Molecular systematics of Lycaena F., 1807 (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) - Some preliminary results

摘要

The molecular systematics of the Copper Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Lycaena Fabricius, 1807) were studied for a better understanding of their intriguing and highly disjunct distribution (Hotarctic with an offshoot reaching South Africa; NewZealand). The relationships within the genus in the broadest sense, as well as with the supposed sister tribe Heliophorini were analysed using sequences of parts of the Cytochrome Oxydase gene (mitochondrial DMA) of taxa from all major groups. Parsimonysearches in PAUP* and Bayesian analysis revealed phylogenies with a 'Nearctic' and a 'Palearctic' species group, but two Nearctic Epecies cluster within the 'Palearctic' group. L. phlaeas is not the closest relative to the South African Coppers; their position is unclear. The New Zealand Coppers analysed are monophyletic and basal in the tree. Two included representatives of the tribe Heliophorini are not monophyletic.