Metrics for Geometrids: Phylogenetic Diversity of European Sterrhinae (geometridae, Lepidoptera)

Aim Phylogenetic diversity, structure and endemism of European Sterrhinae were investigated for the first time and interpreted in relation to species richness, latitude and mean annual temperature. Furthermore, ecological trait data for each species were analysed in a spatial context.Location Europe.Taxon Sterrhinae (Geometridae, Lepidoptera).Methods A phylogeny for European Sterrhinae was reconstructed using mitochondrial COI sequences and nuclear markers. Distribution data were digitized from taxonomic literature and extended with records from faunistic literature and GBIF. Phylogenetic diversity metrics were calculated using a grid-based approach with a spatial resolution of 50 & times; 50 km.Results Phylogenetic diversity (Faith's PD) was generally high in species rich regions, which are southwestern Europe and parts of the Balkans. However, additional areas such as the entire Mediterranean coast and adjacent areas of Southern Europe are hotspots of Faith's PD. Net relatedness index (NRI) and nearest taxon index (NTI) indicated that the species rich regions in Southern Europe host clusters of evolutionary older lineages, while recent phylogenetic clustering occurred mainly in Northern Europe. Hotspots of phylogenetic endemism (PE) were identified in the Iberian Peninsula, the Mediterranean Islands, southern France, southern Italy, and Greece. Diet breadth and restriction to a single generation per year increased with higher latitudes, likely due to harsher environments. Range size of European Sterrhinae was generally larger in higher latitudes.Main Conclusion Sterrhinae in Europe show slightly different spatial patterns of species richness and phylogenetic diversity; however, the Mediterranean region hosts the majority of species as well as phylogenetic lineages. Ecological traits are best explained by a latitudinal gradient, reflecting a general preference for xerothermic habitats in this subfamily.