Deep-level phylogeny of Ensifera (Orthoptera) based on molecular data

Ensifera (Insecta: Orthoptera) includes familiar insects such as katydids and crickets. Despite the familiarity, there is no consensus on the phylogenetic relationships within this suborder. This is largely because of inadequate character sampling in previous studies. In this study, we present the most character-rich phylogenetic analysis of Ensifera to date based on complete mitochondrial genomes and sequences from four nuclear loci (18S, 28S, Histone 3, and Wingless). We use twelve taxa representing all six ensiferan superfamilies: Grylloidea, Hagloidea, Rhaphidophoroidea, Schizodactyloidea, Stenopelmatoidea, and Tettigonioidea and all but two families. Using this phylogeny, we test the most recent hypothesis, which places Haglidae as the basal Ensiferan. We also test the dual origins of acoustic signaling within Ensifera.