Assessing molecular phylogenetics of Hydroptilidae (Trichoptera) subfamily lineages, with notes on biogeography

Abstract

The microcaddisfly family Hydroptilidae is the most species-rich within the insect order Trichoptera and has a global distribution. The taxonomy and systematics of this group remains understudied in proportion to its diversity. Here, we present a phylogenetic assessment of subfamily relationships that includes five of the six Hydroptilidae subfamilies (Hydroptilinae, Leucotrichiinae, Ochrotrichiinae, Orthotrichiinae, and Stactobiinae) using publicly available molecular data. Our analyses recovered Leucotrichiinae, Ochrotrichiinae, and Stactobiinae as monophyletic and Hydroptilinae as paraphyletic. Based on the diversity and distribution of taxa, much more representation of species is needed to fully understand the relationships of subfamilies; however, our results suggest a need to revisit the placement of Ithytrichia, which concurs with other recent molecular work on Hydroptilidae. Further clarity into the relationships of Hydroptilidae will be important for understanding the variability and phylogenetic signal of ecological traits.