Comprehensive molecular sampling yields a robust phylogeny for geometrid moths (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

Area of Science:

• * Entomology
• * Evolutionary Biology
• * Molecular Phylogenetics

Background:

• * The moth family Geometridae, comprising ~23,000 species, is the second most diverse Lepidoptera family.
• * Previous phylogenetic investigations of Geometridae have been limited, hindering a comprehensive understanding of their evolutionary history.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To construct the first global molecular phylogeny of the Geometridae.
• * To identify potential sister-taxa to the Geometridae.
• * To resolve phylogenetic relationships among recognized subfamilies and tribes within Geometridae.

Main Methods:

• * Performed a molecular analysis of eight genes.
• * Included 164 taxa worldwide, with 150 from the Geometridae, representing all subfamilies and most tribes.
• * Utilized maximum likelihood analyses to infer phylogenetic relationships.

Main Results:

• * Established the monophyly of Geometridae, with Sematuridae+Epicopeiidae as a potential sister-taxon.
• * Confirmed the monophyly of most subfamilies, with exceptions like Oenochrominae+Desmobathrinae (polyphyletic) and Orthostixinae (within Ennominae).
• * Resolved the placement of Sterrhinae and Larentiinae as sister to the remaining taxa, followed by Archiearinae, Oenochrominae+Desmobathrinae, Geometrinae, and Ennominae.

Conclusions:

• * Provides the first comprehensive global phylogeny for Geometridae, generally aligning with previous restricted studies.
• * Demonstrates that major phylogenetic patterns within Geometridae are now well-established.
• * Highlights that while subfamilies and tribes are often supported, their interrelationships and the placement of certain groups (e.g., Eumeleini) require further investigation due to para- or polyphyly.