No abstract

ABSTRACT1. Springs occur in all American deserts but their distribution is patchy and they are very difficult to locate.2. Desert spring floras and faunas exhibit high diversity but many of the included species are undescribed or poorly known.3. The conservation value of desert spring communities involves both their biodiversity and their research opportunities, both pure and applied. The communities offer real-life results that can help understand the effects of progressive habitat loss and degradation. Thus their study reflects strongly on problems concerning the development and management of natural parks and reserves.4. Factors endangering desert spring systems include the misuse of the spring and/or its supporting aquifer, poor conservation practices and the introduction of exotic species.

Abstract. We conducted the first comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of Psephenidae, based on 143 morphological characters of adults, larvae and pupae and coded for 34 taxa, representing three outgroups and 31 psephenid genera, including four undescribed ones. A strict consensus tree calculated (439 steps, consistency index ¼ 0.45, retention index ¼ 0.75) from the two most-parsimonious cladograms indicated that the monophyly of the family and subfamilies is supported, with the exception of Eubriinae, which is paraphyletic when including Afroeubria. Here a new subfamily, Afroeubriinae (subfam.n.), is formally established for Afroeubria. The analysis also indicated that the 'streamlined' larva is a derived adaptive radiation. Here, suprageneric taxonomy and the evolution of some significant characters are discussed. Keys are provided to the subfamilies and genera of Psephenidae considering larvae, adults and pupae.

No abstract

No abstract