Sistemática e biogeografia do gênero Collaria Provancher, 1872 (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Castano, Irina

ABSTRACT: Miridae is the most diverse group of the suborder Heteroptera (Hemiptera); and is distributed in all biogeographic regions of the planet, with currently more than 11,020 described species grouped in 1,200 genera and eight subfamilies. Collaria Provancher, 1872 belongs to Stenodemini (Mirinae). The species of the genus are associated with the family of host plants Poaceae, and are responsible for significant economic damage to pastures, oats, rice, maize, and wheat crops. Changes in agriculture, expansion of cultivation areas and climate changes have resulted in the emergence of new pest species and new records in the geographical distribution of species. The objective of this thesis was to conduct a taxonomic revision of genus Collaria (Hemiptera: Miridae) and to propose phylogenetic and biogeographic hypotheses of the relationships within the group. A study of the comparative structure of the male and female genitalia was performed, based on seven species, which represent the external variation observed as well as the geographical distribution. Primary homology hypothesis was proposed and tested by phylogenetic analysis. Twenty-two entomological collections were reviewed, in order to contribute to the taxonomy of Collaria. Descriptions, illustrations, digital micrographs and diagnoses for all the species are provided; in addition, the description of a new species of the Afrotropical region is presented. New distribution data for the Afrotropical and Neotropical regions and an identification key to all species are given. The genus monophyly was tested, with 20 species (15 of the inner group and five of the outgroup) and 67 morphological characters in a parsimony analysis using the software TNT. The monophyly of the genus is supported by four synapomorphies. Based on these results, a biogeographical analysis was conducted (Spatial Analysis of Vicariance). Seven vicariant nodes represented by the Voronoi lines were found. An ancient relationship between Neotropical, Afrotropical and Neartic species, with probable origin after the breakup of Gondwana and after the establishment of Isthmus of Panama is suggested.