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Abstract Odonata is a midsized insect order (~6420 species) containing 3 suborders: Anisoptera (dragonflies, 3,120 species), Zygoptera (damselflies, ~3,297 species), and the intermediate Anisozygoptera (~3 species). In this review of the suborder Zygoptera, we provide a brief overview of their biology, ecology, and natural history. We also review the current state of their systematics and phylogenetics, highlighting remaining higher-level classification (eg family, superfamily) issues to address. Lastly, we will emphasize areas that are still in need of exploration which would greatly improve our understanding of the group.
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Trichoptera systematics: past, present, and future—making the case for continued caddisfly taxonomic research
Abstract We review the developments in caddisfly (Insecta: Trichoptera) systematics starting with Linnaeus through to the present time. We give a brief introduction to the natural history and biology of the order, survey the contributions of prominent caddisfly taxonomists, explore the history of Trichoptera phylogenetics, define synapomorphies for the major caddisfly clades, identify gaps in our knowledge, and make recommendations for the future research in caddisfly systematics. While the pattern of early evolutionary divergences within the order is becoming clearer with phylogenomic data, much work remains to be done to describe unknown caddisfly diversity and to fully resolve their tree of life. This will require the training of a new generation of Trichoptera systematists, particularly in tropical regions, equipped with broad knowledge in natural history, taxonomy, systematics, genomics, and phylogenetics.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2217155
- PAR ID:
- 10611272
- Publisher / Repository:
- Oxford University Press
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Insect Systematics and Diversity
- Volume:
- 9
- Issue:
- 3
- ISSN:
- 2399-3421
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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