AN ELECTROPHORETIC ANALYSIS OF RHAGOLETIS (DIPTERA, TEPHRITIDAE) PHYLOGENY

Electrophoretic analysis of Rhagoletis (Diptera: Tephritidae) was performed to gain insight into phylogenetic relationships in the genus, and to determine whether Rhagoletis spp. have co-speciated with their host plants. The electrophoretic phylogeny differs from both the conventional classification and the assumed phylogeny of the host plants. Most of the changes suggested in the conventional classification are compatible with morphological data. The differences in the phylogenies of Rhagoletis and its host plants are not likely to be resolved by further systematic analysis of the host plants. Electrophoretic phylogeny is discussed with respect to the biogeography of the genus.