Histoire naturelle des Insectes, Paris, pp. 534; Hagen, H., 1840. Synonymia Libellularum Europaearum. Dissertation inaugularis quam consensu et auctoritate gratiosi medicorum ordinis in academia albertina ad summos in medicina et chirurgia honores.] and Selys (1850), [de Selys Longchamps, E., 1850. Revue des Odonates ou Libellules d’Europe [avec la collaboration de H.A. Hagen]. Muquardt, Bruxelles; Leipzig, 1–408.], has failed to produce a consensus about family and subfamily relationships. The present study provides a well-substantiated phylogeny of the Libelluloidea generated from gene fragments of two independent genes, the 16S and 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and using models that take into account non-independence of correlated rRNA sites. Ninety-three ingroup taxa and six outgroup taxa were amplified for the 28S fragment; 78 ingroup taxa and five outgroup taxa were amplified for the 16S fragment. Bayesian, likelihood and parsimony analyses of the combined data produce well-resolved phylogenetic hypotheses and several previously suggested monophyletic groups were supported by each analysis. Macromiinae, Corduliidae s. s., and Libellulidae are each monophyletic. The corduliid ( s. l.) subfamilies Synthemistinae, Gomphomacromiinae, and Idionychinae form a monophyletic group, separate from the Corduliinae. Libellulidae comprises three previously accepted subfamilies (Urothemistinae, a very restricted Tetrathemistinae, and a modified Libellulinae) and five additional consistently recovered groups. None of the other previously proposed subfamilies are supported. Bayesian analyses run with an additional 71 sequences obtained from GenBank did not alter our conclusions. The evolution of adult and larval morphological characters is discussed here to suggest areas for future focus. This study shows the inherent problems in using poorly defined and sometimes inaccurately scored characters, basing groups on symplesiomorphies, and failure to recognize the widespread effects of character correlation and convergence, especially in aspects of wing venation.

Three new species in the endemic New Zealand genus Alloecentrella (Trichoptera), and a re-evaluation of its family placement

Three new species of caddis in the endemic New Zealand genus Alloecentrella Wise, 1958 (Trichoptera: Sericostomatoidea) are named and described: A. linearis sp. n., A. cirratus sp. n., and A. incisus sp. n. We report the known distribution of each of the four species in the genus; A. magnicornis and A. incisus appear to be found only in North Island; A. linearis and A. cirratus have been recorded only from South Island. We provide characters to differentiate the larvae (extent of the head carina; the shape of the head capsule in lateral profile) and cases (position of the terminal aperture). We present the results of a phylogenetic analysis of larval, pupal and adult morphological characters which places Alloecentrella in the Helicophidae.

Phylogeny and classification of diving beetles in the tribe Cybistrini (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae, Dytiscinae)

Phylogenetic relationships among members of the diving beetle tribe Cybistrini (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) were inferred from analysis of 47 adult and larval morphological characters and sequences from portions of the genes cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and II (COII), histone III (H3) and wingless. Thirty‐three species of Cybistrini were included, representing all genus‐groups except Regimbartina Chatanay and Megadytes (Bifurcitus) Brinck, and most historically recognized species groups and subgenera used in the tribe. Outgroups include six species from other tribes within Dytiscinae and Lancetinae. Analyses included parsimony analysis of the combined data, likelihood analysis of combined molecular data and partitioned Bayesian analysis of the combined data. Results indicate that Cybistrini is well supported as a monophyletic group. Within the tribe, all currently recognized genus groups were found to be monophyletic with the exception of Onychohydrus Schaum, which is paraphyletic with respect to Austrodytes Watts in the parsimony analysis, but monophyletic in the likelihood and Bayesian analyses, and Cybister sensu stricto, which is paraphyletic with respect to C. (Melanectes) Brinck and C. (Scaphinectes) Ádám in the parsimony analysis or only the latter in the likelihood and Bayesian analyses. Results also suggest that some, but not all, historically recognized species groups or subgenera in the large genus Cybister Curtis are monophyletic, and this is discussed and compared. To improve the classification, the name Sternhydrus Brinck is elevated from subgenus to genus rank (new status). Four subgenera in the genus Cybister are recognized: C. (Melanectes) Brinck, C. (Megadytoides) Brinck (resurrected), C. (Neocybister) Miller, Bergsten and Whiting (new subgenus) and C. (Cybister) Curtis. The following new synonyms are established: Trochalus Dejean (new synonym), and ScaphinectesÁdám = Cybister (Cybister) (new synonym). The Neotropical species Cybister parvus Trémouilles (not examined) apparently does not fit any historical or currently recognized genus‐group diagnosis in Cybistrini, so it is retained in Cybister but incertae sedis with respect to subgenus. In addition to classification, the evolution of the unique character combinations present in cybistrines are discussed. A key to the adults of genera and subgenera is presented.

The taxonomy, biogeography and host plant relationships of jumping plant-lice (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) associated with creosote bushes (Larrea spp., Zygophyllaceae)

The Neotropical genus Panisopelma (Psyllidae: Aphalaroidinae) is revised and its internal phylogeny analysed. The constituent species, including five new ones, are described and illustrated. Keys are provided for the adults and the last instar larvae. Eight species are associated with creosote bushes (Larrea, Zygophyllaceae): five with L. nitida and three with L. divaricata. There is evidence that another three species, the larvae of which are unknown, also develop on L. divaricata. Seven species are restricted to Argentina, one to Bolivia and three to Chile. The cladistic analysis based on male, female and larval morphological characters yielded a single most-parsimonious tree. The species associated with L. nitida form a monophyletic clade, those on L. divaricata, by contrast, are paraphyletic. One clade with three species is restricted to Argentina, but three clades each contain a species from Argentina and Chile. Although a close association exists between Panisopelma and Larrea, there is no evidence for cospeciation, but rather an initial shift from an unknown host to L. divaricata and a second shift from L. divaricata to L. nitida. In three species pairs of Panisopelma, the distribution patterns suggest geographical vicariance between Argentina and Chile.

The Petrolisthes galathinus complex: Species boundaries based on color pattern, morphology and molecules, and evolutionary interrelationships between this complex and other Porcellanidae (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura)

While the amphi-American porcellanid crab Petrolistes galathinus has been traditionally viewed as a highly variable species containing several different color forms, we consider it to be a complex of at least 6 morphologically similar species with similar ecological requirements, but diagnosable through coloration. Here we surveyed sequence variation of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, compared the morphology of adults and of the first larval stage (Zoea I), and explored shape variation of the sternal plate using geometric morphometric methods, to investigate boundaries among the species in the complex, and to confirm the validity of color and color pattern for distinguishing them. Sequences and larval morphological characters of other porcellanids were included to investigate the correspondence between genetic divergence and morphology of adults and larvae. The molecular and morphometric results support the validity of the species in the complex, and of color pattern for their distinction. The close relationship between the complex and the putative ancenstral porcellanid Parapetrolisthes tortugensis was indicated by the molecular and larval-morphology results. The adult morphology of this species is interpreted as a result of convergent evolution driven by a relatively rapid ecological adaptation to conditions in deeper waters. The nesting position in the phylogenetic trees of Petrocheles australiensis outside the Porcellanidae clade questions the monophyly of this family.

The phylogeny of the Hydroporinae and classification of the genus Peschetius Guignot, 1942 (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)

AbstractThe phylogeny of the Hydroporinae is investigated in a cladistic analysis emphasizing placement of the genus Peschetius Guignot, historically placed in the tribe Hydroporini. Sixty-nine adult and larval morphological characters were coded for 61 species of Hydroporinae representing eight of the nine tribes. Cladistic analysis of the data resulted in 396 most parsimonious cladograms (length = 176, CI = 46, RI = 80). The results indicate that the genus Peschetius is the sister group to the tribe Bidessini based mainly on an unambiguous character, the presence of a prominent internal spermathecal spine, and several other more ambiguous or homoplasious characters. The tribe Bidessini is expanded to include the genus Peschetius, and it is formally transferred from the tribe Hydroporini. Other results indicating interesting relationships of tribes and genera within Hydroporinae are also discussed. Results include; 1) a dramatically paraphyletic Hydroporini with Laccornellus Roughley and Wolfe, Canthyporus Zimmermann and Hydrocolus Roughley and Larson in basal positions within the phylogeny, 2) Hydrovatus Motschulsky and Queda Sharp resolved as sister groups and not closely related to Methlini van den Branden, 3) support for close relationship of Pachydrus Sharp (Pachydrini Biström, Nilsson and Wewalka) with Hyphydrini Sharp, 4) paraphyly of Hygrotus Stephens sensu lato with the relationship H. (Coelambus) Thomson + (Hygrotus sensus stricto + Hydrovatini)) suggesting recognition of Coelambus and Hygrotus as separate genera, 5) close relationship between the Australian genera of Hydroporini and Hyphydrini and 6) the nesting of Vatellini within a group of Hydroporini.

Chromosome evolution in tiger beetles: Karyotypes and localization of 18S rDNA loci in Neotropical Megacephalini (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae)

Four Neotropical tiger beetle species, three from the genus Megacephala and one from the genus Oxycheila, currently assigned to the tribe Megacephalini were examined cytogenetically. All three Megacephala species showed simple sex chromosome systems of the X0/XX type but different numbers of autosomal pairs (15 in M. cruciata, 14 in M. sobrina and 12 in M. rutilans), while Oxycheila tristis was inferred to have a multiple sex chromosome system with four X chromosomes (2n = 24 + X1X2X3X4Y/X1X1X2X2X3X3X4X4). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using a PCR-amplified 18S rDNA fragment as a probe revealed the presence of rDNA clusters located exclusively on the autosomes in all the Megacephala species (five clusters in M. cruciata, eight in M. sobrina and three in M. rutilans), indicating variability in the number of clusters and the presence of structural polymorphisms. The same methodology showed that O. tristis had six rDNA clusters, apparently also located on the autosomes. Although our data also show cytogenetic variability within the genus Megacephala, our findings support the most accepted hypothesis for chromosome evolution in the family Cicindelidae. The description of multiple sex chromosomes in O. tristis along with phylogenetic analyses and larval morphological characters may be assumed as an additional evidence for the exclusion of the genus Oxycheila and related taxa from the tribe Megacephalini.

Phylogenetic analysis of Staphyliniformia (Coleoptera) based on characters of larvae and adults

Abstract. One hundred and twenty‐one morphological characters of larvae and adults of the series Staphyliniformia were scored (multistate coding) and analysed to determine the family group relationships of the polyphagan groups Scarabaeoidea, Histeroidea, Hydrophiloidea and Staphylinoidea. Cladograms were rooted with exemplars of Adephaga, Archostemata, Myxophaga and the polyphagan families Dascillidae, Derodontidae, Eucinetidae and Scirtidae. Analyses of the same dataset with multistate characters re‐coded as presence/absence (144 characters) produced cladograms that were similar to those produced from analyses of the original characters. Cladograms produced from partitioned larval and adult characters differed strongly, with adult‐only trees more similar to those produced by combined data. The results confirm the monophyly of Hydrophiloidea + Histeroidea and of Staphylinoidea (including Hydraenidae). The Epimetopidae + Georissidae are the only strongly supported clade within Hydrophiloidea. A clade comprising Hydrochidae, Spercheidae and Hydrophilidae, and a sister‐group relationship between the latter two families were confirmed in analyses of the data with presence/absence coding. Helophoridae, Epimetopidae and Georissidae are probably not a monophyletic unit, and additional evidence is needed for a reliable placement of Helophoridae. Scarabaeoidea are placed as a sister taxon of Hydrophiloidea + Histeroidea, but support for this relationship is weak. The branching pattern ((Hydraenidae + Ptiliidae) + (Leiodidae + Agyrtidae)), and a clade comprising Scydmaenidae, Silphidae and Staphylinidae (= ‘staphylinid group’) are well founded. The branching pattern (Orchymontiinae + (Prosthetopinae + (Ochthebiinae + Hydraeninae))) within Hydraenidae is confirmed. Poor resolution at the base of the trees and the placement of some nonstaphyliniform taxa (Dascillidae, Derodontidae, Scirtidae and Eucinetidae) as a sister group to a clade comprising Scarabaeoidea, Hydrophiloidea and Histeroidea suggests that Staphyliniformia may be paraphyletic. It is recommended that series names are eliminated from the classification of Polyphaga, at least for the more ‘primitive’ groups.

Larval habitat characteristics of mosquitoes of the genus Culiseta Felt, 1904 (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Caspian Sea littoral, Iran

The fauna and ecology of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) was studied in Guilan province, Caspian Sea littoral, northern Iran, between April and December 2000. Larval habitat characteristics were recorded according to the water situation (clear or turbid), vegetation, bottom type, sunlight situation, habitat situation (transient or permanent, running or still), habitat kind (natural or artificial), and water temperature. In total, 643 larvae of the genus Culiseta from 16 larval breeding sites were collected and, based on larval morphological characters, identified to the species level. Three species of the genus Culiseta, Cs. (Allotheobaldia) longiareolata, Cs. (Culicella) morsitans, and Cs. (Culiseta) annulata, were found in the province. All three species were collected from still and clear water. Cs. longiareolata and Cs.morsitans were collected from natural habitats and Cs.annulata from both natural and artificial ones (wells). Cs. longiareolata, Cs. morsitans, and Cs. annulata comprised 61.3%, 31.6%, and 7.1% of samples, respectively. The mean and range temperatures of larval habitat water for Cs. longiareolata, Cs. morsitans, and Cs. annulata were 17.9°C (13–25°C), 11.6°C (10–16°C), and 16.5°C (12–22°C), respectively.

The basal phylogeny of Scarabaeoidea (Insecta : Coleoptera) inferred from larval morphology

Larvae of 60 genera representing the following families and subfamilies of Scarabaeoidea were studied and analysed phylogenetically: Lucanidae (Aesalinae, Nicaginae, Syndesinae, Lampriminae, Lucaninae), Passalidae (Passalinae, Aulacocyclinae), Trogidae, Pleocomidae, Geotrupidae (Taurocerastinae, Lethrinae, Geotrupinae), Bolboceratidae, Ceratocanthidae, Hybosoridae, Glaphyridae, Scarabaeidae (Aphodiinae, Scarabaeinae, Melolonthinae, Dynastinae, Cetoniinae). Seventy-eight larval morphological characters were employed in the analysis. Our data confirm that Dascillidae are not closely related to Scarabaeoidea. The monophyly of the superfamily is supported by 20 apomorphic character states, 18 of them unique. Monophyly of the following scarabaeoid clades is supported (with the number of larval synapomorphies followed by the bootstrap value in parentheses): Scarabaeoidea without Passalidae (6/67), Passalidae (9/100), Pleocomidae (11/93), Trogidae (8/93), Glaphyridae (10/96), Lucanidae (9/95), Ceratocanthidae + Hybosoridae (5/74), Scarabaeinae (9/98). The family Ceratocanthidae was found to be paraphyletic with respect to Hybosoridae. Monophyly of the family Scarabaeidae is not supported. The resolution of the basal parts of the strict consensus tree is higher when using Dascillidae + Eulichadidae v. Agyrtidae + Helophoridae as an outgroup, but the differences in topology become insignificant after bootstrapping. It is suggested that larval morphology alone is not an adequate tool to address basal relationships of Scarabaeoidea and a total evidence analysis should be performed.

Morphometrics of Larvae of Aedes (Stegomyia) Simpsoni Complex (Diptera: Culicidae) in Uganda

Various morphological characters of larvae of Aedes (Stg.) simpsoni complex collected from different localities in Uganda were studied in an attempt to characterise the species in the Ae. simpsoni complex. Morphometrics of larval characters revealed wide ranges of variation most of which separated or grouped populations. Multivariate discriminant analysis and principal component analysis discriminated between different populations. In some populations the males were fairly distinct from the females, while for some characters the populations overlapped considerably. The percent variability of each character alone is low and does not separate the species of the complex. However several characters correlated. Length of antennae (LANT), length of antennae up to Seta 1–4 (LANT4), length of head (LHEAD), and length of siphon up to position of Seta 1-S (LSIPHSET1S) showed fairly significant variability which could be used in conjunction with characters of pupae and adults to separate populations. In the wild we find anthropophilic and non-anthropophilic populations of the mosquitoes, especially in Colocasia plants, bananas ( Musa sp.), Dracaenia and Ananas sp. The multivariate analysis carried out could not separate the populations into biting behaviour groups nor breeding habitat groups.

Larval Description, Adult Feeding Behavior, and Phylogenetic Placement of Megalopinus (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

Abstract Larvae of the genus Megalopinus, of the monobasic subfamily Megalopsidiinae, are described for the first time. Larvae can be distinguished from all other known staphylinid larvae by the presence of a mandible with a subapical bladelike process, and are differentiated in detail from other larvae of the staphylinine group of subfamilies in a key. To confirm the identity of Megalopinus larvae, which have not been reared to adults, we compared partitions of 28 adult and 20 larval morphological characters derived from members of the stenine group (Megalopsidiinae, Euaesthetinae, Steninae) and three staphylinid outgroups (Oxyporinae, Pseudopsinae and Piestinae). Partitioned cladograms were similar with the only difference being the placement of Pseudopsinae as sister taxon to the stenine group (adult characters) or included within it (larval characters). Characters were combined and one tree was produced with the following relationships: Megalopsidiinae (Pseudopsinae (Steninae, Euaesthetinae)). Megalop...

Phylogeny of Syrphidae (Diptera) inferred from combined analysis of molecular and morphological characters

Abstract. Syrphidae (Diptera) commonly called hoverflies, includes more than 5000 species world‐wide. The aim of this study was to address the systematic position of the disputed elements in the intrafamilial classification of Syrphidae, namely the monophyly of Eristalinae and the placement of Microdontini and Pipizini, as well as the position of particular genera (Nausigaster, Alipumilio, Spheginobaccha). Sequence data from nuclear 28S rRNA and mitochondrial COI genes in conjunction with larval and adult morphological characters of fifty‐one syrphid taxa were analysed using optimization alignment to explore phylogenetic relationships among included taxa. A species of Platypezidae, Agathomyia unicolor, was used as outgroup, and also including one representative (Jassidophaga villosa) of the sister‐group of Syrphidae, Pipunculidae. Sensitivity of the data was assessed under six different parameter values. A stability tree summarized the results. Microdontini, including Spheginobaccha, was placed basally, and Pipizini appeared as the sister‐group to subfamily Syrphinae. The monophyly of subfamily Eristalinae was supported. The results support at least two independent origins of entomophagy in syrphids, and frequent shifts between larval feeding habitats within the saprophagous eristalines.