A cladistic analysis using 63 characters and 30 genera of the Neotropical tribe Ochlerini Rolston was performed to test their monophyletic condition and to establish a relationship hypothesis. Janeirona Distant, 1911 (Pentatomini) and the tribes Discocephalini and Halyini were included in the ingroup to test their relationship with Ochlerini; Marghita Ruckes, 1964 and Stictochilus Bergroth, 1918 (Pentatomini) were used as outgroups. The obtained strict consensus cladograms indicate that Ochlerini and Discocephalinae are monophyletic groups, but Pentatominae, Halyini+Ochlerini, Pentatomini+Ochlerini, Ochlerus Spinola, 1837, Stalius Rolston, 1992 and Alitocoris Sailer, 1950 are merophyletic groups. Discocephalini and Ochlerini share three synapomorphies: first rostral segment long, attaining prosternum; metasternum with a mesial, longitudinal carina, and dorsal surface of basal third of male proctiger membranous. Ochlerini is supported by one synapomorphy, the flattened dorsal surface of third tarsal segment of hind legs, in females. Biogeographical analysis based on consensus cladograms shows congruent patterns with several vicariant events proposed for the Neotropical region.
Cladistic analysis; Neotropical region; biogeography; Discocephalinae; Ochlerini
