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- Title
Morphological re-examination of Epiophlebia laidlawi (Insecta: Odonata) including remarks on taxonomy.
- Authors
Büsse, S.
- Abstract
Epiophlebiais the only known taxon of Odonata that is neither part of the damselflies (Zygoptera) nor dragonflies (Anisoptera). Previously, two species ofEpiophlebiawere recognized, restricted to areas in Japan (Epiophlebia superstes) and the Himalayas (Epiophlebia laidlawi). Recently, the group gained attention with the description of new species from China –Epiophlebia sinensisandEpiophlebia diana –while a subsequent genetic study suggested only one species ofEpiophlebia. To clarify these conflicting hypotheses this study focused on the under-recordedEpiophlebia laidlawi.This study elucidated the morphology of this species in comparison toEpiophlebia superstes, representing the first comparative study ofEpiophlebiaspecies. Furthermore, it presents notes on the taxonomic conditions of this group. With this study, a first step is made to resolve the confusion regarding the taxonomic status of the describedEpiophlebiaspecies. A number of anatomical characters – for example the different shape of the vertex of the head, the distinct colour patterns of the head, thorax and the abdomen or the differences in the shape of the hamulus anterior and posterior in the secondary male genitalia – confirmed the species status ofE. laidlawiand underlined its distinctness fromE. superstes. However, in the Chinese speciesE. sinensisandE. dianaa re-examination is advised; especially inE. dianathe species status is questionable.
- Subjects
EPIOPHLEBIA superstes; DAMSELFLIES; DRAGONFLIES; COMPARATIVE studies; TAXONOMY
- Publication
International Journal of Odonatology, 2016, Vol 19, Issue 4, p221
- ISSN
1388-7890
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1080/13887890.2016.1257442