Overview
Amphiesmenoptera is an superorder, established by Willi Hennig in his revision of insect taxonomy for two sister orders: Lepidoptera and Trichoptera.
Trichoptera and Lepidoptera share a number of derived characters (synapomorphies) which prove their common descent:
- females, rather than males, are heterogametic (i.e. their sex chromosomes differ);
- dense setae on the wings (modified into scales in Lepidoptera);
- a particular venation pattern on the forewings (the double-looped anal veins);
- larvae with mouth structures and glands to make and manipulate silk 1].
Thus the two sister orders are grouped into the Amphiesmenoptera. The group probably evolved in the Jurassic, diverging from the extinct Necrotaulidae [1]. Lepidoptera differ from the Trichoptera in several features, including wing venation, form of the scales on the wings, loss of the cerci, loss of an ocellus, and changes to the legs [1].
Amphiesmenoptera are thought to be the sister group of Antliophora, a proposed superorder comprising Diptera, Siphonaptera and Mecoptera. Together, Amphiesmenoptera and Antliophora compose the group Mecopterida [1].
Photos
Taxonomy
The Superorder Amphiesmenoptera is further organized into finer groupings including:
- Order (2): Lepidoptera · Pleuronematida
Orders
Lepidoptera
Lepidoptera is an of insects that includes moths and butterflies. It is one of the most speciose orders in the class Insecta, encompassing moths and the three superfamilies of butterflies, skipper butterflies, and moth-butterflies. Members of the order are referred to as lepidopterans. A person who collects or studies this order is referred to as a lepidopterist. This order has more than 180,000 species in 128 families and 47 superfamilies. The name is derived from Ancient Greek ?ep?d?? (scale) and pte??? (wing). Estimates of species suggest that the order may have more species and is among the four largest, successful orders, along with the Hymenoptera, Diptera, and the Coleoptera. [more]
Pleuronematida
At least 17 species and subspecies belong to the Order Pleuronematida.
More info about the Order Pleuronematida may be found here.
References
- ^ a b c Grimaldi, D. & M. S. Engel (2005). Evolution of the Insects. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-82149-5.
Sources
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