Agrotis and Haliophyle moth radiations reflect conflicting patterns of diversification across the Hawaiian Archipelago (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The noctuid moth fauna of the Hawaiian Islands is rich and unique. There are 73 described endemic species in 14 genera. Through a comparative approach, I analyze the similarities and differences among lineages. Using molecular multilocus phylogenies and biodiversity data, I identify important traits and meaningful patterns reflecting the diversification of these moths. Here, I focus on the two most diverse lineages to understand the dynamics of diversification. Agrotis, the most species-rich noctuid lineage in Hawaii (~30 spp.), has multi and single island endemic species; it is both more abundant and diverse in dry and open areas; it is morphologically disparate; it has unusual specializations; and it is thought to be mostly polyphagous. Haliophyle, a genus endemic to Hawaii (~15 spp.), has mostly single island endemics species; it is morphologically homogeneous; it is both more abundant and diverse in wet forests; it is thought to be a fern generalist; and it is probably a very recent and explosive radiation. Dispersal ability, morphological variation, habitat choice, age and hostplant use might be important factors in understanding how and why these lineages diversified – while other noctuid lineages in Hawaii did not. Both genera showed remarkable differences in their evolutionary trajectories, explicitly demonstrating the importance of history in evolutionary studies.