Phylogeny of the Dragonfly and Damselfly Order Odonata as Inferred by Mitochondrial 12S Ribosomal RNA Sequences

Abstract

The phylogenetic relationships among members of the Odonates were inferred from mitochondrial DNA 12S ribosomal RNA sequence data. These data show support for a monophyletic Anisoptera suborder, which are consistent with previous phylogenetic work performed on the group. However, the Zygoptera are paraphyletic based on mitochondrial DNA evidence. In particular, the family Lestidae appears more closely related to the Anisoptera then the Zygoptera.