Systematics of new world Exaeretia with special attention to host-plant evolution

The phylogenetics of Gelechoidea remains poorly understood, especially with respect to Depressariinae (Elachistidae. This study focuses on the evolution of Exaeratia, a sister group to the genus Depressaria, which is well-known for their ability to digest toxic secondary plant metabolites. The objective of this study is to investigate the higher level evolutionary relationships of Depressariinae by focusing on morphological characters and the evolution of host plant in these moths.