Cladistic and biogeographic analyses of the Neotropical genus Epipedonota Solier (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), with conservation considerations

The tenebrionid genus Epipedonota (Pimeliinae: Nycteliini) consists of 23 species from southern South America. A cladistic analysis of the species of Epipedonota is conducted suggesting that this genus forms a monophyletic group defined by synapomorphies from external morphology and male genitalia. A cladistic biogeographic analysis of 14 areas of endemism in southern South America is performed using seven taxa inhabiting this area. Subtree analysis to these taxon-a-rea cladograms leads to 84 general area cladograms. A consensus tree is presented to show the common vicariant events from all cladograms. The proposed vicariant events which split the ancestral biota are the uplift of the Andean mountain range and resulting ecological and climatic change as well as marine transgressions. The status of area conservation for Epipedonota is examined using the phylogenetic information. Illustrations of external morphology, internal skeletal anatomy and genitalic features, cladograms, and a map with the areas of endemism are included.