Phylogenetic relationships of the Neotropical family Polythoridae (Odonata)

Damselflies of the Neotropical family Polythoridae compromise six genera (Chalcoptheryx, Chalcothore, Cora, Euthore, Polythore, and Stenocora) with approximately 58 species. Euthore and Polythore are medium-size damselflies with an amazing diversity in wing color pattern, including orange, reddish, white and black spots. Chalcoptheryx are smaller damselflies with metallic blue or orange hind-wings. Even though there are differences in wing color patterns among and within genera, they do not vary in the classical morphological traits involved in odonate reproductive isolation such as male cerci shape. Our aim in this study is to reconstruct the first family level phylogeny using a Bayesian analysis with mitochondrial (COI, ND1) and nuclear DNA (H3, Efα1) that will help us to understand the diversification process of this group and the biogeography of the Neotropical region. The results of our phylogenetic analysis are discussed with respect to morphology and biogeography.