Putative Synapomorphies Research Articles

Gastrotheca Fitzinger, 1843 tadpole morphology: Larval cranium description and its evolutionary implications (Amphibia: Anura: Hemiphractidae).

Hemiphractids have a singular mode of reproduction that involves maternal care. The Andean-endemic Gastrotheca marsupiata species group includes direct-developing and tadpole-bearing species, the latter trait being unique among Gastrotheca. Larval morphology has proven to be a valuable source of evidence to understand the taxonomy and evolution of frogs but remains understudied in Hemiphractids. Herein, we redescribe the larval cranium of G. espeletia, G. gracilis, G. marsupiata, G. peruana, G. pseustes, and G. riobambae, and describe those of G. aureomaculata, G. chrysosticta, G. litonedis, G. monticola and G. psychrophila. Additionally, based on the data gathered, we explore their phylogenetic significance, expanding the knowledge regarding Gastrotheca larval internal morphology. We suggest that the presence of the posterolateral process of crista parotica, the concave palatoquadrate, the quadratoorbital commissure, and the proximal commissures II and III are putative synapomorphies for Gastrotheca. Furthermore, we suggest the long pseudopterygoid process as a putative synapomorphy for Hemiphractyidae.

Comparative anatomy of siphons in tellinoidean clams (Bivalvia, Tellinoidea).

Siphons are tubular organs formed by fusion and posterior extension of the marginal mantle folds. They are supposed to have performed key roles in the evolution of bivalves by enabling these animals to occupy several ecological niches. However, anatomical details of these organs are scarce for one of the most diverse lineages of tropical bivalves, the superfamily Tellinoidea. We investigated the siphonal morphology of 15 species, sampling five tellinoidean families, by integrating scanning electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, and histology. The siphons revealed variations in length, pigmentation, tentacles, papillae, and number of nerve cords. Due to the presence of sensorial structures, such as papillae and tentacles, we reclassify the siphons of Tellinoidea from type A to A+. Additional anatomical patterns were identified at family and genus levels. For example, the incurrent siphon shorter than the excurrent and 24 tentacles are putative synapomorphies of Donacidae. We also highlight shared siphonal traits between Donacidae and Solecurtidae as well as between Semelidae and Tellinidae. In addition, our data support the idea of Psammobiidae as a paraphyletic lineage. Overall, we provide an extensive comparative data set on siphonal traits with significant relevance for bivalve taxonomy, functional anatomy, and evolutionary investigations.

The paralobe: A new diagnostic and synapomorphic character for the genera Paulipalpina Gnaspini & Peck, 1996 and Parapaulipalpina Gnaspini, 1996 (Leiodidae: Cholevinae: Ptomaphagini).

In insect taxa with homogeneous external morphology, genital structures often emerge as essential traits for interspecific differentiation. In the tribe Ptomaphagini (Coleoptera, Leiodidae, Cholevinae), precise identification often depends on analyzing the male genital morphology, even at the genus level. Here, we present a new character for diagnosing the genera Paulipalpina Gnaspini & Peck, 1996 and Parapaulipalpina Gnaspini, 1996. This feature, which we dub 'paralobe', is a projection arising from the internal surface of the right lobe of the aedeagal apex. Based on its absence in other beetles, including other Ptomaphagini, we recognize it as a putative synapomorphy for those genera. The recognition of this previously overlooked structure adds important information for understanding the sequence of changes that occurred in the male genitalia among the genera of Ptomaphagini.

A new generic name for the “Lepadichthys” lineatus complex with a rediagnosis of Discotrema, a senior synonym of Unguitrema, and comments on their phylogenetic relationships (Gobiesocidae: Diademichthyinae)

Abstract Rhinolepadichthys, a new genus of the gobiesocid subfamily Diademichthyinae, is described for the “Lepadichthys” lineatus complex (including Rhinolepadichthys geminuscomb. nov., R. heemstraorumcomb. nov., R. lineatuscomb. nov., and R. polyastrouscomb. nov.). Detailed investigation of external morphology and osteological anatomy of the new genus and related genera suggests that Rhinolepadichthys represents the sister genus to Discotrema, based on the following putative synapomorphies: (1) presence of a hardened (potentially keratinized) cap on the surface of at least some disc papillae (vs. surface of disc papillae soft, without hardened cap); and (2) the anterolateral part of the ventral postcleithrum extended anteriorly as a well-developed rod-like process, its tip close to the base of pelvic-fin soft ray 4 (vs. only weakly pointed, or irregular). Compared with Discotrema, Rhinolepadichthysgen. nov. is distinguished by the presence of a row of 8–12 large papillae on the inner surface of the upper and lower lips (vs. inner surface of lips smooth, without distinct papillae); the absence (vs. presence) of a well-developed lateral process on the pterotic immediately posterior to the opening of the otic canal; the presence (vs. absence) of gill rakers on the anterior edge of ceratobranchials 1–3; the presence (vs. absence) of gill rakers on the posterior edge of ceratobranchial 4; having the upper pharyngeal teeth arranged in a loose patch on the ventral surface of the pharyngobranchial 3 toothplate, with tooth tips directed posteroventrally (vs. arranged in a single row along posteroventral edge of the pharyngobranchial 3 toothplate, with tooth tips directed posteriorly); features of the adhesive disc, including outline of disc papillae roughly hexagonal or ovoid and with a flattened surface (vs. outline circular, at least some with raised, dome-like surface); the absence (vs. presence) of a deep cavity at the center of disc region C; the absence (vs. presence) of three paired and one median cluster of small papillae (reminiscent of bunches of grapes) across the surface of the adhesive disc; and having the ventral postcleithrum entire, not divided into two separate, articulating elements (vs. ventral postcleithrum divided into an anterior and posterior element, separated via a specialized joint). Reexamination of materials of the poorly known genus Unguitrema, considered a close relative of Discotrema, revealed no morphological differences between the two genera. Unguitrema therefore represents a junior synonym of Discotrema.

Phylogenetic placement of the leaf-footed bug tribes Agriopocorini, Amorbini, and Manocoreini (Heteroptera: Coreidae) using ultraconserved elements

Abstract The phytophagous insect superfamily Coreoidea (Heteroptera) is a diverse group of ~3100 species in five extant families, with many of agricultural importance and model organisms in behavioural studies. Most species (~2800 species) are classified in the family Coreidae (four subfamilies, 37 tribes). While previous phylogenetic studies have primarily focused on the larger and more diverse subfamilies and tribes of Coreidae, several smaller tribes remain poorly studied in a phylogenetic context. Here, we investigated the phylogenetic positions of three less diverse tribes using ultraconserved elements: Agriopocorini, Amorbini, and Manocoreini. Our study is the first to test phylogenetic hypotheses for the Agriopocorini and Amorbini in a cladistic analysis. All three tribes were recovered within the subfamily Coreinae with robust support. The monophyletic Agriopocorini were supported as the sister-group of Colpurini, the monophyletic Amorbini as sister to Mictini, and the monogeneric Manocoreini as sister to Dasynini + Homoeocerini. We briefly discuss the evolution of wing development in Coreidae, putative synapomorphies for clades of interest, and taxonomic considerations. Our study emphasizes the importance of including smaller, less diverse groups in phylogenetic analyses. By doing so, we gain valuable insights into evolutionary relationships, identify future investigations of trait evolution, and resolve systematic controversies.

Taxonomic revision of the jumping spider genus Tullgrenella Mello-Leito, 1941 (Araneae: Salticidae: Freyina).

This paper presents a taxonomic revision of the genus Tullgrenella Mello-Leito, 1941. Four new species are described: Tullgrenella aisenbergae Marta, sp. nov. (Brazil) (), T. legalissima Marta & Hagopin sp. nov. (Uruguay) (), T. galianoae Marta, sp. nov. (Brazil) () and T. sciosciae Marta & Bustamante sp. nov. (Brazil) (). The males of T. corrugata Galiano, 1981 and T. peniaflorensis Galiano, 1970, and the female of T. selenita Galiano, 1970 are described for the first time. An updated diagnosis for the genus is provided based on the detailed comparative morphological studies. In addition, we present a proposal and discussion about the species groups of Tullgrenella based on the putative synapomorphies as well as the updated distribution of the genus in South America.

The second Cimbicidae (Hymenoptera, ‘Symphyta’) from the Palaeocene of Menat (France)

ABSTRACT Hervetia paleocenica gen. et sp. nov., the second oldest representative of the wasp family Cimbicidae, is described from the Palaeocene of Menat (Puy-de-Dôme, France). It shows the main putative synapomorphy of the Palaeogene subfamily Cenocimbicinae, but its anal veins and cells are unique among the whole family. The description of this new taxon confirms the high diversity of the Cimbicidae during the Palaeocene and Early Eocene.

Phylogeography of the Colombian water snake Helicopsdanieli Amaral, 1938 (Reptilia, Squamata, Dipsadidae) with comments on the systematics and evolution of the genus Helicops Wagler, 1828.

The genus Helicops Wagler, 1828 comprises 20 species of semiaquatic snakes. It is mostly distributed in the cis-Andean region of South America, with only two trans-Andean species (H.danieli, H.scalaris). Helicopsdanieli is endemic to Colombia and occurs through most of the trans-Andean region. Herein two mitochondrial and two nuclear genomic markers were sequenced for 16 samples of H.danieli across most of its distribution range to understand its phylogeography. A dated tree was also generated with additional sequences from previous studies to infer the divergence times between H.danieli and its cis-Andean congeners and of lineages within H.danieli. Using previously published data, ancestral states were estimated for putative phenotypic synapomorphies for the major clades of Helicops. For H.danieli, four clades corresponding to the main river basins within its distribution were recovered. Our dated tree suggests that the ancestor of H.danieli diverged from its closest congeners in the late Miocene (8.7 Mya), which can be associated with the closure of the Andalucia Pass, south of the Eastern Cordillera. Divergence within H.danieli commenced 1.1 Mya. Within the genus Helicops, two distinct hemipenial morphologies were observed, which are suggested as putative synapomorphies for the two most basal clades. Recognition of these two clades as distinct subgenera, Helicops sensu stricto and Tachynectes Fitzinger, 1843 is proposed. For the junior homonym Tachynectes von der Mark, 1863, rarely applied to fossil fishes, the replacement name Ichthyotachynectes nom. nov. is introduced. Furthermore, the evolution of another four phenotypic traits in Helicops and their phylogenetic utility are discussed.

A plurality of morphological characters need not equate with phylogenetic accuracy: A rare genomic change refutes the placement of Solifugae and Pseudoscorpionesin Haplocnemata.

Recent advances in higher-level invertebrate phylogeny have leveraged shared features of genomic architecture to resolve contentious nodes across the tree of life. Yet, the interordinal relationships within Chelicerata have remained recalcitrant given competing topologies in recent molecular analyses. As such, relationships between topologically unstable orders remain supported primarily by morphological cladistic analyses. Solifugae, one such unstable chelicerate order, has long been thought to be the sister group of Pseudoscorpiones, forming the clade Haplocnemata, on the basis of eight putative morphological synapomorphies. The discovery, however, of a shared whole genome duplication placing Pseudoscorpiones in Arachnopulmonata provides the opportunity for a simple litmus test evaluating the validity of Haplocnemata. Here, we present the first developmental transcriptome of a solifuge (Titanopuga salinarum) and survey copy numbers of the homeobox genes for evidence of systemic duplication. We find that over 70% of the identified homeobox genes in T. salinarum are retained in a single copy, while representatives of the arachnopulmonates retain orthologs of those genes as two or more copies. Our results refute the placement of Solifugae in Haplocnemata. Subsequent reevaluation of putative interordinal morphological synapomorphies amongchelicerates reveals a high incidence of homoplasy, reversals, and inaccurate coding within Haplocnemata and other small clades, as well as Arachnida more broadly, suggesting existing morphological character matrices are insufficient to resolve chelicerate phylogeny.

Anatomy of the endocrine pancreas in actinopterygian fishes and its phylogenetic implications

The anatomy and organisation of the endocrine pancreas in ray-finned fishes vary widely. The two main morphoanatomical character states are diffuse versus compact pancreatic tissue. The latter are called Brockmann Bodies (BBs), or principal islets. The present study is the first comprehensive survey on the anatomy of the endocrine pancreas (diffuse versus compact) across 322 actinopterygian species in 39 orders and 135 families based on literature, specimen dissections, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The data obtained show that large endocrine pancreatic islets (BB) have appeared several times in teleost evolution: in some ostariophysian clades and within the Salmoniformes and Neoteleostei. Acanthomorpha (spiny-rayed fishes) is the largest clade of the Neoteleostei. Within this clade, an absence of BBs is only observed in flying fishes (Exocoetidae), parrotfishes (Scarinae), and some of the scarine relatives, the Labridae. The presence of BBs in examined jellynose fish species from the Ateleopodiformes indicates support for its sister-group relationship to the Ctenosquamata (Myctophiformes + Acanthomorpha). More investigations are still needed to corroborate the presence or absence of BBs as a putative synapomorphy for a clade comprising Ateleopodiformes and Ctenosquamata.

New insights into the phylogeny of Stephanidae (Hymenoptera: Apocrita), with a revision of the fossil species

The family Stephanidae (Hymenoptera) constitutes a unique group within the Apocrita, playing a pivotal role in the evolution of parasitoid wasps. Although the phylogeny of Stephanidae has been previously inferred, it remains at a low resolution when considering both extinct and extant genera, as well as the enigmatic extinct genus †Electrostephanus. Here, we undertake a revision of Stephanidae extinct, presenting descriptions of new specimens from late Cretaceous Burmese amber and early Eocene Baltic amber. Combining all extant and extinct genera, the phylogeny of Stephanidae was analyzed, incorporating 57 species within 21 genera based on 64 morphological characters. We apply both under maximum parsimony with equal weighting and implied weighting methods, with four species representing early Apocrita as outgroups. Divergence times are estimated by utilizing extinct taxa as calibration points. A new basal subfamily of stephanid wasp, †Lagenostephaninaesubf. nov. was established, encompassing †Lagenostephanus and the newly described genera †Tumidistephanusgen. nov and †Neurastephanusgen. nov. The genus †Electrostephanus is redefined, with two species assigned under distinct genera, †Neurastephanusgen. nov. and †Aphanostephanusgen. nov.. We discuss some of the putative morphological synapomorphies of evolutionary significance within the phylogenetic framework. Our results complement several characteristics of great taxonomic importance for Stephanidae and provide new insights into the early evolution of the family.

Slc11 Synapomorphy: A Conserved 3D Framework Articulating Carrier Conformation Switch.

Transmembrane carriers of the Slc11 family catalyze proton (H+)-dependent uptake of divalent metal ions (Me2+) such as manganese and iron-vital elements coveted during infection. The Slc11 mechanism of high-affinity Me2+ cell import is selective and conserved between prokaryotic (MntH) and eukaryotic (Nramp) homologs, though processes coupling the use of the proton motive force to Me2+ uptake evolved repeatedly. Adding bacterial piracy of Nramp genes spread in distinct environmental niches suggests selective gain of function that may benefit opportunistic pathogens. To better understand Slc11 evolution, Alphafold (AF2)/Colabfold (CF) 3D predictions for bacterial sequences from sister clades of eukaryotic descent (MCb and MCg) were compared using both native and mutant templates. AF2/CF model an array of native MCb intermediates spanning the transition from outwardly open (OO) to inwardly open (IO) carriers. In silico mutagenesis targeting (i) a set of (evolutionarily coupled) sites that may define Slc11 function (putative synapomorphy) and (ii) residues from networked communities evolving during MCb transition indicates that Slc11 synapomorphy primarily instructs a Me2+-selective conformation switch which unlocks carrier inner gate and contributes to Me2+ binding site occlusion and outer gate locking. Inner gate opening apparently proceeds from interaction between transmembrane helix (h) h5, h8 and h1a. MCg1 xenologs revealed marked differences in carrier shape and plasticity, owing partly to an altered intramolecular H+ network. Yet, targeting Slc11 synapomorphy also converted MCg1 IO models to an OO state, apparently mobilizing the same residues to control gates. But MCg1 response to mutagenesis differed, with extensive divergence within this clade correlating with MCb-like modeling properties. Notably, MCg1 divergent epistasis marks the emergence of the genus Bordetella-Achromobacter. Slc11 synapomorphy localizes to the 3D areas that deviate least among MCb and MCg1 models (either IO or OO) implying that it constitutes a 3D network of residues articulating a Me2+-selective carrier conformation switch which is maintained in fast-evolving clades at the cost of divergent epistatic interactions impacting carrier shape and dynamics.

Phylogeny and morphological evolution of the Neotropical genus Cuspidaria (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae): Combining high‐throughput sequencing and targeted loci data

AbstractThe combined use of high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) with targeted loci data offers an excellent opportunity to reconstruct robust and comprehensive phylogenies at fine taxonomic scales using a hybrid approach. In this study, we infer the phylogeny of Cuspidaria (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae), a diverse clade of lianas and shrubs centered in South America's wet and dry forests. We used HTS to obtain complete or nearly complete plastome sequences of seven individuals of Cuspidaria selected to represent the main clades in the genus. This sampling strategy aimed to reconstruct relationships at deeper nodes (i.e., backbone). We also used targeted loci data obtained through Sanger sequencing to obtain sequences of two chloroplast markers (ndhF, rpl32‐trnL) and one nuclear marker (PepC) for multiple individuals of 18 out of the 21 species of Cuspidaria recognized in the most recent treatment of the genus; only C. emmonsii, C. lachnaea, and C. simplicifolia were not sampled. This broad sampling strategy aimed to test the monophyly of individual species and reconstruct fine‐scale interspecific relationships within the genus. Both datasets were analyzed separately and combined using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood approaches. The combined dataset includes 65 individuals representing 18 previously recognized species of Cuspidaria plus outgroup taxa. The analysis of the combined dataset recovered a monophyletic Cuspidaria, excluding C. bracteata, which was nested within the outgroup and is best treated elsewhere. Ancestral character state reconstructions provided novel insights into the evolution of morphology and identified multiple putative morphological synapomorphies for key lineages of Cuspidaria. Namely, anthers curved forward was reconstructed as a potential synapomorphy for the Cuspidaria clade, whereas interpetiolar gland fields in stems and inflorescence, subulate or inconspicuous prophylls of the axillary buds, biternate leaves, actinodromous venation, calyx cupulate or spathaceous, calyx apices dentate or irregularly lobed, fruits with winged valves, and fruit midrib limited by two longitudinal ridges were reconstructed as potential synapomorphies of different clades within the genus. Other traits such as habit, tertiary venation, inflorescence type, corolla color, number of ovule series, and pollen unit were highly labile. As circumscribed here, Cuspidaria is composed of eight main clades supported by molecular data and morphological synapomorphies: Sideropogon, Tetrastichella, Cinerea, Paracarpaea, Cremastus, Blepharitheca, Saldanhaea, and Cuspidaria s.str. clades. All species are monophyletic, except for C. pulchra and C. sceptrum, which form a species complex and are best treated as a single taxon. The necessary taxonomic changes are proposed, leading to the recognition of 19 species in Cuspidaria.

Kangaraneus, a new genus of orb-weaving spider from Australia (Araneae, Araneidae)

A new Australian genus in the orb-weaving spider family Araneidae Clerck, 1757 is described,Kangaraneusgen. nov., withK. arenaceus(Keyserling, 1886)comb. nov.(New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia) as the type species and also including two other species:Kangaraneus amblycyphus(Simon, 1908)comb. nov.(Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia) andK. farhanisp. nov.(Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania). The new genus is included in the informally termed Australasian ‘backobourkiine’ clade due to the presence of its putative synapomorphies, specifically a single patellar macroseta on the male pedipalp and its median apophysis forming an arch over the radix. It includes medium-sized orb-weaving spiders (total length 3–12 mm) with distinct humeral humps on the almost triangular abdomen. Therefore, within the backobourkiines, it is somatically most similar toNovakiellaCourt & Forster, 1993 but differs considerably in male genitalic characters, including a C-shaped median apophysis with an acute tip. Genitalia are most similar to those inQuokkaraneusCastanheira & Framenau, 2023 from which the new genus differs by the lack of the white colouration and the shape of the abdomen.

A contribution of leaf anatomy to the taxonomy of Varronia P. Browne (Cordiaceae, Boraginales)

Varronia (Cordiaceae, Boraginales) is a Neotropical genus of approximately 125 species. In Brazil, it is represented by 36 species, of which 21 are endemic. Regarding the vegetative organs, their species are morphologically similar, and despite recent revision studies on the genus, the identification and delimitation of some species are still problematic. In this perspective, we here investigate the leaf anatomy of ten species of Varronia recorded in Brazil, to detect diagnostic taxonomic characters and putative synapomorphies for the genus. The types and distribution of secretory and non-secretory trichomes were identified as one of the most relevant characters in differentiating the studied species. Three types of non-secretory and one type of secretory trichomes are reported in the genus for the first time. The occurrence of crystalline sand in the mesophyll was identified as a putative synapomorphy for the genus, as well as the occurrence of globular and elongated glandular trichomes, isobilateral mesophyll, hypostomatic leaves, and the occurrence of cystoliths.

The quadrate-metapterygoid fenestra of otophysan fishes, its development and homology

We compare the ontogeny of the hyopalatine arch in representatives of the Otophysi to shed light on the homology of the so-called quadrate-metapterygoid fenestra, QMF. Described initially as a character of characiforms (tetras and allies), presence of a QMF has also been reported for cobitid loaches and a handful of cyprinids among cypriniforms, as well as for a few clupeoids. In characiforms the QMF is either already present as an opening in the palatoquadrate cartilage in the earliest developmental stages we studied, or it forms later in the cartilage by resorption of chondrocytes. Some characiforms may lack a QMF during all stages of development. In cobitids the so-called QMF develops after the bones have ossified and forms mainly by resorption of bone tissue of quadrate and metapterygoid. Previous reports of a QMF in cyprinids are erroneous and the opening in this area forms by spatial separation of the quadrate and metapterygoid from the symplectic and not by the formation of a fenestra in the palatoquadrate cartilage. We suggest referring to this type as a quadrate-metapterygoid gap, QMG. Presence of a QMF in the palatoquadrate cartilage is a putative synapomorphy of characiforms. Development of a QMF by bone resorption in the ossified palatoquadrate is a putative synapomorphy of Cobitidae. A QMG is variously present and developed to different degrees in opsariichthyine and danionine cyprinids. A QMF is also present in several clupeoids and deserves further study.

Comparative spermatozoa ultrastructure of neotropical grass frogs (genus Leptodactylus) with comments on anuran reproductive modes and phylogeny

The sperm cell ultrastructure provides important insights into fertilization mechanism and phylogenetic relationships. However, it has rarely been included in phylogenetic analysis of anurans. This work aims to characterize the ultrastructure of the mature spermatozoa in the genus Leptodactylus, to relate the observed variations with the different reproductive strategies and define characters to optimize in a previously published cladogram of this genus. We studied 24 species distributed into four groups: L. fuscus, L. latrans, L. melanonotus and L. pentadactylus where morphological characters were coded and optimized using the parsimony method. The analyzed spermatozoa have three conspicuous regions: head, middle zone and tail. Regarding the head, a short and thin acrosomal vesicle is observed in species of the groups L. fuscus and L. pentadactylus, but it is long and thick in most of the studied species of the groups L. latrans and L. melanonotus. Furthermore, nuclear lacunae are observed in most species. In relation to the middle zone, an organelle-free cytoplasmic region was observed in species of the groups L. fuscus, L. latrans and L. melanonotus, but it was absent in species of the L. pentadactylus group. Most of the studied species showed a mitochondrial collar and cytoplasmic canal. Finally, in the tail all of the species have an axoneme, an undulating membrane, and an axial fiber, but only some have a juxtaxonemal fiber. Results show the thick acrosomal vesicle as a synapomorphy of the clade L. latrans + L. melanonotus. The presence of nuclear lacunae and the absence of a sub-acrosomal cone optimizes as a putative synapomorphy of Leptodactylidae. In conclusion, we observed a relationship between reproductive strategies and spermatozoa morphology, which also supports the phylogenetic relationships in this genus.

The discovery of new Chilean taxa revolutionizes the systematics of Geoplaninae Neotropical land planarians (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida)

AbstractTwo subfamilies of land planarians (Geoplanidae) are endemic to the Neotropical region, namely Geoplaninae (with 29 genera and 346 nominal species, most of which are from Brazil) and its sister-group Timyminae, with only two Chilean species. The systematics of these groups through morphology and molecular data (COI and 28S rDNA genes), including nine new Chilean species, is re-assessed in this study. The great morphological diversity of the Chilean species is congruent with the molecular trees and, accordingly, five new genera (Adinoplana, Harana, Myoplana, Sarcoplana and Transandiplana) are proposed, each characterized by putative synapomorphies. Seven new tribes are also erected (Adinoplanini, Gusanini, Haranini, Inakayaliini, Myoplanini, Polycladini and Sarcoplanini), each one monogeneric, except Geoplanini (which includes all genera under the current concept of Geoplaninae plus the Chilean Transandiplana) and Sarcoplanini (with Sarcoplana and the already known Mapuplana, Pichidamas and Wallamapuplana). Re-diagnoses of Geoplaninae, Timymini, Gusana, Inakayalia, Polycladus and Pichidamas are proposed and biogeographic remarks on Transandiplana are provided

A taxonomic review of the vampire catfish genus Paracanthopoma Giltay, 1935 (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae), with descriptions of nine new species and a revised diagnosis of the genus

A taxonomic revision is presented of the genus Paracanthopoma, probably the least-known vandelliine genus at present. The work is based on most of the material available in museums worldwide and includes a major expansion in the knowledge about the genus. Paracanthopoma is circumscribed as a monophyletic group on the basis of nine putatively synapomorphic characters. Evidence is provided for Paracanthopoma and Paravandellia as sister groups and the two genera are comparatively diagnosed. A total of 13 species are recognized in Paracanthopoma, of which nine are new and one is transferred from Paravandellia: Pc. ahriman, new species, Pc. alleynei (Henschel et al., 2021), Pc. carrapata, new species, Pc. cangussu Henschel et al., 2021, Pc. capeta, new species, Pc. daemon, new species, Pc. irritans, new species, Pc. malevola, new species, Pc. parva Giltay, 1935, Pc. saci Dagosta & de Pinna, 2021, Pc. satanica, new species, Pc. truculenta, new species, and Pc. vampyra, new species. Different species display a high degree of phenotypic divergence and are diagnosed on the basis of traditional as well as new morphological characters of both external and internal anatomy. Geographical distributions are mapped for each species and an identification key is provided. Preliminary evidence suggests the existence of four main subclades within Paracanthopoma. The first one includes Pc. ahriman, Pc. cangussu, and Pc. irritans. A second subclade comprises Pc. carrapata, Pc. daemon, Pc. parva, and Pc. truculenta. A third clade includes Pc. malevola and Pc. satanica and a fourth comprises Pc. alleynei and Pc. vampyra. The last clade lacks some putative synapomorphies of all other members of Paracanthopoma and seems to be the sister group to the rest of the genus. Relationships of Pc. capeta and Pc. saci are not as clear, but some evidence exists for the former being related to the first subclade and the latter to the second subclade.

Morphology of larvae and pupae of the genus Autocrates (Coleoptera: Trictenotomidae) and its phylogenetic implications

The trictenotomid genus Autocrates Thomson, 1860 is remarkable for its large and robust adults, but its larval morphology and bionomics have been unknown over the last 160 years. Here, we describe and illustrate in detail the eggs, and also the first and last instar larva and the pupa of Autocrates maqueti Drumont, 2006, based on specimens reared from identified adults collected in South Korea. The first instar larva is very similar to the known trictenotomid larvae of the genus Trictenotoma Gray, 1832, sharing the following features: distinctly flattened and parallel-sided, well-sclerotized head and largely unpigmented postcephalic body, lyre-shaped frontal arms, very short coronal suture, five pairs of stemmata, asymmetrical and tridentate mandibles with mola, simple and apically upturned urogomphi, and absence of longitudinal ridges on the thorax and abdomen. Differences occur in the primary chaetotaxy. The last instar larva is almost identical with Trictenotoma in general appearance, but the longitudinal tergal ridges of Autocrates are much denser and more widely distributed than those of Trictenotoma. Our preliminary assessment of features of immature stages confirms a close relationship of Trictenotomidae with the “salpingid group”, i.e. Salpingidae, Boridae, Pyrochroidae and Pythidae. A sister group relationship with Pythidae is likely. The putative synapomorphy is the subdivision of the ventral element of tergites IX, even though this condition is not visible in the first instars of Autocrates, and quite indistinct (but recognizable) in the last larval stage. The complete mitochondrial genome of A. maqueti is provided. A preliminary phylogenetic analysis of trictenotomid species is presented using two mitochondrial genes (16S and COI). The morphology of eggs and biological information on feeding and oviposition behaviors are also provided with photographs of adults and eggs.