Cryptic diversity in Zoraptera: Latinozoros barberi (Gurney, 1938) is a complex of at least three species (Zoraptera: Spiralizoridae)

Abstract

The order Zoraptera contains relatively few species, but current molecular phylogenetic studies suggest an unexpectedly high level of cryptic diversity in the order with many overlooked species based on morphology alone.LatinozorosKukalova-Peck & Peck, 1993 represents the only genus of monotypic Latinozorinae (Zoraptera: Spiralizoridae) with only one species described,L.barberi(Gurney, 1938), until now. Although this species has been repeatedly reported from a number of locations in South and Central America, it is likely a complex of unrecognized species. Here, we present a molecular phylogenetic reconstruction revealing three genetically distinct lineages inLatinozoros, and we also present detailed morphological comparisons that prove the species status ofLatinozoros cacaoensissp. nov. from French Guiana andL.gimmelisp. nov. from the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Panama. The results indicate that the species previously referred toL.barberiis actually a species complex that includesL.barberi, the new species described here, and perhaps other species.