Abstract:
A comprehensive tribal-level classification for the world's subfamilies of Hesperiidae,
the skipper butterflies, is proposed for the first time. Phylogenetic relationships between
tribes and subfamilies are inferred using DNA sequence data from three gene regions:
943 bp of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) (in the mitochondrial genome), 739 bp of
elongation factor-lα (EF-lα) and 403 bp of wingless (both in the nuclear genome).
Morphological character scores were then added to the molecular matrix, for a combined
simultaneous analysis. In both analyses, branch support for each clade is investigated,
and conflict among data partitions is assessed using the partition congruence index.
Monophyly of the family Hesperiidae is strongly supported, as are some of the
traditionally recognized subfamilies, with the following relationships (from the combined
molecular and morphological analysis): (Coeliadinae + (Euschemoninae + (Eudaminae +
(Pyrginae + (Trapezitinae + (Heteropterinae + Hesperiinae)))))). The formerly
recognized subfamily Pyrrhopyginae, while strongly supported as a monophyletic group,
is downgraded to a tribe of Pyrginae. The former subfamily Megathyminae is considered
to be an infra-tribal group of Hesperiinae (Erionotini), although its phylogenetic position
therein remains uncertain. The Australian endemic Euschemon rafflesia is a hesperiid,
given subfamily-status. Most of the traditionally recognized generic groups and
subgroups currently employed to partition the subfamilies of Hesperiidae are not
monophyletic. Seven subfamilies of Hesperiidae are recognized: Coeliadinae,
Euschemoninae (confirmed reinstated status), Eudaminae (new status), Pyrginae,
Trapezitinae, Heteropterinae (confirmed status) and Hesperiinae. Pyrrhopygini
(reinstated status), Tagiadini (confirmed reinstated status), Celaenorrhinini (confirmed
new status), Carcharodini (reinstated status), Achlyodini (new status), Erynnini
(confirmed new status) and Pyrgini (confirmed status) are treated as tribes of Pyrginae,
but the circumscription of Achlyodini and Pyrgini requires further elaboration. Tribes of
Hesperiinae include Aeromachini (new status), Erionotini (new status), Baorini (new
status), Taractrocerini (confirmed reinstated status), Thymelicini (confirmed reinstated
status), Calpodini (reinstated status), Anthoptini (new tribe), Moncini (new tribe), and
Hesperiini (confirmed reinstated status), but the circumscription of Erionotini should be
considered tentative.
