Phylogenetic relationships of Eremopachys Brancsik (Orthoptera: Tristiridae: Tropidostethini)

Abstract

The Tropidostethini are the only tristirids found in the Nothofagus forest, at the southern part of the South American continent along the Andes. Within this tribe, Eremopachys bergi Brancsik, the only known species of Eremopachys, occurs in the chilean patagonia mostly in the open steppe areas with Mulinum spinosum. Males of this species were unknown until recently, when specimens of this sex were found in the vecinity of the "Torres del Paine" National Park. The description of the male characteristics of this species is provided and the phylogenetic relationships for the genus Eremopachys are proposed based on a cladistic analysis performed for the subfamily Tristirinae.