Chaetocnemistoptera taxonomic history

Chaetocnemistoptera semifurcata was described in 1923 and initially allocated in the genus Hypocera Lioy (Borgmeier 1923a) . In the same year, Borgmeier created the genus Chaetocnemistoptera with C. semifurcata designated as holotype by monotypy, separating it from the rest of Hypocera based on the presence of two dorsal setae on the midtibia (Borgmeier 1923b). In 1927, Schmitz included C. scutellata (Brues), C. furcamperdens Schmitz, C. multiseriata (Aldrich) and C. jamaicensis (Brues) in Chaetocnemistoptera, still following Borgmeier’s criteria of characterizing the genus by two dorsal setae on midtibia. Borgmeier (1961) argued that the generic characters of Chaetocnemistoptera are not sufficient to maintain a distinct genus, considering it a junior synonym of Chaetopleurophora Schmitz as part of the erythronota -group of species. In the same paper, Borgmeier synonymized Chaetopleurophora furcamperdens with Chaetopleurophora semifurcata and described Chaetopleurophora formosa, Chaetopleurophora palpalis and the male of Chaetopleurophora semifurcata . Thereafter, Borgmeier (1969) described Chaetopleurophora nigroscutellata and the male of Chaetopleurophora formosa . Brown (1992a) reinstated the generic status of Chaetocnemistoptera, contrary to Disney (1994), who preferred considering Chaetocnemistoptera as a subgenus of Chaetopleurophora .

In this taxonomic revision of the genus sensu Brown 1992a five new species are illustrated and described, as well as the hypopygium of C. formosa and C. palpalis . A species identification key is provided.