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Thoracic morphology of adults of Derodontidae and Nosodendridae and its phylogenetic implications (Coleoptera)
Author(s) -
GE SIQIN,
BEUTEL ROLF G.,
YANG XINGKE
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
systematic entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.552
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1365-3113
pISSN - 0307-6970
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3113.2007.00392.x
Subject(s) - autapomorphy , biology , sister group , monophyly , zoology , cladistics , colubridae , phylogenetic tree , taxonomy (biology) , clade , genetics , gene
External and internal structures of the thorax of six adult representatives of the families Derodontidae and Nosodendridae were examined. A detailed description of the skeleton and musculature is presented for Derodontus maculatus and Nosodendron sp. Phylogenetically relevant characters are discussed and analysed cladistically. A basal origin of Derodontidae within Polyphaga and a sister‐group relationship between this suborder and the remaining Coleoptera are not supported. Muscular and skeletal features of Derodontidae are largely consistent with the typical polyphagan pattern and the group is characterized by many specialized features. Previous references to the family as ‘primitive’ are unjustified. The absence of a firm connection between the meso‐ and metaventrite is a secondary feature, as seen in Scirtoidea and some members of Leiodidae. The contact of the metanepisternum with the mesocoxal cavity is probably also an autapomorphic condition. Two derived muscular features are shared by Derodontidae and Nosodendridae, and several muscle losses are shared by these two families and Scirtoidea and Dascillidae. The monophyly of Derodontidae and a sister‐group relationship between Peltastica and the remaining genera are confirmed. Laricobius and Nothoderodontus are probably sister groups. Nosodendron is characterized by several autapomorphic features. Whether the flight musculature is reduced in all members of Nosodendridae is unclear.