Worldwide phylogeny of the damselfly genus Ischnura based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II and cytochrome B sequence data

The first molecular phylogeny for North American members of the genus Ischnura was presented by Chippindale et al. (1999). Here, this work has been expanded in two ways. A second individual of each North American species (when possible) has been included, and the scope of the analysis includes members of the genus from around the world. Partial sequences of the mitochondrial COII and cytochrome b genes (925 by total) were used to reconstruct the worldwide phylogeny of Ischnura. The sequences used in this study have proven useful in defining monophyletic groups of species within the genus. The results of this study indicate that the North American Ischnura represent a non-monophyletic group reflecting multiple invasions. The group encompasses a wide range of divergences, and major radiations appear to have occurred recently in both the New and Old Worlds, probably in response to climatic events.