DNA barcoding of the endemic New Zealand leafroller moth genera, Ctenopseustis and Planotortrix

Molecular techniques such as DNA barcoding have become popular in assisting species identification especially for cryptic species complexes. We have analysed data from a 468-bp region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene from 200 specimens of 12 species of endemic New Zealand leafroller moths (Tortricidae) from the genera Planotortrix and Ctenopseustis to assess whether the DNA barcoding region can distinguish these species. Among the 200 sequences analysed, 72 haplotypes were recovered, with each genus forming a separate major clade. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic methods were used to test whether species fell into reciprocally monophyletic clades. The optimal phylogeny showed that four species within the genus Ctenopseustis (C. obliquana, C. herana, C. filicis and C. fraterna) and three within Planotortrix (P. octo, P. excessana and P. avicenniae) are polyphyletic. Shimodaira-Hasegawa tests rejected a null hypothesis of monophyly for the species C. obliquana, C. herana, P. octo and P. excessana. Comparisons of within and between species levels of sequence divergence for the same set of seven species showed cases where maximum levels of within-species divergence were greater than some levels of between-species divergence. DNA barcoding using this region of the COI gene is able to distinguish the two genera and some species within each genus; however, many species cannot be identified using this method. Finally, we discuss the possible reasons for this polyphyly, including incomplete lineage sorting, introgression, horizontal gene transfer and incorrect taxonomy.

Description of the New Zealand incurvarioid Xanadoses nielseni, gen. nov., sp. nov. and placement in Cecidosidae (Lepidoptera)

Xanadoses nielseni, gen. nov., sp. nov. is described from New Zealand, where it is the only native member of the superfamily Incurvarioidea. The larva is a bark-miner, making long tortuous galleries on the trunks of various species of smooth-barked tree and pupating under a raised silk-lined 'cap' of bark. The moth is assigned to the Cecidosidae on the basis of five apomorphies shared with this family, but is considered to represent the basal lineage within the family as it lacks at least four apomorphies shared by all other genera. The distribution of this concept of Cecidosidae (South America, South Africa and New Zealand) confirms it is an ancient group that originated before the break-up of Gondwana in the late Cretaceous. A checklist of cecidosid taxa is provided.

Australian Trichopterygini (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) With Descriptions of Eight New Taxa

Three genera and 14 species of Trichopterygini (Lepidoptera : Geometridae : Larentiinae) are recognized from mainland Australia; no species is known from Tasmania. Eight of the taxa are new. Episteira Warren is recognized in the Australian fauna, including E. nigrifrons protima (Turner), comb. et stat. nov. Tympanota Warren is regarded as a distinct genus; most species are Malesian, and T. p. perophora (Turner), comb. nov., and T.p. podocarpi, subsp. nov., are Australian members. Sauris Guenee in Australia consists of three species-groups: lichenias group - S. lichenias Meyrick; commoni group - S. commoni, sp. nov.; hirundinata group - S. cirrhigera Warren. S. dentatilinea Warren, S. malaca (Meyrick), S. melanoceros (Meyrick). S. vetustata Walker, S. brevipalpis, sp. nov., S. melanosterna, sp. nov., S. nebulosa, sp. nov., S. plumipes, sp. nov.; and S. rectilineata, sp. nov. One different female with which no males were confidently associated is mentioned and figured but not named. Keys to species are given, and wing, leg and genital specializations are figured. The scanty locality records indicate a predominantly eastern and northern distribution. Host plants are known for S. malaca, S. cirrhigera and T podocarpi; larvae of these species are arboreal. The appendix lists all species that have been included in Sauris. All three genera are found in the Oriental Region and the Pacific, with Sauris extending to Niue I., and Episteira to the Tongan group. There are no close relationships with New Zealand Tatosoma Butler or the neotropical genera; this lack and the predominantly rain-forest habitat indicates a northern, post-Cretaceous origin.