Phylogenetic relationships among species of the Myzorhynchella Section of
Anopheles
(Nyssorhynchus) were investigated using the nuclear ribosomal DNA second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2), the nuclear whitegene and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) regions. The recently described
Anopheles pristinus
and resurrected
Anopheles guarani
were also included in the study. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses found
Anopheles parvus
to be the most distantly related species within the Section, a finding that is consistent with morphology.
An. pristinus and
An. guarani were clearly resolved from
Anopheles antunesi and
Anopheles lutzii, respectively.
An. lutzii collected in the same mountain range as the type locality were found within a strongly supported clade, whereas individuals from the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, tentatively identified as
An. lutzii based on adult female external morphology, were distinct from
An. lutzii,
An. antunesi and from each other, and may therefore represent two new sympatric species. A more detailed examination of
An. lutzii sensu latoalong its known geographic range is recommended to resolve these anomalous relationships.
