Genetic relationships among 22 Japanese species ofthe genus Polypedilum (Chironomidae, Diptera)

Abstract

A genetic tree of the Japanese species of the genus Polypedilum (Chironomidae: Diptera) was constructed based on the DNA sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I region. P. (Polypedilum) tamanigrum Sasa and P. (Po.) okiflavum Sasa; P. (Po.) tamahosohige Sasa and P. (Po.) sp.; and P. (Po.) pedestre (Meigen) and P. (Po.) tamaharaki Sasa each constructed a small cluster. However, P. (Po.) nubifer Skuzeand P. (Tripodula) unifascium (Tokunaga); P. (Po.) nubeculosum (Meigen) and P. (T.) decematoguttatum (Tokunaga); P. (Po.) takaoense Sasa and P. (Uresipedilum) hiroshimaense Kawai et Sasa; and P. (Po.) kyotoense (Tokunaga) and P. (U.) tamasemusi Sasa each constructed a small cluster despite the combinations of different subgenera. In addition, 3 species of the subgenus Pentapedilum each occurred in distinct clusters. These results suggest that a remarkable convergence has occurred among a wide range of species of Polypedilum and that the present taxonomic systems should be reconstituted in order to reflect evolutionary processes.