Insular evolution, speciation, and revision of the Hawaiian genus Nesiomiris (Hemiptera: Miridae)
Gagne WC. 1997. Insular evolution, speciation, and revision of the Hawaiian genus Nesiomiris (Hemiptera: Miridae). Bishop Museum Bulletin in Entomology. 7:1-226
The formerly monotypic genus Nesiomiris K.irkaldy is revised and a cladistic classification is presented. Forty-nine new species are described from the Hawaiian Islands. A key to the species of Nesiomiris is presented. Both sexes, when available, as well as all associated instars of the nymphs, are described. Data are presented on the life cycles of some of the species of Nesiomiris. A detailed analysis of host-plant specificity is presented, which is correlated with the insular evolution and speciation of Nesiomiris. Methods of transoceanic dispersal and differing modes of insular Speciation are hypothesized. It is inferred that contrasting modes of insular speciation are based on the relative specificity of founding species, which are either "generalist" or "specialist" phytophagous and predaceous species. Arguments are presented to support the claim that the founding species of Nesiomiris colonized Kaua'i and was relatively specialized to feed onAraliaceae at a time when this plant family was probably represented by only Tetraplasandra speCies.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Gagne, Wayne
- Units
- HALE , HAVO , KALA
- Keywords
- Biogeography, Hawaii, Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Insects (Insecta), Miridae, Nesiomiris