TATIANA SEPULVEDA
Entomologist, Ph.D.
Photo: S. Marshall
Current projects
Systematics and evolution of stilt-legged flies and cactus flies (Diptera: Nerioidea)
Neriidae is a small family of acalyptrate flies commonly found in all continents. With this project, we aim to propose a comprehensive phylogenetic hypothesis for the family. We are also reviewing the taxonomy of all valid species of Neriidae, updating the keys for identification and the known geographical distribution of its genera. Check out! NERIIDAE.COM
Poecilotylus is a one of the Neotropical genus of stilt-legged flies (Diptera: Micropezidae, Taeniapterinae) with a complex taxonomic history. Recent molecular studies have clarified relationships within the subfamily, but a comprehensive taxonomic revision and phylogenetic analysis of Poecilotylus are still needed. This work would refine species classifications and advance understanding of Neotropical Diptera biodiversity.
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T. trilineatus de Meijere
T. maccus Osten-Sacken
Telostylinus maccus Osten-Sacken
T. inversus Hennig
T. trilineatus de Meijere
Poecilotylus sp
Poecilotylus paraguayensis Enderlein
Taxonomy and phylogeny of shore flies (Diptera: Ephydridae)
The Ephydridae, commonly known as shore or brine flies, are acalyptrate Diptera typically found in aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats, including swamps, riverbanks, lagoons, and marine beaches. This family is one of the most diverse within the superfamily Ephydroidea, with approximately 2,000 described species across 128 genera. Their lineage diverged from other ephydroid flies around 60 million years ago. Ephydridae are distributed across all biogeographic regions except Antarctica.
Based on the phylogenetic hypothesis proposed by Zatwarnicki (1992), Ephydridae are divided into five subfamilies:
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Discomyzinae (2 tribes, ~183 species),
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Hydrelliinae (5 tribes, ~506 species),
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Gymnomyzinae (6 tribes, ~334 species),
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Ilytheinae (3 tribes, ~176 species), and
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Ephydrinae (4 tribes: Dagini, Ephydrini, Parydrini, and Scatellini; ~445 species)
Our research focuses on taxonomic revisions and phylogenetic analyses to better understand the evolutionary history of shoreflies. Through this work, we aim to uncover their diversity, clarify their relationships within the superfamily Ephydroidea, and resolve the mystery of their sister group
Phylogeny of Ephydrinae
Austracoenia aczeli
Catalogue of the type material of longhorn beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) housed at the Field Museum of Natural History
The Field Museum of Natural History (FMNH) houses a world-class collection of Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles), including over 23,000 specimens and nearly 200 primary types. Enriched by notable acquisitions like the Dillon and Dillon collection, it represents a vital resource for research on beetle diversity and taxonomy.
This catalogue documents the type material of Cerambycidae at FMNH, providing detailed data on type specimens, including original names, current classifications, and type localities. By enhancing accessibility, this work supports studies on biodiversity and ensures the continued relevance of this extraordinary collection.
Dorcadion meschniggi
Typocerus fulvocinctus
Liopinus imitans
Molecular systematics and classification of the longhorned beetle subfamily Lamiinae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Lamiinae is the most diverse subfamily of Cerambycidae, having more than 21,000 species distributed in all biogeographical regions. Most suprageneric divisions of Lamiinae were proposed during the 19th century and, until today, very few tribes had their taxonomic limits assessed by phylogenetic approaches. This project aims to use both morphological and molecular characters and phylogenetic approaches to reconstruct a tribal-level phylogeny of Lamiinae and investigate the processes involved in the diversification of the tribes. With this project, we expect to have a strong background to delimit the tribes and address a tribal classification for Lamiinae in which the taxa can be recognized as a reflection of their evolutionary history.
Phylogeny of Acrocinini