| The monophyly and phylogenetic relationships of subfamilies and genera traditionally classified in Polycentropodidae Ulmer, 1903 was tested. To understand the effects of including characters with large sets of missing data, three alternative datasets were analyzed under parsimony and Bayesian methods. Results rejected the monophyly of Polycentropodidae as currently constituted. The monophyly of 17 taxa was strongly supported. A combination of few overall characters having high variation in rates of change, plus an abundance of missing data may be problematic and may lead to poorly resolved trees and decreased accuracy. Two major taxonomic changes were proposed. A phylogeny of New World Polyplectropus species was also inferred. Parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of 97% of the total number of New World Polyplectropus species were performed. Results of the parsimony and Bayesian analyses were similar, although the Bayesian tree was less resolved. A total of 10 lineages, with varying amounts of support, were recognized. Four species remained unassigned to species group. Reassessment, diagnoses, and keys for 10 species groups, 6 newly established, was included. The taxonomy of New World species of Polyplectropus Ulmer, 1905, was revised. A total of 92 species were treated, 39 described as new. Treatment of each species consisted of detailed descriptions, diagnoses, illustrations, and distribution records. A key to genera of New World Polycentropodidae, including a redescription of New World Polyplectropus was provided, as well as keys to all the species. The homology of the male genitalia of the genus was discussed and new terminology proposed. |
