Molecular phylogeny and temporal diversification ofTanytarsusvan der Wulp (Diptera: Chironomidae) support generic synonymies, a new classification and centre of origin

Abstract

AbstractTanytarsusvan der Wulp, with 355 currently known valid species, is a comparatively large genus of nonbiting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae). Relationships amongTanytarsusand associated genera and among species in the genus have been exceptionally difficult to resolve using morphology or single gene genealogies. Here, the phylogeny ofTanytarsussensu lato is reconstructed based on the combined analysis of five nuclear markers, including both ribosomal (18S) and protein‐coding (AATS1, CAD, PGD and TPI) genes. Our results indicate thatTanytarsusis paraphyletic withCaladomyiaSäwedal placed among South AmericanTanytarsus,VirgatanytarsusPinder as part of a Gondwanan clade, andCorynoceraZetterstedt within theTanytarsus norvegicus(Kieffer) species group. Based on these results, we synonymizeCaladomyiaandVirgatanytarsuswithTanytarsus. We propose retaining the older nameCorynocerauntil an eventual International Code of Zoological Nomenclature ruling on precedence can be made regarding the more frequent usage of the younger nameTanytarsus. As expected, the previously synonymizedNimboceraReiss is confirmed to be a junior synonym ofTanytarsuswithT.rhabdomantis(Trivinho‐Strixino & Strixino) grouping with other NeotropicalTanytarsus. The genusSubletteaRoback remains valid outside ofTanytarsus + CladotanytarsusKieffer. The monophyly of some established species groups is well supported, while other groups are refuted or remain uncertain. Based on a calibrated molecular divergence time analysis,Tanytarsusdiverged from its sister groupCladotanytarsusduring the Late Cretaceous to Early Paleogene (61–79 Ma). The genus most likely originated in the Oriental and Palearctic regions.