Mitochondrial genome sequences effectively reveal deep branching events in aphids (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Over the past dozen years, considerable effort has been devoted to unravelling the higher‐level phylogenetic relationships of viviparous aphids (Aphididae). However, to date, there is still no commonly accepted phylogenetic hypothesis. In this study, we establish a robust phylogenetic framework for the Aphididae based on mitochondrial genome sequences of 35 aphid species, 22 of which are newly reported. Phylogenetic inferences are performed using multiple data sets, alternative partitioning schemes and different model‐based methods. Our analyses result in well‐supported backbone relationships for the major lineages of aphids, suggesting the feasibility of mitogenome data for resolving phylogenetic questions in aphids. Mindarinae is strongly supported as the earliest branching lineage within Aphididae. A monophyletic clade comprising Calaphidinae, Phyllaphidinae and Saltusaphidinae is corroborated to be the sister group to the species‐richest subfamily Aphidinae. In addition, the morphologically defined subfamily Eriosomatinae is uncovered to be non‐monophyletic.     

Reconstructing the deep-branching relationships of the papilionoid legumes

Resolving the phylogenetic relationships of the deep nodes of papilionoid legumes (Papilionoideae) is essential to understanding the evolutionary history and diversification of this economically and ecologically important legume subfamily. The early-branching papilionoids include mostly Neotropical trees traditionally circumscribed in the tribes Sophoreae and Swartzieae. They are more highly diverse in floral morphology than other groups of Papilionoideae. For many years, phylogenetic analyses of the Papilionoideae could not clearly resolve the relationships of the early-branching lineages due to limited sampling. In the eight years since the publication of Legumes of the World, we have seen an extraordinary wealth of new molecular data for the study of Papilionoideae phylogeny, enabling increasingly greater resolution and many surprises. This study draws on recent molecular phylogenetic studies and a new comprehensive Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of 668 plastid matK sequences. The present matK phylogeny resolves the deep-branching relationships of the papilionoids with increased support for many clades, and suggests that taxonomic realignments of some genera and of numerous tribes are necessary. The potentially earliest-branching papilionoids fall within an ADA clade, which includes the recircumscribed monophyletic tribes Angylocalyceae, Dipterygeae, and Amburanae. The genera Aldina and Amphimas represent two of the nine main but as yet unresolved lineages comprising the large 50-kb inversion clade. The quinolizidine-alkaloid-accumulating Genistoid s.l. clade is expanded to include Dermatophyllum and a strongly supported and newly circumscribed tribe Ormosieae. Sophoreae and Swartzieae are dramatically reorganized so as to comprise monophyletic groups within the Core Genistoid clade and outside the 50-kb inversion clade, respectively. Acosmium is excluded from the Genistoids s.l. and strongly resolved within the newly circumscribed tribe Dalbergieae. By providing a better resolved phylogeny of the earliest-branching papilionoids, this study, in combination with other recent evidence, will lead to a more stable phylogenetic classification of the Papilionoideae.     

Secondary intracellular symbiotic bacteria in aphids of the genus Yamatocallis (Homoptera: Aphididae: Drepanosiphinae).

A novel secondary intracellular symbiotic bacterium from aphids of the genus Yamatocallis (subfamily Drepanosiphinae) was characterized by using molecular phylogenetic analysis, in situ hybridization, and diagnostic PCR detection. In the aphid tissues, this bacterium (tentatively designated YSMS [Yamatocallis secondary mycetocyte symbiont]) was found specifically in large cells surrounded by primary mycetocytes harboring Buchnera cells. Of nine drepanosiphine aphids examined, YSMS was detected in only two species of the same genus, Yamatocallis tokyoensis and Yamatocallis hirayamae. In natural populations of these aphids, YSMS was present in 100% of the individuals. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences demonstrated that YSMS of Y. tokyoensis and Y. hirayamae constitute a distinct and isolated clade in the gamma subdivision of the class Proteobacteria. No 16S rDNA sequences of secondary endosymbionts characterized so far from other aphids showed phylogenetic affinity to YSMS. Based on these results, I suggest that YSMS was acquired by an ancestor of the genus Yamatocallis and has been conserved throughout the evolution of the lineage. By using the nucleotide substitution rate for 16S rDNA of Buchnera spp., the time of acquisition of YSMS was estimated to be about 13 to 26 million years ago, in the Miocene epoch of the Tertiary period.     

Using 18S rDNA to resolve diaptomid copepod (Copepoda: Calanoida: Diaptomidae) phylogeny: an example with the North American genera

The phylogenetic relationships among the numerous genera of diaptomid copepods remain elusive due to difficulties in obtaining sufficient numbers of phylogenetically informative morphological characters for cladistic analysis. Molecular phylogenetic techniques offer high potential to resolve phylogenetic relationships in the absence of sufficient morphological characters because of the ease in which many characters can be unambiguously coded. I present the first molecular phylogeny for diaptomid copepod genera using 18S rDNA. Specifically, I test Light’s (1939) hypothesis regarding the interrelationships among the North American diaptomid genera. The 18S phylogeny is remarkably consistent with Light’s hypothesis. The endemic North American genera represent a monophyletic group exclusive of the non-endemic genera. Moreover, his hypothesized basal genus for the North America genera, Hesperodiaptomus, is the basal genus in this analysis. However, his Leptodiaptomus group is not reciprocally monophyletic with his Hesperodiaptomus group, but is rather a derived member of the latter group. Finally, the genus Mastigodiaptomus is found to be more closely allied with the non-endemic genera, as Light suggested. This phylogeny contributes heavily to the understanding of phylogenetic relationships among North American diaptomids and has large implications for the systematics of diaptomids in general. The use of 18S rDNA sequences in phylogenetic analyses of diaptomid copepods can be used to confirm the monophyly of recognized genera, the interrelationships among genera, and subsequent biogeographic interpretation of the family’s diversification. The use of molecular data, such as 18S rDNA sequences, to test phylogenetic hypotheses based on a very limited number of morphological characters will be a particularly useful approach to phylogenetic analysis in this system.     

Molecular phylogeny of the subfamily Schizothoracinae (Teleostei: Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) inferred from complete mitochondrial genomes

The schizothoracine fishes, members of the Teleost order Cypriniformes, are one of the most diverse group of cyprinids in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau and surrounding regions. However, taxonomy and phylogeny of these species remain unclear. In this study, we determined the complete mitochondrial genome of Schizopygopsis malacanthus. We also used the newly obtained sequence, together with 31 published schizothoracine mitochondrial genomes that represent eight schizothoracine genera and six outgroup taxa to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of the subfamily Schizothoracinae by different partitioned maximum likelihood and partitioned Bayesian inference at nucleotide and amino acid levels. The schizothoracine fishes sampled form a strongly supported monophyletic group that is the sister taxon to Barbus barbus. A sister group relationship between the primitive schizothoracine group and the specialized schizothoracine group + the highly specialized schizothoracine group was supported. Moreover, members of the specialized schizothoracine group and the genera Schizothorax, Schizopygopsis, and Gymnocypris were found to be paraphyletic.     

Inonotus tenuicontextus sp. nov. (Hymenochaetaceae) from Guizhou, southwest China with a preliminary discussion on the phylogeny of its kin

Inonotus tenuicontextus collected from Guizhou, southwest China was described and illustrated as a new species based on a combination of phylogenetic and morphological evidence. It is characterized by perennial and effused-reflexed to pileate basidiocarps; duplex and very thin context; a monomitic hyphal system in context; a dimitic hyphal system in trama; and broadly ellipsoid, hyaline and thick-walled basidiospores. Phylogenetically I. tenuicontextus clustered within Inonotus s. s. clade; moreover, it formed a well supported monophyletic subclade with Inonotus baumii, I. linteus, I. lonicericola, I. vaninii and I. weirianus. In morphology I. tenuicontextus distinguishes from I. linteus, also a species with duplex context, by its smaller basidiospores, while its duplex context makes it different from the other four species with homogeneous context. We proposed this subclade as a medicinal group for most of its members with medicinal functions. The phylogeny of the six species in this medicinal group was briefly discussed based on our results. An identification key to them is also provided.     

Chitinolytic activity of phylogenetically diverse Bacillus cereus sensu lato from natural environments

Bacillus cereus s.l., Gram-positive endospore-forming bacilli, persist ubiquitously in different natural habitats and play various ecological roles. Nevertheless, although chitin is one of the most abundant polymer on Earth, the study of the ability of B. cereus s.l. to hydrolyze this polymer were limited to individual B. cereus and B. thuringiensis strains only. Thus, to fill this gap in this research we focused on (i) the linkage between the capability to chitin degradation and the phylogenetic relatedness of B. cereus s.l. strains, and (ii) the genetic background of chitinolytic properties of these bacilli. Our results showed that chitin degradation is common among the B. cereus group members, yet strains clustered into particular phylogenetic groups differ in their chitinolytic capacity. Separate clustering of chitinolytic and non-chitinolytic strains in the phylogenetic tree indicates the ecotypic structure of these isolates. Two proteins belonging to subfamily A (ChiA) and subfamily B (ChiB) of the glycoside hydrolase GH18 family exhibited simultaneous chitobiosidase and endochitinase activities, and are responsible for chitin utilization by environmental B. cereus s.l. isolates.     

Phylogenetic relationships among members of the subfamily Sedoideae (Crassulaceae) inferred from the ITS region sequences of nuclear rDNA

Nucleotide sequences of the nuclear rDNA ITS regions were determined in 20 species of the subfamily Sedoideae (Crassulaceae). The phylogenetic relationships of these species with other members of the subfamily, occurring mainly in Southeast Asia, were analyzed. It was shown that the genus Orostachys was not monophyletic; its type subsection was significantly included into the clade of the genus Hylotelephium. Synapomorphic substitutions and indels, specific for the subsection Orostachys, were detected in ITS1. Sister relationships were established between clades Aziopsis and Phedimus, based on which they can be recognized as isolated genera.     

Morphological Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Laelapin Mite Species (Acari: Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) from China

Laelapinae mites are involved in transmission of microbial diseases between wildlife and humans, with an impact on public health. In this study, 5 mite members in the subfamily Laelapinae (laelapin mites; LM) were morphologically identified by light microscopy, and the phylogenetic relationship of LM was analyzed in combination with the sequence information of part of the LM cytochrome oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene. The morphological identification revealed that 5 mites belonged to the genera Laelaps and Haemolaelaps, respectively. Sequence analysis showed that the ratio of non-synonymous mutation rate to synonymous mutation rate of LM was less than 1, indicating that the LM cox1 gene had undergone purifying selection. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Laelapinae is a monophyletic group. The genera Haemolaelaps and Hyperlaelaps did not separated into distinct clades but clustered together with species of the genus Laelaps. Our morphological and molecular analyses to describe the phylogenetic relationships among different genera and species of Laelapinae provide a reference for the improvement and revision of the LM taxonomy system.     

Towards the phylogeny of the Curculionoidea (Coleoptera): Reconstructions from mitochondrial and nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences

With about 60,000 described species, Curculionoidea represent the most species-rich superfamily in the animal kingdom. The immense diversity apparently creates difficulties in the reconstruction of the phylogenetic relationships. Independent morphological studies have led to very different classifications. This study is based on molecular data from two independent molecular sources, the 16S and 18S rDNA. Sensitivity analyses were conducted for the sequence alignment (gap costs were varied) as well as the phylogenetic reconstruction algorithms and some of their parameters. The higher-level relationships reconstructed within Curculionoidea are sensitive to alignment and reconstruction method. Nemonychidae or Oxycorynidae+Belidae were found to be sister to all remaining Curculionoidea in many analyses. The 16S rDNA sequence data (obtained from 157 species) corroborate many tribes and genera as monophyletic. It is observed that the phylogenetic reconstruction of genera with specific genetic features such as polyploidy and parthenogenetic reproduction is difficult in weevils. The curculionid subfamily Lixinae appears monophyletic. A new monophylum consisting of Entiminae, Hyperinae, Cyclominae, Myllorhinus plus possibly the Cossoninae is distinguished and we call it Entiminae s.l. For most other subfamilies and families homoplasy concealed the phylogenetic signal (due to saturation of the 16S sequences), or the species sampling was insufficient, although our sampling scheme was rather broad. We observed that although data from one source can easily be misleading (16S) or hardly informative (18S), the combination of the two independent data sets can result in useful information for such a speciose group of organisms. Our study represents the most thorough analysis of molecular sequence data of the Curculionoidea to date and although the phylogenetic results appear less stable than expected, they reflect the information content of these sequence data realistically and thus contribute to the total knowledge about the phylogeny of the Curculionoidea.     

Looks can deceive: Molecular phylogeny of a family of flatworm ectoparasites (Monogenea: Capsalidae) does not reflect current morphological classification

The morphological based taxonomy of highly derived parasite groups is likely to poorly reflect their evolutionary relationships. The taxonomy of the monogenean family Capsalidae, which comprises approximately 180 species of flatworm parasites that predominantly attach to external surfaces of chondrichthyan and teleost fishes, is based mainly on six morphological characters. The phylogenetic history of the family is largely unknown. We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships of 47 species in 20 genera from eight of the nine subfamilies, from nucleotide sequences of three unlinked nuclear genes, 28S ribosomal RNA, Histone 3 and Elongation Factor 1 α. Our phylogeny was well corroborated, with 75% of branches receiving strong support from both Bayesian posterior probabilities and maximum likelihood bootstrap proportions and all nodes showed positive partitioned likelihood support for each of the three genes. We found that the family was monophyletic, with the Gyrodactylidae and Udonellidae forming the sister group. The Capsalinae was monophyletic, however, our data do not support monophyly for the Benedeniinae, Entobdellinae and Trochopodinae. Monophyly was supported for Capsala, Entobdella, Listrocephalos, Neobenedenia and Tristoma, but Benedenia and Neoentobdella were polyphyletic. Comparisons of the distribution of character states for the small number of morphological characters on the molecular phylogeny show a high frequency of apparent homoplasy. Consequently the current morphological classification shows little correspondence with the phylogenetic relationships within the family.     

Global phylogeny and new classification of the Rapaninae (Gastropoda: Muricidae), dominant molluscan predators on tropical rocky seashores

The monophyly of the muricid subfamily Rapaninae has recently been confirmed with molecular techniques, but its composition and the relationships among its constituent genera remain unclear. We use four genes (28S rRNA, 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, COI) to construct a Bayesian phylogeny of 80 rapanine species (73% of the approximately 109 currently accepted), representing 27 of the 31 nominal genera. This is the most complete phylogeny of this taxonomically confusing subfamily yet produced. We propose a revised phylogenetic classification of the Rapaninae, assigning the recognized species to 28 genera. Most of the morphologically-defined rapanine genera are considered valid, including Purpura, Drupa, Thais and Nassa, but many of them are here restricted or redefined so that they are monophyletic. In particular the familiar genus Thais is narrowly restricted to a single species. Many groups previously accepted as subgenera, including Mancinella, Vasula, Thalessa and Thaisella, are here accorded full generic rank. We describe one new genus, Indothais. While we do not formally alter species-level taxonomy, we show molecular evidence for two cryptic species and several instances of probable species synonymy. We estimate the age of diversification of the Rapaninae as Late Cretaceous (75.9 Ma) and of many of its genera as Miocene.     

Multigene phylogenetic analysis reveals non-monophyly of Anisakis s.l. and Pseudoterranova (Nematoda: Anisakidae)

The nematode genera Anisakis s.l. and Pseudoterranova (Anisakidae) include causative agents of anisakiasis and pseudoterranovosis, parasitic diseases resulting from eating undercooked or raw fish or squid. Species in both genera have thus attracted considerable attention especially in public health and taxonomic studies. The phylogenetic relationships of these genera within the subfamily Anisakinae, however, remain to be investigated with dense taxonomic sampling. In this study, we collected an anisakid third-stage larva, and identified it morphologically and molecularly as Pseudoterranova ceticola. Phylogeny of 15 anisakine species, including the newly collected specimen of Ps. ceticola, was reconstructed based on sequences of three mitochondrial (cox1, cox2, and 12S rRNA) and two nuclear (ITS and 28S rRNA) regions. The obtained tree suggested the non-monophyly of Anisakis s.l. and Pseudoterranova. Anisakis s.l. was divided into two groups, which are distinguished from each other by the shape of the ventriculus. Based on phylogenetic relationships and morphology, three species with a shorter ventriculus (“A.” brevispiculata, “A.” paggiae, and “A.” physeteris) were assigned to the genus Skrjabinisakis, as recently proposed. Pseudoterranova ceticola was distantly related to the monophyletic Ps. decipiens species complex. Although the phylogenetic position of the type species Ps. kogiae has not been investigated due to a lack of sequence data, this species may morphologically and ecologically resemble Ps. ceticola, inferring a close kinship between the two species.     

Phylogeny of Salsoleae s.l. (Chenopodiaceae) based on DNA sequence data from ITS, psbB–psbH, and rbcL, with emphasis on taxa of northwestern China

To reconstruct phylogeny and verify the monophyly of major subgroups, a total of 52 species representing almost all species of Salsoleae s.l. in China were sampled, with analysis based on three molecular markers (nrDNA ITS, cpDNA psbB–psbH and rbcL), using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference methods. Our molecular evidence provides strong support for the following: (1) Camphorosmeae is nested within Salsoleae s.l. instead of the previously suggested sister relationship. (2) Tribe Salsoleae s.l. is monophyletic and is composed of three monophyletic subunits, Caroxyloneae, the Kali clade, and Salsoleae s.str. (3) Climacoptera is separated from Salsola s.l. It does not form a monophyletic group but is split into two monophyletic parts, Climacoptera I and Climacoptera II. (4) Halogeton is clearly polyphyletic, as are Anabasis and the genus Salsola s.l. (5) Caroxylon, Haloxylon, Kali, and Petrosimonia are well-supported monophyletic genera. Additional evidence is needed regarding the monophyly of Halimocnemis, which remains unclear.     

Phylogeny of Rhus gall aphids (Hemiptera : Pemphigidae) based on combined molecular analysis of nuclear EF1α and mitochondrial COII genes

Rhus gall aphids (Fordinae : Melaphidini) have a disjunct distribution in East Asia and North America and have specific host plant relationships. Some of them are of economic importance and all species form sealed galls which show great variation in shape, size, structure, and galling‐site. We present a phylogeny incorporating ten species and four subspecies of Rhus gall aphids based on 1694 base pairs of nuclear elongation factor‐1α (EF1α) and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII) DNA sequence data. The results suggest that Melaphidini is monophyletic and at the genus level, Schlechtendalia, Nurudea, and Floraphis were each monophyletic. Kaburagia and Meitanaphis were not monophyletic and therefore inconsistent with the current classification. The North American sumac gall aphid, Melaphis rhois, was most closely related to the East Asian Floraphis species, although this was poorly supported. The conservation of gall morphology with respect to aphid phylogeny rather than their host plants suggests that gall morphology is largely determined by the aphids. While there is no evidence of strict co‐speciation between the aphids and their primary host plants, switching between recently diverged host plants may be involved in the speciation process in Melaphidini.     

The complete mitochondrial genome of Nephrotoma scalaris parvinotata (Brunetti 1918) (Diptera: Tipulidae) and insights into the phylogeny of Tipulomorpha

Craneflies (Tipuloidea or Tipulidae sensu lato) are one of the most diverse groups of true flies (Insecta, Diptera). The Tipuloidea and perhaps the Trichoceridae formed the infraorder Tipulomorpha, which is traditionally considered the most basal group of Diptera. Relationships among Tipulomorpha and the phylogenetic position of this infraorder within the whole Diptera remain to be settled. A mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) phylogeny of Diptera was produced to test the relationships within Tipulomorpha and its phylogenetic position. A complete mitogenome of Nephrotoma scalaris parvinotata (Tipuloidea, Tipulidae) was firstly sequenced with a next-generation sequencing approach. Compared with the published mitogenomes of Tipuloidea, the new mitogenome had a larger genome size (17,862 nt), due to a longer non-coding control region. The gene order was identical to Drosophila yakuba. Phylogenetic reconstructions using different inference methods recovered Tipulomorpha as monophyletic. And the Tipulomorpha was retrieved in a relatively basal position in Diptera. Within Tipulomorpha, the Tipuloidea and the Trichoceridae were strongly supported as reciprocally monophyletic. Relationships within Tipuloidea were resolved as (Pedicidae + (Limoniidae + (Cylindrotomidae + Tipulidae))). Well supported relationships include: Pedicidae was the sister group of (Limoniidae + (Tipulidae + Cylindrotomidae)); Limoniidae was paraphyletic with respect to (Tipulidae + Cylindrotomidae); Cylindrotomidae was the sister group of Tipulidae. The newly sequenced N. scalaris parvinotata clustered with other two Nephrotoma species at a derived position in Tipuloidea.     

Systématique moléculaire des Mélitées

The holarctic subfamily Melitaeinae of Nymphalid butterflies (old genus Melitaea Hbn.) has been split into various genera by morphological systematics, but this division has been debated. This work presents the results of a preliminary survey of European taxa using two types of molecular criteria: analysis of enzyme variation by electrophoresis (19 loci) and sequencing of a mtDNA fragment (ND1 gene). The information provided by both kinds of markers are largely congruent. The division of the subfamily into two monophyletic lines corresponding to the genera Euphyryas s. 1. and Melitaea s. l. is validated. The subsequent division of the former genus into two units, Eurodryas and Hypodryas is also confirmed by molecular criteria. Inside rhe old genus Melitaea, a monophyletic assemblage, corresponding to the ‘Mellicta group’ is disclosed, but the phylogeny of the other species of the group is confused. Uniting them in a ‘Didymaeformia group’ or in a genus Melitaea s. str. risks rhe generation of a paraphyletic assemblage. It remains to be determined whether or not these results are due to insufficient resolution, or whether they reflecr a real evolutionary pattern     

Increasing the data size to accurately reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships between nine subgroups of the Drosophila melanogaster species group (Drosophilidae, Diptera)

Previous phylogenetic analyses of the melanogaster species group have led to conflicting hypotheses concerning their relationship; therefore the addition of new sequence data is necessary to discover the phylogeny of this species group. Here we present new data derived from 17 genes and representing 48 species to reconstruct the phylogeny of the melanogaster group. A variety of statistical tests, as well as maximum likelihood mapping analysis, were performed to estimate data quality, suggesting that all genes had a high degree of contribution to resolve the phylogeny.Individual locus was analyzed using maximum likelihood (ML), and the concatenated dataset (12,988 bp) were analyzed using partitioned maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian analyses. Separated analysis produced various phylogenetic relationships, however, phylogenetic topologies from ML and Bayesian analysis based on concatenated dataset, at the subgroup level, were completely identical to each other with high levels of support. Our results recovered three major clades: the ananassae subgroup, followed by the montium subgroup, the melanogaster subgroup and the oriental subgroups form the third monophyletic clade, in which melanogaster (takahashii, suzukii) forms one subclade and ficusphila [eugracilis (elegans, rhopaloa)] forms another. However, more data are necessary to determine the phylogenetic position of Drosophila lucipennis which proved difficult to place.     

Phylogeny and taxonomy of casebearer moths (Lepidoptera,Coleophoridae) based on morphological and molecular genetic data. 1. Reconstruction of phylogeny of coleophoridae using analysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">COI</Emphasis> gene variability

A phylogenetic study of representatives of the family Coleophoridae was conducted using a comprehensive approach, including methods of morphological and molecular genetic analyses. The existent data on the family system were compared with the results of phylogenetic analysis of the COI mitochondrial gene sequences. Four of the five studied subfamilies (Coleophorinae, Ischnophaninae, Augasminae, and Tolleophorinae) corresponded to their location on the phylogram; representatives of Metriotinae were part of Coleophorinae. According to the aggregate data from molecular phylogeny and morphology, the most numerous subfamily of casebearers, Coleophorinae, is polyphyletic within its current boundaries. The results of our analysis of COI molecular divergence does not refute the monophyly of the tribes Casignetellini, Carpochenini, Klinzigedini, Goniodomini, Casasini, and Atractulini from the subfamily Coleophorinae. The allocation of the tribes Aporipturini and Sistrophoecini within the subfamily does not correspond to the molecular data. Monophyly of the genera Ecebalia, Perygra, and Casignetella was confirmed. These genera are well isolated, which reflects the evolutionary significance of the morphological characters chosen for their taxonomic division. The boundaries of the cluster containing these genera correspond to those of the tribe Casignetellini, justifying the allocation of this tribe within the subfamily. The existence of monophyletic tribes Goniodomini (genus Goniodoma) and Carpochenini (genera Ionescumia, Carpochena, and Falkmisa) was also supported. The exceptions were the genera Kasyfia, Tollsia, and Agapalsa, whose monophyly was not confirmed by our results. The distribution of the sequences of species of these genera indicated a paraphyletic origin of Kasyfia and Tollsia and a polyphyletic origin of Agapalsa.     

A molecular phylogeny of the tribe Aphidini (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae) based on the mitochondrial tRNA/COII, 12S/16S and the nuclear EF1α genes

Abstract A phylogeny of the tribe Aphidini (Hemiptera: Aphididae) was reconstructed from three gene fragments: two mitochondrial regions, partial tRNA‐leucine + cytochrome oxidase II (tRNA/COII), partial 12S rRNA + tRNA‐valine + 16S rRNA (12S/16S) and one nuclear gene, the elongation factor‐1 alpha (EF1α). Bayesian phylogenetic (BP) analyses were performed on each individual dataset of tRNA/COII, 12S/16S and EF1α, and maximum parsimony (MP), Bremer support test, maximum likelihood (ML) and BP analysis were performed on the combined dataset. After comparing our molecular phylogenetic results with the classic classification based on morphological and ecological data, we analysed three main issues: the monophyletic relationships among tribes and subtribes, the validities of the latest taxonomic positions of genera and species and the status of certain Aphis species groups. Our results indicate that 36 of the species analysed, with the exception of Cryptosiphum artemisiae, are clustered within the clade of Aphidini. Also, the 28 species representative of the subtribe Aphidina were separated from the eight species representative of Rhopalosiphina; each monophyletic subtribe was supported by significant P‐values in the combined analysis. According to our results, Cryptosiphum should be moved to Macrosiphini because it is more closely related to the genera Lipaphis and Brevicoryne. The genus Toxoptera was recovered as non‐monophyletic. In Rhopalosiphina, three genera, Hyalopterus, Rhopalosiphum and Schizaphis, were relatively closer to each other than to the genus Melanaphis. In the relationships between species‐groups among Aphis, most species were separated into two main lineages; the fabae group seemed to be more closely related to the spiraecola and craccivora group rather than to the gossypii group.