Evidence of Repeated and Independent Saltational Evolution in a Peculiar Genus of Sphinx Moths (Proserpinus: Sphingidae)

摘要: Background Saltational evolution in which a particular lineage undergoes relatively rapid, significant, and unparalleled change as compared with its closest relatives is rarely invoked an alternative model to the dominant paradigm of gradualistic evolution. Identifying saltational events important first-step assessing importance this discontinuous generating evolutionary novelty. We offer evidence for three independent instances charismatic moth genus only eight species. Methodology/Principal Findings Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood Bayesian search criteria offered congruent, well supported phylogenies based on 1,965 base pairs DNA sequence using mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I, nuclear genes elongation factor-1 alpha wingless. Using comparative methods approach, we examined taxa exhibiting novelty form Batesian mimicry, host plant shift, dramatic physiological differences light phylogenetic data. All traits appear have evolved rapidly independently different species Proserpinus. Each exhibits markedly discrete example trait while remaining canalized other typical shared by rest genus. show insignificantly levels overall genetic their congeners, implying that divergence targeted not genome-wide. Conclusions/Significance Such rapid novel individual suggests pace can be quick, dramatic, isolated—even level. These results may applicable groups specific generated pronounced Genetic mechanisms such changes are postulated.