Phylogeography of Nasutitermes ephratae (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae) in neotropical region.

The neotropical region ranks third in the number of termites and includes five different families. Of these, Termitidae is the most diverse and includes the species Nasutitermes ephratae, which is widespread in the neotropics. To date, only one study has been published about phylogeography in neotropical termites (N. corniger). Here, we explored the population genetic patterns of N. ephratae and also evaluated the phylogeographical processes involved in the evolutionary history of the species. We used the mitochondrial genes 16S rRNA and COII as molecular markers: these were sequenced for 128 samples of N. ephratae. We estimated the genetic diversity and divergence time as well as the demography and genetic structure. We also performed an ancestral area reconstruction and a haplotype network. The results showed high genetic variability, recent demographic expansion, and strong genetic structure. A dispersal route for the species, that occurred in both directions between South and Central America, was inferred. The results emphasize a temporary separation between the South and Central America populations that affected the origin of the current Central America populations. These populations were formed from different phylogeographic histories.

Taxonomic revision of Stagmatoptera Burmeister, 1838 (Mantodea: Mantidae, Stagmatopterinae).

Stagmatoptera Burmeister, 1838 includes medium to large-sized (49.8-98.7mm) praying mantises distributed in the Neotropical region. They are characterized for having a central, circular spot on each forewing, and 2-4 carinae in the head's frontal shield. This study is an updated revision of the genus on the basis of type and non-type material deposited in various scientific collections from Europe and the Americas. The following nomenclatural procedures were conducted: Stagmatoptera nova is a new junior synonym of Stagmatoptera pia, Stagmatoptera ignota as the junior synonym of Stagmatoptera femoralis, and Stagmatoptera flavipennis is reinstated as the junior synonym of Stagmatoptera supplicaria. Two new species are described: Stagmatoptera diana Rodrigues sp. n. from Colombia and Venezuela, and Stagmatoptera cerdai Rodrigues sp. n. from Trinidad & Tobago and Venezuela. Stagmatoptera now includes 14 species, two of which (Stagmatoptera abdominalis and Stagmatoptera indicator) are considered as species inquirenda. We provide detailed morphological descriptions of all species, a species-level identification key, in addition to abundant visual material to assist identification. Female genitalia, a structure seldom used for taxonomic purposes, was a useful character system to distinguish among species of the genus. Distribution maps for all species are also provided.