| An investigation of the anatomy of Limicena confirms its position as a monotypic genus in the Cerastidae. Phylogenetic analysis places Limicena as the most plesiomorphic member of a clade characterised by a pseudosigmurethrous excretory system, the more advanced members of which are Rhachistia, Amimopina and Edouardia. Its position at the base of such a widely dispersed, advanced clade with apparently xerophilic adaptations lends support to a dispersalist hypothesis for the extra-Afrotropical distribution of the Cerastidae. |
