Abstract
Perspicuous assessments of taxonomic boundaries and discovery of cryptic taxa are of paramount importance in interpreting ecological and evolutionary phenomena among black flies (Simuliidae) and combating associated vector-borne diseases. Simulium tani Takaoka & Davies is the largest and perhaps the most taxonomically challenging species complex of black flies in the Oriental Region. We use a DNA sequence-based method to delineate currently recognized chromosomal and morphological taxa in the S. tani complex on the Southeast Asian mainland and Taiwan, while elucidating their phylogenetic relationships. A molecular approach using multiple genes, coupled with morphological and chromosomal data, supported recognition of cytoform K and morphoform ‘b’ as valid species; indicated that S. xuandei, cytoform L, and morphoform ‘a’ contain possible cryptic species; and suggested that cytoform B is in the early stages of reproductive isolation whereas lineage sorting is incomplete in cytoforms A, C, and G.
Highlights
A DNA sequence-based approach using multiple genes provides a robust tool for discovering and delineating biodiversity[13,14,15,16,17]
We determined whether the COI and COII genes alone, or in combination with the ECP1 gene, can improve phylogenetic resolution
It, too, has limited utility for some morphologically and chromosomally similar species[15,16,23,24]. It does not resolve the taxonomic status among chromosomally distinct members of the S. tani complex in Thailand[20] or the morphologically defined members in Vietnam
Summary
A DNA sequence-based approach using multiple genes provides a robust tool for discovering and delineating biodiversity[13,14,15,16,17]. The members of the S. tani complex in Thailand and Malaysia have been subjected to several phylogenetic and phylogeographic studies using the COI, COII, and 18S rRNA/ITS1 genes[18,19,20]. Our primary aim was to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships and taxon boundaries of the members of the S. tani complex from the mainland of Southeast Asia and Taiwan (Table 1). We genetically characterized these members, using the mitochondrial COI and COII genes and the fast-evolving nuclear ECP1 gene. We determined whether the COI and COII genes alone, or in combination with the ECP1 gene, can improve phylogenetic resolution
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