Regarding the taxonomic status of Ophyra Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Muscidae): A molecular approach

Abstract

The muscid genus Ophyra has long been the subject of debate over its placement within the family. However, a phylogenetic study has never been conducted that would clarify its systematic position. In the present paper, phylogenetic relationships are examined between Ophyra albuquerquei and related muscid genera. The mitochondrial genes Cytochrome Oxidase I and II and tRNA-Leu were used combined with the nuclear genes CAD and Elongation Factor 1 to compose a matrix with 2989 characters (716 parsimonyinformative). These characters were analyzed under parsimony resulting in a single most parsimonious tree. Contrary to some recent classifications, our molecular data suggest the placement of Ophyra albuquerquei within the Muscinae in a separate position from the azeliine genus Hydrotaea.