Cladistic analysis of Zethus Fabricius, 1804 (Hymenoptera, Vespidae): a new subgeneric classification

By

Botion Lopes, Rogério
Carpenter, James M. (James Michael), 1956-
Noll, Fernando Barbosa

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2021

Original Publication

Journal of Hymenoptera research

Volume

82

Pages

253--283

Subjects

paraphyly , Phylogeny , sensitivity analysis , taxonomy , Zethini

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Washington, D.C International Society of Hymenopterists

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.82.65760

 

Abstract

Zethusis the largest genus in Vespidae with over 270 species. It is currently divided into four subgenera: Z. (Zethus), Z. (Zethoides), Z. (Zethusculus) and Z. (Madecazethus). While the last three are restricted to certain biogeographic areas, the first is spread through western and eastern hemispheres. Studies have shown possible phylogenetic incongruence regarding this current division and even raised the possibility of paraphyly in the genus. To evaluate this classification, morphological pasimony analyses under implied weights was carried out, examining external morphology and male genitalia. Analyses showed paraphyly of the genus under various “k” values and paraphyly of two subgenera.IschnocoeliaandCtenochilusare lowered to subgenera ofZethus. Zethus (Madecazethus) is no longer restricted to Malagasy species and now includes those of the African continent as well. Zethus (Zethastrum)subg. nov.is defined for Oriental representatives. Z. (Zethus) is subdivided into three subgenera: Z. (Zethus), Z. (Didymogastra) and Z. (Wettsteinia). Zethus (Zethusculus) and Z. (Zethoides) are monophyletic and hold their status as subgenera. Three species-groups areIncertae sedis:Z. albopictus,Z. pallidusandZ. spinosus.