Phylogeny of Mesitiinae (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae): assessing their classification, character evolution and diversification

Abstract

We present the first phylogenetic hypothesis for Mesitiinae based on 112 morpho-structural characters and 61 species. The results did not support Argaman’s tribal classification for Mesitiinae, since no tribes were found to be monophyletic. Anaylax was found to be paraphyletic, and Gerbekas, Heterocoelia, Parvoculus, Pycnomesitius, Sulcomesitius, Zimankos were found to be polyphyletic. Two new genera are proposed and described: Hadesmesitius gen. nov. and Brachymesitius gen. nov.; Botoryan is considered as a junior synonym for Zimankos. Three species status are revalidated; and 11 species combinations were proposed, so that all genera are now monophyletic. The results indicate the thickness of integument in Mesitiinae could be related to their protection against their hosts.