The Taxonomic History of Ochlerotatus Lynch Arribálzaga, 1891 (Diptera: Culicidae).

ABSTRACT

A review of all taxonomic actions within the subgenus Ochlerotatus Lynch Arribálzaga, 1891 (Diptera Culicidae) sensu Reinert et al. (2008) is provided. In particular, the complex historical taxonomic treatment of the type species of this group is dissected and explained in detail. Additionally, current challenges with the definition of the subgenus and its constituents are discussed, as are the requisite steps for a successful revision of the taxon. Going forward, we conclude that a taxonomic revision of the species should include a neotype designation for Ochlerotatus scapularis (Rondani, 1848) from topotypical material. Additionally, we provide a review of the characters and taxa that need to be re-evaluated and well-described in order to stabilize the taxonomy of the subgenus. This effort represents a key step towards a stable nomenclature of the Tribe Aedini.