Cladistic analysis methods have not been used extensively in phylogenetic reconstructions of the genus Rhyacophila (Trichoptera: Rhyacophilidae), and are useful in understanding the phylogeny of this large genus of over 700 species. Representatives of the verrula and alberta species groups of Rhyacophila are found in alpine streams in Montana. Recent larval/adult associations of some of these alpine Rhyacophila species have provided additional data for cladistic analyses of the Rhyacophila verrula and alberta species groups, which have proven to be monophyletic. These analyses have also helped to define the species groups and justify the placement of species within them.
Species 1: Trichoptera Rhyacophilidae Rhyacophila potteri
Species 2: Trichoptera Rhyacophilidae Rhyacophila alberta
Species 3: Trichoptera Rhyacophilidae Rhyacophila rickeri
Keywords: alpine, stream
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