A phylogenetic reassessment of the subfamilies of Coenagrionidae (Odonata: Zygoptera)

We reanalyzed subfamily divisions of Coenagrionidae phylogenetically using morphological characters. Characters historically and currently used to divide Coenagrionidae, as well as previously unpublished characters, were carefully defined or redefined and coded. Many characters traditionally used in coenagrionoid taxonomy were found to be continuously distributed rather than falling into discrete states. Nevertheless, it is just these characters on which most subfamily distinctions are based, we regarded it as essential to try to assess their effects in phylogenetic analysis. Therefore, character states for continuously distributed morphometric characters were determined using a clustering algorithm. We also present trees that exclude these characters, however.

Cladistic analysis indicates that, of the existing subfamilies, only the apophyletic Agriocnemidinae is monophyletic. Shortest trees were markedly shorter than ones in which all current subfamilies were constrained to be monophyletic. Cladistic analysis using characters of Davies and Tobin (1984) and Fraser (1957) alone to define subfamilies resulted in poorer resolution and failed to support monophyly of any of the current subfamilies, as did alternative character weightings. Even a phenetic comparison using discriminant analysis failed to support the existing taxonomy.

Our phylogeny suggests the existence of several possible clades within Coenagrionidae, but none are strongly supported by bootstrap analysis or decay index values. Coenagrionidae as a whole is polyphyletic in our shortest trees, although trees supporting amonophyletic Coenagrionidae are only slightly longer. We conclude that subfamilies should not be recognized within Coenagrionidae until well-supported subdivisions are demonstrated.     

Gregarine infection of adult Calopteryx virgo L. (Odonata: Zygoptera)

The zygopteran Calopteryx virgo from a habitat in western Norway was found to be infected by the eugregarine Hoplorhynchus oligacanthus. Females were most heavily infected, in contrast to other gregarine-infected zygopteran species, where no differences between males and females have been recognized. This disparity between males and females of C. virgo is attributed to their dissimilar behaviour and place of activity. The gregarine infection of C. virgo is considered in relation to infected coexisting zygopteran populations.     

Frenguelliidae,a new family of dragonflies from the earliest Eocene of Argentina (Insecta: Odonata): phylogenetic relationships within Odonata

The new dragonfly family Frenguelliidae based on Frenguellia patagonica gen. nov., sp. nov., is erected from the earliest Eocene of Patagonia (Argentina). Its phylogenetic relationships within the Zygoptera and Epiproctophora (sensu Bechly, 1996) are discussed. The new family seems to be related to Sieblosiidae from the Oligo-Miocene of Eurasia; and both could pertain to the basal lineage of Epiproctophora. These attributions are not supported by the known stratigraphic data and could be explained by the incompleteness of the fossil record of Odonata, mainly in the Triassic.