Genetic Variability of Polypedilum (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Southwest Ecuador.

ABSTRACT: Chironomids show a wide distribution and can occupy several habitats due to their high adaptive capacity in different freshwater environments. The genus Polypedilum is found along a wide elevational and environmental gradient in the neotropics, and its genetic variability could help to elucidate factors determining its distribution and tolerance to the environmental changes of different species or populations. This study examines the genetic variability of Polypedilum in an important biogeographic area that acts as a geographical barrier of biodiversity at the border of the Choco and Tumbes biomes. We identified five Polypedilum morphotypes using classic taxonomic methods. We examined 68 Polypedilum individuals from eight sampling sites in El Oro Province, Ecuad

SUBMITTER: Ballesteros I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9028585 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature