Molecular phylogenetics of the deer flies (Diptera: Tabanidae)

The fly family Tabanidae, horse flies and deer flies, is the subject of a NSF funded PEET project to revitalize systematic understanding of the group. The family is subdivided into three subfamilies: Tabaninae, Pangoniinae and Chrysopsinae. The subfamily Chrysopsinae is the least species rich, with 551 species in 33 genera and 3 tribes worldwide: Bouvieromyiini, with 147 species in 11 genera, Chrysopsini, with 336 species in 9 genera, including Chrysops Meigen, and Rhinomyzini, with 68 species in 13 genera. Previous hypothesis based on morphological data showed a tendency for Bouvieromyiini and Chrysopsini to merge, and the Rhinomyzini to be polyphyletic. Here, we present current results from phylogenetic analysis based on molecular data for Chrysopsinae, focusing on relationship of tribes and genera. Phylogenetic estimates are used to map character traits and lineage histories in the context of horse fly diversification.