The phylogeny of Arenivaga (Rehn) (Blattodea, Polyphagidae, Polyphaginae)

My doctoral research comprises a revision of the genus Arenivaga (Rehn), a genus of cockroach adapted to life in the deserts of the American southwest, Florida, and Mexico.  Also known as sand cockroaches, the females and nymphs “swim” through sand and feed on detritus and mycorrhizal fungi on the roots of desert shrubs.  The two sexes are dimorphic; the females are robust and apterous, whereas mature males are gracile and winged.  Prior to this study, nine species were known.  I have identified, described and designated the geographic boundaries of these and 39 more species, (reported at earlier meetings).  This paper presents a phylogeny of the genus, and points out intriguing anomalies in the group.