Systematics of the Apteropanorpidae (Insecta : Mecoptera) based on morphological and molecular evidence

Abstract

Apteropanorpa Carpenter, 1941 is a genus of scorpionflies endemic to Tasmania. The genus comprised two described species before the current study. However, many anecdotal reports suggested that Apteropanorpa was more widespread in Tasmania than had previously been thought, and that more species awaited discovery and description. Intensive field surveys for the Apteropanorpidae were conducted from 2001 to 2003 in a range of altitudes and habitats all over Tasmania. These surveys yielded a large number of adult specimens, collected at many new localities and at a range of elevations. Cladistic analyses of COI molecular and morphological data were congruent in their inferred species composition of the family. Phylogenetic analyses with evaluation of species concepts provided evidence for two new species: Apteropanorpa warra, sp. nov. and A. hartzi, sp. nov. The distribution of the Apteropanorpidae is much more extensive than was previously thought; many populations discovered as part of this research represent extensions of the known ranges of A. evansi Byers & Yeates and A. tasmanica Carpenter. A key to species is presented. The altitudinal range of each species is closely associated with the local climatic treeline. Hypotheses concerning the biogeography of the family are consistent with the glacial history of Tasmania.