Taxonomia, filogenia e distribuição potencial de Peristicta Hagen in Selys, 1860 (Odonata: Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae: Protoneurinae)

Abstract

Peristicta Hagen & Selys, 1860 is a neotropical genus composed of eight species, distributed in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The species are morphologically similar, being a group still not well studied and challenging on species delimitation. Therefore, the aim of this work was to execute a taxonomic study, in which a new species was described and the identification key for the genus updated. In addition, with the objective of estimating potential areas of geographic distribution for the genus and delimiting the main land use threats that may impact populations of Peristicta species, analysis using distribution potential model was done. For the taxonomic and phylogenetic study, specimens of all species of the genus were analysed, except for P. lizeria. From morphological data, a character matrix was constructed and analyzed in maximum parsimony analyses using equal and implicit weighting. Two possible new species were identified, and one of them was described, since the second one did not have a good sample for it. The results of the phylogenetic analyzes indicated the monophyly of Peristicta with Neoneura as a sister group. Although monophyly has been recovered, the relationship between species has not been fully resolved. According to the modeling, areas of environmental suitability did not extend beyond the current distribution of the genus, although new areas were probably predicted. Regarding land use threats, the species' occurrence points are close, mainly to mining and hydroelectric projects, and in modified areas intended for agriculture. Knowing this, it is expected that the results will be granted for investment in inventories in potential areas as it will provide new information on distribution and species richness of Peristicta, increasing the biogeographic, taxonomic and phylogenetic knowledge of the genus.