Diversity and molecular phylogenetics of Psychodidae (Insecta, Diptera)

Abstract

Moth flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) exhibit remarkable diversity with over 3,500 worldwide described species. Despite their small size, typically ranging from 1 to 5 millimeters, these flies are easily recognizable by their setose appearance and distinctive wing shape. These flies often holding their wings horizontally over the abdomen when resting, resembling small moths, hence the common name. Within the family Psychodidae, six extant subfamilies are broadly recognized: Bruchomyiinae, Horaiellinae, Phlebotominae, Psychodinae, Sycoracinae, and Trichomyiinae, alongside one extinct subfamily, Datziinae. <br/> This Ph.D. thesis represents a comprehensive effort to advance our understanding of the morphology, ecology, and phylogeny within the subfamily Psychodinae. Employing an integrative taxonomy approach, the research combines traditional morphological analyses with Next Generation Sequencing techniques. By leveraging these methodologies, the study aims to address ongoing taxonomic discussions within this subfamily, shedding light on previously unresolved issues. <br/> Structured as a series of publications in scientific journals or manuscripts, this thesis covers a broad spectrum of geographical regions, including the Neotropical, Palearctic, and Oriental Regions. Through the examination of various genera, the research not only describes new species but also documents numerous new geographic records for both species and genera across the studied taxa. This extensive geographic scope enriches our understanding of the distribution patterns and ecological preferences of Psychodinae species. <br/> A central objective of this Ph.D. thesis is to elucidate the intricate phylogenetic relationships within the Psychodinae. By inferring the phylogenetic relationships within this subfamily, the study aims to revise the tribal classification within Psychodinae, providing a more robust framework for understanding their evolutionary relationships. To achieve this goal, our research team designed 18,651 hybrid-capture baits targeting 1,445 coding regions across 1,161 ortholog groups. Remarkably, this approach successfully captured targeted loci for 82 moth fly species spanning 46 genera, representing a significant proportion of the total diversity within Psychodinae. This comprehensive dataset serves as a valuable resource for phylogenetic inference and taxonomic revision within the subfamily. <br/> Overall, this Ph.D. thesis represents a significant contribution to our knowledge of moth flies, offering insights into their morphology, ecology, and evolutionary history. By employing a multidisciplinary approach and leveraging cutting-edge techniques, the research not only expands our understanding of Psychodinae but also lays the groundwork for future studies aimed at unraveling the complexities of this diverse group of flies.