Multi-gene phylogeny of North American clear-winged moths (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae): A foundation for future evolutionary study of a speciose mimicry complex

<p>Sesiids are a diverse group of predominantly diurnal moths, many of which are Batesian mimics of Hymenoptera. However, their diversity and relationships are poorly understood. A multi-gene phylogenetic analysis of 48 North American sesiid species confirmed the traditional taxonomic tribal ranks, demonstrated the paraphyly of <em>Carmenta</em> and <em>Synanthedon</em> with respect to several other genera, and ultimately provided minimal phylogenetic resolution within and between North American and European groups. Character support from each gene suggested inconsistency between the phylogenetic signal of the <em>CAD</em> gene and that of the other four genes. However, removal of <em>CAD</em> from subsequent phylogenetic analyses did not substantially change the initial phylogenetic results or return <em>Carmenta</em> and <em>Synanthedon</em> as reciprocally monophyletic, suggesting it was not impacting the overall phylogenetic signal. The lack of resolution using genes that are typically informative at the species level for other lepidopterans suggests a surprisingly rapid radiation of species in <em>Carmenta</em>/<em>Synanthedon</em>. This group also exhibits a wide range of mimicry strategies and hostplant usage, which could be fertile ground for future study.</p>