Prioritizing evolutionarily isolated insects for zoo-based conservation

When identifying potential candidates for conservation attention, zoos use species selection schemes which include a variety of criteria, including Evolutionary Distinctiveness (ED; a measure of evolutionary isolation). ED has yet to be calculated for groups lacking sufficient phylogenetic data, including insects, a group experiencing global declines. I perform a series of tests with increasing amounts of phylogenetic and taxonomic information to assess its ability to identify top-ranking ED species, using global mammals and amphibians as test cases. I find that such limited information is not sufficient to reliably identify ED species. Next, I examine the use of short DNA sequences (known as "DNA barcodes") using Canadian butterflies and a subset of global bees as test cases. DNA barcodes may provide a promising avenue for measuring ED for data-deficient insects. DNA barcodes are becoming increasingly available for insects, and therefore may be useful to zoos when undergoing species selection exercises.