A preliminary revision of Cosmosoma (Arctiini: Euchromiina) using conventional and novel adult morphology

Systematic relationships within mimetic tiger moths are poorly understood. Morphological characters are convergent because of mimicry and aposematism; molecular phylogenies are limited because of the paucity of informative loci and limited taxon sampling. The genus Cosmosoma (Arctiini: Euchromiina) is no exception; lack of phylogenetic information hampers efforts to study the dazzling adult forms, evolution of sequestration of secondary chemicals, and elaborate courtship behaviors. Cosmosoma is currently comprised of approximately 155 species. This genus may not be monophyletic; Cosmosoma is comprised of recognizable species groups that may not share a common ancestor. Hampson (1898) includes the most comprehensive description of members of Cosmosoma; this work divides the genus into four species groups based on wing venation and androconia (= the ventral valve). Most recently, Cerda (2008) divides Cosmosoma into five species complexes, using the presence and attributes of the ventral valve. Recent molecular studies of the evolution of androconia within mimetic tiger moths show Cosmosoma to be polyphyletic. Additionally, the ventral valve appears to have evolved once and lost several times within euchromiine moths; the structure may not prove to be useful in classification of Cosmosoma. This study focuses on using conventional and novel adult morphological characters with larger taxon sampling of the genus and related euchromiines in an effort to provide a stable phylogeny for Cosmosoma. We will discuss what character systems appear to be useful, emerging monophyletic groupings that can be identified as species complexes, and plans for future sampling efforts.