Evolutionary origin of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aleyrodidae) inferred from 18S rDNA sequences

Insect Mol Biol. 1994 May;3(2):73-88. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.1994.tb00154.x.

Abstract

Phylogenetic analysis of 18S rDNA nucleotide sequences of hemipteran exemplars shows Sternorrhyncha (psyllids, whiteflies, aphids and scales) is monophyletic and forms a sister group to all other hemipterans (Euhemiptera). Whiteflies form a sister group to all other Sternorrhyncha. Primary structures of 18S rDNAs of all sternorrhynchans are exceptionally long (approximately 2200 to approximately 2500 bp) due to internal expansions. These expansions are a synapomorphy of Sternorrhyncha; other hemipterans possess shorter 18S rDNAs (approximately 1900 to approximately 1925 bp). The 18S rDNA of whiteflies is the longest recorded to date and has a base substitution rate of approximately 3 times greater than Euhemiptera taxa examined. The relevance of these findings to the fossil record, feeding strategies, reproductive biologies, and geoclimatic distribution is discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Biological Evolution*
  • Coleoptera / genetics
  • Consensus Sequence
  • Conserved Sequence
  • DNA, Ribosomal / genetics*
  • Fossils
  • Hemiptera / classification
  • Hemiptera / genetics*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Ribosomal

Associated data

  • GENBANK/U06474
  • GENBANK/U06475
  • GENBANK/U06476
  • GENBANK/U06477
  • GENBANK/U06478
  • GENBANK/U06479
  • GENBANK/U06480
  • GENBANK/U06481
  • GENBANK/U06482