Revision and phylogenetic analysis of the verrula and alberta species of Rhyacophila Pictet 1834 with description of a new species (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae)

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Adult, larval, and pupal characters and data from newly associated life stages supported the monophyly of the Rhyacophila verrula- and alberta-species groups. The verrula-group is comprised of R. haddocki Denning, R. leechi Denning, R. potteri Denning in Denning and Schmid, R. rickeri Ross, R. singularis Botosaneanu, and R. verrula Milne, with a new inclusion of R. chandleri Denning. Rhyacophila autumnalis Nimmo was found to be a junior synonym of R. potteri. The monophyly of the verrula-group is based on synapomorphies that include the expanded dorsal appendage of the phallic apparatus, closed m-cell in the forewing and morphology of the larvae. The morphology of the known larvae of this group supports the hypothesis of phytophagous feeding habits, which served as an opportunity for the evolution and speciation within the group. Rhyacophila chandleri was found to be a basal member of the verrula-group, although autapomorphies suggest an early isolation from the rest of the verrula-group. Rhyacophila rickeri is basal to the rickeri-subgroup, with R. singularis and R. potteri as sister species. Rhyacophila verrula, R. leechi, and R. haddocki form the verrula-subgroup. The wide distribution of R. verrula suggests a wider ecological tolerance than other species of the group. The alberta-group is comprised of two subgroups, R. alberta, R. tucula, and R. n. sp. comprise the alberta subgroup, and R. kincaidi and R. glaciera comprise the glaciera-subgroup. Phylogenetic reconstructions of the alberta- and verrula-groups suggest the evolution of these species groups was driven by post-Pleistocene isolation of populations in headwater streams.

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ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology: Invertebrates