Polyphyletic
Guides
Amphipyrinae
Amphipyrinae is a subfamily of owlet moths (Noctuidae) historically used as a catchall taxon for genera lacking clear morphological synapomorphies for assignment to other subfamilies. Molecular phylogenetic studies have significantly redefined the group, transferring numerous genera to other subfamilies. Following major revisions, the genus Amphipyra is now the only genus definitively retained in Amphipyrinae. The subfamily currently contains over 50 genera and 210 described species, though this classification remains unstable pending further research.
Callidiini
Callidiini is a tribe of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Cerambycinae, comprising over 30 genera and approximately 180 described species. Recent molecular studies have revealed that the tribe is polyphyletic, prompting discussion of establishing a new tribe Ropalopini. The tribe includes genera distributed across the Palaearctic region, with some species considered potentially invasive due to broad host associations.
Chalcididae
Chalcidid Wasps
Chalcididae is a family of parasitoid wasps within the superfamily Chalcidoidea, comprising over 85 genera and more than 1,460 species worldwide. Members are characterized by greatly enlarged, toothed hind femora that enable powerful jumping. Most species are parasitoids of Lepidoptera and Diptera pupae, though some attack Coleoptera (particularly jewel beetles in the genus Chrysobothris) and other insects. The family is currently considered polyphyletic, with subfamilies potentially warranting elevation to family status. They occur across diverse habitats from tropical to temperate regions, with notable diversity in semiarid regions of Brazil and teak plantations in Southeast Asia.
Desoria
Desoria is a genus of springtails (Collembola: Isotomidae) characterized by cold-adapted, cryophilic species active in low-temperature environments. Members occur in diverse cold habitats including alpine glaciers, subnivean zones, and Antarctic ice-free areas. The genus is currently considered polyphyletic based on genetic analysis. Several species face elevated extinction risk due to climate change and habitat loss, particularly those restricted to shrinking glacial environments.
Eryciini
Eryciini is a tribe of tachinid flies comprising approximately 128 genera. The tribe serves as a repository for exoristine taxa that cannot be placed into other tribes, resulting in a polyphyletic assemblage. Members are parasitoids of Lepidoptera larvae, with documented associations to caterpillars in families Crambidae, Notodontidae, Noctuidae, Pyralidae, and Tortricidae. A new genus, Santarosamyia, was described in 2024 from Costa Rica based on specimens reared from wild-caught caterpillars.
Eurytoma
Eurytoma is a large genus of chalcid wasps in the family Eurytomidae, containing at least 620 described species. Members are primarily parasitoids, attacking a diverse range of hosts including gall-forming insects and seeds of fruit crops. The genus is currently recognized as polyphyletic based on morphological and phylogenomic studies, indicating that extensive taxonomic revision is required. Species occupy varied habitats from agricultural orchards to natural gall systems on wild plants.
Niptus
spider beetles
Niptus is a genus of spider beetles (Coleoptera: Ptinidae) distributed across the Australian region, Palearctic (including Europe), Near East, Nearctic, and North Africa. The genus as currently circumscribed is polyphyletic; North American species have been transferred to the new genus Coleotestudus based on morphological and molecular evidence. The type species Niptus hololeucus (golden spider beetle) represents a distinct clade not closely related to the former North American members.
Quediina
Quediina is a mega-diverse subtribe of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Staphylinini) comprising hundreds of species globally, with exceptional species richness in north and south temperate regions. The subtribe has historically been defined by convention rather than clear synapomorphies, and recent phylogenetic studies have demonstrated polyphyly, leading to major taxonomic revisions. Formerly quediine genera from the Afrotropical region have been reassigned to unrelated lineages within Staphylinini. The subtribe includes economically important genera such as Quedius and Bolitogyrus.
Willowsia
Willowsia is a genus of slender springtails in the family Entomobryidae, containing approximately six described species. The genus exhibits a pantropical to cosmopolitan distribution, with notable diversity in Asia and multiple species present in the Americas. Some species, particularly W. nigromaculata, are among the most abundant and widely distributed springtails in the northern hemisphere. Phylogenetic studies indicate that Willowsia is polyphyletic, with some species showing closer relationships to other entomobryine taxa. The genus includes both native New World endemics and potentially introduced populations.