Molecular phylogeny and morphology of Pseudomallada (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), one of the largest genera within Chrysopidae

Abstract Pseudomallada, comprising at least 166 described species, is not only one of the most species-rich genera within the green lacewing family Chrysopidae but also one of the largest within the entire order Neuroptera. Using external morphology, it has not been possible to parse Pseudomallada into smaller taxonomic units such as subgenera or species-groups. Here, we examine morphology, life-history traits, and nuclear DNA sequences in 49 described or putative species of Pseudomallada from all over the world, including 2 closely related species currently assigned to Apertochrysa. On the one hand, we find that body and egg coloration, as well as the mode of egg deposition, have evolved independently within different genetic clusters of species in response to environmental conditions favouring cryptic behaviour or sibling cannibalism. However, three lineages supported by molecular phylogenetic analysis are congruent with three clusters based on the morphology of the gonapsis in the male genitalia; these comprise 29 of the taxa under study (59%). Seventeen additional species cluster in a flavifrons-group based on gonapsis shape, but this cluster is not supported by molecular data. Three molecular singletons were identified, two of which can be assigned to one of the four gonapsis groups. It is clear that at least Apertochrysa eurydera, and probably A. edwardsi, should be moved into the genus Pseudomallada, based on molecular data and the shape of the gonapsis.