Entomology Research Unit, St. Xavier's College, Palayankottai-627 002
*Present address: Department of Zoology, Rani Anna Govt. College for women, Tirunelveli-627 008.
Analyses of 36 morphometric indices belonging to 27 species, 14 genera and 3 subfamilies viz., Harpactorinae, Peiratinae and Reduviinae by direct observation as well as unweighted pair group method using arithmetic mean (UPGMA) incorporating Euclidean distances, Nei and Li's genetic distance coefficient and Jaccard's coefficient reveals diagnostic intra as well as inter subfamilial and generic affinities. Moreover, it gives an insight into the placement of genera in the existing divisions (tribes) of subfamilies and their phylogenetic relationship. Further, it clearly suggests a two diversified lines of evolution of Peiratinae and Reduviinae from Harpactorinae than the earlier suggested straight line evolution of these two subfamilies from Harpactorinae.
Morphometric indices, Euclidean distance, Nei and Li's genetic distance coefficient, Jaccard's
