DNA barcodes reveal different speciation scenarios in the four North American Anthocharis Boisduval, Rambur, [Duménil] & Graslin, [1833] (Lepidoptera: Pieridae: Pierinae: Anthocharidini) species groups.

The mitochondrial DNA COI barcode segment sequenced from American Anthocharis specimens across their distribution ranges partitions them into four well-separated species groups and reveals different levels of differentiation within these groups. The lanceolata group experienced the deepest divergence. About 2.

Additional taxonomic refinements suggested by genomic analysis of butterflies.

Comparative analyses of genomic data reveal further insights into the phylogeny and taxonomic classification of butterflies presented here. As a result, 2 new subgenera and 2 new species of Hesperiidae are described: Grishin, (type species Watson, 1937) and Grishin, (type species Bell, 1931) of Scudder, 1872, () Grishin, (type locality in Mexico: Sonora), and Grishin, (type locality in Bolivia: Yungas, La Paz). The is designated for Plötz, 1882.

Taxonomic discoveries enabled by genomic analysis of butterflies.

The comparative genomics of butterflies yields additional insights into their phylogeny and classification that are compiled here. As a result, 3 genera, 5 subgenera, 5 species, and 3 subspecies are proposed as new, i.e.

Genomics-guided refinement of butterfly taxonomy.

Continuing with comparative genomic exploration of worldwide butterfly fauna, we use all protein-coding genes as they are retrieved from the whole genome shotgun sequences for phylogeny construction. Analysis of these genome-scale phylogenies projected onto the taxonomic classification and the knowledge about butterfly phenotypes suggests further refinements of butterfly taxonomy that are presented here. As a general rule, we assign most prominent clades of similar genetic differentiation to the same taxonomic rank, and use criteria based on relative population diversification and the extent of gene exchange for species delimitation.

A DNA barcode library for the butterflies of North America.

Although the butterflies of North America have received considerable taxonomic attention, overlooked species and instances of hybridization continue to be revealed. The present study assembles a DNA barcode reference library for this fauna to identify groups whose patterns of sequence variation suggest the need for further taxonomic study. Based on 14,626 records from 814 species, DNA barcodes were obtained for 96% of the fauna.

Genomic evidence suggests further changes of butterfly names.

Further genomic sequencing of butterflies by our research group expanding the coverage of species and specimens from different localities, coupled with genome-scale phylogenetic analysis and complemented by phenotypic considerations, suggests a number of changes to the names of butterflies, mostly those recorded from the United States and Canada. Here, we present evidence to support these changes. The changes are intended to make butterfly classification more internally consistent at the genus, subgenus and species levels.

Changes to North American butterfly names.

We obtained and analyzed whole genome shotgun sequences of all 845 species of butterflies recorded from Canada and the United States. Genome-scale phylogenetic trees constructed from the data reveal several non-monophyletic genera and suggest improved classification of species included in these genera. Here, these changes are formalized and 2 subgenera are described: Grishin, subgen.

LepNet: The Lepidoptera of North America Network.

The Lepidoptera of North America Network, or LepNet, is a digitization effort recently launched to mobilize biodiversity data from 3 million specimens of butterflies and moths in United States natural history collections (http://www.lep-net.org/).

When COI barcodes deceive: complete genomes reveal introgression in hairstreaks.

Two species of hairstreak butterflies from the genus are known in the United States: and Analysis of mitochondrial COI barcodes of revealed -like specimens from the eastern US with atypical barcodes that were 2.6% different from either USA species, but similar to Central American species. To address the possibility that the specimens with atypical barcodes represent an undescribed cryptic species, we sequenced complete genomes of 27 specimens of four species: , , and Some of these specimens were collected up to 60 years ago and preserved dry in museum collections, but nonetheless produced genomes as complete as fresh samples.

Genetic evaluation of the evolutionary distinctness of a federally endangered butterfly, Lange's Metalmark.

Background: The Mormon Metalmark (Apodemia mormo) species complex occurs as isolated and phenotypically variable colonies in dryland areas across western North America. Lange's Metalmark, A. m.