The first holistic SEM study of Coniopterygidae (Neuroptera) - structural evidence and phylogenetic implications

Abstract

Abstract. Adults of two coniopterygid species, Aleuropteryx juniperi Ohm, 1968 (Aleuropteryginae) and Semidalis aleyrodiformis (Stephens, 1836) (Coniopteryginae), were studied using scanning electron microscopy. Interspecific differences in the ultrastructure of the integument of all the major parts of the body were identified and described, and the functional and phylogenetic implications of the differences discussed. Additionally, the enlarged terminal segment of the labial palps of the Coniopterygidae and the Sisyridae, which up to now has been used as an argument for a sister-group relationship between these two families, was subjected to a thorough comparison. The very different morphology makes independent enlargement of the terminal palpal segment in both families plausible. This finding is congruent with the earlier hypothesis of a sister-group relationship between Coniopterygidae and the dilarid clade, which was proposed on the basis of molecular data, larval morphology and male genital sclerites. Finally, a new classification of the coniopterygid subfamilies is presented based on characters of the larval head (prominence of the ocular region, relative length of sucking stylets). The following relationship is hypothesized: (Brucheiserinae + Coniopteryginae) + Aleuropteryginae, and the implications of this hypothesis for the phylogenetic interpretation of the ultrastructural differences that we found are discussed: (1) The wax glands, as well as plicatures, are interpreted as belonging to the ground pattern of the family Coniopterygidae, and (2) the wax glands are considered to have been reduced in Brucheiserinae and the plicatures in Coniopteryginae. A distinct (though reduced) spiraculum 8 was detected in Semidalis aleyrodiformis; as a consequence the hypothesis that the loss of spiraculum 8 is an autapomorphy of Coniopteryginae is refuted."Phylogenetic hypotheses must largely remain matters of individual opinion, and while the writer considers himself to have selected significant facts, time alone can prove their worth." (Withycombe, 1925)

Sperm structure of some Neuroptera and phylogenetic considerations

“…In particular, morphological studies suggested that Mantispidae would be placed in a clade together with Berothidae, Rhachiberothidae and Dilaridae (the dilarid clade). Moreover, a sister-group relationship of Coniopterygidae + dilarid clade has been hypothesized (Aspöck et al 2001;Aspöck & Aspöck 2008;Zimmermann et al 2009;Beutel et al 2010). On the contrary, Hemerobiidae and Chrysopidae would have to be placed in a separate clade.…”

Head morphology of Osmylus fulvicephalus (Osmylidae, Neuroptera) and its phylogenetic implications

“…Achtelig 1967;Maki 1936;Röber 1942). Its presence in Plega (Ferris 1940) and Coniopterygidae (Zimmermann et al 2009: Semidalis and Aleuropteryx) certainly is an apomorphic condition.…”

A new genus of dustywings (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae) in Late Cretaceous Vendean amber

“…They are also present in Brucheiserinae. But Zimmermann, Klepal, and Aspöck (2009) hypothesized the following relationships between the three subfamilies: (Brucheiserinae + Coniopteryginae) + Aleuropteryginae, on the basis of potential synapomorphies in the larvae. They concluded that the presence of abdominal plicatures could rather be a plesiomorphy.…”