Revised phylogeny of Coccoidea using a comprehensive USCOs dataset (Hemiptera, Coccoidea)

Abstract

Coccoidea (scale insects) are a hyperdiverse superfamily within Sternorrhyncha, inclusive of many of the world's most economically destructive agricultural pests. Despite their global significance, a robust phylogenetic framework for this group has yet to be established. This study provides the most comprehensive phylogenomic analysis of scale insects to date, incorporating 113 samples from 105 species, spanning 29 of 35 extant families. By utilizing Universal Single‐Copy Orthologs (USCOs), we recovered the phylogenetic relationships within Coccoidea to the highest resolution so far to date, with high statistical support. Our results, consistent across all the reconstruction methods employed, provide strong evidence for Coccoidea being monophyletic. In agreement with earlier phylogenetic analyses, the neococcoids were confirmed to be a monophyletic group and the archaeococcoids a paraphyletic one; 7 of the 11 included archaeococcoid families (Xylococcidae, Qinococcidae, Margarodidae, Kuwaniidae, Marchalinidae, Coelostomidiidae and Monophlebidae) comprising the sister group to (Steingeliidae + (Putoidae + neococcoid lineages)). Matsucoccidae were recovered as the sister group to all others within the superfamily. This study also clarifies the placement of some families, particularly ones that are species‐poor and have remained enigmatic.