Geographic Life History Differences Predict Genomic Divergence Better than Mitochondrial Barcodes or Phenotype.

ABSTRACT: Species diversity can be inferred using multiple data types, however, results based on genetic data can be at odds with patterns of phenotypic variation. Tiger beetles of the Cicindelidiapolitula (LeConte, 1875) species complex have been taxonomically problematic due to extreme phenotypic variation within and between populations. To better understand the biology and taxonomy of this group, we used mtDNA genealogies and multilocus nuclear analyses of 34,921 SNPs to elucidate its evolutionary history and evaluate the validity of phenotypically circumscribed species and subspecies. Genetic analyses recovered two divergent species that are also ecologically distinct, based on adult life history. These patterns are incongruous with the phenotypic variation that informed prior taxo

SUBMITTER: Duran DP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7140875 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature