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

ABSTRACT:

Background

The moth family Geometridae (inchworms or loopers), with approximately 23,000 described species, is the second most diverse family of the Lepidoptera. Apart from a few recent attempts based on morphology and molecular studies, the phylogeny of these moths has remained largely uninvestigated.

Methodology/principal findings

We performed a rigorous and extensive molecular analysis of eight genes to examine the geometrid affinities in a global context, including a search for its potential sister-taxa. Our maximum likelihood analyses included 164 taxa distributed worldwide, of which 150 belong to the Geometridae. The selected taxa represent all previously recognized subfamilies and nearly 90% of recognized tribes, and originate from all over world. We found the Geometr

SUBMITTER: Sihvonen P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3106010 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature