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Challenging the definition of the subfamily Usiinae: Phthiraxini, an unusual new tribe of bee flies (Diptera: Bombyliidae), based on Phthiraxia bowdeni gen. and sp. nov. from Western Australia
Author(s) -
Li Xuankun,
Yeates David K
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
austral entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.502
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 2052-1758
pISSN - 2052-174X
DOI - 10.1111/aen.12235
Subject(s) - subfamily , tribe , biology , genus , zoology , key (lock) , evolutionary biology , ecology , law , genetics , gene , political science
Abstract A new genus Phthiraxia gen. nov. (Usiinae: Phthiriini) is described from a remote region of Western Australia based on a male and a female specimen collected 35 years ago. The pair represent a single new species Phthiraxia bowdeni sp. nov. Two important characteristics of this new genus, however, challenge the definition of the subfamily Usiinae: the clypeus does not reach the base of antennae, and the palp is two‐segmented. Moreover, Phthiraxia gen. nov. has two other features: the wing vein M 2 present, shared by all members of Phthiriini, and flagellum with subapical shallow sulcus containing a style, differentiating it from Phthiriini with a deep apical sulcus, and Usiini with a deep subapical sulcus. Results of a morphological phylogenetic analysis show that the new genus belongs to a lineage that is sister to the remaining members of the subfamily. Therefore, a monotypic new tribe, Phthiraxini tribus nov., is described to accommodate Phthiraxia gen. nov. A key to the Australian genera of Usiinae is provided. We reevaluate the syapomorphies of the Usiinae in light of the new tribe.