Taxonomic Revision of Western Palaearctic Species of the Genus Scatella R.-D. and Lamproscatella Hendel, and Studies on their Phylogenetic Position within the Subfamily Ephydrinae (Diptera, Ephydrinae)

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The validity of the species Scatella thermarum Collin from hot springs in Iceland has been questioned by authors. This and other species of the genera Scatella R.-D. and Lamproscatella Hendel in the westem Palaearctic are revised. The latter and several other genera have repeatedly been considered subgenera of Scatella. To delimit the genus, representatives of all European genera of the subfamily Ephydrinae were included in the present study, which resulted in the author's recognition of 12 genera denoted to 2 tribes, Ephydrini and Scatellini. The results are presented in a cladogram. Thirteen westem Palaearctic species are recognized in the genus Scatella. The genus is divided into 3 species-groups: rubida, paludum and stagnalis. The relationships within the genus were studied both in the cladistic way and by numerical taxonomic devices. The results of both are presented, but they do not quite compare. The use of “star-diagrams” as a device to trace similarities or dissimilarities between taxa or populations is presented. Three new synonymies are given: S. lindbergi Dahl is a synonym of S. crassicosta Becker, S. callosicosta Bezzi of S. obsoleta Loew and finally, S. thermarum Collin of S. tenuicosta Collin, representing highly variable forms adapted to the conditions offered by the hot environment. Lectotypes of S. major, S. rubida and S. variofemorata are designated. The three subgenera of Lamproscatella, viz. Haloscatella Mathis, Thinoscatella Mathis and Lamproscatella Hendel, are treated as valid genera. Five species of Lamproscatella s. lat. are recognized in Europe. Full descriptions are given of all the species of Scatella and Lamproscatella s. lat. (except L. bimaculata Hendel).

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