Microhabitat change drives diversification in pholcid spiders.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Microhabitat changes are thought to be among the main drivers of diversification. However, this conclusion is mostly based on studies on vertebrates. Here, we investigate the influence of microhabitat on diversification rates in pholcid spiders (Araneae, Pholcidae). Diversification analyses were conducted in the framework of the largest molecular phylogeny of pholcid spiders to date based on three nuclear and three mitochondrial loci from 600 species representing more than 85% of the currently described pholcid genera.

Results

Assessments of ancestral microhabitat revealed frequent evolutionary change. In particular, within the largest subfamily Pholcinae, numerous changes from near-ground habitats towards leaves and back were found. In general, taxa occupying lea

SUBMITTER: Eberle J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6145181 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature