| dc.description.abstract | A cladistic analysis of the world genera of the mayfly family Leptohyphidae is
presented. Analyses of a matrix of 58 ingroup and 9 outgroup species and 119
morphological characters strongly supports the monophyly of Leptohyphidae and its
sister-group relationship with Coryphoridae. Larval and adult taxonomic keys are
provided to the 11 recognized extant genera. A synonymical listing, differential
diagnosis, list of proposed synapomorphies, diagnostic illustrations, and notes on
distribution and included species are given for each genus. The following new
synonyms of genus Tricorythodes are proposed: Ableptemetes n. syn., Cabecar n. syn.,
Epiphrades n. syn., Homoleptohyphes n. syn., Macunahyphes n. syn., Tricoryhyphes n.
syn. The former genus Asioplax is newly regarded as a subgenus of Tricorythodes. A
species-level revision of North and Central American Leptohyphes is presented. A key
to the 15 Leptohyphes species known as larvae is provided. In addition, detailed
descriptions, diagnosis, and geographic distributions are given for all species of
Leptohyphes known from North and Central America. Biogeographic analysis suggests
that the family Leptohyphidae originated in South America, and that its North American species are the descendants of one or more ancestral species that crossed northward over
the Panamanian land bridge.
The results of this research clearly show that the mayfly family Leptohyphidae is
a strongly supported monophyletic clade supported by five unique synapomorphies.
Currently recognized genera are also strongly supported; however, little support was
found for subfamilies. The sister family is clearly Coryphoridae, which is supported by
three unique synapomorphies. Biogeographic analysis indicates that Leptohyphidae
originated in South American, with at least five independent invasions from South
America to North and Central America during the evolution of Leptohyphidae. | en |
