Australian Sphingidae--DNA barcodes challenge current species boundaries and distributions.

ABSTRACT:

Main objective

We examine the extent of taxonomic and biogeographical uncertainty in a well-studied group of Australian Lepidoptera, the hawkmoths (Sphingidae).

Methods

We analysed the diversity of Australian sphingids through the comparative analysis of their DNA barcodes, supplemented by morphological re-examinations and sequence information from a nuclear marker in selected cases. The results from the analysis of Australian sphingids were placed in a broader context by including conspecifics and closely related taxa from outside Australia to test taxonomic boundaries.

Results

Our results led to the discovery of six new species in Australia, one case of erroneously synonymized species, and three cases of synonymy. As a result, we establish the occurrence of 75 speci

SUBMITTER: Rougerie R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4079597 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature