Paraphyletic-genus
Guides
Automeris
Eyed Silkmoths, Io Moths
Automeris is a large genus of silkmoths (Saturniidae: Hemileucinae) comprising approximately 145 described species distributed from eastern North America to Peru. Adults exhibit crypsis through leaf-mimicking forewings, while concealed hindwings bear conspicuous eyespots used in startle displays against predators. Larvae possess venom-bearing urticating spines that cause painful stings to humans and other animals. The genus is paraphyletic, with the genera Leucanella and Pseudautomeris nested within it.
Bittacus
hangingfly, hanging fly
Bittacus is a genus of hangingflies (Mecoptera: Bittacidae) characterized by their distinctive habit of hanging from vegetation using their modified forelegs. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution and has existed since at least the Late Cretaceous. Bittacus is currently considered grossly paraphyletic, serving as a catch-all taxon for many distantly related hangingfly species. Members are predatory insects with specialized raptorial mid- and hindlegs used for capturing arthropod prey.
Celaenorrhinini
spread-winged skippers
Celaenorrhinini is a tribe of spread-winged skippers in the subfamily Tagiadinae. The tribe is predominantly Afrotropical, with most species found in tropical Africa and a smaller number in Asia. Some species currently placed in the paraphyletic genus Celaenorrhinus occur in the Neotropics. The tribe includes genera such as Celaenorrhinus, Eretis, Sarangesa, and the recently described Triskelionia.
Chrysotus
Chrysotus is a large genus of long-legged flies (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) in the subfamily Diaphorinae, with more than 460 described species. The genus is taxonomically problematic and likely paraphyletic or polyphyletic with respect to related genera including Achradocera, Falbouria, and Lyroneurus. Species are distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including the Palaearctic, Nearctic, Oriental, and Neotropical realms. The genus contains two subgenera: Angiopus (monotypic, containing only C. halteratus) and Chrysotus (containing all other species).
Chthamalus
Chthamalus is a genus of small intertidal barnacles distributed across non-boreal coasts of the Northern Hemisphere and many regions of the Southern Hemisphere. The genus has been subject to extensive taxonomic revision due to morphological similarity among species, with molecular techniques revealing numerous cryptic species. Recent phylogenetic work has shown the genus to be paraphyletic, with Microeuraphia nested within it. Species in this genus are important ecological components of rocky shore communities, where they compete for space with other barnacle taxa.
Drosophilinae
Drosophilinae is the largest subfamily of Drosophilidae, containing the genus Drosophila and numerous related genera. The subfamily is characterized by complex phylogenetic relationships, with the genus Drosophila being paraphyletic as several genera (Zaprionus, Scaptomyza, Lordiphosa) are nested within it. Molecular studies have revealed distinctive gene evolution patterns in this group, including a rare retroposition event of the e(y)2 gene in Protostomes.
Euproctis
tussock moths
Euproctis is a genus of tussock moths in the family Erebidae, described by Jacob Hübner in 1819. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution across the Palearctic, African, Oriental, and Australian regions. Molecular phylogenetic studies indicate the genus is paraphyletic, comprising numerous unrelated lineages that require taxonomic revision. Some species are significant agricultural and forest pests, including Euproctis pseudoconspersa (tea tussock moth) and Euproctis chrysorrhoea (brown-tail moth).
Monomorium
Trailing, Pharaoh, and Timid Ants
Monomorium is a large and morphologically diverse genus of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae, containing approximately 396 species as of 2013. The genus exhibits remarkable variation in worker size, eye development, and caste polymorphism, with species ranging from minute to relatively large. It includes several significant pest species, notably the pharaoh ant (M. pharaonis) and the flower ant (M. floricola), which have achieved global distribution through human commerce. The genus is considered taxonomically problematic, lacking distinct morphological synapomorphies and currently recognized as paraphyletic, with several subgroups recently elevated to separate genera based on molecular evidence.
Tritoma
pleasing fungus beetles
Tritoma is a genus of pleasing fungus beetles (family Erotylidae) comprising over 100 species distributed worldwide, with greatest diversity in the Old World. Members are associated with fungi, with some species feeding on euagaric mushrooms and mycorrhizae. The genus is currently considered paraphyletic based on molecular evidence and may require taxonomic revision into two separate genera. Tritoma bipustulata, a common European species with distinctive black-and-red spotted coloration, has been studied for its chemical defensive system.