Cladistic analysis of Zethus Fabricius, 1804 (Hymenoptera, Vespidae): a new subgeneric classification

Zethus is the largest genus in Vespidae with over 270 species. It currently divided into four subgenera: Z. (Zethus), (Zethoides), (Zethusculus) and (Madecazethus). While last three are restricted to certain biogeographic areas, first spread through western eastern hemispheres. Studies have shown possible phylogenetic incongruence regarding this current division even raised possibility of paraphyly genus. To evaluate classification, morphological pasimony analyses under implied weights was carried out, examining external morphology male genitalia. Analyses showed various “k” values two subgenera. Ischnocoelia Ctenochilus lowered subgenera . (Madecazethus) no longer Malagasy species now includes those African continent as well. (Zethastrum) subg. nov. defined for Oriental representatives. (Zethus) subdivided (Didymogastra) (Wettsteinia). (Zethoides) monophyletic hold their status Three species-groups Incertae sedis : albopictus , pallidus spinosus