A review of the Geomydoecus subcalifornicus complex (Mallophaga: Trichodectidae) from Thomomys pocket gophers (Rodentia: Geomyidae), with a discussion of quantitative techniques and automated taxonomic procedures

Geomydoecus subcalifornicus is redescribed and illustrated; its known host range is 44 subspecies o f Thomomys bottae and 3 of T. umbrinus from U.S.A. (Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah) and Mexico (Baja California, Sonora). A new species, G. guadalupensis, is described from 5 subspecies of T. bottae (type-host : T. b. guadllupensis ) from U.S.A. (New Mexico, Texas) and Mexico (Coahuila). Quantitative characters of these lice, together with their host and locality data, were stored and evaluated by a computerized taxonomic analysis system. This was used to: define and identify tentative taxonomic groups; evaluate these groups for homogeneity; make comparisons among groups; and produce preliminary descriptions, lists of material examined, and host geographic range maps. Distinctions among tax a are shown using qualitative and quantitative characters and principal components analysis of quantitative characters.