Phylogeny of Mesitiinae (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae): assessing their classification, character evolution and diversification

Abstract

We present the first phylogenetic hypothesis for Mesitiinae based on 112 morpho-structural characters and 61 species. The results did not support Argaman’s tribal classification for Mesitiinae, since no tribes were found to be monophyletic. Anaylax was found to be paraphyletic, and Gerbekas, Heterocoelia, Parvoculus, Pycnomesitius, Sulcomesitius, Zimankos were found to be polyphyletic. Two new genera are proposed and described: Hadesmesitiusgen. nov. and Brachymesitiusgen. nov.; Botoryan is considered as a junior synonym for Zimankos. Three species status are revalidated; and 11 species combinations were proposed, so that all genera are now monophyletic. The results indicate the thickness of integument in Mesitiinae could be related to their protection against their hosts.

Revision of Nothepyris Evans, 1973 (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae), with description of four new species

“…The third species of Nothepyris was described by Colombo & Azevedo (2021) based on an extinct specimen from the Baltic amber, being the only species of the genus recorded out of the New World. Finally, Vargas et al (2020) recovered Nothepyris as a sister group of Discleroderma Kieffer, as previously suggested by Lanes & Azevedo (2008). Currently, Nothepyris is supported by only one synapomorphy, the lower mesopleural fovea smooth (Vargas et al 2020).…”

“…Finally, Vargas et al (2020) recovered Nothepyris as a sister group of Discleroderma Kieffer, as previously suggested by Lanes & Azevedo (2008). Currently, Nothepyris is supported by only one synapomorphy, the lower mesopleural fovea smooth (Vargas et al 2020).…”

“…In N. vespiquen and N. combee , this vein is fully absent, and for this reason, this character is not suitable as diagnostic for the genus. Within the evolutionary history of Scleroderminae proposed by Vargas et al (2020), this vein became absent several times, and in some genera, such as Solepyris Azevedo and Alongatepyris and now, Nothepyris , both conditions are exhibited.…”

“…The diagnostic characters proposed by them for the genus were: (1) head globoid, as long as wide, (2) clypeus with a median thick elevation, in frontal view, (3) antennae with 11 flagellomeres, (4) occipital carinae absent, (5) notaulus present and complete and (6) forewings with R and 1Cu cells closed and the 2r‐rs&Rs vein present. Afterwards, Vargas et al (2020) included a new diagnostic character, the lower mesopleural fovea smooth (called as transepisternal line of mesopleura by them), also recovered as a synapomorphy for the genus. These diagnostic characters applied perfectly to known species and females, but not necessarily to the four new species and males described here and the generic diagnosis was updated accordingly.…”

“…The comparison between the morphology of the male genitalia of the genera of Scleroderminae is complicated, because of the 32 genera (see Colombo et al 2021; Vargas et al 2020), only 14 have known males. However, a unique structure was found in the male genitalia of Nothepyris , the presence of a dorsal process of harpe (Figures 4e,f and 2b,e,h).…”