Establishing criteria for higher‐level classification using molecular data: the systematics of<i>Polyommatus</i>blue butterflies (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae)
Journal: Cladistics
Year: 2012

Most taxonomists agree on the need to adapt current classifications to recognize monophyletic units. However, delineations between higher taxonomic units can be based on the relative ages of different lineages and/or the level of morphological differentiation. In this paper, we address these issues in considering the species-rich Polyommatus section, a group of butterflies whose taxonomy has been highly controversial. We propose a taxonomy-friendly, flexible temporal scheme for higher-level clas