Phylogeny of Microphthalminae Hartmann-Schröder, 1971, and revision of Hesionella Hartman, 1939, and Struwela Hartmann-Schröder, 1959 (Annelida, Errantia)

• Published in: PeerJ (San Francisco, CA) CA), 2019-09, Vol.7, p.e7723-e7723, Article e7723
• Main Authors: Salazar-Vallejo, Sergio I., de León-González, Jesús Angel, Carrera-Parra, Luis F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biodiversity; Hesionidae; Marine Biology; Microphthalmids; Morphology; New genus; New species; Taxonomy; Zoology
• ISSN: 2167-8359; 2167-8359
• DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7723

Microphthalminae Hartmann-Schröder, 1971 was proposed in Hesionidae to include Microphthalmus and Hesionides ; however, the affinities of these genera to other members of Hesionidae have been debated, and some authors have concluded they do not belong in Hesionidae. Herein, based on morphological characters, a phylogenetic analysis of the subfamily and some other similar poorly-known genera, with an uncertain position in Hesionidae was performed to clarify their affinities. Our results indicate that Microphthalminae, as currently delimited, is paraphyletic. The inclusion of Struwela , Uncopodarke , and Westheideius , a new genus, as well as the recognition of Fridericiella are proposed to meet the requirement of monophyly; and as result of this, the elevation in rank to the family level is herein presented. Furthermore, the type species for Hesionella and Struwela are redescribed, and a new species in the latter is described. A key to identify microphthalmid genera is also included.