A semi-hypothetical taxonomic conundrum -

[Kipling Will]

The carabid beetle family-group name Zabrides (Currently the tribe
Zabrini) was published in 1810 based on the genus Zabrus (1806) and then
later in the same 1810 publication the group Pterostichii (currently the
tribe Pterostichini) based on Pterostichus (1810) is proposed.

If a subsequent author decides that Zabrini and Pterostichini are a
single group with the former making the latter paraphyletic, and only
wants to recognize a single group name, what is the preferred name to
recognize?

I am sure in this particular case that common usage and stability issues
make the choice fairly clear. However, since priority for family-group
names is not regulated, it would be possible that one could choose the
group based on the oldest genus or the oldest family-group name (even
though the genus it is based on is more recent).

In general does anyone have any thoughts on why one or the other
resolution should be preferred? How have similar situations been dealt
with?

Kip
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Kipling Will
2144 Comstock Hall
Dept. of Entomology
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-1351
http://henry.ento.cornell.edu/CUIC/will.htm
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The grand fact of the natural subordination of organic beings in groups
under groups, which, from its familiarity, does not always sufficiently
strike us, is in my judgement thus explained.  -Darwin