Molecular Phylogeny and DNA Barcoding of the Genus Arhopala Boisduval, 1832 (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) from Northwest India

Abstract

The genus Arhopala (Lycaenidae: Theclinae) is one of the most diverse groups of butterflies in the Oriental region, yet molecular data for Indian species remain limited. In this study, we sequenced the mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene from five species collected in Northwestern India: Arhopala amantes (Hewitson, 1862), A. rama (Kollar, 1844), A. ganesa (Moore, 1858), A. dodonaea (Moore, 1858) and Surendra quercetorum (Moore, 1858) (Outgroup), generating seven new COI sequences. Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analyses were conducted using 54 sequences encompassing 49 Arhopala species and relevant outgroups. The results confirmed the monophyly of the Centaurus, Eumolphus, Epimuta, and Rama groups, whereas the Amphimuta and Muta subgroups were polyphyletic. Genetic divergence among Arhopala species ranged from 0.6% to 13.3%, with intergeneric divergence from outgroups up to 13.5%, supporting the utility of COI barcoding for species delineation. This study provides the first molecular records for these species in India, establishes DNA barcodes, clarifies their phylogenetic positions, and contributes to the understanding of evolutionary relationships within Arhopala.