Revisiting the taxonomy and molecular systematics of Sesamia stemborers (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Apameini: Sesamiina): updated classification and comparative evaluation of species delimitation methods

Noémie M.C. Hévin, Gael J. Kergoat, Alberto Zilli, Claire Capdevielle-Dulac, Boaz K. Musyoka, Michel Sezonlin, Desmond Conlong, Johnnie Van Den Berg, Rose Ndemah, Philippe Le Gall, Domingos Cugala, Casper Nyamukondiwa, Beatrice Pallangyo, Mohamedi Njaku, Muluken Goftishu, Yoseph Assefa, Onésime Mubenga Kandonda, Grégoire Bani, Richard Molo, Gilson ChipabikaGeorge Ong’amo, Anne Laure Clamens, Jérôme Barbut, Bruno Le Ru

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this study, we reassess the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Sesamia Guenée, 1852 and examine in more detail the members of the nonagrioides species group, for which three distinct species complexes are identified. The calamistis subgroup comprises eight species, of which four new species are described: Sesamia kabirara Le Ru sp. nov., Sesamia kalale Le Ru sp. nov., Sesamia mapalense Le Ru sp. nov. and Sesamia teke Le Ru sp. nov. The incerta subgroup consists of 11 species, of which four new species are described: Sesamia kamba Le Ru sp. nov., Sesamia lalaci Le Ru sp. nov., Sesamia lusese Le Ru sp. nov. and Sesamia msowero Le Ru sp. nov. The nonagrioides subgroup comprises ten species of which two new species are described: Sesamia libode Le Ru sp. nov. and Sesamia satauensis Le Ru sp. nov. Phylogenetic and molecular species delimitation analyses of a multi-marker molecular dataset allow us to investigate and clarify the status of Sesamia species and species complexes. Our results yield a well-supported phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus, which supports the monophyletic nature of all but one species subgroup. The results of 16 distinct molecular species delimitation analyses show some levels of incongruence and, overall, a tendency towards over-splitting. We also present an updated list of species for the genus Sesamia and provide morphological keys based on male and female genitalia to determine the species group of any Sesamia species and to identify all species belonging to the nonagrioides species group.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)447-501
Number of pages55
JournalArthropod Systematics and Phylogeny
Volume82
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Genetics
  • Insect Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Revisiting the taxonomy and molecular systematics of Sesamia stemborers (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Apameini: Sesamiina): updated classification and comparative evaluation of species delimitation methods'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this