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CUTWORM SYSTEMATICS: CONFUSIONS AND SOLUTIONS

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2012

J.D. Lafontaine
J.D. Lafontaine*
Affiliation:
Biological Resources Division, Centre for Land and Biological Resources Research, Agriculture Canada Research Branch, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0C6
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Abstract

Confusion in cutworm systematics pervades every level of their classification ranging from problems in defining them as a monophyletic group to problems with defining species. Classification provides the primary means of communication and prediction and is most effective when names are stable, and the classification is widely accepted and used, and reflects natural relationships. In cutworms, these requirements are not met: cutworm classification is not stable and use of names in different parts of the world is inconsistent; furthermore, the present cutworm classification does not reflect natural relationships. Instability in cutworm classification can be attributed to several factors: inconsistency in characters used to define groupings such as tribes and subfamilies; problems with defining species; and poor communication among workers. Problems with cutworm classification and progress being made in resolving these difficulties are discussed.

Résumé

En systématique des Vers-gris, la confusion règne à peu près à tous les niveaux de la classification et elle vient de la difficulté de les définir en tant que groupe monophylétique aussi bien que des problèmes à reconnaître les espèces. La classification constitue le principal moyen de communication et de prévision et elle est efficace surtout lorsque les noms sont stables, lorsqu'elle est acceptée et utilisée de façon générale et lorsqu'elle reflète des relations naturelles. Chez les Vers-gris, ce n'est pas le cas : leur classification n'est pas stable et l'utilisation des noms varie d'une partie du monde à l'autre; de plus, la classification actuelle des Vers-gris n'est pas le reflet de relations naturelles. L'instabilité qui prévaut en classification des Vers-gris est attribuable à plusieurs facteurs : les caractères utilisés pour définir les groupements, tels tribus et sous-familles, ne sont pas toujours les mêmes; les espèces sont difficiles à reconnaître; il y a peu de communication entre les chercheurs. Les problèmes de classification des Vers-gris et les progrès accomplis dans la résolution de ces difficultés sont examinés. [Traduit par la rédaction]

Type
Research Article
Information
The Memoirs of the Entomological Society of Canada , Volume 125 , Supplement S165 , 1993 , pp. 189 - 196
Copyright
Copyright © Entomological Society of Canada 1993

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