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Dryad

Phylogenetic evidence of Paraphausis Green, 1949 as a junior synonym of Microphotus LeConte, 1866

O'Hara, Cagney1; Powell, Gareth2; Martin, Gavin1

Research facility: North Carolina State University
Published Jun 26, 2026 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.nk98sf884

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Abstract

The firefly genus Paraphausis Green, 1949, is a monotypic genus often overlooked in taxonomic and phylogenetic studies. The relationship of Paraphausis within Lampyridae is uncertain. The primary reason for this uncertainty is reliance on morphological characters that lack utility in classification. The most recent hypothesis based on these morphological characters places Paraphausis within Microphotus LeConte, 1866. We aim to produce a hypothesis of classification for Paraphausis using an Anchored Hybrid Enrichment approach analyzing 510 genetic markers in a likelihood phylogenetic framework. We formally synonymize Paraphausis and Microphotus and move P. eximius to Microphotus eximius (Green, 1949) comb. nov. We provide updates to a generic and species key for Microphotus to include M. eximius. This reclassification strengthens our understanding of firefly phylogenetics and supports evolutionary insights within Lampyridae, contributing to an accurate taxonomy that is essential for conservation and further research.