A survey of molecular diversity and population genetic structure in North American clearwing moths (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) using cytochrome c oxidase I

Multi-gene phylogeny of North American clear-winged moths (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae): a foundation for future evolutionary study of a speciose mimicry complex

Sesiids are a diverse group of predominantly diurnal moths, many of which are Batesian mimics of Hymenoptera. However, their diversity and relationships are poorly understood. A multi-gene phylogenetic analysis of 48 North American sesiid species confirmed the traditional taxonomic tribal ranks, demonstrated the paraphyly of Carmenta and Synanthedon with respect to several other genera and ultimately provided minimal phylogenetic resolution within and between North American and European groups. Character support from each gene suggested inconsistency between the phylogenetic signal of the CAD gene and that of the other four genes. However, removal of CAD from subsequent phylogenetic analyses did not substantially change the initial phylogenetic results or return Carmenta and Synanthedon as reciprocally monophyletic, suggesting that it was not impacting the overall phylogenetic signal. The lack of resolution using genes that are typically informative at the species level for other lepidopterans suggests a surprisingly rapid radiation of species in Carmenta/Synanthedon. This group also exhibits a wide range of mimicry strategies and hostplant usage, which could be fertile ground for future study.

A peculiar new species of gall-inducing, clearwing moth (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae) associated with Cayaponia in the Atlantic Forest

Larvae of most clearwing moths (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae) are endophagous borers of many angiosperms, including their fruits, stems, and roots. Their localized feeding may lead to swellings on those plant parts, but whether the structures produced should be considered true galls is still controversial. In this study we describe a peculiar sesiid moth, Neospheciacecidogenasp. nov. whose larvae induce unusual, external galls on Cayponiapilosa (Vell.) Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae) in the Atlantic Forest of southernmost Brazil. The adults, egg, larva, pupa and the gall are described and illustrated based on light and scanning electron microscopy. Galls are cylindrical and unilocular; they are induced individually on axillary buds of the C.pilosa stem. Unlike larvae of other sesiids, those of N.cecidogenasp. nov. lack abdominal pseudopodia, and show reduced stemata and chaetotaxy. Pupation occurs inside the gall, after having overwintered in the last larval instar. A maximum likelihood tree constructed based on mitochondrial DNA (COI) sequences showed that N.cecidogenasp. nov. is monophyletic and has an average distance of 13% to species of Melittia. The genera Neosphecia Le Cerf, 1916 stat. rev., Premelittia Le Cerf, 1916 stat rev., and Melittina Le Cerf, 1917 stat. rev. are restored from synonyms of Melittia Hübner, 1819 [“1816”].