Molecular phylogeny and host use evolution of the genus Exorista Meigen (Diptera: Tachinidae)

► Phylogeny of the genus Exorista is resolved based on eight genes. ► The genus Exorista is paraphyletic and divided into two major clades. ► The tribe Exoristini is primitively parasitic on Lepidoptera. ► Host shifts occur independently in the clades of subgenera Adenia and Spixomyia. ► A major host shift to the Hymenoptera occurs in the ancestor of Adenia.