Revision and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Genus Phonoctonus Stål, 1853 (Heteroptera, Reduviidae, Harpactorinae)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Taxonomic revisions, especially in the case of genera where the number of newly described species has increased over the years, are essential. The example of the genus Phonoctonus discussed in this paper shows that there are problematic taxa that, if described separately, without analysis of comparative material, may lead to unnecessary synonyms. Alternatively, individuals that exhibit features that qualify them as representatives of a new species are described as colour variants or varieties. The results of our research are a perfect example of this. Over the years, many colour varieties have been described, some of which have been proven to be the ‘correct’ species. Others are simply individuals of the same species that have a wide variation in colouration. These details should be considered, especially since we know from previous studies that representatives of the genus Phonoctonus show aposematic colouration to other true bugs they hunt. ABSTRACT: This paper presents a taxonomic revision and phylogenetic analysis of nine known species of the genus Phonoctonus Stål, 1853, distributed exclusively in the Afrotropical region. The revision and phylogenetic analysis were performed using morphological data. A full redescription for all species is provided, taxonomical problems are clarified, and diagnostic characters are presented and illustrated. Based on the analysis, thirteen species are recognised as valid: Phonoctonus bifasciatus stat. nov., P. caesar, P. elegans, P. fairmairei stat. nov., P. fasciatus, P. grandis, P. immitis stat. rev., P. luridus, P. lutescens, P. nigrofasciatus stat. rev., P. picta stat. nov., P. picturatus stat. rev., and P. principalis. New synonymies are proposed: Phonoctonus nigrofasciatus = P. fasciatus var. poultoni syn. nov., P. picturatus = P. fasciatus var. discalis syn. nov., and P. principalis = P. validus syn. nov. An identification key to separate the species, drawings of dorsal habitus, and distribution maps of all valid species are presented. Performed morphological phylogenetic analyses indicate monophyly of the genus Phonoctonus.