A supertree of Northern European macromoths

PLoS One. 2022 Feb 18;17(2):e0264211. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264211. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Ecological and life-history data on the Northern European macromoth (Lepidoptera: Macroheterocera) fauna is widely available and ideal for use in answering phylogeny-based research questions: for example, in comparative biology. However, phylogenetic information for such studies lags behind. Here, as a synthesis of all currently available phylogenetic information on the group, we produce a supertree of 114 Northern European macromoth genera (in four superfamilies, with Geometroidea considered separately), providing the most complete phylogenetic picture of this fauna available to date. In doing so, we assess those parts of the phylogeny that are well resolved and those that are uncertain. Furthermore, we identify those genera for which phylogenetic information is currently too poor to include in such a supertree, or entirely absent, as targets for future work. As an aid to studies involving these genera, we provide information on their likely positions within the macromoth tree. With phylogenies playing an ever more important role in the field, this supertree should be useful in informing future ecological and evolutionary studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Life History Traits*
  • Moths / classification
  • Moths / genetics*
  • Moths / physiology
  • Phylogeny*

Grants and funding

RBD, EÕ and TT were supported by Estonian Research Council grant PRG741. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Estonian Research Council URL: https://www.etag.ee/en/estonian-research-council/.