Phylogeographic structure and ecological niche modelling reveal signals of isolation and postglacial colonisation in the European stag beetle.

ABSTRACT: Lucanus cervus (L.), the stag beetle, is a saproxylic beetle species distributed widely across Europe. Throughout its distribution the species has exhibited pronounced declines and is widely considered threatened. Conservation efforts may be hindered by the lack of population genetic data and understanding of the spatial scale of population connectivity. To address this knowledge gap this research details the first broad scale phylogeographic study of L. cervus based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing and microsatellite analysis of samples collected from 121 localities across Europe. Genetic data were complemented by palaeo-distribution models of spatial occupancy during the Last Glacial Maximum to strengthen inferences of refugial areas. A salient feature of the mtDNA was the identif

SUBMITTER: Cox K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6483211 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature