Delimiting host-plant specific genetic lineages embedded within morphological species using molecular phylogenetics

All cochineal insects (Dactylopius spp.) are cactus-feeding specialists, primarily on opuntioid cacti. It was unknown if host specific lineages occur within morphologically recognized plolyphagous Dactylopius spp. Utilization of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA via phylogenetic analyses reveals a heterogeneous history of host specificity complicated by geographic isolation.