A total evidence phylogeny for the processionary moths of the genus Thaumetopoea (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae: Thaumetopoeinae). (16th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Basso, Andrea; Negrisolo, Enrico; Zilli, Alberto; Battisti, Andrea; Cerretti, Pierfilippo
• Is Part Of: Cladistics. Volume 33:Number 6(2017:Dec.)
• Page Start: 557
• Page End: 573
• Publication Date: 2016-12-16
• Subjects: Cladistic analysis -- Periodicals; 578.012
• DOI: 10.1111/cla.12181
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0748-3007

Abstract

Abstract: Processionary moths belong to a group of about 100 species well known for their social behaviour and their urticating systems. The genus Thaumetopoea s.l . includes about 15 species and has been divided into three genera ( Helianthocampa, Thaumetopoea s.s ., and Traumatocampa ) in the last revision, based on key morphological features of the adults and on the host plants of the larvae. We performed a total evidence approach to resolve the phylogeny of the genus Thaumetopoea s.l ., analysing all valid taxa included in this group, plus a broad array of close relatives. Thaumetopoea was monophyletic and supported by several apomorphies. Further subclades corroborated by synapomorphies were identified. Our phylogeny suggests that Thaumetopoea must be regarded as a single genus. The mapping of key life history traits on the total evidence tree allowed us to sketch a plausible identikit of the Thaumetopoea ancestor and to track the evolution of the genus. The ancestor originated in the eastern Mediterranean area, and used broadleaved host plants. Subsequently, a switch to conifers occurred, just once, in a large subclade. The ancestor pupated in the soil, like several current species, but in a few taxa this trait was lost, together with the related morphological adaptations.