Higher classification of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) inferred from molecular phylogeny and their endosymbionts

Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae, Rhizoecidae and Xenococcidae) are important organisms for understanding processes of evolution, especially microbial symbiotic systems interactions with host plants. Molecular phylogenetic trees were reconstructed 128 species mealybug using DNA fragments eight loci, namely a mitochondrial (COI), nuclear ribosomal RNA (18S 28S D2 D10) protein-encoding genes (EF-1? 5? 3?, Dynamin wingless). In addition, data on the types obligate endosymbionts used to test monophyly major groups resulting from this molecular phylogeny. Based sequences, morphology endosymbionts, we present phylogeny supporting families Xenococcidae separate separation Rastrococcus Ferris Phenacoccinae Pseudococcinae. Consequently, is excluded elevated subfamily Rastrococcinae subfam. nov. We also found support Putoidae as family distinct true mealybugs. Phenacoccus rubicola Kwon, Danzig & Park transferred Coccura Šulc.