A new enigmatic species of broad-nosed weevil endemic to Brazil and its phylogenetic placement within the tribe Naupactini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae)

Abstract A new species of Naupactini (Curculionidae: Entiminae) endemic to Brazil, Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais states, is herein described. It resembles the monotypic genus Hadropus Schoenherr in its general appearance, particularly in the shape of the elytra, and the color of the vestiture, but the results of a cladistics analysis herein conducted suggest that it belongs to the genus Stenocyphus Marshall. This genus ranges in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo, mainly in the Atlantic forest of Brazil, and includes three other species. Stenocyphus costae sp. nov., distinguishes from the remaining species of Stenocyphus by the green iridescent scaly vestiture, having long stiff setae on the two pairs of elytral tubercles; the more slender rostrum; the shorter antennae; the convex disc of the pronotum; and the shorter and broader elytra. This paper includes a cladogram of the Naupactini genera showing the phylogenetic position of the new species, its complete description, photographs of male and female habitus, line drawings of genitalia of both sexes, and a key of the Stenocyphus species.

A new enigmatic species of broad-nosed weevil endemic to Brazil and its phylogenetic placement within the tribe Naupactini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae)

A new species of Naupactini (Curculionidae: Entiminae) endemic to Brazil, Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais states, is herein described. It resembles the monotypic genus Hadropus Schoenherr in its general appearance, particularly in the shape of the elytra, and the color of the vestiture, but the results of a cladistics analysis herein conducted suggest that it belongs to the genus Stenocyphus Marshall. This genus ranges in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo, mainly in the Atlantic forest of Brazil, and includes three other species. Stenocyphus costae sp. nov., distinguishes from the remaining species of Stenocyphus by the green iridescent scaly vestiture, having long stiff setae on the two pairs of elytral tubercles; the more slender rostrum; the shorter antennae; the convex disc of the pronotum; and the shorter and broader elytra. This paper includes a cladogram of the Naupactini genera showing the phylogenetic position of the new species, its complete description, photographs of male and female habitus, line drawings of genitalia of both sexes, and a key of the Stenocyphus species.(AU)

A new enigmatic species of broad-nosed weevil endemic to Brazil and its phylogenetic placement within the tribe Naupactini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae)

A new species of Naupactini (Curculionidae: Entiminae) endemic to Brazil, Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais states, is herein described. It resembles the monotypic genus Hadropus Schoenherr in its general appearance, particularly in the shape of the elytra, and the color of the vestiture, but the results of a cladistics analysis herein conducted suggest that it belongs to the genus Stenocyphus Marshall. This genus ranges in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo, mainly in the Atlantic forest of Brazil, and includes three other species. Stenocyphus costae sp. nov., distinguishes from the remaining species of Stenocyphus by the green iridescent scaly vestiture, having long stiff setae on the two pairs of elytral tubercles; the more slender rostrum; the shorter antennae; the convex disc of the pronotum; and the shorter and broader elytra. This paper includes a cladogram of the Naupactini genera showing the phylogenetic position of the new species, its complete description, photographs of male and female habitus, line drawings of genitalia of both sexes, and a key of the Stenocyphus species.

Phylogeny of the genus Stephomyia Tavares, 1916 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

Abstract Stephomyia Tavares, 1916 comprises seven species, all Neotropical: S. clavata (Tavares, 1920); S. epeugeniae Gagné, 1994; S. espiralis Maia, 1993; S. mina Maia, 1993; S. rotundifoliorum Maia, 1993; S. tetralobae Maia, 1993; and S. eugeniae (Felt, 1913). In the present study, a cladistic analysis based upon adult, pupa, larva and gall morphological characters as well as host plant data is carried out in order to discuss the monophyly of the genus and the relationships among the known species. The Stephomyia monophyly was supported by eight synapomorphies: five homoplastic characters and three non-homoplastic characters. Analyzes showed S. clavata with great instability within the genus, probably due to lack of larva, pupa and female data, so S. clavata was deactivated in analyze. The topology found was (S. mina ((S. eugeniae + S. epeugeniae) (S. tetralobae (S. rotundifoliorum + S. espiralis)))).

Resumo Stephomyia Tavares, 1916 compreende sete espécies, todas neotropicais: S. clavata (Tavares, 1920); S. epeugeniae Gagné, 1994; S. espiralis Maia, 1993; S. mina Maia, 1993; S. rotundifoliorum Maia, 1993; S. tetralobae Maia, 1993 e S. eugeniae (Felt, 1913). Neste estudo, uma análise cladística baseada em caracteres morfológicos dos adultos, pupa, larva e galha, bem como na informação das plantas hospedeiras é realizada e a monofilia do gênero e as relações entre as espécies conhecidas são discutidas. A monofilia de Stephomyia foi suportada por oito sinapomorfias: cinco caracteres homoplásticos e três não homoplásticos. Análises mostraram uma grande instabilidade de S. clavata dentro do gênero, provavelmente devido à falta de informações sobre a larva, a pupa e a fêmea, o que resultou em desativação na análise. A topologia encontrada foi (S. mina ((S. eugeniae + S. epeugeniae) (S. tetralobae (S. rotundifoliorum + S. espiralis)))).

Phylogeny of the genus Stephomyia Tavares, 1916 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

Abstract Stephomyia Tavares, 1916 comprises seven species, all Neotropical: S. clavata (Tavares, 1920); S. epeugeniae Gagné, 1994; S. espiralis Maia, 1993; S. mina Maia, 1993; S. rotundifoliorum Maia, 1993; S. tetralobae Maia, 1993; and S. eugeniae (Felt, 1913). In the present study, a cladistic analysis based upon adult, pupa, larva and gall morphological characters as well as host plant data is carried out in order to discuss the monophyly of the genus and the relationships among the known species. The Stephomyia monophyly was supported by eight synapomorphies: five homoplastic characters and three non-homoplastic characters. Analyzes showed S. clavata with great instability within the genus, probably due to lack of larva, pupa and female data, so S. clavata was deactivated in analyze. The topology found was (S. mina ((S. eugeniae + S. epeugeniae) (S. tetralobae (S. rotundifoliorum + S. espiralis)))).

Resumo Stephomyia Tavares, 1916 compreende sete espécies, todas neotropicais: S. clavata (Tavares, 1920); S. epeugeniae Gagné, 1994; S. espiralis Maia, 1993; S. mina Maia, 1993; S. rotundifoliorum Maia, 1993; S. tetralobae Maia, 1993 e S. eugeniae (Felt, 1913). Neste estudo, uma análise cladística baseada em caracteres morfológicos dos adultos, pupa, larva e galha, bem como na informação das plantas hospedeiras é realizada e a monofilia do gênero e as relações entre as espécies conhecidas são discutidas. A monofilia de Stephomyia foi suportada por oito sinapomorfias: cinco caracteres homoplásticos e três não homoplásticos. Análises mostraram uma grande instabilidade de S. clavata dentro do gênero, provavelmente devido à falta de informações sobre a larva, a pupa e a fêmea, o que resultou em desativação na análise. A topologia encontrada foi (S. mina ((S. eugeniae + S. epeugeniae) (S. tetralobae (S. rotundifoliorum + S. espiralis)))).

A new species of Aulacigaster from Zurquí de Moravia, a Costa Rican cloud forest (Diptera: Aulacigastridae)

A new species of Aulacigaster Macquart, 1835 A. zurqui sp. nov., is described from Costa Rica. The new species, which is classified in the plesiomorphica species group following a cladistics analysis, can be separated from all congeners by having a triangular 1st flagellomere and stout body that is uniformly dark-brown to black. An expanded diagnosis of the plesiomorphica group and a modified key to the Neotropical Aulacigaster are provided to accommodate the new species.

A new species of Aulacigaster from Zurquí de Moravia, a Costa Rican cloud forest (Diptera: Aulacigastridae)

A new species of Aulacigaster Macquart, 1835 A. zurqui sp. nov., is described from Costa Rica. The new species, which is classified in the plesiomorphica species group following a cladistics analysis, can be separated from all congeners by having a triangular 1st flagellomere and stout body that is uniformly dark-brown to black. An expanded diagnosis of the plesiomorphica group and a modified key to the Neotropical Aulacigaster are provided to accommodate the new species.(AU)

Phylogeny of the genus Stephomyia Tavares, 1916 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) / Filogenia do gênero Stephomyia Tavares, 1916 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

Stephomyia Tavares, 1916 comprises seven species, all Neotropical: S. clavata (Tavares, 1920); S. epeugeniae Gagné, 1994; S. espiralis Maia, 1993; S. mina Maia, 1993; S. rotundifoliorum Maia, 1993; S. tetralobae Maia, 1993; and S. eugeniae (Felt, 1913). In the present study, a cladistic analysis based upon adult, pupa, larva and gall morphological characters as well as host plant data is carried out in order to discuss the monophyly of the genus and the relationships among the known species. The Stephomyia monophyly was supported by eight synapomorphies: five homoplastic characters and three non-homoplastic characters. Analyzes showed S. clavata with great instability within the genus, probably due to lack of larva, pupa and female data, so S. clavata was deactivated in analyze. The topology found was (S. mina ((S. eugeniae + S. epeugeniae) (S. tetralobae (S. rotundifoliorum + S. espiralis)))).(AU)

Stephomyia Tavares, 1916 compreende sete espécies, todas neotropicais: S. clavata (Tavares, 1920); S. epeugeniae Gagné, 1994; S. espiralis Maia, 1993; S. mina Maia, 1993; S. rotundifoliorum Maia, 1993; S. tetralobae Maia, 1993 e S. eugeniae (Felt, 1913). Neste estudo, uma análise cladística baseada em caracteres morfológicos dos adultos, pupa, larva e galha, bem como na informação das plantas hospedeiras é realizada e a monofilia do gênero e as relações entre as espécies conhecidas são discutidas. A monofilia de Stephomyia foi suportada por oito sinapomorfias: cinco caracteres homoplásticos e três não homoplásticos. Análises mostraram uma grande instabilidade de S. clavata dentro do gênero, provavelmente devido à falta de informações sobre a larva, a pupa e a fêmea, o que resultou em desativação na análise. A topologia encontrada foi (S. mina ((S. eugeniae + S. epeugeniae) (S. tetralobae (S. rotundifoliorum + S. espiralis)))).(AU)

Phylogeny of the genus Stephomyia Tavares, 1916 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

Abstract Stephomyia Tavares, 1916 comprises seven species, all Neotropical: S. clavata (Tavares, 1920); S. epeugeniae Gagné, 1994; S. espiralis Maia, 1993; S. mina Maia, 1993; S. rotundifoliorum Maia, 1993; S. tetralobae Maia, 1993; and S. eugeniae (Felt, 1913). In the present study, a cladistic analysis based upon adult, pupa, larva and gall morphological characters as well as host plant data is carried out in order to discuss the monophyly of the genus and the relationships among the known species. The Stephomyia monophyly was supported by eight synapomorphies: five homoplastic characters and three non-homoplastic characters. Analyzes showed S. clavata with great instability within the genus, probably due to lack of larva, pupa and female data, so S. clavata was deactivated in analyze. The topology found was (S. mina ((S. eugeniae + S. epeugeniae) (S. tetralobae (S. rotundifoliorum + S. espiralis)))).

Resumo Stephomyia Tavares, 1916 compreende sete espécies, todas neotropicais: S. clavata (Tavares, 1920); S. epeugeniae Gagné, 1994; S. espiralis Maia, 1993; S. mina Maia, 1993; S. rotundifoliorum Maia, 1993; S. tetralobae Maia, 1993 e S. eugeniae (Felt, 1913). Neste estudo, uma análise cladística baseada em caracteres morfológicos dos adultos, pupa, larva e galha, bem como na informação das plantas hospedeiras é realizada e a monofilia do gênero e as relações entre as espécies conhecidas são discutidas. A monofilia de Stephomyia foi suportada por oito sinapomorfias: cinco caracteres homoplásticos e três não homoplásticos. Análises mostraram uma grande instabilidade de S. clavata dentro do gênero, provavelmente devido à falta de informações sobre a larva, a pupa e a fêmea, o que resultou em desativação na análise. A topologia encontrada foi (S. mina ((S. eugeniae + S. epeugeniae) (S. tetralobae (S. rotundifoliorum + S. espiralis)))).

Phylogeny of the genus Stephomyia Tavares, 1916 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

Abstract Stephomyia Tavares, 1916 comprises seven species, all Neotropical: S. clavata (Tavares, 1920); S. epeugeniae Gagné, 1994; S. espiralis Maia, 1993; S. mina Maia, 1993; S. rotundifoliorum Maia, 1993; S. tetralobae Maia, 1993; and S. eugeniae (Felt, 1913). In the present study, a cladistic analysis based upon adult, pupa, larva and gall morphological characters as well as host plant data is carried out in order to discuss the monophyly of the genus and the relationships among the known species. The Stephomyia monophyly was supported by eight synapomorphies: five homoplastic characters and three non-homoplastic characters. Analyzes showed S. clavata with great instability within the genus, probably due to lack of larva, pupa and female data, so S. clavata was deactivated in analyze. The topology found was (S. mina ((S. eugeniae + S. epeugeniae) (S. tetralobae (S. rotundifoliorum + S. espiralis)))).

Resumo Stephomyia Tavares, 1916 compreende sete espécies, todas neotropicais: S. clavata (Tavares, 1920); S. epeugeniae Gagné, 1994; S. espiralis Maia, 1993; S. mina Maia, 1993; S. rotundifoliorum Maia, 1993; S. tetralobae Maia, 1993 e S. eugeniae (Felt, 1913). Neste estudo, uma análise cladística baseada em caracteres morfológicos dos adultos, pupa, larva e galha, bem como na informação das plantas hospedeiras é realizada e a monofilia do gênero e as relações entre as espécies conhecidas são discutidas. A monofilia de Stephomyia foi suportada por oito sinapomorfias: cinco caracteres homoplásticos e três não homoplásticos. Análises mostraram uma grande instabilidade de S. clavata dentro do gênero, provavelmente devido à falta de informações sobre a larva, a pupa e a fêmea, o que resultou em desativação na análise. A topologia encontrada foi (S. mina ((S. eugeniae + S. epeugeniae) (S. tetralobae (S. rotundifoliorum + S. espiralis)))).

Minaselates, a new genus and new species of Epiphragmophoridae from Brazil (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora: Helicoidea)

We describe a new genus and a new species in the family Epiphragmophoridae, Minaselates paradoxa sp. n. The new species was found at the National Park Cavernas do Peruaçu, in northern portion of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Minaselates paradoxa sp. n. is classified in Epiphragmophoridae based on the fact that it shares the following diagnostic features of the family: a dart apparatus with a single dart sac, and two unequal mucous glands at the terminal genitalia. Minaselates gen. n. differs from Epiphragmophora Doering, 1874 by having a granulose protoconch, shell spire with blunt apex, complex microsculpture on the teleoconch and closed umbilicus fused with the shell wall. Also, significant differences between the two genera are the presence of a long and thin kidney that extends more than half the length of the pulmonary cavity, the presence of a flagellar caecum, and a smooth jaw in Minaselates gen. n. The finding of this new species and genus is particularly significant to refine the definition of the family, since Epiphragmophoridae has been traditionally diagnosed using the same characters of Epiphragmophora. Dinotropis Pilsbry & Cockerell, 1937, the other valid genus in the family, is monospecific and is only known by the morphology of the shell. In many ways it is similar to Epiphragmophora. A cladistics analysis was made in the present study which supports Minaselates gen. n. as a different entity and as sister group of the Epiphragmophora within Epiphragmophoridae.

Minaselates, a new genus and new species of Epiphragmophoridae from Brazil (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora: Helicoidea)

We describe a new genus and a new species in the family Epiphragmophoridae, Minaselates paradoxa sp. n. The new species was found at the National Park Cavernas do Peruaçu, in northern portion of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Minaselates paradoxa sp. n. is classified in Epiphragmophoridae based on the fact that it shares the following diagnostic features of the family: a dart apparatus with a single dart sac, and two unequal mucous glands at the terminal genitalia. Minaselates gen. n. differs from Epiphragmophora Doering, 1874 by having a granulose protoconch, shell spire with blunt apex, complex microsculpture on the teleoconch and closed umbilicus fused with the shell wall. Also, significant differences between the two genera are the presence of a long and thin kidney that extends more than half the length of the pulmonary cavity, the presence of a flagellar caecum, and a smooth jaw in Minaselates gen. n. The finding of this new species and genus is particularly significant to refine the definition of the family, since Epiphragmophoridae has been traditionally diagnosed using the same characters of Epiphragmophora. Dinotropis Pilsbry & Cockerell, 1937, the other valid genus in the family, is monospecific and is only known by the morphology of the shell. In many ways it is similar to Epiphragmophora. A cladistics analysis was made in the present study which supports Minaselates gen. n. as a different entity and as sister group of the Epiphragmophora within Epiphragmophoridae.(AU)

Phylogeny of the Neotropical longhorn beetle genus Ateralphus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae)

Ateralphus Restello, Iannuzzi & Marinoni, 2001 is a Neotropical genus of longhorn beetles composed of nine species. This genus was proposed from splitting Alphus White, 1855 into other two genera: Ateralphus and Exalphus Restello, Iannuzzi & Marinoni, 2001. Even though Ateralphus (nine species), Alphus (four) and Exalphus (18) were recently revised, their validity has not been tested using phylogenetic methods. In this study, we carried out a cladistic analysis of Ateralphus and its related genera, Alphus and Exalphus, based on 44 morphological characters of the adults, to test their monophyly and infer the relationships between their species. Our results support the monophyly of the three genera and recovered two clades that corroborate the species-groups previously recognized in Ateralphus. A new genus, Grandateralphus gen. n., is proposed for one of these clades, which is supported by three synapomorphies: width of upper ocular lobes less than width between the lobe and the coronal suture (character state 6: 0), genae parallel in frontal view (8: 1) and scape gradually expanded toward apex, reaching widest diameter just near apex (9: 2). Grandateralphus gen. n. includes three new combinations: G. lacteus (Galileo & Martins, 2006), comb. n.; G. tumidus (Souza & Monné, 2013), comb. n.; and G. variegatus (Mendes, 1938), comb. n. Notes on the distribution of G. variegatus comb. n. and a new record of E. cicatricornis Schmid, 2014 for Bolivia (Santa Cruz) are provided.

Phylogeny of the Neotropical longhorn beetle genus Ateralphus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae)

Ateralphus Restello, Iannuzzi & Marinoni, 2001 is a Neotropical genus of longhorn beetles composed of nine species. This genus was proposed from splitting Alphus White, 1855 into other two genera: Ateralphus and Exalphus Restello, Iannuzzi & Marinoni, 2001. Even though Ateralphus (nine species), Alphus (four) and Exalphus (18) were recently revised, their validity has not been tested using phylogenetic methods. In this study, we carried out a cladistic analysis of Ateralphus and its related genera, Alphus and Exalphus, based on 44 morphological characters of the adults, to test their monophyly and infer the relationships between their species. Our results support the monophyly of the three genera and recovered two clades that corroborate the species-groups previously recognized in Ateralphus. A new genus, Grandateralphus gen. n., is proposed for one of these clades, which is supported by three synapomorphies: width of upper ocular lobes less than width between the lobe and the coronal suture (character state 6: 0), genae parallel in frontal view (8: 1) and scape gradually expanded toward apex, reaching widest diameter just near apex (9: 2). Grandateralphus gen. n. includes three new combinations: G. lacteus (Galileo & Martins, 2006), comb. n.; G. tumidus (Souza & Monné, 2013), comb. n.; and G. variegatus (Mendes, 1938), comb. n. Notes on the distribution of G. variegatus comb. n. and a new record of E. cicatricornis Schmid, 2014 for Bolivia (Santa Cruz) are provided.(AU)

The dawn of phylogenetic research on Neotropical fishes: a commentary and introduction to Baskin (1973), with an overview of past progress on trichomycterid phylogenetics

A review is made of the impact of the landmark Ph. D. Thesis of Jonathan N. Baskin from 1973 on the development of the phylogenetics of catfishes and some of its main subgroups and on neotropical ichthyology in general. Baskin's work is the first to propose a hypothesis of relationships for loricarioid catfishes and for the family Trichomycteridae on the basis of explicit Hennigian principles. It is arguably also the first application of phylogenetic methods to any group of neotropical fishes. The hypotheses presented by Baskin covered the monophyly of Siluriformes, the monophyly and relationships of loricarioid families and the relationships of Trichomycteridae (including the monophyly of the family and the relationships among its constituent genera). His discoveries are analyzed in view of the subsequent 40-odd years of progress on the understanding of the phylogeny of the respective groups. The ideas proposed in 1973 have resisted the test of time remarkably well, and a majority of them have been corroborated by additional characters and taxa (including molecular data and several taxa newly discovered in the meantime), as well as by modern quantitative analysis.(AU)

Um ensaio é realizado sobre o impacto da tese de doutorado pioneira de 1973 de Jonathan N. Baskin no desenvolvimento do conhecimento filogenético de Siluriformes e alguns dos seus principais subgrupos e na ictiologia neotropical em geral. O trabalho de Baskin é o primeiro a propor uma hipótese de relações para os bagres loricarioides e para a família Trichomycteridae com base em princípios Hennigianos explícitos. Provavelmente é também a primeira implementação de métodos filogenéticos em qualquer grupo de peixes de água doce neotropicais. As hipóteses apresentadas por Baskin cobrem o monofiletismo de Siluriformes, o monofiletismo e as relações filogenéticas das famílias de Loricarioidea, e as relações filogenéticas de Trichomycteridae (incluindo o monofiletismo da família e as relações entre seus gêneros constituintes). Suas descobertas são analisadas à luz dos mais de 40 anos de progresso no entendimento da filogenia dos respectivos grupos. As ideias propostas em 1973 resistiram ao teste do tempo bastante bem e a maioria delas foi corroborada por caracteres ou táxons adicionais (incluindo dados moleculares e muitos táxons descobertos no interim), assim como por análises quantitativas mais modernas.(AU)

MORFOLOGIA E DESENVOLVIMENTO DO SISTEMA REPRODUTOR MASCULINO DE CARRAPATOS DO GÊNERO Amblyomma (ACARI, IXODIDAE): UMA ANÁLISE COMPARATIVA

Os carrapatos do gênero Amblyomma possuem importância médica e veterinária devido ao seu parasitismo em vertebrados de interesse econômico, silvestres e inclusive em humanos. A sistemática deste grupo foi, por muito tempo, bastante controversa quanto à taxonomia e às relações filogenéticas dentro do gênero e deste com outros grupos de carrapatos. O estudo da morfologia do sistema reprodutor masculino de carrapatos, tem se mostrado valioso, principalmente quando da obtenção de informações sobre a biologia reprodutiva do animal, dos caracteres relevantes para a taxonomia e da filogenia do grupo, além da elucidação de como este sistema pode ser alvo de estudos toxicológicos e de controle de pragas urbanas e rurais. O presente trabalho então buscou: a) comparar a morfologia geral do sistema reprodutor masculino das espécies A. aureolatum, A. cajennense sl (sensu lato), A. sculptum e A. triste intra- e intergênero; b) comparar a histologia e o desenvolvimento deste sistema e das suas células germinativas nestas mesmas espécies; c) demonstrar a eficácia dos ésteres do ácido ricinoléico do óleo de mamona (Ricinus communis) sobre o morfosiologia do sistema reprodutor masculino de A. cajennense sl; e d) realizar análises cladísticas e filogenéticas utilizando dados morfohistológicos e moleculares aqui obtidos. Casais das espécies aqui estudadas foram infestados em coelhos, os machos foram coletados com mais de 12 dias de alimentação e tiveram seus sistemas reprodutores retirados para fixação e aplicação das técnicas histológicas, histoquímica, e de microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Além disso, foram realizadas extrações de DNA para amplificação e comparação dos genes 16S rDNA, ITS2 e COI para as análises filogenéticas. O sistema reprodutor masculino de carrapatos apresentou morfohistologia similar ao se comparar as espécies do gênero Amblyomma, com testículos pares de formato tubular (conectados ou não distalmente) ligados por ductos deferentes a uma glândula acessória multilobada. Foram observadas células germinativas em cinco estágios de desenvolvimento no adulto, sendo o último uma espermátide madura (sp V) com morfologia consideravelmente diferente entre as espécies. Os ésteres mostraram capacidade de alterar a morfofisiologia do sistema reprodutor masculino de A. cajennense sl, principalmente das espermátides imaturas, além de interferir na dinâmica de secreção da glândula acessória. O dendograma gerado mostra um possível agrupamento entre A. aureolatum e A. triste e entre estas espécies com A. sculptum. As análises moleculares mostraram distâncias genéticas relevantes entre as espécies, bem como proximidade entre A. aureolatum e A. triste.

The Amblyomma ticks have medical and veterinary importance due to its parasitism on vertebrate of economic interest, wildlife animals and even humans. The systematics of this group was for a long time quite controversial as a taxonomic level and phylogenetic relationships within the genus and this with other ticks groups. The study of the morphology of ticks male reproductive system has proven to be valuable, especially when obtaining information about the reproductive biology of the animal, relevant characters to taxonomy and phylogeny relationships of the group, in addition to the elucidation of how this system can be target of toxicological studies and control of urban and rural pests. This work then aimed to: a) compare the overall morphology of the male reproductive system of the species A. aureolatum, A. cajennense sl (sensu lato) and A. sculptum intra- and inter-genus; b) compare the histology and development of this system and their germ cells in these same species; c) demonstrate the effectiveness of esters of ricinoleic acid from castor oil (Ricinus communis) on morphophysiology of the male reproductive system of A cajennense sl; and d) performing cladistics and phylogenetic analyzes using morphohistological and molecular information contained herein. Couples of ticks species studied here were infested in rabbits as hosts, males were collected over 12 days of feeding and had their reproductive systems removed for fixation and the application of histological techniques, histochemistry and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, DNA extractions were carried out for amplification and comparison of genes 16S rDNA, ITS2 and COI for the phylogenetic analyzes. The male reproductive system of ticks showed similar morfohistology when comparing the species of the genus Amblyomma, with a pair of tubular testes (connected or not distally) attached by the vas deferens to a multilobed accessory gland. Germ cells were observed in five different stages of development in the adult, the latter being a mature spermatid (sp V) with different morphology of a substantial level between species. Esters showed ability to change the male reproductive system morphophysiology of A. cajennense sl mainly of immature spermatids, and interfere with the dynamics of secretion of the accessory gland. The dendogram shows a possible grouping of A. aureolatum and A. triste and between these species with A. sculptum. Molecular analysis showed significant genetic distances between species, as well as the proximity to A. aureolatum and A. triste.

Review and phylogeny of Lutzsimulium (Diptera: Simuliidae)

Lutzsimulium d'Andretta Jr & Vulcano, 1947 is an enigmatic South American genus with four species: L. flavopubescens Lutz, 1910, L. hirticosta Lutz, 1909, L. pernigrum Lutz, 1910 and L. simplicicolor Lutz, 1910. It can be diagnosed by median arms of furcasternum with projections; subbasal tooth of the claw reduced; wing basal cell absent; spermatheca with net-like structure; apex of trichomes coiled (pupa); gill with two main trunks (pupa); antennomere 3 equal to or longer than 1+2 (larva); hypostomal teeth reduced (larva); postgenal cleft deep (larva). A morphological cladistic analysis under equal weights, with the four Lutzsimulium species and six outgroups, resulted in two most parsimonious trees, with 81 steps, CI = 0.61 and RI = 0.68. The monophyly of the genus is corroborated, supported by 15 synapomorphies, therefore it is proposed that Kempfsimulium Py-Daniel & Nunes de Mello, 1982 is synonymous of Lutzsimulium. Also the status of Araucnephia Wygodzinsky & Coscarón, 1973 and Araucnephioides Wygodzinsky & Coscarón, 1973 are revalidated, because they do not form a monophyletic group with Lutzsimulium. All the species of Lutzsimulium are revised, with redescriptions, illustrations and identification keys for adults, pupa and larva. The male and larva of L. flavopubescens are described for the first time.

Review and phylogeny of Lutzsimulium (Diptera: Simuliidae)

Lutzsimulium d'Andretta Jr & Vulcano, 1947 is an enigmatic South American genus with four species: L. flavopubescens Lutz, 1910, L. hirticosta Lutz, 1909, L. pernigrum Lutz, 1910 and L. simplicicolor Lutz, 1910. It can be diagnosed by median arms of furcasternum with projections; subbasal tooth of the claw reduced; wing basal cell absent; spermatheca with net-like structure; apex of trichomes coiled (pupa); gill with two main trunks (pupa); antennomere 3 equal to or longer than 1+2 (larva); hypostomal teeth reduced (larva); postgenal cleft deep (larva). A morphological cladistic analysis under equal weights, with the four Lutzsimulium species and six outgroups, resulted in two most parsimonious trees, with 81 steps, CI = 0.61 and RI = 0.68. The monophyly of the genus is corroborated, supported by 15 synapomorphies, therefore it is proposed that Kempfsimulium Py-Daniel & Nunes de Mello, 1982 is synonymous of Lutzsimulium. Also the status of Araucnephia Wygodzinsky & Coscarón, 1973 and Araucnephioides Wygodzinsky & Coscarón, 1973 are revalidated, because they do not form a monophyletic group with Lutzsimulium. All the species of Lutzsimulium are revised, with redescriptions, illustrations and identification keys for adults, pupa and larva. The male and larva of L. flavopubescens are described for the first time.

Review and phylogeny of Lutzsimulium (Diptera: Simuliidae)

Lutzsimulium d'Andretta Jr & Vulcano, 1947 is an enigmatic South American genus with four species: L. flavopubescens Lutz, 1910, L. hirticosta Lutz, 1909, L. pernigrum Lutz, 1910 and L. simplicicolor Lutz, 1910. It can be diagnosed by median arms of furcasternum with projections; subbasal tooth of the claw reduced; wing basal cell absent; spermatheca with net-like structure; apex of trichomes coiled (pupa); gill with two main trunks (pupa); antennomere 3 equal to or longer than 1+2 (larva); hypostomal teeth reduced (larva); postgenal cleft deep (larva). A morphological cladistic analysis under equal weights, with the four Lutzsimulium species and six outgroups, resulted in two most parsimonious trees, with 81 steps, CI = 0.61 and RI = 0.68. The monophyly of the genus is corroborated, supported by 15 synapomorphies, therefore it is proposed that Kempfsimulium Py-Daniel & Nunes de Mello, 1982 is synonymous of Lutzsimulium. Also the status of Araucnephia Wygodzinsky & Coscarón, 1973 and Araucnephioides Wygodzinsky & Coscarón, 1973 are revalidated, because they do not form a monophyletic group with Lutzsimulium. All the species of Lutzsimulium are revised, with redescriptions, illustrations and identification keys for adults, pupa and larva. The male and larva of L. flavopubescens are described for the first time.

Hypothetico-deductivism in systematics: fact or fiction?

Phylogenetic systematics (the cladistic analysis of phylogenetic relationships) is not hypotheticodeductively structured (in the sense of a covering law model of scientific explanation). If it were, there would be no reason to call for total evidence, since that requirement is automatically satisfied in a deductively structured explanation. Instead, the appeal to the requirement of total evidence in phylogenetic systematics indicates that phylogenetic inference is inductively, or abductively, structured. The principle of total evidence has been invoked to render inductive inference an argument as strong as it can be, but for this to be the case the total evidence must also be relevant evidence, i.e., evidence 'of the right sort' relative to the state of affairs to be explained. Character congruence is a necessary condition for phylogenetic inference, but not also a sufficient condition. What is required in addition is the causal grounding of character statements in theories of inheritance, development and function.

A sistemática filogenética (ou análise cladística das relações filogenéticas) não é estruturada de uma maneira hipotético-dedutiva (no sentido de um modelo de lei de explanação científica abrangente). Se esta fosse, não haveria razão de apelar para o princípio de evidência total, já que este requisito encontra-se automaticamente preenchido em uma explanação estruturada de forma dedutiva. Alternativamente, a demanda pelo requisito de evidência total na sistemática filogenética indica que a inferência filogenética é estruturada de forma indutiva ou até mesmo abdutiva. O princípio de evidência total foi invocado no sentido de transformar a inferência indutiva em sistemática em um argumento tão forte quanto possível, mas para que isto ocorra o princípio de evidencia total deve representar também evidência relevante, isto é evidência "do tipo certo" em relação ao assunto a ser esclarecido. A congruência de caracteres constitui-se em uma condição necessária à inferência filogenética, mas não deve ser vista como uma condição suficiente para esta última. O que parece faltar é uma base causal na definição de caracteres em teorias de herdabilidade, desenvolvimento e função.