Bayesian Inference Phylogenies Research Articles

Plastid phylogenomics and fossil evidence provide new insights into the evolutionary complexity of the ‘woody clade’ in Saxifragales

BackgroundThe “woody clade” in Saxifragales (WCS), encompassing four woody families (Altingiaceae, Cercidiphyllaceae, Daphniphyllaceae, and Hamamelidaceae), is a phylogenetically recalcitrant node in the angiosperm tree of life, as the interfamilial relationships of the WCS remain contentious. Based on a comprehensive sampling of WCS genera, this study aims to recover a robust maternal backbone phylogeny of the WCS by analyzing plastid genome (plastome) sequence data using Bayesian inference (BI), maximum likelihood (ML), and maximum parsimony (MP) methods, and to explore the possible causes of the phylogenetic recalcitrance with respect to deep relationships within the WCS, in combination with molecular and fossil evidence.ResultsAlthough the four WCS families were identically resolved as monophyletic, the MP analysis recovered different tree topologies for the relationships among Altingiaceae, Cercidiphyllaceae, and Daphniphyllaceae from the ML and BI phylogenies. The fossil-calibrated plastome phylogeny showed that the WCS underwent a rapid divergence of crown groups in the early Cretaceous (between 104.79 and 100.23 Ma), leading to the origin of the stem lineage ancestors of Altingiaceae, Cercidiphyllaceae, Daphniphyllaceae, and Hamamelidaceae within a very short time span (∼4.56 Ma). Compared with the tree topology recovered in a previous study based on nuclear genome data, cytonuclear discordance regarding the interfamilial relationships of the WCS was detected.ConclusionsMolecular and fossil evidence imply that the early divergence of the WCS might have experienced radiative diversification of crown groups, extensive extinctions at the genus and species levels around the Cretaceous/Paleocene boundary, and ancient hybridization. Such evolutionarily complex events may introduce biases in topological estimations within the WCS due to incomplete lineage sorting, cytonuclear discordance, and long-branch attraction, potentially impacting the accurate reconstruction of deep relationships.

Barcoding Fails to Delimit Species in Mongolian Oedipodinae (Orthoptera, Acrididae).

Mongolia, a country in central Asia, with its vast grassland areas represents a hotspot for Orthoptera diversity, especially for the Acrididae. For Mongolia, 128 Acrididae species have been documented so far, of which 41 belong to the subfamily Oedipodinae (band-winged grasshoppers). Yet, few studies concerning the distribution and diversity of Oedipodinae have been conducted in this country. Molecular genetic data is almost completely absent, despite its value for species identification and discovery. Even, the simplest and most used data, DNA barcodes, so far have not been generated for the local fauna. Therefore, we generated the first DNA barcode data for Mongolian band-winged grasshoppers and investigated the resolution of this marker for species delimitation. We were able to assemble 105 DNA barcode (COI) sequences of 35 Oedipodinae species from Mongolia and adjacent countries. Based on this data, we reconstructed maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenies. We, furthermore, conducted automatic barcode gap discovery and used the Poisson tree process (PTP) for species delimitation. Some resolution was achieved at the tribe and genus level, but all delimitation methods failed to differentiate species by using the COI region. This lack of resolution may have multiple possible reasons, which likely differ between taxa: the lack of resolution in the Bryodemini may be partially explained by their massive genomes, implying the potential presence of large numbers of pseudogenes, while within the Sphingonotini incomplete lineage sorting and incorrect taxonomy are more likely explanations for the lack of signal. Further studies based on a larger number of gene fragments, including nuclear DNA, are needed to distinguish the species also at the molecular level.

Gibellula aurea sp. nov. (Ascomycota, Cordycipitaceae): a new golden spider-devouring fungus from a Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

Fungal parasites that infect spiders can affect their survival and potentially their behaviour. The genus Gibellula (Ascomycota, Cordycipitaceae) infects arachnids, and due to difficulties in identifying hosts after fungal sporulation, its ecology and spider host diversity are poorly understood. Herein, we propose a new species of Gibellula from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest: Gibellula aurea, which parasitizes two spider families (Anyphaenidae and Corinnidae). Gibellula aurea exhibits characteristic golden-yellow hyphae that completely cover hosts and white conidiophores emerging along synnemata or directly from hosts. Molecular identification was performed by sequencing the small and large nuclear ribosomal subunits, translation elongation factor, and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit regions, and reconstructing multigene phylogenetic trees. Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference phylogenies demonstrate that G. aurea forms a well-supported clade closer to G. flava, G. gamsii, G. leiopus, G. longispora, G. pigmentosinum, and G. pulchra. The phylogenetic reconstruction displayed herein represents the most comprehensive phylogeny for this genus to date. Spider hosts parasitized by G. aurea have been invariably found attached underneath leaves in vegetation, regardless of the identity of the infected hosts. The consistency of the death locations of G. aurea hosts indicates recurrent behaviour given the habitat heterogeneity of these host groups. Nevertheless, it is still unclear to what extent the place where hosts die can favour parasite fitness.

Detection and genetic characterization of the novel torque teno virus group 6 in Taiwanese general population.

Torque teno virus (TTV) is one of the most common human viruses and can infect an individual with multiple genotypes chronically and persistently. TTV group 6 is a recently discovered phylogenetic group first isolated from eastern Taiwan indigenes, but whether the TTV group 6 was also prevalent in the general population still unknown. One hundred and three randomly collected blood samples from general population and 66 TTV positive DNA samples extracted from Taiwan indigenes were included. A group-6-specific PCR was developed for re-screen over TTV positive samples. Two TTV group 6 positive samples from general population were cloned and sequenced for identifying mix-infected TTVs and confirming their classification by maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogeny. TTV group 6 can be detected in 4.5% (4/89) and 7.6% (5/66) of TTV positive samples from Taiwanese general population and eastern Taiwan indigenes, respectively. Sample VC09 was mix-infected with TTV groups 3 and 6. Sample VC99 was mix-infected with TTV groups 3, 4 and 6. A highly diverse triple overlapping region was observed, which may represent a unique phenomenon of TTV. The group-6-specific PCR can successfully detect TTV group 6. TTV group 6 may be prevalent worldwide regardless of the geographic region and/or ethnic groups.

<strong><em>Sanghuangporus vitexicola sp. nov.</em> (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota) from tropical Taiwan</strong>

Sanghuangporus vitexicola (Hymenochaetales) is described as a new species based on collections made from Pingtung County, tropical South Taiwan. All studied basidiocarps grew on living trunks of Vitex negundo. This new species is characterized by having perennial, pileate basidiocarps; pore surface yellowish brown, pores 6–8 per mm; context 0.7–1.5 cm thick; setae ventricose to subulate, dark brown, 17–30 × 5–8 μm; basidiospores broadly ellipsoid, brownish, smooth, 4.2–4.8 × 3.2–3.7 μm, with 0.2–0.5 μm thick walls. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenies inferred from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA indicated that six strains of Sanghuangporus viexicola formed a monophyletic group which is sister to S. zonatus. An identification key to known species of Sanghuangporus is provided.

Species Separation within, and Preliminary Phylogeny for, the Leafhopper Genus Anoscopus with Particular Reference to the Putative British Endemic Anoscopus duffieldi (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae).

Simple SummaryAnoscopus leafhoppers are a group of plant-feeding bugs that can be found in a range of grassland habitats. There are seven recognized species in the UK, some of which are difficult to tell apart. One species, Anoscopus duffieldi, has only been found at a single site, an RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) reserve at Dungeness in Kent. As Anoscopus leafhoppers can be quite variable in colour and pattern, and in the structure of their genitalia, our aim was to establish, using DNA, whether this ‘species’ is unique or whether it is simply a variant of one of the other species. If it is unique, found nowhere else, it should be afforded special protection. Samples of all UK species, as well as another from the Czech Republic, were collected from the field, and two genes were examined. The DNA sequences showed that three species, A. duffieldi, Anoscopus albifrons and Anoscopus limicola were so closely related that they should probably be considered a single species. However, A. duffieldi are distinctive in that they live only in one area of vegetated shingle. We suggest that, until other evidence is forthcoming, A. duffieldi could be considered a locally adapted subspecies of scientific interest.The subfamily Aphrodinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) contains ~33 species in Europe within four genera. Species in two genera in particular, Aphrodes and Anoscopus, have proved to be difficult to distinguish morphologically. Our aim was to determine the status of the putative species Anoscopus duffieldi, found only on the RSPB Nature Reserve at Dungeness, Kent, a possible rare UK endemic. DNA from samples of all seven UK Anoscopus species (plus Anoscopus alpinus from the Czech Republic) were sequenced using parts of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and 16S rRNA genes. Bayesian inference phylogenies were created. Specimens of each species clustered into monophyletic groups, except for Anoscopus albifrons, A. duffieldi and Anoscopus limicola. Two A. albifrons specimens grouped with A. duffieldi repeatedly with strong support, and the remaining A. albifrons clustered within A. limicola. Genetic distances suggest that A. albifrons and A. limicola are a single interbreeding population (0% divergence), while A. albifrons and A. duffieldi diverged by only 0.28%. Shared haplotypes between A. albifrons, A. limicola and A. duffieldi strongly suggest interbreeding, although misidentification may also explain these topologies. However, all A. duffieldi clustered together in the trees. A conservative approach might be to treat A. duffieldi, until other evidence is forthcoming, as a possible endemic subspecies.

Phylogenetic analysis of 23 accessions of Indonesian banana cultivars based on Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) region

Pisang Kepok (Musa spp. [ABB ’Saba’ subgroup]) has several unique characteristics, such as tolerance to drought and Fusarium Foc (TR4) disease. Currently, the genetic diversity of Pisang Kepok in Indonesia is not well identified, although it is widely cultivated. Information on genetic diversity is essential for developing breeding strategies to achieve efficient cultivar improvement in the future. Aims of this research were to analyze the genetic variation of Pisang Kepok from some islands in Indonesia and to determine the genetic relationship between Pisang Kepok and other accessions banana cultivars based on ITS2 region, as a basis for future research in improving banana quality through molecular breeding. We have conducted the multiple sequence alignment and built the phylogenetic tree analysis using the Bayesian Inference Phylogeny method of one million generations (ngen = 1,000,000). The ITS2 region showed two clade ingroups: first clade consists of banana with B genome (balbisiana), while the second clade consists of banana with only A genome (acuminata). In general, all accessions of Pisang Kepok cultivars were clustered in the B genome of bananas cultivars. In addition, the ITS2 sequences and secondary structures among Pisang Kepok from various regions are identical, suggesting that there was no genetic variation in the ITS2 region of Pisang Kepok from multiple areas in Indonesia.

Integrating DNA Barcoding and Traditional Taxonomy for the Identification of Dipterocarps in Remnant Lowland Forests of Sumatra.

DNA barcoding has been used as a universal tool for phylogenetic inferences and diversity assessments, especially in poorly studied species and regions. The aim of this study was to contrast morphological taxonomy and DNA barcoding, using the three frequently used markers matK, rbcL, and trnL-F, to assess the efficiency of DNA barcoding in the identification of dipterocarps in Sumatra, Indonesia. The chloroplast gene matK was the most polymorphic among these three markers with an average interspecific genetic distance of 0.020. The results of the molecular data were mostly in agreement with the morphological identification for the clades of Anthoshorea, Hopea, Richetia, Parashorea, and Anisoptera, nonetheless these markers were inefficient to resolve the relationships within the Rubroshorea group. The maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenies identified Shorea as a paraphyletic genus, Anthoshorea appeared as sister to Hopea, and Richetia was sister to Parashorea. A better discriminatory power among dipterocarp species provided by matK and observed in our study suggests that this marker has a higher evolutionary rate than the other two markers tested. However, a combination of several different barcoding markers is essential for reliable identification of the species at a lower taxonomic level.

Genetic diversification of Panstrongylus geniculatus (Reduviidae: Triatominae) in northern South America.

Triatomines are the vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Although Triatoma and Rhodnius are the most-studied vector genera, other triatomines, such as Panstrongylus, also transmit T. cruzi, creating new epidemiological scenarios. Panstrongylus has at least 13 reported species but there is limited information about its intraspecific genetic variation and patterns of diversification. Here, we begin to fill this gap by studying populations of P. geniculatus from Colombia and Venezuela and including other epidemiologically important species from the region. We examined the pattern of diversification of P. geniculatus in Colombia using mitochondrial and nuclear ribosomal data. Genetic diversity and differentiation were calculated within and among populations of P. geniculatus. Moreover, we constructed maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenies and haplotype networks using P. geniculatus and other species from the genus (P. megistus, P. lignarius, P. lutzi, P. tupynambai, P. chinai, P. rufotuberculatus and P. howardi). Using a coalescence framework, we also dated the P. geniculatus lineages. The total evidence tree showed that P. geniculatus is a monophyletic species, with four clades that are concordant with its geographic distribution and are partly explained by the Andes orogeny. However, other factors, including anthropogenic and eco-epidemiological effects must be investigated to explain the existence of recent geographic P. geniculatus lineages. The epidemiological dynamics in structured vector populations, such as those found here, warrant further investigation. Extending our knowledge of P. geniculatus is necessary for the accurate development of effective strategies for the control of Chagas disease vectors.

Sanghuangporus toxicodendri sp. nov. (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota) from China.

Sanghuangporus toxicodendri (Hymenochaetales) is described as new based on collections made from Shennongjia Forestry District, Hubei Province, China. All studied basidiocarps grew on living trunks of Toxicodendron sp. This new species is characterized by having perennial, effused-reflexed to pileate basidiocarps; pore surface brownish yellow or yellowish brown, pores 7–9 per mm; context 1–5 mm thick or almost invisible; setae ventricose, dark brown, 26–42 × 7–10 μm; basidia 4-sterigmate or occasionally 2-sterigmate; basidiospores broadly ellipsoid, smooth, brownish yellow, slightly thick-walled, mostly 3.5–4 × 2.8–3 μm. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenies inferred from internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA indicated that Sanghuangporus spp. formed a monophyletic clade and resolved as a sister to Tropicoporus spp., and six strains of S. toxicodendri formed a monophyletic group which is sister to S. quercicola. An identification key to known species of Sanghuangporus is provided.

Inonotus taiwanensis sp. nov. (Basidiomycota) from Taiwan

Inonotus taiwanensis (Hymenochaetales) is described as a new species collected from southern Taiwan, and all specimens grew on the trunk of Trema tomentosa. This new species is characterized by having resupinate, effuse-reflexed to pileate basidiocarps, bright yellow context, long setal hyphae in context and trama, setae in hymenium and trama, and fairly small basidiospores. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenies inferred from both sequences of 28S and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA indicated that I. taiwanensis forms a distinct clade within Inonotus, and the species is sister to I. tricolor. The comparison of morphological differences among I. taiwanensis and some closely related Inonotus spp. is presented.

The phylogenetic position and taxonomic status of the Rainbow Tree Snake Gonyophis margaritatus (Peters, 1871) (Squamata: Colubridae)

Molecular phylogenies have provided strong evidence for clarifying the taxonomy of groups with ambiguous morphological traits, thus avoiding potentially misleading conclusions based on evolutionary convergence of these traits. For snakes, established molecular databases along with new sequences from rare species allows us to estimate phylogenies, to clarify the phylogenetic relationships and test the monophyly of most taxonomic groups. Using one mitochondrial gene and five nuclear loci, we evaluate the taxonomic status of a rare Southeast Asian serpent, the Rainbow Tree Snake Gonyophis margaritatus (Squamata: Colubridae) by inferring a molecular phylogeny of 101 snake species. Both maximum likelihood and time- calibrated Bayesian inference phylogenies demonstrate that G. margaritatus is sister to Rhadinophis prasinus, previously considered to be part of a radiation of Old World ratsnakes. This group is in turn sister to a group containing Rhadinophis frenatus and Rhynchophis boulengeri with the entire clade originating in the mid-Miocene (~16 Ma) in Southeast Asia. This group is sister to the genus Gonyosoma and together originated in the early Miocene (~20 Ma). We discuss three potential solutions towards eliminating polyphyly of the genus Rhadinophis, but recommend using the genus name Gonyosoma for all species within this clade, which currently contains all of the species within the genera Gonyosoma, Gonyophis, Rhadinophis, and Rhynchophis.

The phylogenetic utility of acetyltransferase (ARD1) and glutaminyl tRNA synthetase (QtRNA) for reconstructing Cenozoic relationships as exemplified by the large Australian cicada Pauropsalta generic complex

The Pauropsalta generic complex is a large group of cicadas (72 described spp.; >82 undescribed spp.) endemic to Australia. No previous molecular work on deep level relationships within this complex has been conducted, but a recent morphological revision and phylogenetic analysis proposed relationships among the 11 genera. We present here the first comprehensive molecular phylogeny of the complex using five loci (1 mtDNA, 4 nDNA), two of which are from nuclear genes new to cicada systematics. We compare the molecular phylogeny to the morphological phylogeny. We evaluate the phylogenetic informativeness of the new loci to traditional cicada systematics loci to generate a baseline of performance and behavior to aid in gene choice decisions in future systematic and phylogenomic studies. Our maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenies strongly support the monophyly of most of the newly described genera; however, relationships among genera differ from the morphological phylogeny. A comparison of phylogenetic informativeness among all loci revealed that COI 3rd positions dominate the informativeness profiles relative to all other loci but exhibit some among taxon nucleotide bias. After removing COI 3rd positions, COI 1st positions dominate near the terminals, while the period intron has the most phylogenetic informativeness near the root. Among the nuclear loci, ARD1 and QtRNA have lower phylogenetic informativeness than period intron and elongation factor 1 alpha intron, but the informativeness increases at you move from the tips to the root. The increase in phylogenetic informativeness deeper in the tree suggests these loci may be useful for resolving older relationships.

A preliminary molecular phylogenetic assessment of the lichen moths (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini) with comments on palatability and chemical sequestration

AbstractThe lichen moth tribe Lithosiini is best known for its hypothesized larval feeding behaviour, lichenivory. The larvae of some species have been found to be capable of sequestering polyphenolics, and the adults of some species are unpalatable to vertebrate predators. However, the chemical basis for the defence is unknown. Here we reconstruct a phylogenetic hypothesis using likelihood methods (maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference) for 65 species of Lithosiini representing 37 genera and seven outgroup species using 2806 bp of sequence data obtained from two mitochondrial gene fragments (COI barcoding region, CytB), and two nuclear gene fragments (RpS5 and ribosomal gene region 28S). Lithosiine species representing four of the seven subtribes and unplaced taxa are included in the analysis. The deeper relationships within the tribe are not strongly supported, and the monophyly of three of the four subtribes is not supported. The placement of the fourth subtribe, Acsalina, is weakly supported. We also conduct a survey of the secondary metabolites present within adults of five species. The species are examined for the presence of lichen polyphenolics and plant secondary metabolites sequestered by arctiines. Seven lichen polyphenolics are identified in the taxa examined, but no plant secondary metabolites are found using either analytical method. The results of this study and prior reports in the literature of chemical sequestration and unpalatability are plotted onto the resulting Bayesian inference phylogeny to examine the evolution of chemical defence within Lithosiini. Species that sequester lichen polyphenolics and unpalatable species occur in each of the major clades recovered in the analysis.

Ancient origin of endemic Iberian earth-boring dung beetles (Geotrupidae)

The earth-boring dung beetles belong to the family Geotrupidae that includes more than 350 species classified into three subfamilies Geotrupinae, Lethrinae, and Taurocerastinae, mainly distributed across temperate regions. Phylogenetic relationships within the family are based exclusively on morphology and remain controversial. In the Iberian Peninsula there are 33 species, 20 of them endemic, which suggests that these lineages might have experienced a radiation event. The evolution of morphological adaptations to the Iberian semi-arid environments such as the loss of wings (apterism) or the ability to exploit alternative food resources is thought to have promoted diversification. Here, we present a phylogenetic analysis of 31 species of Geotrupidae, 17 endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, and the remaining from southeastern Europe, Morocco, and Austral South America based on partial mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequence data. The reconstructed maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenies recovered Geotrupinae and Lethrinae as sister groups to the exclusion of Taurocerastinae. Monophyly of the analyzed geotrupid genera was supported but phylogenetic relationships among genera were poorly resolved. Ancestral character-state reconstruction of wing loss evolution, dating, and diversification tests altogether showed neither evidence of a burst of cladogenesis of the Iberian Peninsula group nor an association between apterism and higher diversification rates. Loss of flight did not accelerate speciation rates but it was likely responsible for the high levels of endemism of Iberian geotrupids by preventing their expansion to central Europe. These Iberian flightless beetle lineages are probably paleoendemics that have survived since the Tertiary in this refuge area during Plio-Pleistocene climatic fluctuations by evolving adaptations to arid and semi-arid environments.

Phylogeny and intercontinental distribution of the pneumocandin-producing anamorphic fungus Glarea lozoyensis

Glarea lozoyensis is an anamorphic ascomycete that produces pneumocandin B0, the starting molecule for the synthesis of the antifungal drug caspofungin (CANCIDAS™). Glarea lozoyensis was first isolated in 1985 from a water sample from Madrid, Spain. Until now, only the original strain was known, but we have discovered new strains from Argentina and the USA. Molecular phylogenetic reference to a 28S rDNA database of antibiotic-producing fungi quickly identified these strains as being conspecific with G. lozoyensis. Bayesian inference phylogeny of ITS, 28S rDNA and α-actin gene fragments revealed that G. lozoyensis is related to species of the genus Cyathicula (Helotiales). Glarea lozoyensis was not conspecific with any of the Cyathicula species sequenced, although it appears to share a common ancestor. Glarea lozoyensis and Cyathicula strains were fermented on nutritional microarrays in 96-well plates. Cyathicula extracts did not show antifungal activity and did not produce pneumocandins, whereas potent antifungal activity and pneumocandin A0 production were confirmed for the four G. lozoyensis isolates. Also, culture morphology differed, with G. lozoyensis strains producing a dark brown, profusely sporulating mycelium with pigmented multicellular conidia accumulating in conidial masses, while all Cyathicula species tested in culture formed hyaline to light brown mycelia and lacked conidia. The chemistry and taxonomic distribution of the echinocandin class of antifungals is comprehensively reviewed.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the relict frog Leiopelma archeyi: Insights into the root of the frog Tree of Life

Determining the root of the anuran Tree of Life is still a contentious and open question in frog systematics. Two genera with disjunct distributions have been traditionally considered the most basal among extant frogs: Leiopelma, which is endemic to New Zealand, and Ascaphus, which lives in North America. However, their specific phylogenetic position is rather elusive because each genus shows many autapomorphies, and together they retain many symplesiomorphic characters. Therefore, several alternative hypotheses have been proposed regarding the relative phylogenetic position of both Leiopelma and Ascaphus. In order to distinguish among these competing phylogenetic hypotheses, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of Leiopelma archeyi and used it along with previously reported frog mt genomes (including that of Ascaphus truei) to infer a robust phylogeny of major anuran lineages. The reconstructed maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenies recovered identical topology, which supports the sister group relationship of Ascaphus and Leiopelma, and the placement of this clade at the base of the anuran tree. Interestingly, the mt genome of L. archeyi displays a novel gene arrangement in frog mt genomes affecting the relative position of cytochrome b, trnT, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6, trnE, and trnP genes. The tandem duplication—random loss model of gene order change explains the origin of this novel frog mt genome arrangement, which is convergent with others reported in some fishes and salamanders. These results, together with comparative data for other available vertebrate mt genomes, provide evidence that the 5′ end of the control region is a hot spot for gene order rearrangement.

Molecular phylogenetics of cixiid planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha): New insights from combined analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear genes

The planthopper family Cixiidae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) comprises approximately 160 genera and 2000 species divided in three subfamilies: Borystheninae, Bothriocerinae and Cixiinae, the later with 16 tribes. The current paper represents the first attempt to estimate phylogenetic relationships within Cixiidae based on molecular data. We use a total of 3652 bp sequence alignment of four genes: the mitochondrial coding genes Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1) and Cytochrome b (Cyt b), a portion of the nuclear 18S rDNA and two non-contiguous portions of the nuclear 28S rDNA. The phylogenetic relationships of 72 terminal specimens were reconstructed using both maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference methods. Through the analysis of this empirical dataset, we also provide comparisons among different a priori partitioning strategies and the use of mixture models in a Bayesian framework. Our comparisons suggest that mixture models overcome the benefits obtained by partitioning the data according to codon position and gene identity, as they provide better accuracy in phylogenetic reconstructions. The recovered maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference phylogenies suggest that the family Cixiidae is paraphyletic in respect with Delphacidae. The paraphyly of the subfamily Cixiinae is also recovered by both approaches. In contrast to a morphological phylogeny recently proposed for cixiids, subfamilies Borystheninae and Bothriocerinae form a monophyletic group.