[Taxacom] diagnostics_parthenogenetic_species_insects

[Pavel Štys]

Dear all,

during an orthodox  taxonomic revision of an endemic extant genus of
predacious Enicocephalidae (Heteroptera) from Madagascar rain-forests we
have found that it is (a) extremely specious, (b) all-female (first such a
case in true bugs). The evidence dates back to about 1Myr old species from
copal. So far so good. However, when obtaining large syntopic and synchronic
series of probably one and the same species, the diagnostic characters
reliable at species or species-group level in other genera of the family
break down (colour and colour patterns, vestiture, relief, lustre, etc.)
showing an extreme variation; possibly biometric uniting diverse phena may
work..

   At the moment we are not concerned with the ensuing  theoretical aspects
of variation (we are awaee of them) in these small (3-7 mm long),
predacious, litter-inhabiting agamospecies but with a practical problem of
taxonomic "species" delimitation.We are living rather far from the island so
at the moment a cytotyxonomic or molecilar studies are excluded.
Has anybody  came across similar situation in a parthenogenetic group of
insects - comparable in size and habitat, perhaps beetles? -  in which there
is no primary chaetotaxy or porotaxy, no external genitalia and no other
source of somatic characters?  Thanks,

Pavel



Prof. Pavel Štys

Department of Zoology, Charles University,

Vinicna 7, Praha 2, CZ-12844, Czech Republic



pavelstys at gmail.com




-- 
Prof. RNDr. Pavel Stys
Editor, EJE; Commissioner, ICZN London
Research: Heteroptera (systematics, ethology), evolutionary entomology,
aposematism
Department of Zoology
Charles University
Vinicna 7, Praha 2
CZ-128 44 Czech Republic
e-mails: <pavelstys at gmail.com>
             <pavelstys at post.cz>
phone: xx420-22195-1835
fax: xx420-22195-1841