A Molecular Phylogenetic Assessment of the North American Lichen Tiger Moths (Lepidoptera; Erebidae; Arctiinae; Lithosiini) with Life History Observations and a Description of a New Species from Central Arizona

The tribe Lithosiini (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae) includes some 3600 described species worldwide, with probably another thousand or more awaiting description. As such, they represent one of the larger radiations among the ditrysian Lepidoptera. Yet the taxonomy of the group remains uncertain, their life histories largely unknown and at least 25% of their biodiversity undescribed. We inferred the phylogeny of North American lithosiines using molecular sequence data from three genes that have been show to phylogenetically informative in Lepidoptera: cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI), ribosomal protein S5 (RPS5) and the large subunit 28S ribosomal DNA (28S). Results provide new insights as to how representatives of the 16 genera and 63 species that comprise the lithosiine fauna of the US are related. We also investigated a unique relationship that has evolved between ants and the caterpillars of lithosiines, the latter of which feed on lichens growing on rocks and tree trunks, habitats where ants are primary predators. Finally, we describe a new species of Hypoprepia, H. lampyroides, from the mountains of central Arizona. This is the fifth member of the genus Hypoprepia, all of which occur in the US.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Graduate College

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Arizona.

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• Palting, John Douglas

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Moore, Wendy

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Nagle, Raymond B.
• Walsh, James B.
• Carriere, Yves
• Schwalbe, Carol

• Arctiinae
• Lichen Tiger Moths
• Lithosiini
• Molecular Phylogeny
• Myrmecophily
• New Species

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction, presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10150/642057

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.arizona.edu:10150/642057