Out of the forest: past and present range expansion of a parthenogenetic weevil pest, or how to colonize the world successfully.

ABSTRACT: Previous research revealed complex diversification patterns in the parthenogenetic weevil Naupactus cervinus. To understand the origin of clonal diversity and successful spreading of this weevil, we investigated its geographic origin and possible dispersal routes and whether parthenogens can persist in habitats under unsuitable environmental conditions. This study is based on samples taken throughout a broad area of the species' range. We used both mitochondrial and nuclear markers and applied phylogenetic and network analyses to infer possible relationships between haplotypes. Bayesian phylogeographic analyses and ecological niche modeling were used to investigate the processes that shaped genetic diversity and enabled the colonization of new geographic areas. Southeastern Brazil emerges

SUBMITTER: Rodriguero MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4984515 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature