Nathan P. Lord

Phylogeny and classification of Cucujoidea and the recognition of a new superfamily Coccinelloidea (Coleoptera: Cucujiformia)

A large‐scale phylogenetic study is presented for Cucujoidea (Coleoptera), a diverse superfamily of beetles that historically has been taxonomically difficult. This study is the most comprehensive analysis of cucujoid taxa to date, with DNA sequence data sampled from eight genes (four nuclear, four mitochondrial) for 384 coleopteran taxa, including exemplars of 35 (of 37) families and 289 genera of Cucujoidea. Maximum‐likelihood analyses of these data present many significant relationships, some proposed previously and some novel. Tenebrionoidea and Lymexyloidea are recovered together and Cleroidea forms the sister group to this clade. Chrysomeloidea and Curculionoidea are recovered as sister taxa and this clade (Phytophaga) forms the sister group to the core Cucujoidea (Cucujoidea s.n.). The nitidulid series is recovered as the earliest‐diverging core cucujoid lineage, although the earliest divergences among core Cucujoidea are only weakly supported. The cerylonid series (CS) is recovered as monophyletic and is supported as a major Cucujiform clade, sister group to the remaining superfamilies of Cucujiformia. Currently recognized taxa that were not recovered as monophyletic include Cucujoidea, Endomychidae, Cerylonidae and Bothrideridae. Biphyllidae and Byturidae were recovered in Cleroidea. The remaining Cucujoidea were recovered in two disparate major clades: one comprising the nitidulid series + erotylid series + Boganiidae and Hobartiidae + cucujid series, and the other comprising the cerylonid series. Propalticidae are recovered within Laemophloeidae. The cerylonid series includes two major clades, the bothriderid group and the coccinellid group. Akalyptoischiidae are recovered as a separate clade from Latridiidae. Eupsilobiinae are recovered as the sister taxon to Coccinellidae. In light of these findings, many formal changes to cucujiform beetle classification are proposed. Biphyllidae and Byturidae are transferred to Cleroidea. The cerylonid series is formally recognized as a new superfamily, Coccinelloidea stat.n. Current subfamilies elevated (or re‐elevated) to family status include: Murmidiidae stat.n., Teredidae stat.n., Euxestidae stat.n., Anamorphidae stat.rev., Eupsilobiidae stat.n., and Mycetaeidae stat.n. The following taxa are redefined and characterized: Cleroidea s.n., Cucujoidea s.n., Cerylonidae s.n., Bothrideridae s.n., Endomychidae s.n. A new subfamily, Cyclotominae stat.n., is described. Stenotarsinae syn.n. is formally subsumed within a new concept of Endomychinae s.n.

Phylogenetic analysis of the minute brown scavenger beetles (Coleoptera: Latridiidae), and recognition of a new beetle family, Akalyptoischiidae fam.n. (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea)

We infer the first phylogenetic hypothesis for Latridiidae Erichson (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea). Portions of seven genes (18S ribosomal DNA, 28S ribosomal DNA, 12S ribosomal DNA, 16S ribosomal DNA, cytochrome c oxidase I and II and histone III) were analysed. Twenty‐seven latridiid species were included, representing both subfamilies and more than half of the currently recognized genera. Eight outgroup taxa from other families of Cucujoidea were included. Parsimony and partitioned Bayesian analyses were performed on the combined dataset. In both phylogenetic analyses, the enigmatic Akalyptoischion Andrews (Latridiinae) was recovered outside of Latridiidae. The subfamilies Corticariinae and Latridiinae (without Akalyptoischion) were each recovered as monophyletic in both analyses. A new family, Akalyptoischiidae fam.n. is erected based on the results of the phylogenetic study and further support from adult morphology, key features of which are illustrated.

Review of the firefly visual system (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) and evolution of the opsin genes underlying color vision

Among insects, opsin copy number variation has been shown to be quite diverse. However, within the beetles, very little work on opsins has been conducted. Here, we look at the visual system of fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae), which offer an elegant system in which to study visual evolution as it relates to their behavior and broader ecology. They are the best-known case of a terrestrial organism that communicates through the use bioluminescence. The molecular basis for this communication is relatively simple: one gene family (opsins) controls the detection of the signal, and one gene family (luciferase) controls the production of the signal. We use a transcriptomic approach to sample for and investigate opsin evolution in fireflies. We also use a phylogenetic estimate of Lampyridae to examine the evolution and ancestral modality of adult courtship communication. We find evidence for only two expressed opsin classes in each of the nine firefly species studied, one in the ultraviolet-sensitive and one in the long-wavelength-sensitive areas of the visible spectrum. Bioluminescent communication in adults is not optimized to be present ancestrally, and was gained two times with six subsequent losses. Despite the need for most adult fireflies to respond to a clearly sexual and colorful visual signal (bioluminescence) to maximize fitness, their visual system is relatively simple, and does not match the trend for opsin duplication found in other insect groups.

A cure for the blues: opsin duplication and subfunctionalization for short-wavelength sensitivity in jewel beetles (Coleoptera: Buprestidae).

BackgroundArthropods have received much attention as a model for studying opsin evolution in invertebrates. Yet, relatively few studies have investigated the diversity of opsin proteins that underlie spectral sensitivity of the visual pigments within the diverse beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera). Previous work has demonstrated that beetles appear to lack the short-wavelength-sensitive (SWS) opsin class that typically confers sensitivity to the “blue” region of the light spectrum. However, this is contrary to established physiological data in a number of Coleoptera. To explore potential adaptations at the molecular level that may compensate for the loss of the SWS opsin, we carried out an exploration of the opsin proteins within a group of beetles (Buprestidae) where short-wave sensitivity has been demonstrated. RNA-seq data were generated to identify opsin proteins from nine taxa comprising six buprestid species (including three male/female pairs) across four subfamilies. Structural analyses of recovered opsins were conducted and compared to opsin sequences in other insects across the main opsin classes—ultraviolet, short-wavelength, and long-wavelength.ResultsAll nine buprestids were found to express two opsin copies in each of the ultraviolet and long-wavelength classes, contrary to the single copies recovered in all other molecular studies of adult beetle opsin expression. No SWS opsin class was recovered. Furthermore, the male Agrilus planipennis (emerald ash borer—EAB) expressed a third LWS opsin at low levels that is presumed to be a larval copy. Subsequent homology and structural analyses identified multiple amino acid substitutions in the UVS and LWS copies that could confer short-wavelength sensitivity.ConclusionsThis work is the first to compare expressed opsin genes against known electrophysiological data that demonstrate multiple peak sensitivities in Coleoptera. We report the first instance of opsin duplication in adult beetles, which occurs in both the UVS and LWS opsin classes. Through structural comparisons of known insect opsins, we suggest that opsin duplication and amino acid variation within the chromophore binding pocket explains sensitivity in the short-wavelength portion of the visible light spectrum in these species. These findings are the first to reveal molecular complexity of the color vision system within beetles.

Illustrated Catalogue and Type Designations of the New Zealand Zopheridae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea)

This paper provides a comprehensive catalogue of the New Zealand members of the family Zopheridae Solier (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea) in an effort to stabilize the nomenclature preceding extensive revisionary taxonomy within the group. A checklist of the 17 New Zealand zopherid genera and an account for each of the 189 species (by current combination) is provided. Type material for nearly all species was examined, and type specimens are designated herein (90 confirmed holotypes, 3 confirmed paratypes, 102 lectotypes, 280 paralectotypes). Images of all primary type specimens and labels examined are provided. Pycnomerus sulcatissimus Sharp, 1886 is a junior synonym and secondary homonym of Pycnomerus sulcatissimus (Reitter, 1880). One replacement name is proposed, Chorasus buckleyi new name, for Chorasus subcaecus (Broun), and 23 new combinations are given.

Resolving a Branching Taxonomy Conundrum—Can One Species be in Two Places at One Time Under the Same Name (Coleoptera: Zopheridae: Colydiinae and Tenebrionidae)?

Abstract The tortured nomenclatural history of the Chilean species Endophloeus flexuosus Solier, 1849 and Endophloeus angustatus Solier, 1851 is reviewed. These species have had dual parallel and independent histories as members of the Zopheridae: Colydiinae and Tenebrionidae. The genus Phloeopsidius Gebien, 1925 was proposed for these two species in the Tenebrionidae. Phloeopsidius regularis Kulzer, 1966 and Phloeopsidius collaris Kulzer, 1966 were later added to the genus, also as Tenebrionidae. While concurrently treated as colydiines, the two Solier species have been treated in a variety of genera, most recently as Sparactus flexuosus and Endophloeus angustatus. Phloeopsidius is removed from the Tenebrionidae and placed as a new synonym of Pristoderus Hope, 1840 in the colydiine Zopheridae. The four species are all correctly placed in the Colydiinae, as Notocoxelus angustatus (Solier), new combination, Pristoderus flexuosus (Solier), combination revalidated, Pristoderus regularis (Kulzer), new combination and family placement, and Pristoderus collaris (Kulzer), new combination and family placement.

Colydiine Genera (Coleoptera: Zopheridae: Colydiinae) of the New World: A Key and Nomenclatural Acts 30 Years in the Making

Abstract A brief review of the classification history of the subfamily Colydiinae is provided, followed by a provisional diagnosis for the group. The 47 genera of New World Colydiinae (Colydiidae auctorum) are reviewed, with an illustrated key to genera, a representative habitus of each genus, a list of all 305 described species currently considered valid, each placed into the appropriate recognized genus, with full citations for each. Numerous nomenclatural changes are noted. Opostirus Kirsch is transferred to the Tenebrionidae: Eudysantina, new placement. The Adimerini Sharp 1894 are synonymized with Synchitini Erichson, 1845, new synonymy. In the Acropini, Lemmis Pascoe, 1860 = Acropis Burmeister, 1840, new synonymy, with Acropis caelatus (Pascoe, 1860), new combination and Acropis tuberosus (Grouvelle, 1896), new combination. Acropis fryi Pascoe, 1860 = Acropis tuberculifera Burmeister, 1840, new synonymy and Acropis incensa Pascoe, 1860 = Acropis aspera Pascoe, 1860, new synonymy. In the Synchitini, Anisopaulax Reitter, 1877 = Lasconotus Erichson, 1845, new synonymy, with Lasconotus brucki (Reitter, 1877), new combination. Pristoderus brasiliensis (Grouvelle, 1896), new combination follows synonymization of Ulonotus Erichson with Pristoderus. Eucicones Sharp, 1894 = Catolaemus Sharp, 1894 = Cacotarphius Sharp, 1894, new synonymies, with Eucicones minutus (Sharp, 1894), new combination and Eucicones compressus (Sharp, 1894), new combination. Reylus Ivie, Lord, Foley, and Ślipiński is a new replacement name for Erylus Dajoz, 1969 [not Erylus Gray, 1867 (Porifera)]. Eulachus Erichson, 1845 = Anarmostes Pascoe, 1860, new synonymy, with Anarmostes costatus (Erichson, 1845), new combination, Bitoma quinquecarinata (Chevrolat, 1864), new combination, and Bitoma semifuliginosa Chevrolat, 1864), new combination. Hystricones Sharp, 1894 = Paryphus Erichson, 1845, new synonymy, with Paryphus armatus (Sharp, 1894), new combination and the following species moved to Colobicones Grouvelle, 1918: Colobicones vagans (Arrow, 1927), new combination; Colobicones hirtus (Ślipiński, 1985), new combination; and Colobicones papuanus (Ślipiński, 1985), new combination. Labrotrichus Sharp, 1894 = Neotrichus Sharp, 1885, new synonymy, with Neotrichus aberrans (Sharp), new combination and Neotrichus verrucatus (Hinton, 1935), new combination. Microsicus Sharp, 1894 = Synchita Hellwig in Schneider, 1792, new synonymy, resulting in changes for the Japanese species Synchita constricta (Aoki, 2012), new combination and Synchita parvula Guérin-Méneville, 1844, return to a previous combination. Synchita grouvellei Ivie, Lord, Foley, and Ślipiński, new replacement name is proposed for Microsicus minimus Grouvelle, 1898 [not Sharp, 1885]. The earlier synonymization of Cicones Curtis, 1827 with Synchita results in Synchita africana (Grouvelle, 1905), new combination, Synchita amoena (Fairmaire, 1850), new combination, Synchita colorata (Motschulsky, 1863), new combination, Synchita compacta (Grouvelle, 1918), new combination, Synchita eichelbaumi (Grouvelle, 1914), new combination, Synchita lata (Grouvelle, 1919), new combination, Synchita madagascariensis (Grouvelle, 1896), new combination, Synchita minor (Pope, 1954) new combination, Synchita minuta (Sharp, 1885) new combination, Synchita oblonga (Sharp, 1885), new combination, Synchita picta (Erichson, 1845), new combination, Synchita scotti (Grouvelle, 1918), new combination, and Synchita squamosa (Grouvelle, 1896), new combination. Synchita lecontei Ivie, Lord, Foley, and Ślipiński, new replacement name is proposed for Synchita variegata LeConte, 1858 [not Hellwig in Schneider, 1792]. The species formerly placed in Catolaemus belong in Synchita, resulting in Synchita exilis (Grouvelle, 1898), new combination and Synchita multimaculata (Grouvelle, 1902), new combination. Cicones bitomoides Sharp, 1885, Cicones hayashii Sasaji, 1971, Cicones niveus Sharp, 1885, Cicones oculatus Sharp, 1885, Cicones rufosignatus Sasaji, 1984, and Cicones variegatus (Hellwig in Schneider, 1792) are returned to Synchita as returned to previous combinations. Synchita hirsuta Aoki, 2008 is also returned to original combination from Microsicus. Pseudotaphrus Stephan, 1989 [not Cossmann, 1888 (Mollusca: Rissoiidae)], including the preoccupied replacement name Stephaniolus Ivie, Ślipiński, and Węgrzynowicz, 2002 = Coxelus Dejean, 1821, new synonymy, with Coxelus longus (Stephan, 1989), new combination. Zanclea Pascoe, 1863 [not Gegenbaur, 1856 (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa)] = Aneumesa Sharp, 1894 = Holopleuridia Reitter, 1876, with Holopleuridia atomaria (Sharp, 1894), new combination, Holopleuridia costata (Sharp, 1894), new combination, and Holopleuridia testudinea (Pascoe, 1863), new combination. Other individual changes in generic membership are Asynchita panamensis (Sharp, 1894), new combination (from Synchita); Endeitoma rugulosa (Guérin-Méneville, 1844), new combination (from Asynchita Sharp, 1894, originally Synchita); Ethelema nigrogrisea (Grouvelle, 1914), new combination (from Lemmis); Paha mexicana (Hinton, 1935), new combination (from Namunaria); Paha mimetes (Sharp, 1894), new combination (from Synchita); Notocoxelus sylvaticus (Philippi in Philippi and Philippi, 1864), new combination (from Coxelus); Plagiope cubana (Zayas, 1988), new combination (from Ethelema Pascoe, 1860); Plagiope denticulata (Grouvelle, 1898), new combination (from Lemmis); Plagiope lherminieri (Grouvelle, 1902), new combination (from Lemmis); Pristoderus porteri (Brèthes, 1925), new combination (from Endophloeus Erichson, 1845); Pristoderus sharpi (Reitter, 1877), new combination (from Endophloeus); and Synchita pauxilla (Pascoe, 1863), new combination (from Bitoma Herbst). Lastly, Endestes sculpturatus Sharp, 1894 = Endestes incilis Pascoe, 1863, new synonymy.

Several New Genera and Species of New World Synchitini (Coleoptera: Zopheridae: Colydiinae)

Abstract Five new genera and 13 new species of Neotropical synchitine zopherids are described, and two new combinations are proposed. Globotrichus Lord and Ivie, new genus (type species Globotrichus harti Lord and Ivie, new species) is described from Central and South America. Helonoton Lord and Ivie, new genus (type species Helonoton costaricense Lord and Ivie, new species) is described from Central America for Helonoton pascoei (Sharp, 1894), new combination (from Bitoma Herbst) and 11 new species: Helonoton amistad Lord and Ivie, new species; Helonoton ashei Lord and Ivie, new species; Helonoton bituberculatum Lord and Ivie, new species; Helonoton chiriqui Lord and Ivie, new species; H. costaricense; Helonoton foleyi Lord and Ivie, new species; Helonoton mexicanum Lord and Ivie, new species; Helonoton pustulosum Lord and Ivie, new species; Helonoton tatumbla Lord and Ivie, new species; Helonoton tico Lord and Ivie, new species; and Helonoton tripartum Lord and Ivie, new species. Paxillobitoma Lord and Ivie, new genus (type species Paxillobitoma clinei Lord and Ivie, new species) is described from South America. Rapthius Lord and Ivie, new genus (type species Tarphius peruvianus Franz, 1969, new combination) is described from Peru. Slipinskius Lord and Ivie, new genus (type species Tarphius chilensis Franz, 1969, new combination) is described from Chile. Distribution maps, illustrations, redescriptions, and keys are provided.

A New Species of Leptochromus Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae) from Costa Rica, with Notes on Morphology and Natural History

Abstract Leptochromus laselva Lord, Carlton, and Leschen, new species, from Costa Rica is described. Collecting techniques and natural history data are given. Among the five currently described species, this species is most similar to Leptochromus agilis (Sharp), but possesses a much longer postgenal process and differs in the shapes of the aedeagal parameres and median lobe. An amended key is presented to accommodate L. laselva.