Molecular and morphological data clarify the phylogenetic position of genera formerly classified in Oenochrominae sensu lato (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

Oenochrominae sensu stricto (s. s.) are a group of robust-bodied geometrid moths found in the Australasian region. However, over the years, there has been a tendency to relegate genera that are difficult to classify under other subfamilies of Geometridae into a taxonomic “trash bin,” referred to as Oenochrominae sensu lato (s. l.). Here, we examine this assemblage of moths, focusing on Australasian genera, with the aim of making the classification of Oencohrominae s. s. consistent with phylogeny. We do this by reconstructing a molecular phylogeny that includes 24 of 40 genera and 49 of 183 species traditionally assigned to Oenochrominae s. l. These are analyzed using a dataset of 1,398 taxa from all geometrid subfamilies worldwide, with up to 11 gene markers per terminal taxon. Using a maximum likelihood approach, we show that some Oenochrominae s. l. taxa belong to other subfamilies (Desmobathrinae, Ennominae), or are incertae sedis, and adjust classification so that Oenochrominae s. s. represents a monophyletic lineage. We also examine the morphology of the reclassified taxa, and discuss and illustrate their characters for taxonomic clarity. Our results also show that several genera within Oenochrominae s. s. are polyphyletic, highlighting the need for a modern revision.