Molecular systematics of the Nearctic black fly subgenus Simulium s.s. (Diptera: Simuliidae: Simulium s.l.).

摘要

Maximum parsimony analyses were performed on molecular data derived from Simulium s.s. exemplars representing all Nearctic species-groups. A total evidence analysis was performed by combining the molecular data with morphological- and cytological data, resulting in the following species-group relationships: (S. metallicum-group (S. parnassum -group (S. tuberosum-group (((S. ornatum -group + S. noelleri-group) ((S. reptans -group + S. decimatum) (S. malyschevi + S. jenningsi-group))) (S. venustum + S. slossonae))))). Two character systems, the tarsal claw of adult females and the anterior margin of the pupal cocoon, were optimized onto the preferred phylogeny. The tarsal claw was homoplasious at this level of investigation, while the anterior margin of the pupal cocoon was homologous. Acquiring apertures in the anterior margin of the cocoon may be the result of adaptation to deep, wide, rivers with greater sedimentation than smaller streams and rivers.