Morphological and Molecular Evidence Revealed New Species in Mactra antiquata Sensu Lato.

ABSTRACT: Mactra antiquata sensu lato, a commercially important clam species in China, exhibits remarkable morphological and molecular diversity, which has led to the proposal of cryptic species within this complex. In the present study, specimens of M. antiquata sensu lato were collected from four coastal provinces (Shandong, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan) of China, and an integrated comparative analysis was performed based on morphological traits and partial sequences of two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, COI; and 16S rRNA). Our results revealed that M. antiquata sensu lato could be clearly delineated into two distinct clades: the N-group (comprising specimens collected from Shandong in this study) and the S-group (including specimens colle

SUBMITTER: Teng F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12837493 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature