D3163: Molecular phylogeny of the mayfly family Heptageniidae (Ephemeroptera)

Ephemeroptera are "a small but diverse order of amphinotic insects associated with liquid freshwater worldwide" (Jacobus et al., 2019) that include at least "3083 species, 376 genera, and 37 described families" (Ogden, Whiting, 2005). With more than 600 species and 36 genera, the Heptageniidae family of mayflies is primarily found throughout the Holarctic, Oriental, and Afrotropical biogeographic realms with some presences in Central and South America; however, their abundance in these realms is largely dependent upon the season in which they're found (Wolda, Flowers, 1985). These flat-headed mayflies dwell in streams and rivers and consume detritus and diatoms. Historically the relationship of Heptageniidae relative to other mayfly families hasn't been well understood (Ogden et al. 2009, Yanai et al. 2017). Furthermore, the placement of the genera Arthroplea and Pseudiron have been inconclusive. This study seeks to 1.) Test the hypothesis that Arthropleidae and Pseudironidae are derived Heptageniid's instead of classified as their own monogeneric families, and 2.) Investigate the monophyly of select genera.