Diversification of the New Zealand species of Leucaspis and codiversification with their endosymbiotic bacteria

Scale insects in the tribe Leucaspidini (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) are poorly represented in most biogeographic regions. However, we show that in New Zealand there is a previously undocumented diversification of members of the genus Leucaspis, likely due to the extinction of most members of the subfamily Aspidiotinae. We use multiple molecular markers to examine diversification rates and to document molecular congruence among lineages. The presence of numerous cryptic species is further supported by highly significant phylogenetic congruence with endosymbiotic bacteria.