Vertebrate Zoology 70(3): 319-331, doi: 10.26049/VZ70-3-2020-05
Alpha taxonomy of Synallaxis stictothorax group (Aves: Passeriformes: Furnariidae): Synallaxis chinchipensis Chapman, 1925 as a valid species, with a lectotype designation
expand article infoRenata Stopiglia, Flávio A. Bockmann, Claydson P. De Assis, Marcos A. Raposo
Open Access
Abstract
The Synallaxis stictothorax group comprises poorly understood South American Furnariidae. This paper aims to present the morphological and nomenclatural aspects of this group, re-describing its valid species and to propose a fresh nomenclatural treatment for group members. Our analysis corroborated the specific status of the disputed taxon Synallaxis chinchipensis and refuted the diagnostic characteristics of the subspecies Synallaxis stictothorax maculata . Following the recommendations of the Code, a lectotype was designated to the nominal species Synallaxis hypochondriaca . We also draw attention to the need for continued review of the taxonomy of polytypic species, as this is the most efficient way of distinguishing natural groups from those that are merely historical artefacts of bird taxonomy.
Keywords
Synallaxis chinchipensis, Synallaxis hypochondriaca, subspecies, Taxonomy.