A 28s ribosomal RNA phylogeny of certain cyclorrhaphous Diptera based upon a hypervariable region

Abstract The method of primer extension dideoxy ribosomal RNA sequencing coupled with maximum parsimony analysis was used to obtain partial 28s rRNA sequences of a variety of calyptrate and acalyptrate Diptera with which to establish a possible genealogy of these organisms. Analysis of the data shows the calyptrates to be more closely related to the drosophiloids than to the tephritoids. Thus, the acalyptrates are a paraphyletic group. The analyses also establish the oestroid character of the gasterophilids and the status of the fanniids as a family or higher taxon.