An insight into the molecular phylogeny of Drepanidae (Lepidoptera) with an emphasis on the European fauna

Abstract

Drepanidae are one of the families of Lepidoptera that have received little attention in terms of phylogenetic studies. This study aims to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships among Drepanidae using eleven molecular markers, totalling more than 7,500 bp. A phylogenetic tree based on 37 species of Drepanidae was inferred, including 21 of the 22 European drepanids. The results of this study support monophyly of all four subfamilies of Drepanidae. Oretinae and Drepaninae were recovered as sister groups forming one of the two main clades of Drepanidae, whereas Cyclidiinae and Thyatirinae belong to the other clade. This analysis demonstrates that hooked wingtips, a characteristic feature of the Drepaninae + Oretinae lineage, have disappeared repeatedly in the course of evolution. All "winter moths" among the drepanids, i.e. species characterized by their flight period being very early in spring form a distinct well-supported clade within the subfamily Thyatirinae. Moreover, all studied thyatirine genera that are characterized by pink or orange blotches on the forewings also belong to one statistically well-supported clade. The phylogenetic framework presented enhances our understanding of the diversification of Drepanidae and provides the groundwork for future taxonomic and evolutionary studies.

Keywords

• hook-tip moths
• false owlet moths
• classification
• systematics
• evolution
• wing morphology
• winter moths