A Molecular Phylogeny of the Subfamily Plusiinae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in India Inferred from Mitochondrial and Nuclear Ribosomal DNA Sequences.

Abstract

The subfamily Plusiinae, an economically important moth pest group, belongs to the species-rich family Noctuidae (Lepidoptera). Despite their enormous economic importance, the evolutionary history of this subfamily has not been completely resolved. In India, they are represented by a species complex, but the taxonomic delineation among these organisms is unclear. This study represents an insight into the comprehensive phylogenetic relationship among species supported by molecular approach based on mitochondrial (Cytochrome Oxidase I) and nuclear gene markers (Ribosomal Protein S5), emphasizing tribal-level classification. A total of 125 plusiinae taxa were analysed from eight biogeographical zones of India. The results revealed that Plusiinae tribes were monophyletic and considered sister groups that shared many derived characteristics. The ML/MP cladogram based on the barcoding gene successfully separates all species but not all tribes. The nuclear gene marker RPS5, separated all the species according to their tribes. The combined analysis of both genes showed tribe resolution into distinct clades. This is the first comprehensive study on phylogenetic studies of 25 species of plusiinae from India that clarifies deep divergence and gives information about species position and arrangement within taxa.