Single Synapomorphy Research Articles

A new odontocete (Inioidea, Odontoceti) from the late Neogene of North Carolina, USA

Abstract. A new monotypic genus of Neogene odontocete (Isoninia borealis) is named on the basis of a partial skull (CMM-V-4061). The holotype was found on the riverbed of the Meherrin River (North Carolina, USA) and probably originated from the Miocene marine Eastover Formation. Deep interdigitation of the cranial sutures indicates that this individual was mature. The new taxon differs from all other delphinidans in the unique combination of the following characters: anteriorly retracted premaxillae and maxillae; premaxillae not contacting nasals; thick nasals with ventrolateral margins deeply imbedded within corresponding troughs in the frontals (this is an apomorphy); nasals with transversely convex dorsal surface; nearly symmetrical vertex; os suturarum (or interparietal or extra folds of the frontals) at the vertex; large dorsal infraorbital foramen level with the posterior margin of the external bony nares; and a postorbital recess on the ventrolateral face of the frontal below and behind the postorbital process of the frontal. This odontocete exhibits two small but pronounced concavities on the cerebral face of the frontal/presphenoid that are presumed to have held vestigial olfactory bulbs in life. Inioidea is only diagnosed by a single unequivocal synapomorphy: width across nasals and nares subequal. Isoninia shares this feature with other inioids and forms the basis for the placement of Isoninia within this clade. A relatively high vertex coupled with a supraoccipital that is deeply wedged between the frontals suggests placement of this new inioid species within the family Iniidae. This is the second inioid described from the Eastover Formation (the other being Meherrinia isoni). This new species adds new cranial morphology and a new combination of cranial characters to this taxonomically small but growing group of mostly marine and mostly Western Hemisphere odontocetes (urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E8B817CA-B250-42B3-9365-36EFBFE351C9).

Phylogenetic analysis supports the monophyly of the South American mayfly genus Brasilocaenis Puthz, 1975 (Insecta: Ephemeroptera: Caenidae)

Brasilocaenis Puthz, 1975 is a South American genus of Caenidae (Ephemeroptera). Except for their very distinct male genitalia, the species of this genus are morphologically similar to South American species of Caenis. We analysed the phylogenetic relationships among Brasilocaenis and related genera using morphological characters of both nymphs and adults and cladistic methods. This first phylogenetic analysis of Brasilocaenis was based on a matrix of 20 species, including six species of Brasilocaenis and 14 species of different genera (Alloretochus, Caenis, Clypeocaenis and Tasmanocaenis), and 35 characters analysed under implied weights (k = 3). The analysis supports the monophyly of Brasilocaenis with a single synapomorphy — forceps fused with the styliger plate. South American Caenis form a paraphyletic group, with Brasilocaenis nested among them. Biogeographical analysis (spatial analysis of vicariance) based on distributional records for each species revealed seven vicariant events, the most important of which are: (i) a north-south separation coincident with a split between the Amazon and Atlantic forests, and (ii) two west-east separations in tropical South America indicating different historical events. We additionally describe Brasilocaenis atawallpasp. n. from male imagos from Colombia, and suggest an amended diagnosis to include Brasilocaenis amacayacun. comb. and Brasilocaenis elidioin. comb.

Pleurostylia serrulata and Two Allied New Species from Africa are Actually Members of the New World Crossopetalum (Celastraceae)

Abstract Based on phylogenetic analyses using rDNA and plastid sequence data, and the examination of morphological characters, we infer that Pleurostylia, as currently delimited, is a polyphyletic group. Pleurostylia serrulata and two newly described species from Africa are part of the New World Crossopetalum lineage. By contrast, Pleurostylia s. s. consists of all remaining species, which form a clade nested within a primarily Malagasy lineage. We present preliminary evidence that Pleurostylia opposita, the most geographically widespread species in the entire Celastraceae family, may include cryptic species. Although molecular evidence supports the monophyly of Crossopetalum, this genus does not appear to be well defined by a single morphological synapomorphy, rather the following combination of character states is diagnostic: 4-merous flowers; stamens inserted in the sinuses of a ± 4-lobed intrastaminal floral disk; pistil (2- or) 4-locular with one atropous ovule per locule; stigma conspicuously (2-) 4...

A revision of the Neotropical genus Austrohahnia Mello-Leitão (Araneae, Hahniidae).

The Neotropical genus Austrohahnia Mello-Leitão, 1942 is revised, comprising four species from Argentina. The genus is here transferred to the subfamily Hahniinae Bertkau, 1878 from Cybaeolinae Lehtinen, 1967. Austrohahnia is diagnosed by a single synapomorphy, short setae ventrally on the abdomen, in immature as well as adult stages. The type species A. praestans Mello-Leitão, 1942 is redescribed. Austrohahnia catleyi new species is described and illustrated based both sexes from the alder forests of northwestern Argentina. Austrohahnia melloleitaoi (Schiapelli & Gerschman, 1942) new combination was transferred from Hahnia C.L. Koch, 1841, the male is described and illustrated for the first time, and the female is redescribed. Austrohahnia isophthalma (Mello-Leitão, 1941) new combination is also transferred from Hahnia and considered a nomen dubium. New geographic records of studied species are provided.

Redescription and reevaluation of the taxonomical status of Microsuchus schilleri (Crocodyliformes: Mesoeucrocodylia) from the Upper Cretaceous of Neuquén, Argentina

Fragmentary remains of Microsuchus schilleri (Crocodyliformes: Mesoeucrocodylia) from the Bajo de La Carpa Formation (Santonian, Late Creteceous) of northern Patagonia, Argentina, are decribed and reevaluated taxonomically. The type specimen is an articulated individual with hindlimb and axial remains. Microsuchus has several traits that allow to recognize it as a valid taxon (the presence of bulge lateral to the prezygapophyses of the second sacral vertebra; elongated posterior zeugopodia; proximal caudal centra with triangular cross section). Microsuchus was originally assigned as a goniopholidid based on the platycely of its vertebral centra, a character that is widely distributed among fossil crocodyliforms. A phylogenetical analysis using an expanded data matrix focusing on postcranial data was performed in which Microsuchus and another long-limbed crocodyliform from the same location, Neuquensuchus, were included. Microsuchus is depicted in a politomy as a basal mesoeucrocodylian, with its position as a neosuchian or notosuchian supported by a single synapomorphy on the different most parsimonious trees. Additionaly, Neuquensuchus is well nested among notosuchians, in contrast to previous hypothesis. These findings further increase the crocodyliform diversity of the Bajo de la Carpa Formation and emphasize the relevance of its fauna in studies of the diversification of mesoeucrocodylians and notosuchians. Furthermore, the occurrence of both Microsuchus and Neuquensuchus gives evidence of a basal stock of mesoeucrocodylians with elongated limbs that was not previously reported for northern Patagonia.

Using Molecular, Morphological, and Palynological Evidence to Transfer <I>Strumpfia maritima</I> to the Monotypic Tribe Strumpfieae (Cinchonoideae, Rubiaceae), and a Re-delimitation of the Tribe Chiococceae

Abstract Strumpfia maritima is a morphologically unique member of the Rubiaceae that has held several taxonomic placements for a long time. In the most recent tribal delimitations within the subfamily Cinchonoideae, Strumpfia was included in the tribe Chiococceae, based solely on molecular phylogenetic positioning, despite the presence of significant morphological and palynological differences between Strumpfia and the other genera of the tribe. Previous studies refrained from including Strumpfia in the Chiococceae because of its numerous morphological and palynological differences, and the inclusion of Strumpfia creates a tribe without a single synapomorphy. Our study of genetic divergences among the tribes of the subfamily Cinchonoideae using trnL-F data, analyzed using both maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference, provides additional evidence for including Strumpfia in the monotypic tribe Strumpfieae.

The braincase of Prestosuchus chiniquensis (Archosauria: Suchia)

Abstract The osteology of an almost complete braincase of the rauisuchian archosaur Prestosuchus chiniquensis from the Middle Triassic of Brazil is described for first time, based on two specimens (UFRGS-PV-0629-T and UFRGS-PV-0156-T) . A comparative description with other taxa of rauisuchians is presented that forms the basis of a phylogenetic analysis. To perform the phylogenetic analysis, we describe and discuss each character codification for a modified version of the recent matrices of Gower (2002) , Gower & Nesbitt (2006) and Brusatte et al. (2010) . The analysis resulted in two most parsimonious trees that differ from the topologies recovered by Gower (2002) in a few aspects within Rauisuchia, and Prestosuchus chiniquensis was unequivocally depicted as deeply nested within Pseudosuchia, as the sister taxon of Batrachotomus kuperferzellensis in both topologies, supported by a single synapomorphy: the reduced to small fissure of the post-temporal fenestra between parietal, supraoccipital and exoccipital-opisthotic.

Systematic review of a new orb-weaving spider genus (Araneae: Araneidae), with special reference to the Australasian-Pacific and South-East Asian fauna

The Australasian-Pacific and South-East Asian species of the new orb-weaving spider genus Plebs with Plebs eburnus (Keyserling, 1886) as type species are revised. Following this study, Plebs includes a total of 22 species of which seven are here described new. Seven species are found in Australia, two in the Pacific region (New Caledonia, Vanuatu), and two in South-East Asia (Papua New Guinea, The Philippines). Eleven Asian species are transferred to the new genus. Plebs represent comparatively small orb-weaving spiders of c. 1.2–15.0 mm body length with a slightly elongated abdomen and humeral (shoulder) humps. Males of most species have two to three stout setae on the ventral side of their fourth coxae. Male pedipalps are characterized by the presence of a single macroseta on the patella, the presence of a paramedian apophysis as basal extension of the conductor, and an apical tegular protrusion. The female epigyne has a scape that is generally much longer than wide. It does not have a terminal pocket and is frequently broken off in a number of species. A phylogenetic analysis of 15 species of Plebs (those for which both sexes are known), 13 Australian/Pacific orb-weaving spider species representing the most commonly collected clades with paramedian apophysis, three species of Nearctic Eriophora Simon, 1864, and Araneus diadematus Clerck, 1758, as outgroup, identified a single synapomorphy of Plebs based on 35 morphological and three behavioural characters: a distinct, inverted U-shaped light pattern on the ventral side of the abdomen with two additional white spots anterolateral to the spinnerets. This analysis recovered a monophyletic clade of all Asian Plebs, suggesting a single colonization event of the genus that putatively originated in Australia. Most Plebs species appear to be active during the day. They build a regular orb-web with vertical stabilimentum in grass and low shrubs. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 166, 279–341.

Systematics and biogeography of the spider genus Mallinella Strand, 1906, with descriptions of new species and new genera from Southeast Asia (Araneae, Zodariidae)

The systematics status of the spider genus Mallinella Strand, 1906 (Araneae, Zodariidae), the phylogenetic relationshipof the species within the genus and its relationships to other zodariids were investigated by means of cladistic analysis ofmorphological data. Mallinella is redefined and characterized by a single synapomorphy: the presence of posterior ventralspines situated in front of the spinnerets arranged in a single row. The genus is clearly palaeotropical, occurring in Africa,Indian subcontinent, Indo-Burma, Sundaland, Wallacea and Polynesia-Micronesia.Two hundred and two (202) Mallinella species are treated. One hundred and one (101) species are described as newand placed in twenty-two (22) species-groups, making Mallinella the largest zodariid genus. Nineteen (19) species are redescribed, the conspecific sex of seven (7) species is discovered and described for the first time. Fifteen (15) new com-binations are proposed. Nine (9) Storena species are here transferred to Mallinella: M. beauforti (Kulczyński, 1911) comb.nov., M. sciophana (Simon, 1901) comb. nov., M. sobria (Thorell, 1890) comb. nov., M. fasciata (Kulczyński, 1911)comb. nov., M. vicaria (Kulczyński, 1911) comb. nov., M. redimita (Simon, 1905) comb. nov., M. melanognatha (van Has-selt, 1882) comb. nov., M. nilgherina (Simon, 1906) comb. nov., M. vittata (Thorell, 1890) comb. nov. Two Storena spe-cies are transferred to Asceua: A. dispar (Kulczyński, 1911) comb. nov., A. quinquestrigata (Simon, 1905) comb. nov. OneStorena species is transferred to Oedignatha (Liocranidae): O. aleipata (Marples, 1955) comb. nov. One Storena speciesis transferred to Cybaeodamus: C. lentiginosus (Simon, 1905) comb. nov. Storena tricolor Simon, 1908 is transferred tothe Asteron complex of Australia. Three Storena and two Mallinella species are misplaced; they belong to undescribedgenera (S. kraepelini Simon, 1905; S. lesserti Berland, 1938; S. parvula Berland, 1938; M. khanhoa Logunov, 2010; M.rectangulata Zhang et al., 2011). Mallinella vittata (Thorell, 1890) comb. nov. is revalidated and removed from the syn-onymy with M. zebra (Thorell, 1881). Storena vittata Caporiacco, 1955 is removed from homonym replacement (S. ca-poriaccoi Brignoli, 1983) with S. vittata Thorell, 1890 (= M. vittata comb. nov.). Storena annulipes Thorell, 1892 isremoved from its preoccupied name with S. annulipes (L. Koch, 1867) in Storena and transferred to Mallinella; its re-placement name S. cinctipes Simon, 1893 is suppressed.Zodarion luzonicum Simon, 1893, Storena multiguttata Simon, 1893, S. semiflava Simon, 1893 and S. obnubila Si-mon, 1901 are regarded as nomina dubia. Six Indian species were misplaced in Storena; they belong to one of the follow-ing genera: Mallinella, Heliconilla gen. nov., Workmania gen. nov., Heradion, or Euryeidon. These taxa are S. arakuensisPatel & Reddy, 1989, S. debasrae Biswas & Biswas, 1992, S. dibangensis Biswas & Biswas, 2006, S. gujaratensis Tikader& Patel, 1975, S. indica Tikader & Patel, 1975 and S. tikaderi Patel & Reddy, 1989. They are regarded as species incertaesedis.A new genus, Heliconilla gen. nov., is proposed for nine species, six of which are new to science while the otherthree are transferred from Mallinella and Storena. These taxa are: H. irrorata (Thorell, 1887) comb. nov., H. oblonga(Zhang & Zhu, 2009) comb. nov., H. thaleri (Dankittipakul & Schwendinger, 2009) comb. nov.Workmania gen. nov. is established to accommodate two species from Southeast Asia; W. juvenca (Workman, 1896)comb. nov. is transferred from Storena.It is unlikely that the origin of Mallinella dates back more than 100 MYA. Mallinella or its ancestor is believed tohave evolved during the Cretaceous, after the separation of South America from Gondwana, and the greater part of itsevolution took place during the Tertiary. The Asian-Australian lineages of Mallinella could migrate to India via GreaterSomalia before or after the K-T extinction (65 MYA), before the Indian subcontinent joined Asia (ca. 45 MYA).The bio-geographic history of the genus involves plate tectonics during the Cretaceous and the Cenozoic in combination with cli-matic changes and alternating climatic cycles which might have led to episodes of range expansion, isolation of populations and allopatric speciation.

Phylogenetic relationships of the elopomorph fish †Paraelops cearensis Silva Santos revisited: Evidence from new specimens

The phylogenetic relationships of †Paraelops cearensis, an elopomorph fish from the Lower Cretaceous of Brazil, are reviewed based on new complete and informative specimens. A cladistic analysis was conducted based on a modified data matrix with 27 taxa and 74 characters for reassessment of elopomorph relationships. It produced 12 equally parsimonious trees (L = 180 steps; CI = 0.45; RI = 0.67), in which the strict consensus was applied. As a result, Elopomorpha appears as a clade supported by a single synapomorphy (posterior opening of mandibular sensory canal lying medially or posterior on mandible). Albuloidei is diagnosed by the presence of a metapterygoid cup/fenestra. †Paraelops is the basal taxon of the Elopoidei clade, which also includes Elops, †Ichthyemidion, and Megalops. This clade is supported by two synapomorphies: presence of elongate jaws with numerous villiform teeth and first ossified pleural rib occurring on fourth or more posterior centrum.

Thalasseleotrididae, new family of marine gobioid fishes from New Zealand and temperate Australia, with a revised definition of its sister taxon, the Gobiidae (Teleostei: Acanthomorpha)

Thalasseleotrididae n. fam. is erected to include two marine genera, Thalasseleotris Hoese & Larson from temperate Aus-tralia and New Zealand, and Grahamichthys Whitley from New Zealand. Both had been previously classified in the familyEleotrididae. The Thalasseleotrididae is demonstrably monophyletic on the basis of a single synapomorphy: membraneconnecting the hyoid arch to ceratobranchial 1 broad, extending most of the length of ceratobranchial 1 (= first gill slitrestricted or closed). The family represents the sister group of a newly diagnosed Gobiidae on the basis of five synapo-morphies: interhyal with cup-shaped lateral structure for articulation with preopercle; laterally directed posterior processon the posterior ceratohyal supporting the interhyal; pharyngobranchial 4 absent; dorsal postcleithrum absent; urohyalwithout ventral shelf. The Gobiidae is defined by three synapomorphies: five branchiostegal rays; expanded and medially-placed ventral process on ceratobranchial 5; dorsal hemitrich of pelvic-fin rays with complex proximal head. This studyrepresents a contribution to our ongoing clarification of the family Eleotrididae, which has served historically as a repository for genera not classified among the more derived gobioids (= Gobiidae as defined here).

Acidiella longipennis Hendel, the type species of Acidiella Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae: Trypetini), with recognition of two new allied species from Myanmar

The type species of the genus Acidiella Hendel is A. longipennis Hendel, which is known as a widely distributed species in South East Asia. Specimens of A. longipennis are rarely found in insect collections, but I was able to examine a number of Myanmar specimens collected by R. Malaise during the Swedish Expedition in 1934, and reported as A. longipennis by M. Hering in 1938. As a result, three related species were sorted out from these specimens. They look very much alike except for the dorsal abdominal patterns (difficult to see in dried specimens) and postabdominal structures. I here provide detailed descriptions of and a key to A. longipennis, A. spinipenis, sp. nov., and A. kambaitiensis, sp. nov. They are here defined as the A. longipennis species group based on a single synapomorphy: vesica of glans ventrally with 7–9 tiny spines. This is a unique characteristic never found in any other species of the tribe Trypetini as well as the family Tephritidae. I am providing this information as a starting point to refine the currently confused concept of the genus Acidiella.

The Perinate Skull of Byronosaurus (Troodontidae) with Observations on the Cranial Ontogeny of Paravian Theropods

The skulls of two perinate paravians from Ukhaa Tolgod, Djadoktha Formation, Mongolia, are described here. The skulls are nearly unique in their combination of ontogenetic age and preservational quality and provide us with the first look at the morphology of such important anatomical regions as the rostrum, palate, and braincase at or near the onset of postnatal development in a nonavian paravian coelurosaur. Based on a number of derived characters, the skulls are allocated to a derived position within Troodontidae that is outside the clade consisting of Saurornithoides mongoliensis, Saurornithoides junior, Troodon formosus, and probably Sinornithoides youngi. A single synapomorphy, presence of a lateral maxillary groove, supports the Ukhaa perinates as Byronosaurus. The comparative morphology of the Ukhaa perinates with adult troodontids indicates a number of significant postnatal transformations (e.g., elongation and flattening of the rostrum, increase in the number of maxillary and dentary teeth, restructuring of the occipital plate and paroccipital process). These comparisons demonstrate that many characters historically considered important for phylogenetic and taxonomic assessments of adult maniraptorans are present at a relatively early stage of ontogeny. Differences in the developmental timing of various cranial characters have important implications for interpreting the fossil record as well as for understanding the role heterochrony has played in the evolution of derived coleurosaurs, including birds. The ontogenetic information provided by the Ukhaa perinates also allow us to comment on the enigmatic paravian Archaeornithoides deinosauriscus, which has been considered both the sister taxon to Avialae and a juvenile specimen of the troodontids Saurornithoides mongoliensis and Byronosaurus jaffei. We found no unique characters that support a priviledged relationship of Archaeornithoides deinosauriscus with avialans and only weak character support for this taxon as a basal troodontid—there is no known character evidence supporting it as a juvenile of either Saurornithoides or Byronosaurus.

A new species of Glaphyropoma: the first subterranean copionodontine catfish and the first occurrence of opercular odontodes in the subfamily (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae)

A new species of the rare copionodontine genus Glaphyropoma is described from subterranean waters in the Diamantina Plateau, Bahia State, central northeastern Brazil. This is the first troglomorphic species in the subfamily Copionodontinae. It is distinguished from all other copionodontines by the presence of opercular odontodes, and further distinguished from its only congener, G. rodriguesi, by the reduction of dark integumentary pigmentation. The new species shares the single synapomorphy previously proposed for Glaphyropoma, the marked narrowing of the first hypobranchial and indirect character evidence also supports its inclusion in the genus. The presence of opercular odontodes in the new species, in combination with a reviewed hypothesis of sister group relationship between Copionodontinae and Trichogeninae, indicate that the absence of opercular odontodes in previously-known copionodontines is secondary, rather than primitive.

Metavermilia ogasawaraensis sp. nov. (Serpulidae: Sabellida: Polychaeta: Annelida) from deep-sea locations off Ogasawara Island, Japan with a literature overview of the genus

A new species of the genus Metavermilia Bush, 1905 (Annelida, Polychaeta, Serpulidae) is described from deep-water locations (1600–1700 m) off Ogasawara Islands, Japan. The genus Metavermilia is characterized by a single synapomorphy, the structure of the opercular stalk (flat and ribbon-like) formed from the second dorsal branchial radiole. The Metavermilia ogasawaraensis n. sp., is most similar morphologically to M. nanshaensis in having a simple conical operculum covered with a brownish distal plate with a tubercle in the middle and short thoracic membranes. The two species differ from each other in details of tube morphology and thoracic uncini structure. The paper provides a key and a review of all 14 species currently known in the genus Metavermilia.

The Fetal Membranes of the Otter Shrews and a Synapomorphy for Afrotheria

The otter shrews of mainland Africa are the closest relatives of the Madagascar tenrecs. We sought for similarities in placentation between the two groups and, in a wider context, with other mammals of the Afrotheria clade. Specimens of the Nimba otter shrew (Micropotamogale lamottei) were obtained from the Ivory Coast and examples of the giant otter shrew (Potamogale velox) from the Hill Collection. The Nimba otter shrew has a central haemophagous organ similar to that in tenrecs. The labyrinth of the Nimba otter shrew, however, is endotheliochorial with syncytial trophoblast enclosing the maternal vessels. On the other hand tenrecs have cellular haemomonochorial placentae and an associated spongy zone, which is not present in the Nimba otter shrew. The placenta of the giant otter shrew is also endotheliochorial. The central region of its placenta is particularly interesting, since the juxtafetal portion is clearly a haemophagous region whereas the labyrinth feeding this region is endotheliochorial. Thus there is considerable variation in placental morphology within Tenrecidae. Importantly, however, both otter shrews have a large allantoic sac divided into four intercommunicating lobes by two pairs of septal folds. A similar arrangement has been described for representatives of each of the remaining five orders within Afrotheria. This is significant because previous anatomical studies have failed to establish a single synapomorphy in support of Afrotheria.

A new cyprinid closely related to cultrins+xenocyprinins from the mid-Tertiary of South China

ABSTRACT Ecocarpia ningmingensis, gen. et sp. nov., a fossil cyprinid fish from the mid-Tertiary of the Ningming Basin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, is similar to cultrins in having a slender body, terminal or slightly superterminal mouth, comparatively long anal fin base, and reduced bifurcation of the pelvic bone. The morphology of the pharyngeal teeth in the new taxon, however, is different from that of cultrins but very similar to that of the xenocyprinins: the first row of pharyngeal teeth is six or even seven in number, and all are laterally compressed, with a flat, smooth, lateral face and a long, narrow grinding surface that tapers slightly towards the apex. The only dental difference between Ecocarpia ningmingensis and xenocyprinins is the presence of a tiny and slightly recurved tip on some of the teeth in Ecocarpia, a condition that is similar to cultrins. Our phylogenetic study shows that Ecocarpia ningmingensis, cultrins and xenocyprinins form a monophyletic group, characterized by a single synapomorphy: reduction of the bifurcation of the pelvic bone. This grouping further supports the close relationship between cultrins and xenocyprinins.

Phylogenetic analysis of Trechitae (Coleoptera: Carabidae) based on larval morphology, with a description of first‐instar Phrypeus and a key to genera

Abstract. Sixty‐nine characters of larval structure of twenty‐eight genera of the supertribe Trechitae (Coleoptera: Carabidae) were analysed phylogenetically. The monophyly of Trechitae is strongly supported with five unique synapomorphies. The monophyly of Zolini + Bembidiini + Pogonini is supported with two synapomorphies. We propose that the tribe Trechini is a sister group to them and its monophyly is supported with two unique synapomorphies. The inferred branching pattern of Trechini genera is (Perileptus + Thalassophilus) + (Amblystogenium + (Trechimorphus + (Trechus + Epaphius + Aepopsis + Trechisibus))); Perileptus is a member of Trechodina rather than Trechina. The monophyly of Zolini is not supported. The monophyly of Pogonini is supported with two unique synapomorphies; its sister group relationships remain obscure; the branching pattern of pogonine genera is (((Pogonus + Pogonistes) + Cardiaderus) + Thalassotrechus). No evidence for monophyly of the tribe Bembidiini (s. lato; including subtribes Bembidiina, Tachyina, Xystosomina, and Anillina) was found. The relationships of Phrypeus are obscure; no evidence could be found linking it with Bembidiina. Without Phrypeus, Bembidiina might be a monophylum with a single synapomorphy. Sinechostictus branches basal of (Bembidion + Asaphidion) and therefore should be treated as a separate genus. Tachyina and Xystosomina form a monophylum based on two unique synapomorphies; a close relationship with a monophyletic Anillina is suggested. Reduction of the number of claws from two to one in Trechitae has taken place twice: within Trechina (Trechus, Epaphius, Aepopsis and Trechisibus) and in (Zolini + Bembidiini + Pogonini). The previously unknown larvae of the isolated genus Phrypeus are described and illustrated. A key to all twenty‐eight analysed Trechitae genera based on characters of larvae and a list of larval autapomorphies for each genus are provided.

The origin and diversification of angiosperms

The angiosperms, one of five groups of extant seed plants, are the largest group of land plants. Despite their relatively recent origin, this clade is extremely diverse morphologically and ecologically. However, angiosperms are clearly united by several synapomorphies. During the past 10 years, higher-level relationships of the angiosperms have been resolved. For example, most analyses are consistent in identifying Amborella, Nymphaeaceae, and Austrobaileyales as the basalmost branches of the angiosperm tree. Other basal lineages include Chloranthaceae, magnoliids, and monocots. Approximately three quarters of all angiosperm species belong to the eudicot clade, which is strongly supported by molecular data but united morphologically by a single synapomorphy-triaperturate pollen. Major clades of eudicots include Ranunculales, which are sister to all other eudicots, and a clade of core eudicots, the largest members of which are Saxifragales, Caryophyllales, rosids, and asterids. Despite rapid progress in resolving angiosperm relationships, several significant problems remain: (1) relationships among the monocots, Chloranthaceae, magnoliids, and eudicots, (2) branching order among basal eudicots, (3) relationships among the major clades of core eudicots, (4) relationships within rosids, (5) relationships of the many lineages of parasitic plants, and (6) integration of fossils with extant taxa into a comprehensive tree of angiosperm phylogeny.

Searching for larval support for majoid families (Crustacea: Brachyura) with particular reference to Inachoididae Dana, 1851

Summary We re-evaluated the larval support for families within majoids using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test with emphasis on Inachoididae. To accomplish our objectives, we added 10 new taxa, two of which are traditionally assigned to the family of special interest, to a previous larval database for majoids, and re-appraised the larval characters used in earlier studies. Phylogenetic analysis was performed with PAUP* using the heuristic search with 50 replicates or the branch-and-bound algorithm when possible. Multi-state transformation series were considered unordered; initially characters were equally weighted followed by successive weighting, and trees were rooted at the Oregoniidae node. Ten different topological constraints were enforced for families to evaluate tree length under the assumption of monophyly for each taxonomic entity. Our results showed that the tree length of most constrained topologies was not considerably greater than that of unconstrained analysis in which most families nested as paraphyletic taxa. This may indicate that the present larval database does not provide strong support for paraphyly of the taxa in question. For Inachoididae, although the Wilcoxon signed-rank test rejected a significant difference between unconstrained and constrained cladograms, we were unable to provide a single synapomorphy for this clade. Except for the conflicting position of Leurocyclus and Stenorhynchus, the two clades correspond to the traditional taxonomic arrangement. Among inachoidids, the clade (Anasimus (Paradasygyius (Collodes +Pyromaia))) is supported, whereas for inachids, the clade (Inachus (Macropodia +Achaeus)) is one of the most supported clades within majids. As often stated, only additional characters will provide a better test for the monophyly of Inachoididae and other families within Majoidea.