Geology‐based and ecological processes of divergence between and within species of wingless darkling beetles

Abstract

AbstractAimDiscerning the relative role of geographical and ecological factors in promoting diversification is central to our understanding of the origin and maintenance of biodiversity. We explore the roles of geology and ecological tolerance in the diversification of a group of wingless beetles with low dispersal potential.LocationWestern Mediterranean (Iberian Peninsula and North Africa).TaxonDarkling beetles (Tenebrionidae: Misolampus).MethodsWe sequenced nine gene fragments from the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes in all extant Misolampus species to reconstruct their phylogeny, evaluate species boundaries and potential contact zones and estimate divergence times. We modelled species distributions for different time periods to infer ecological preferences and assess the effects of climatic changes since the last interglacial. We used a time‐stratified process‐based biogeographical model to estimate ancestral areas of origin and the evolution of geographical ranges.ResultsThe palaeoclimatic model projections show contractions of favourable areas during the last interglacial period and mid‐Holocene, and wide stretches of suitable areas during the last glacial maximum. Analyses of ancestral bioclimatic preferences reveal ecological adaptations in isolated lineages within three species. The phylogeny of Misolampus is strongly supported and unveils deep divergences within the six species. Two well‐supported clades were recovered, one distributed in North Africa‐Balearic Islands and another in the Iberian Peninsula. The divergence between the North African and Iberian clades occurred during the early Miocene. Biogeographical analyses infer an ancestral range including the Iberian, Betic and Rifean Plates, with subsequent splits followed by dispersal events.Main conclusionsOur results favour a dual role of vicariance and dispersal in driving the historical biogeography and diversification of Misolampus since the early Miocene. We also found evidence for incipient speciation events, underscoring the role of tectonic events and adaptation to local climatic conditions in the diversification of the group.