Phylogeny of Euphydryas Checkerspot Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) Based on Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Data

We present a molecular phylogeny of butterflies belonging to the genus Euphydryas s.l., based on partial sequences of 3 mtDNA genes (COI, ND1, and 16S). Euphydryas s.l. has been divided into 4 genera in an earlier revision. The current results show 3 well-supported groups within the genus, corresponding to 3 of the 4 proposed genera. The pair-wise divergences of 1 of the sequences (COI) are on the order of 3% within the 3 groups and 7% between the groups. This level of variation leads us to suggest that the entire group should be considered to be in the genus Euphydryas with 3 subgenera: Euphydryas, Hypodryas, and Eurodryas.