Molecular-based phylogeny and ages of divergence of the subfamily Bryocorinae (Insecta: Heteroptera: Miridae)

Taxon Bryocorinae (Insecta: Heteroptera: Miridae) is a subfamily comprising approximately 1100 species, predominantly inhabiting tropical and subtropical regions. Context The monophyly of the subfamily and its tribes remains doubtful, and previous studies have yielded contradictory results. Aim In this study, a molecular phylogenetic analysis of Bryocorinae was performed to test the monophyly of the subfamily and its subgrouping and to estimate their divergence times. Methods The analysis was based on mitochondrial (COI, 12S rRNA, and 16S rRNA) and nuclear (18S rRNA and 28S rRNA) markers. Maximum-likelihood analysis was performed using RAxML, and Bayesian inference analyses were conducted using MrBayes and BEAST2. The phylogeny was calibrated using BEAST2. Key results The analysis did not confirm the monophyly of Bryocorinae. Bryocorini and Monaloniini are recovered as monophyletic and are therefore both raised to subfamily rank. Dicyphus forms a clade with Felisacini; consequently, Dicyphini are restricted to a single genus. These two tribes are placed in the subfamily Dicyphinae. The other genera previously included in Dicyphini are placed in the subfamily Macrolophinae. Eccritotarsini are restricted to a clade comprising the greatest number of genera, and this group is raised to subfamily rank. Dating analyses showed that three subfamilies, distributed predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions across the different zoogeographical regions including the New World, originated and diversified around the Mesozoic–Cenozoic boundary (Dicyphinae, Eccritotarsinae, and Monaloniinae). Macrolophinae, which successfully colonized the temperate regions of different continents, most probably, originated during the Cenozoic. The morphologically conserved groups, i.e. Bryocorinae and Felisacini, originated and diversified during the Cenozoic. Conclusions The present study shows that some groups previously placed within Bryocorinae are monophyletic, but their relationships with other mirid taxa could not be resolved with high support. To clarify their phylogenetic position within Miridae, phylogenomic analysis encompassing the entire family will be necessary.