Revisionary systematics and evolutionary ecology of Neophylidorea (Diptera: Tipuloidea)

Abstract

Crane fly systematics is wrought with difficulties at multiple hierarchical levels. The current taxonomy lacks evolutionary structure at the generic level for many groups, which may be causing incongruent phylogenetic hypotheses at the subfamilial and familial levels. Here we restructured species to describe a monophyletic genus that will in part help pave the way for more robust higher level phylogenetics. A group of 16 species is removed from the existing genus, Euphylidorea Alexander based on distinct morphology and described as the new genus Neophylidorea. Characters of the aedeagus and male genitalia in general allow for unequivocal recognition of this genus. There are few consistent differences in macroscopic or female morphology between species of Neophylidorea gen.nov.