Delineation of two new, highly similar species of Taiwanese Cylindera tiger beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Cicindelinae) based on morphological and molecular evidence.

ABSTRACT: Tiger beetles have been recognized primarily based on morphological characters. However, the variations of elytral maculation and coloration sometimes lead to misjudgment in species classification and the overlooking of the existence of cryptic species. Recently, specimens of two endemic species of Taiwanese Cylindera, C. sauteri and C. pseudocylindriformis, exhibit morphologically recognizable forms, indicating that some undescribed species may exist. To clarify their taxonomic status, morphological characteristics including male genitalia were examined and two mitochondrial genes, COI and 16S rDNA, and one nuclear 28S rDNA were analyzed. Molecular phylogenetic inferences indicated that both forms in both species are reciprocally monophyletic. Moreover, molecular dati

SUBMITTER: Chou MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6751220 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature