Matskási István (szerk.): A Magyar Természettudományi Múzeum évkönyve 98. (Budapest 2006)

Makranczy, Gy.: Systematics and phylogenetic relationships of the genera in the Carpelimus group (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae)

NEWTON and THAYER (1992Ű), following the suggestion of MADGE (1989), accepted as available all the non-latinized names from well-known publications, if there has been at least one subsequent mention since the original publication (citing it from that particular author and date). The same treatment is followed here. Also, the suffix "-ites" (means "-like"), if applies to extant taxa, is generally accepted as an available family-group name. In this analysis the genera Bledius and Eppelsheimius appear as a monophyletic clade, distinguished from the rest of the taxa by one unique synapomorphy: the geniculate antennae (21-1). I propose the recognition of these genera in a separate tribe: Blediini ÁDÁM, 2001. The remaining branches of the tree have very weak support (many homoplasious characters), except for some terminal branches: characters 8-1, 28-3 and 35-1 supporting Sciotrogus+Thinobius+Neoxus, characters 22-1 and 32-1 for Trogactus. The situation with the former tribes Thinobiini and Oxytelini is more complex. It is obvious, that none of these are monophyletic as currently recognized, although they do form a monophyletic clade together. With the recognition of Blediini, there are two remaining large clades; the separation between them has very weak support. One contains the former Oxytelini plus two genera (Aploderus and Crassodemus) from former Thinobiini. The other contains the Carpelimus and Thinobius groups of genera, only the latter is likely monophyletic. To resolve these problems, there are the following two options: (1) move Aploderus and Crassodemus into Oxytelini and redefine both Thinobiini and Oxytelini. Since the separation between the two is very weak and the contained diversity enormous, this is almost impossible to do. Aploderus and Crassodemus do not share those features (tarsal formula 3-3-3; broad metastemal process, tarsal lobes) upon which Oxytelini was previously based. In the other clade the only unique synapomorphy is the loss of a feature, the tibial spines and modified rows of setae. This character is rather difficult to determine in certain taxa, and its consistency in all related genera has not been tested. Also it is not clearly agreed between specialists what exactly constitutes of "modified setae" - throughout this work the term is used to differentaiate scattered, occasional setae from arranged, symmetrical formations. In my opinion, tribes without clearly defined, unique synapomorphies should not be maintained or created. (2) merging the Oxytelini with Thinobiini (the former name taking priority) less Blediini. This is the preferred solution, as it allows better characterization of the tribe. Within the tribe Oxytelini (sensu novo) the generic limits are also investigated. The problems with the monophyly and delimitation of Thinodromus were hypothesized prior to the detailed study. The analysis confirmed this hypothesis. Two genera, Carpelimus and Trogactus appear within the clade of Thinodromus, meaning that the latter is not monophyletic. However, since the clades have such