A revision of the genus Scipopus (Diptera, Micropezidae, Taeniapterinae)

Scipopus was previously poorly defined at the generic level since many characters typically used to define or diagnose the genus exhibit homoplasy. The characters initially used to describe Scipopus are partially present in three other genera (Pseudeurybata Hennig, Phaeopterina Frey and one undescribed genus) in the “Scipopus group”. A morphological and molecular analysis was conducted using specimens held at the University of Guelph. A revision of the 19 species belonging to the newly defined genus Scipopus is presented, with description of five new species (S. brikelos, S. convexus, S. kubus, S. nitidus, S. planus). S. furcifer Hennig is a new junior synonym of S. calocephalus (Bigot), S. bolivanus Hennig is a new junior synonym of S. belzebul (Schiner). A molecular phylogeny is provided for the Scipopus group, placing Scipopus as sister to an undescribed genus. This research open doors for future description of related genera and clarifies generic relationships.