A molecular phylogeny of antarctic chironomidae and its implications for biogeographical history

摘要: The chironomid midges Belgica antarctica, Eretmoptera murphyi (subfamily Orthocladiinae) and Parochlus steinenii Podonominae), are the only Diptera species currently found in Antarctica. relationships between these a range of further taxa Chironomidae were examined by sequencing domains 1 3–5 28S ribosomal RNA. resulting molecular B. antarctica E. murphyi, within Orthocladiinae, highly supported validation analyses, confirming their position Chironomidae, as generated classical taxonomy. Within Podonominae, P. from Maritime Antarctic was more closely related to material sub-Antarctic South Georgia than Patagonia. Taking advantage availability substitution rate calculated for this gene Diptera, dating divergence our study tentatively established. dates obtained 49 million years (Myr), 68.5 Myr closest Orthocladiinae taxon tested Patagonia, suggesting that representatives an ancient lineage. As both endemic respective tectonic microplates, contemporary distribution is, therefore, likely have been shaped vicariance rather dispersal.