Phylogeny of hornets: a total evidence approach (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Vespinae, Vespa)

The only previous comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the 22 species of the genus Vespa was based on just 11 morphological characters and resulted in only limited resolution. In order to improve the phylogenetic inference, we carried out a simultaneous analysis with 45 morphological characters and data from four mitochondrial and two nuclear genes. The results support a number of the previously found relationships. The monophyly of the genus Vespa and the existence of a main clade excluding V. basalis and V. binghami are confirmed. The tropica group is supported. The affinis group is not supported; molecular data relate the previously unresolved V. orientalis to V. affinis + V. mocsaryana.