Phylogenetic analysis of Sympycninae (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) based on morphological and molecular data

• Grant number: 24/09650-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Taxonomy of Recent Groups
• Principal Investigator: Carlos José Einicker Lamas
• Grantee: Lucas Quevedo Pinto
• Host Institution: Museu de Zoologia (MZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Dolichopodidae is the fourth most speciose family of Diptera, with over 8,000 nominal species, present in all biogeographical regions of the globe. Its monophyly is well supported by both morphological and molecular data. However, most of its subfamilies still lack cladistic studies. Sympycninae is one of the most diverse and complex subfamilies, comprising about a thousand species allocated in 37 genera. Little is known about the phylogenetic relationships among its genera, and many need better delimitation, as they are likely to be merophyletic entities. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the monophyly of Sympycninae through morphological cladistic inferences and molecular statistics. The molecular analyses will involve next-generation sequencing techniques using the Ultraconserved Elements method, with target enrichment protocols, utilizing DNA fragments from species deposited in museums. The database resulting from this work will fill a significant gap in the taxonomic knowledge of the group and help better understand the phylogenetic relationships with other subfamilies of Dolichopodidae. Protocols adapted for phylogenomics techniques may be developed, and biogeographical studies can be facilitated.