Paraphyly
Guides
Boletina
fungus gnats
Boletina is a species-rich genus of fungus gnats in the family Mycetophilidae, characterized by a mainly Holarctic distribution. The genus has historically been taxonomically challenging due to morphological similarities among species and paraphyletic relationships with related genera including Aglaomyia, Coelosia, and Gnoriste. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies and taxonomic revisions have clarified some relationships, though the genus remains under active investigation. Boletina species are particularly diverse in northern Europe, where ongoing research continues to reveal new species.
Coreoidea
Leaf-footed Bugs and Allies
Coreoidea is a superfamily of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) within the infraorder Pentatomomorpha, encompassing more than 3,300 described species across five extant families. The group includes leaf-footed bugs (Coreidae), broad-headed bugs (Alydidae), scentless plant bugs (Rhopalidae), and the smaller families Hyocephalidae and Stenocephalidae. Members are predominantly phytophagous, with many species exhibiting enlarged hind leg structures. The superfamily's phylogenetic relationships with Lygaeoidea and Pyrrhocoroidea remain unresolved, with evidence suggesting potential paraphyly requiring taxonomic revision.
Palaemon
Glass Shrimps
Palaemon is a genus of caridean shrimp in the family Palaemonidae, commonly known as glass shrimps. The genus is widely distributed across marine, brackish, and freshwater habitats in temperate and tropical regions. Molecular studies suggest the conventional circumscription of Palaemon is likely paraphyletic, with related genera Palaemonetes, Exopalaemon, and Couteriella nested within it. Phylogenetic relationships in this group correspond more closely with geographic origin than with traditional genus-level taxonomy.
Pedetontus
jumping bristletails
Pedetontus is a genus of jumping bristletails (order Archaeognatha) in the family Machilidae, first described by Silvestri in 1911. The genus contains approximately 10 described species, with additional cryptic diversity identified through molecular studies, particularly in China where 17 species have been documented. Species are wingless and retain numerous ancestral characteristics including monocondylous mandibles and well-developed abdominal appendages. Recent mitogenomic studies indicate that current morphological classification within the genus requires revision due to paraphyly and cryptic species complexes.