What is a Classification? A Case Study in Insect Systematics: Potential Confusion before Order

概要

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A case study is presented of the Leaf Beetle genus Orthaltica (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) as an example of a group involved in a variety of taxonomic problems and controversies demonstrating many of the technical and philosophical complexities of systematics that often make the derivation of a classification difficult and confusing. The history of Orthaltica is reviewed providing discussion and illustration of the concepts of: multiple synonymy and homonymy; the genus and subgenus; lumping and splitting; and a systematic character, especially morphological, and its application in formulating higher classifications. Based on morphological characters Orthaltica provides a good vehicle for considering the classification of the two largest subfamilies of the Leaf Beetles, the Galerucinae and the Alticinae (approximately 500 genera each). The primary difference between the Galerucinae and the Alticinae is the absence or presence, respectively, of the jumping organ (metafemoral spring), although some secondary differences exist in varying degrees. These two chrysomelid subfamilies are so diverse and relatively unstudied systematically that deriving a higher classification or speculating on their phylogeny, including their derivation from one (monophyletic) or many (polyphyletic) lineages, is premature and needs a considerable amount of study of many characters.
社団法人日本動物学会の論文
1992-12-15