Tribal Placement Research Articles

Phylogeny of the Genus Noccaea (Brassicaceae) and a Critical Review of its Generic Circumscription

Noccaea Moench is taxonomically one of the most problematic genera of the Brassicaceae. The radical revision of Thlaspi L. s.l. by Meyer in 1973 (Meyer, 1973) split it into 12 segregate genera, including Noccaea, but subsequent molecular studies suggested that this complex includes at least four unrelated genera (Thlaspi s. str., Mummenhoffia Esmailbegi & Al-Shehbaz, Noccidium F. K. Mey., and Noccaea). Although several taxonomic treatments have since been proposed to sort out the systematic problems of Noccaea, debates are still ongoing. Some authors have argued that all segregates of Thlaspi should be considered as independent but related genera, whereas others recognize them as synonyms of a large and polymorphic Noccaea. In this study, we present the first extensively sampled phylogenetic analysis of tribe Coluteocarpeae (Thlaspi segregates including Noccaea) using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) DNA sequences from 92 of the ca. 130 species (70%) in the tribe (39 studied here for the first time) and plastidic trnL-F regions from 73 species (42 studied here for the first time), representing the full range of morphological variation and geographical distribution. All main clades are discussed in detail, and the taxonomic status of all Thlaspi s.l. segregates is evaluated against recent taxonomic treatments. In particular, the tribal placement of Noccidium is changed to Coluteocarpeae, and the genus Pseudosempervivum (Boiss.) Grossh. is reduced to synonymy of Noccaea. The new name N. mummenhoffiana Özüdoğru & Al-Shehbaz and the new combinations N. aucheri (Boiss.) Özüdoğru & Al-Shehbaz and N. sempervivum (Boiss. & Balansa) Özüdoğru & Al-Shehbaz are proposed.

A reevaluation of the Andean Genus Petroravenia (Brassicaceae: Thelypodieae) based on morphological and molecular data

AbstractPetroravenia was until recently considered as a genus of three species (P. eseptata, P. friesii, and P. werdermannii) distributed along the Central Andes of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. This genus was included in the tribe Thelypodieae and was morphologically characterized by being tiny rhizomatous perennial herbs with rosulate leaves, dendritic trichomes, capsular silicles, and incumbent cotyledons. However, the phylogeny of Petroravenia, and its tribal placement, was never analyzed using molecular data. The lack of such studies, as well as the paucity of herbarium collections, suggesting that Petroravenia species are vulnerable and/or endangered, prompted us to address the molecular phylogeny of this genus. For this purpose, we generated comprehensive molecular phylogenies using nuclear (ITS) and plastid (trnL‐F and trnH‐psbA) data, and conducted morphological comparisons between these species and their closest related taxa. Results from the phylogenetic analyses showed that Petroravenia represents a polyphyletic group, with P. eseptata included in tribe Halimolobeae, and P. friesii and P. werdermannii placed within tribe Eudemeae and related to the genus Alshehbazia. Based on the results obtained from morphological and molecular data, we decided herein to retain the original circumscription of Petroravenia as monospecific within the tribe Halimolobeae and to transfer P. friesii and P. werdermannii to the genus Alshehbazia within the tribe Eudemeae. Systematic implications of these results are also discussed.

A new genus and new species of Myodochini from Australia (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Rhyparochromidae).

Pseudolaryngodus spectabilis gen. et sp. nov., from Little Desert National Park in Victoria, Australia, is described and illustrated. The monotypic new genus superficially resembles the udeocorine genus Laryngodus Herrich-Schaeffer in general facies, and is sympatric with one of the species of Laryngodus. Pseudolaryngodus has some characters that share its tribal placement within both Udeocorini and Myodochini of the family Rhyparochromidae. However, it lacks inner laterotergites on abdomen, making it a Myodochini rather than a Udeocorini. Details of the relationships between these two genera, along with their tribal placements, are discussed.

The phylogenetic position of the morphologically unusual Pleurostichidium falkenbergii (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta) based on plastid phylogenomics

ABSTRACTPleurostichidium falkenbergii is an obligate epiphyte on Xiphophora chondrophylla and is endemic to northern New Zealand. This monotypic genus is characterised by having dorsiventral and laterally compressed thalli with 20 pericentral cells and complete cortication, adventitious trichoblasts, spherical spermatangial branches formed from cortical cells, and stichidia with up to 19 whorled tetrasporangia. This unusual combination of morphological characters among the Rhodomelaceae led to its placement in a separate tribe Pleurostichidieae. The tribal phylogenetic placement has been investigated only using 18S rRNA and remains uncertain. We investigated the phylogenetic affinities of P. falkenbergii using a plastid phylogenomic approach. We sequenced and assembled its plastid genome and inferred a phylogeny along with 45 other rhodomelacean species and 10 outgroup taxa. P. falkenbergii was placed in a highly supported clade containing the tribes Pterosiphonieae, Dipterosiphonieae, Herposiphonieae, and a clade with two species morphologically assigned to Polysiphonia and Melanothamnus, but genetically unrelated to the true Polysiphonia and Melanothamnus lineages. Pleurostichidium falkenbergii was placed as sister to the Pterosiphonieae with moderate support. Considering our results and the unusual combination of vegetative and reproductive characters of Pleurostichidium, we propose to maintain the tribe Pleurostichidieae for this species.

A New Genus and Species of Gelechiini (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Feeding on Brazilian Peppertree

Recent efforts to discover insect biological control agents of the Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae), include a new species belonging to a new genus, Spes schinella Metz, new genus, new species. We propose a hypothesis for placement of the new species among known Gelechiinae using the barcoding region of COI and targeted taxon sampling in a tree parsimony analysis, and discuss additional diagnostic morphological features for tribal placement. The new species is diagnosed, described, and illustrated.

On the affinities and systematic position of Pachytychius Jekel, a genus currently incertae sedis in Coleoptera, Curculionidae: Evidence from immature stages and the COI gene support its placement in Smicronychini

The affinities and systematic position of Pachytychius Jekel, a genus currently incertae sedis in Coleoptera, Curculionidae, are assessed using new evidence from the immature stages and DNA sequences from the COI gene. The taxonomic history of genus Pachytychius denotes uncertainty in tribal placements from Erirhinini to various tribes of Curculioninae. In this paper, immature stages of genus Pachytychius are described and illustrated for the first time, including the mature larva of the type species, Pachytychius sparsutus (Olivier), and the larva and pupa of Pachytychius haematocephalus (Gyllenhal). The structural features of the larva and pupa of Pachytychius, as well as bionomic data, agree with those commonly found in subfamily Curculioninae and are consistent with a close relationship with Smicronyx Schoenherr. In addition, we used sequences from the 5′region of the COI gene, available in genetic databases, to test phylogenetic relationships of Pachytychius with other genera with which affinities had been suggested (77 terminal taxa including outgroups). Results from maximum likelihood and parsimony analyses agree: Pachytychius is not closely related to the erirhinines with pedo-tectal male genitalia, and belongs among the curculionine weevils, forming a clade with Smicronyx. Finally, the systematic position of Pachytychius suggested by the immature stages and the COI hypothesis results corroborated when adult morphological characters are re-evaluated, and can be extended to genus Aubeonymus Jacquelin du Val for its clear affinity to Pachytychius. The New placements are: Pachytychius Jekel, 1861 and Aubeonymus Jacquelin du Val, 1855 to Smicronychini from Curculioninae i. sed. (Curculionidae).

Description of a Cretaceous amber fossil putatively of the tribe Coprophilini (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Oxytelinae).

An unusual and well-preserved fossil staphylinid is described and figured from a single specimen in Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber. Gollandiaplanatagen. et sp. n. is tentatively placed in the extant oxyteline tribe Coprophilini, although it lacks a few characteristic features of present-day members of the group, likely indicating it to be either a stem group of the tribe or prove to be distinct pending future discoveries. The discovery of this genus suggests that early oxytelines were more morphologically diverse during the Cretaceous and their evolutionary history was more complicated than previously documented. Tribal placement as regards fossil oxyteline taxa is discussed.

Redescription of Aporrhipis Pascoe, 1887 (Coleoptera: Lycidae), with a Discussion of its Tribal Placement

Abstract Aporrhipis flexilis Pascoe, 1887 is the sole species of a monospecific genus of beetles from Brazil, originally described in the family Ripiphoridae. Despite the fact that this genus was moved to Lycidae, its correct tribal placement remains uncertain. In this study, A. flexilis is redescribed, its tribal placement is discussed, and it is tentatively placed within the Calopterini, Acroleptina. The problems of distinguishing the Acroleptina from the Leptolycini are highlighted by this case, and a plea is made for additional specimens to help resolve this conundrum.

Changes in the nomenclature of three Australian crickets.

During the course of preparation of the Guidebook to Australian Crickets, we have become aware of the incorrect identification and subsequent placement of Apterogryllus kimberleyanus Baehr. In addition, we make two changes in the tribal placement of two other genera.

Morphological phylogeny of Dictyopharidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha)

AbstractTo explore the phylogenetic basis of the current classification of Dictyopharidae, especially the relationships among the tribes of Dictyopharinae, we present the first cladistic analysis of this family based on 146 morphological characters of adults. Our analysis includes 104 of 125 recognized genera and subgenera within 12 extant tribes of Dictyopharinae, plus nine genera representing all four tribes of Orgeriinae. The results of this study support Dictyopharidae as a monophyletic group with Aluntiini sister to the remaining Dictyopharidae, but do not support Orgeriinae as sister to Dictyopharinae. Seven major lineages – Aluntiini, Arjunini, Hastini, (Taosini + Lappidini) + Nersiini, a Xenochasma+ complex (including ‘Orgeriinae’), Orthopagini, and Dictyopharini – are recovered in Dictyopharidae. The Xenochasma+ complex is proposed here and includes Xenochasma clade + (Scoloptini + ((Fernandea clade + Phylloscelini) + (Rancodini + [Capenini + Orgeriinae]))). Within this complex, some genera are of uncertain tribal placement, and the Orgeriinae are retained as a subfamily until a molecular phylogeny can confirm the results of this paper. The implied weighting analysis supports the monophyly of most tribes of Dictyopharinae (except Taosini), the sister‐group relationships of (Taosini + Lappidini) with Nersiini, and Orthopagini + Dictyopharini, and the current tribal classification for Dictyopharinae. Most Dictyopharinae genera fit their respective tribal affiliation, but some proposed changes are that Pharodictyon, Paramisia, Dictyopharoides s.s., Chondrophana, Sicoris, Chondrodire, and Tupala are provisionally placed in Hastini; Pukuakanga is moved into Nersiini; Sinodictya and Raphiophora are transferred into Orthopagini; and Chiltana, Litocras, and Viridophara are placed in Dictyopharini.

Reinstatement of the Southern Andean Genus Stenodraba (Brassicaceae) Based on Molecular Data and Insights from its Environmental and Geographic Distribution

Stenodraba (Brassicaceae) included a group of eight species distributed along the Andes of South-Central Argentina and Chile. All of its species are currently treated in Pennellia (Tribe Halimolobeae) and Weberbauera (Tribe Thelypodieae). However, the phylogeny of Stenodraba and its tribal placement were never analyzed usingmolecular data. The lack of such studies, as well as the paucity of herbarium collections suggesting that some species are vulnerable and/or endangered, prompted us to address the molecular phylogeny of Stenodraba. For this purpose, we generated comprehensive molecular phylogenies using nuclear (ITS) and plastid (trnL-F and trnH-psbA) data and conducted different niche comparisons in the environmental and geographic spaces using climate data processed both by ordination and species distribution modelling (SDM) techniques. Results from phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that Stenodraba belongs to the South American tribe Eudemeae and is related to the genera Aschersoniodoxa, Brayopsis, Dactylocardamum, and Eudema. Stenodraba species formed two strongly supported clades, and although molecular data did not recover monophyly of the genus, this hypothesis could not be rejected with our data. The main clades were differentiated in their climatic niches (both in the environmental and geographical spaces), and niche overlap was greater within than between clades. Systematic implications, including a key distinguishing Stenodraba from the remaining genera of Eudemeae and a synopsis of its species, are also provided. The new combination S. lagunae is proposed.

Loss of Y chromosome may be a synapomorphy of the tribe Lepturini (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lepturinae)

Phylogeny and higher classification of the cerambycid subfamily Lepturinae remain controversial. Here we report the results of a cytogenetic study of 18 species currently classified in Lepturini and 12 species in other tribes of Lepturinae (1 in Oxymirini, 1 in Rhamnusiini and 10 in Rhagiini) from Western Europe. The male sex chromosome formula is XY in all Rhagiini, Oxymirini and in Grammoptera ruficornis in the Lepturini (whose tribal placement may be doubtful), and X0 in all the remaining Lepturini. The rarity of the X0 formula in other Cerambycidae indicates that the Y chromosome was lost in a common ancestor of the Lepturini or a subgroup thereof, indicating its monophyletic origin. The number of chromosomes is stable in the Lepturini that lack a Y chromosome (19,X/20,XX in males and females, respectively), but varies from 20 to 24 in the remaining genera, probably the consequence of evolution by chromosome fission. Whereas all the males with 19 or 20 chromosomes have an early gametogenesis, which is achieved before the imago stage, the species with more than 20 chromosomes seem to have a delayed male gametogenesis, which is still active in the young imagoes. The species of Rhagiini with 22 chromosomes may constitute a monophyletic group.

Phylogeny of the Agathidinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) with a Revised Tribal Classification and the Description of a New Genus

Abstract. The phylogeny of the Agathidinae is analyzed employing 45 agathidine genera, 172 Agathidinae operational taxonomic units, and sequences from the mitochondrial gene COI and the nuclear ribosomal gene 28S. The tribal classification is revised; two new tribes are proposed, i.e., Lytopylini and Agathirsini. Mesocoelini n. stat., is included as a tribe of Agathidinae for the first time. The concepts of Earinini and Agathidinini are revised. Biroia Szepligeti, 1900, is synonymized with Megalagathis Schulz, 1906 (emendation for Megagathis Krechbaumer 1894). A new genus and species from Colombia, Smithagathis davidsmithi Sharkey are erected. The currently recognized 61 genera of Agathidinae are presented in a list which includes their tribal placement. Biroia Szepligeti, 1900, and its junior synonym Isoptronotum Enderlein, 1920 are synonymized with Megalagathis Schulz, 1906, new synonymies. The species of Biroia are moved to Megalagathis as new combinations.

On the dimorphic African leafhopperConlopa bredoniEvans with discussion on its tribal placement (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae: Ulopinae)

The dimorphic African leafhopper Conlopa bredoni Evans (Cicadellidae: Ulopinae) is refigured, its genus redescribed and its tribal placement discussed and a key to the tribes of Ulopinae provided. Conlopa bredoni and another ulopine, Coloborrhis corticina Germar, were recently collected from dung baited pitfall traps in Zambia (new records), together with some other Auchenorrhyncha.

Two new species of the phyline plant bug genus Randallopsallus from Southeast Asia (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae)

The phyline plant bug genus Randallopsallus Yasunaga, 2013 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Phylinae) is rediagnosed, with discussion on its tribal placement in the subfamily Phylinae. Current evidence suggests that this unique genus is best placed in Pilophorini and may be closely related to Parastenaridea Miller, 1937. Two new species, Randallopsallus berastagi sp. nov. (from North Sumatra, Indonesia) and R. malayanus sp. nov. (Peninsular Malaysia), are described. A key is provided to facilitate the identification of the three known Randallopsallus species.

Three noteworthy mirine plant bugs inhabiting subalpine zones of the Nepalese Himalayas (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Mirinae)

ABSTRACTThree unique mirine plant bugs inhabiting typical subalpine vegetation in the Nepalese Himalayas are documented, with their confirmed plant associations. A new genus and new species, Khumbumiris schwartzi, is diagnosed and described, based on a male specimen collected from Abies spectabilis; two additional new species, Lygocoris laligurans (associated with Rhododendron shrubs) and Phytocoris sagarmathanus (Abies spectabilis), are also described. Images of the habitats and live individuals are also provided. The tribal placement of Khumbumiris is discussed in detail.http:/zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:54E31614-3262-4BF8-8BBB-F81893AF41D2

Phylogenetic relationships of enigmatic Sphingiphila (Bignoniaceae) based on molecular and wood anatomical data

AbstractSphingiphila is a monospecific genus, endemic to the Bolivian and Paraguayan Chaco, a semi‐arid lowland region. The circumscription of Sphingiphila has been controversial since the genus was first described. Sphingiphila tetramera is perhaps the most enigmatic taxon of Bignoniaceae due to the presence of very unusual morphological features, such as simple leaves, thorn‐tipped branches, and tetramerous, actinomorphic flowers, making its tribal placement within the family uncertain. Here we combined molecular and wood anatomical data to determine the placement of Sphingiphila within the family. The analyses of a large ndhF dataset, which included members of all Bignoniaceae tribes, placed Sphingiphila within Bignonieae. A second, smaller ndhF and pepC dataset, which included only members of tribe Bignonieae, placed the genus within Tanaecium. Unlike most macro‐morphological traits, Sphingiphila is not unusual within Bignoniaceae from a wood anatomical point of view. Sphingiphila shares the presence of narrow vessels and vasicentric to aliform confluent parenchyma with the rest of the family. In addition, Sphingiphila has several specific wood anatomical traits, such as vessels in a diagonal to tangential arrangement, small intervessel pits, and non‐storied heterocellular rays with occasional perforated ray cells. These features suggest that the genus is best placed either in Tecomeae s.str. or Bignonieae, with a better placement in Bignonieae due to its abundant parenchyma, despite lacking the cambial variant synapomorphic for this group. Sphingiphila and Tanaecium form a clade that is strongly supported by molecular characters, including two indels that are molecular synapomorphies of this clade. In addition, careful morphological inspections show that S. tetramera shares with Tanaecium the subulate, bromeliad‐like prophylls, the most evident synapomorphy of this genus apart from long, tubular, villose corollas, and a lepidote ovary. Given the molecular phylogenetic placement of S. tetramera and its macro‐morphological and wood anatomical similarities with Tanaecium, we propose the new combination Tanaecium tetramerum.

Aeliavuori linnacostatus, a new genus and species of Pentatomidae from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae: Pentatominae: Carpocorini)

Abstract Aeliavuori linnacostatus gen. and sp. nov. is described from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A brief discussion of its tribal placement is provided.

Unusual looking pentatomids: reassessing the taxonomy of Braunus Distant and Lojus McDonald (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae).

The Neotropical genus Braunus Distant is revised. Based on general morphology, Braunus is transferred to the Pentatominae and Lojus is proposed as a junior synonym of Braunus. The male and female genitalia of Braunus sciocorinus (Walker) are described for the first time. Three new species from the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes and from Colombia are described, Braunus machadoi Barão & Garbelotto sp. nov. (Holotype male deposited in AMNH: Peru, Cuzco, 01.XII.2011, C. Weirauch leg.), Braunus gibbus Garbelotto & Barão sp. nov. (Holotype female deposited in AMNH: Bolivia, Santa Cruz, Prov. Caballero, 15-21.X.2001, S. Spector & J. Ledezma leg.), and Braunus prionotus Barão & Garbelotto sp. nov. (Holotype female deposited in MNHN: Colombia, VII.1974, Steinheil leg.), respectively. Also, we describe the internal male and female genitalia of Braunus ocellatus (Thomas) comb. nov. A key to species and comments on subfamilial and tribal placements and on wing polymorphism are provided.

Wallacea, Pistosia and Neodownesia: three distinct genera and their tribal placement (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae)

Wallacea, Pistosia and Neodownesia: three distinct genera and their tribal placement (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae)