Cytochrome-b Sequences Research Articles

New species of the Spiny Mouse genus Neacomys (Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae) from northwestern Ecuador.

Neacomys is a genus of small spiny or bristly sigmodontine rodents that are common components of mammalian faunas in multiple biomes on Central and South America. Recent studies on this group have demonstrated that there is cryptic diversity yet to be discovered within currently recognized species that have not received comprehensive revisions, as well as in areas that have been overlooked. Here we ratify this assertion by describing a new species previously misidentified as the Narrow-footed Spiny Mouse (Neacomystenuipes) from the Chocó biogeographic region in northwestern Ecuador, Neacomysmarci Brito & Tinoco, sp. nov. Distinctiveness of this entity is supported by the combination of the following morphological characters: small size (head-body length 65-85 mm); long tail (69-126% longer than head-body length); pale buff-colored but gray-based belly fur; white throat; hypothenar pad usually absent; long nasals; and a condylar process higher than the coronoid process. Likewise genetic distance analyses and phylogenetic reconstructions based on cytochrome-b (Cytb) sequence data indicate a clear divergence from typical populations of N.tenuipes, and a sister relationship between them. The results presented here increase the diversity of Neacomys to 24 species, placing it among the most diverse genera within the sigmodontine rodents.

Spatio-temporal genetic structure of the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) populations inhabiting national parks in South Korea: Implications for conservation and management of protected areas

Population or habitat connectivity is a key component in maintaining species and community-level regional biodiversity as well as intraspecific genetic diversity. Ongoing human activities cause habitat destruction and fragmentation, which exacerbate the connectivity due to restricted animal movements across local habitats, eventually resulting in the loss of biodiversity. The Baekdudaegan Mountain Range (BMR) on the Korean Peninsula represents “biodiversity hotspots” and eight of the 22 Korean national parks are located within the BMR. Given the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) is the most common and ecologically important small mammals in these protected areas, the population genetic assessment of this species will allow for identifying “genetic diversity hotspots” and also “genetic barriers” that may hinder gene flow, and will therefore inform on effective conservation and management efforts for the national park habitats. We collected samples from hair, tail, or buccal swabs for 252A. agrariusindividuals in 2015 and 2019. By using mitochondrial DNA cytochromeb(cyt b) sequences and nine microsatellite loci, we determined levels of genetic diversity, genetic differentiation, and gene flow among eight national park populations ofA. agrariusalong the BMR. We found high levels of genetic diversity but the occurrences of inbreeding for all the nine samples analyzed. Our results also indicated that there was detectable temporal genetic variation between the 2015 and 2019 populations in the Jirisan National Park, which is probably due to a short-term decline in genetic diversity caused by reduced population sizes. We also found a well-admixed shared gene pool among the national park populations. However, a significant positive correlation between geographic and genetic distances was detected only in mtDNA but not microsatellites, which might be attributed to different dispersal patterns between sexes. There was a genetic barrier to animal movements around the Woraksan National Park areas. The poor habitat connectivity surrounding these areas can be improved by establishing an ecological corridor. Our findings of the presence of genetic barriers in some protected areas provide insights into the conservation and management efforts to improve the population or habitat connectivity among the national parks.

Variable social organization among tuco-tucos (genusCtenomys) in theopimusclade

AbstractComparative studies of closely related species provide a powerful means of identifying the ecological and demographic factors associated with variation in mammalian social systems. Although most members of the subterranean rodent genus Ctenomys are thought to be solitary, the highland tuco-tuco (C. opimus) is group living, meaning that multiple adults share a burrow system and underground nest site. These animals are part of the opimus clade, a monophyletic collection of four named species that occur in northwestern Argentina and adjacent portions of Chile and Bolivia. As a first step toward generating a comparative assessment of social organization within this clade, we characterized spatial relationships among members of a population of Ctenomys at Antofagasta de la Sierra, Catamarca Province, Argentina. Based on geographic location and natural history, these animals were expected to be part of the opimus clade; analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome-b sequences from our study population confirmed this general phylogenetic placement. Radiotelemetry data indicated that the animals at Antofagasta were group living, with up to three adult females and one adult male sharing a burrow system. In contrast to other group-living ctenomyids, however, individuals did not consistently share nest sites. Comparisons of these data with re-analyses of spatial relationships among members of the population of C. opimus studied by O’Brien et al. (2020) revealed several intriguing differences in social organization, potential explanations for which include short-term responses to variable demographic and ecological conditions as well as more enduring responses to differences in local selective pressures. Further comparative analyses of these populations and, more generally, members of this subclade of Ctenomys will help to elucidate the factors contributing to variation in social behavior within this speciose and geographically widespread genus.

Broad maternal geographic origin of domestic sheep in Anatolia and the Zagros.

We investigated the controversial origin of domestic sheep (Ovis aries) using large samples of contemporary and ancient domestic individuals and their closest wild relatives: the Asiatic mouflon (Ovisgmelini), the urial (Ovisvignei) and the argali (Ovisammon). A phylogeny based on mitochondrial DNA, including 213 new cytochrome-b sequences of wild Ovism confirmed that O.gmelini is the maternal ancestor of sheep and precluded mtDNA contributions from O.vignei (and O.gmelini×O.vignei hybrids) to domestic lineages. We also produced 54 new control region sequences showing shared haplogroups (A, B, C and E) between domestic sheep and wild O.gmelini which localized the domestication center in eastern Anatolia and central Zagros, excluding regions further east where exclusively wild haplogroups were found. This overlaps with the geographic distribution of O.gmelini gmelini, further suggesting that the maternal origin of domestic sheep derives from this subspecies. Additionally, we produced 57 new CR sequences of Neolithic sheep remains from a large area covering Anatolia to Europe, showing the early presence of at least three mitochondrial haplogroups (A, B and D) in Western colonization routes. This confirmed that sheep domestication was a large-scale process that captured diverse maternal lineages (haplogroups).

Variation in the Myotis keaysi complex (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae), with description of a new species from Ecuador

Abstract The genus Myotis comprises a diverse group of vespertilionid bats with worldwide distribution. Twenty-eight Neotropical species are currently recognized. In this study, we evaluate molecular and morphological variation in the M. keaysi complex, a high elevation clade of Neotropical myotine bats characterized by complex taxonomy and high morphological variation. A phylogeny inferred with cytochrome-b sequences recovered two clades composed of samples traditionally assigned to M. keaysi, with 9% of genetic divergence between them. These clades were also suggested as putative distinct species by molecular species delimitation methods. Qualitative and quantitative morphological analyses indicated a phenotypic discontinuity between specimens from central Andes (including the holotype of M. keaysi) and western lowlands of Ecuador, showing strong congruence between molecular and morphological approaches. We therefore describe a new species for the Tumbes-Choco-Magdalena region, documenting their external and cranial diagnostic characters by comparing them with other Neotropical species. In addition, we provide an emended diagnosis for our new concept of M. keaysi.

Geographic isolation created distinct pelage characters in Finlayson’s squirrel on isolated island offshore of the Indochina Peninsula in Central Vietnam

We found distinct pelage characters in Finlayson’s squirrel (Callosciurus finlaysonii) population, which is endemic to Lao Island of the Cham Islands, located off the coast of central Vietnam. Among squirrels of the ‘C. erythraeus-finlaysonii complex’, which consists of all forms of C. erythraeus and C. finlaysonii, mitochondrial cytochrome-b sequences show that the Lao Island squirrel forms a cluster with C. finlaysonii with external characters of C. erythraeus flavimanus, defined previously as ‘C. finlaysonii morpha flavimanus’. Both squirrel forms, however, differed in pelage colour. This different colouration may have arisen from the effect of geographic isolation.

Lack of an Intron in Cytochrome b and Overexpression of Sterol 14α-Demethylase Indicate a Potential Risk for QoI and DMI Resistance Development in Neophysopella spp. on Grapes.

Asian grapevine leaf rust, caused by Neophysopella meliosmae-myrianthae and N. tropicalis, is often controlled by quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) and demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides in Brazil. Here, we evaluated the sensitivity of 55 Neophysopella spp. isolates to pyraclostrobin (QoI) and tebuconazole (DMI). To elucidate the resistance mechanisms, we analyzed the sequences of the cytochrome b (CYTB) and cytochrome P450 sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) target proteins of QoI and DMI fungicides, respectively. The CYP51 expression levels were also determined in a selection of isolates. In leaf disc assays, the mean 50% effective concentration (EC50) value for pyraclostrobin was about 0.040 µg/ml for both species. CYTB sequences were identical among all 55 isolates, which did not contain an intron immediately after codon 143. No amino acid substitution was identified at codons 129, 137, and 143. The mean EC50 value for tebuconazole was 0.62 µg/ml for N. tropicalis and 0.46 µg/ml for N. meliosmae-myrianthae, and no CYP51 sequence variation was identified among isolates of the same species. However, five N. meliosmae-myrianthae isolates grew on leaf discs treated at 10 µg/ml tebuconazole, and these were further exposed to tebuconazole selection pressure. Tebuconazole-adapted laboratory isolates of N. meliosmae-myrianthae showed an eight- to 25-fold increase in resistance after four rounds of selection that was not associated with CYP51 targetalterations. In comparison with sensitive isolates, CYP51 expression was induced in the presence of tebuconazole in three out of four tebuconazole-adapted isolates tested. These results suggest a potential risk for QoI and DMI resistance development in Neophysopella spp.

The Genetic Diversity and Structure of the European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur.

Simple SummaryThe European Turtle Dove, Streptopelia turtur, is a widespread Palearctic species. Due to a long-term population decline, it is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. Population genetics studies are important to the management of threatened species. Previous research based on mitochondrial DNA cytochrome-b of European Turtle Doves sampled in Western and Southern Europe showed a lack of genetic structure of this species. The present study aimed to identify the possible genetic divergence in the European Turtle Dove. A total of 258 birds collected from Spain, Ukraine, and Morocco were examined using mitochondrial DNA cytochrome-b and D-loop sequence analysis. The high genetic diversity was evaluated in both loci analysed. Various population genetic analyses displayed genetic differences between Turtle Doves from Morocco and Ukraine, and certain Spanish samples. The results of this study will be vital for effective conservation and sustainable management of this vulnerable species.The European Turtle Dove, Streptopelia turtur, a long-distance migrant wintering in Africa, is a widespread Palearctic species. This species is classified as vulnerable and is undergoing a long-term demographic decline. The results of the previous study (based on mitochondrial (mtDNA) cytochrome-b (cytb) sequences of birds from Western and Southern Europe) indicated that the species was not genetically structured. We analysed the mtDNA cytb and D-loop of 258 birds collected from Morocco, Spain, and Ukraine. High genetic variability, expressed by haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity, was revealed in both cytb (Hd = 0.905 ± 0.009, π = 0.00628 ± 0.00014) and the D-loop (Hd = 0.937 ± 0.009, π = 0.01502 ± 0.00034). SAMOVA and principal coordinates analysis revealed the birds belonged to two genetically distinct groups. One group included birds collected in Spain, while birds sampled in Morocco and Ukraine formed another group. Furthermore, significant genetic differentiation was identified between Turtle Doves from Morocco and Ukraine, and certain Spanish samples. The present results indicate that specific management and conservation plans relevant for the species in various regions should be applied. However, further nuclear DNA research and new studies (particularly in Eastern Europe) are necessary for the decisive results on genetic structure of this species.

Demography reveals populational expansion of a recently extinct Iberian ungulate

Reconstructing the demographic history of endangered taxa is paramount to predict future fluctuations and disentangle the contributing factors. Extinct taxa or populations might also provide key insights in this respect by means of the DNA extracted from museum specimens. Nevertheless, the degraded status of biological material and the limited number of records may pose some constraints. For this reason, identifying all available sources, including private and public biological collections, is a crucial step forward. In this study, we reconstructed the demographic history based on cytochrome-b sequence data of the Pyrenean ibex (Capra pyrenaica pyrenaica), a charismatic taxon of the European wildlife that became extinct in the year 2000. Moreover, we built a database of the museum specimens available in public biological collections worldwide and genotyped a privately owned 140-year-old trophy from the Spanish Pyrenees to confirm its origin. We found that the population of the Pyrenean ibex underwent a recent expansion approximately 20,000 years ago, after which trophy hunting and epizootics triggered a relentless population decline. Our interpretations, based on the genetic information currently available in public repositories, provide a solid basis for more exhaustive analyses relying on all the new sources identified. In particular, the adoption of a genome-wide approach appears a fundamental prerequisite to disentangle the multiple contributing factors associated with low genetic diversity, including inbreeding depression, acting as extinction drivers.

The number of species of degus (genus Octodon) is currently underestimated: An appraisal of species limits and their phylogenetic relationships (Rodentia: Hystricomorpha: Octodontidae)

As currently understood, the genus Octodon contains five species degus, lunatus, bridgesii, pacificus, and ricardojeda. Previous phylogenetic studies suggest that genus specific diversity is underestimated. In order to evaluate the taxonomic diversity of Octodon, we implemented unilocus (cytochrome-b) and multilocus (cytochrome-b + 4 nuclear genes) species delimitation methods. Octodon degus was recovered as a sister of the other species of the genus. The unilocus bGMYC and mPTP methods, based on cytochrome-b sequences, delimits 11 and 7 candidate species respectively, and both methods fail to recognize O. pacificus from O. ricardojeda. Results of the multilocus analysis (BPP) vary as a function of the dataset used. When the five genes are used 11 species are delimited, while eight species are delimited when only the nuclear genes are used. Octodon bridgesii is shown as comprising at least two species (one on the Pacific coast and the typical form found on the Andean slopes), while O. ricardojeda may comprise two species (one on the Chilean side of the Andes and the other in Argentina). Likewise, both multilocus matrices recover O. pacificus as a distinct species. This shows that species diversity of Octodon is underestimated. Remarkably, many of the delimited species based on genetic data are morphologically differentiated in cranio-dental characteristics. However, a pair of species has not achieved morphological differentiation, being cryptic species. Finally, the incongruence between mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenies suggests that processes such as incomplete lineage sorting and/or introgression have been present during the radiation of the genus.

ACDC, a global database of amphibian cytochrome-b sequences using reproducible curation for GenBank records

Genetic data are a crucial and exponentially growing resource across all biological sciences, yet curated databases are scarce. The widespread occurrence of sequence and (meta)data errors in public repositories calls for comprehensive improvements of curation protocols leading to robust research and downstream analyses. We collated and curated all available GenBank cytochrome-b sequences for amphibians, a benchmark marker in this globally declining vertebrate clade. The Amphibia’s Curated Database of Cytochrome-b (ACDC) consists of 36,514 sequences representing 2,309 species from 398 genera (median = 2 with 50% interquartile ranges of 1–7 species/genus). We updated the taxonomic identity of >4,800 sequences (ca. 13%) and found 2,359 (6%) conflicting sequences with 84% of the errors originating from taxonomic misidentifications. The database (accessible at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.9944759) also includes an R script to replicate our study for other loci and taxonomic groups. We provide recommendations to improve genetic-data quality in public repositories and flag species for which there is a need for taxonomic refinement in the face of increased rate of amphibian extinctions in the Anthropocene.

Assessing impact of dams on genetic diversity of native fish Mastacembelus armatus in river Yamuna using mitochondrial DNA cytochrome-b sequences as a molecular marker

Several dams have been constructed in Uttarakhand. In the present study an investigation on impact of dams on genetic diversity of native fish species Mastacembelus armatus at the Asan barrage on river Yamuna near Vikasnagar, Uttarakhand in India was done. Partial sequence of mitochondrial Cytochrome-b (Cyto-b) gene was used to determine the genetic variation in the population of Mastacembelus armatus. DNA was extracted from Mastacembelus armatus (n=33) samples, collected from river Yamuna and its tributary Asan from fin and fishes were released back in their habitat. Cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) was used to ascertain the species of fish along with morphometric characters. Analysis of 324 bp mtDNA fragment of Cyto-b revealed the presence of 06 haplotypes with nucleotide diversity, value ranged from 0.0172 to 0.0021 low pair wise Fst value was observed negative (-0.00125) when compared between Asan barrage and Kalsi site. No genetic subdivisions between the population were found after or before the dam sites. Tajima’s D value for river Asan, site A1 Mirzapur (before dam) was -0.1167 (a negative value). Negative Tajima D value can be indicative of recent selective sweep or population expansion after a recent bottleneck and linkage to a swept gene. Our data shows that fragmentation of habitat by dams does not have any impact on the genetic diversity of non-migrating Mastacembelus armatus fish species.

State of knowledge and potential distribution of the Colombian endemic brown hairy dwarf porcupine Coendou vestitus (Rodentia)

The brown hairy dwarf porcupine Coendou vestitus is a small-sized endemic species, poorly studied since its description more than 110 years ago. It is known from only five localities in the Andes of Colombia. Here, we update the state of knowledge, and provide information on the known and potential distribution of this rare species. We reviewed the literature and examined both specimens from natural history collections and photographs from the field to identify unreported localities. Additionally, we used environmental niche modelling to identify similar environmental conditions to those of the known localities. We also provided a genetic verification of the most recent vouchered record by means of a cytochrome-b sequence. We found 14 published works related to C. vestitus with “Taxonomy and Systematics”, and “Biogeography, distribution and records” as the most common (11 publications) topics. Its occurrence was confirmed at six localities in the Eastern Cordillera, and one locality is considered dubious. The records and the potential distribution indicate that C. vestitus is distributed in the montane ecosystems of the Central and Eastern Cordillera of Colombia. The cytochrome-b sequence constitutes the second and most complete molecular record of the species. Our results show that C. vestitus is one of the least studied porcupines, and it has the most restricted distribution in America. It might be considered the rarest species of the genus, therefore further research to better understand the different aspects of the ecology and the conservation status of this rare porcupine are urgent.

A new species of Oxymycterus (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) from a transitional area of Cerrado – Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil

We describe a new species of the cricetid rodent Oxymycterus (Sigmodontinae), which inhabits a transitional area between the southern Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest in south-southeastern Brazil. Compared to other Oxymycterus, the new species is large-sized with a tawny-brown pelage coloration. The new species could be differentiated from other Oxymycterus species by a combination of cranial characteristics that includes markedly large and inflated auditory bulla; a narrow rostrum and large incisive foramen, with the posterior extremity reaching the posterior region of the M1 protocone or hypoflexus; a wide parapterygoid fossa; the presence of a foramen ovale in the posterior region of the parapterygoid plate; and a thin hamular process of the squamosal. Bayesian analysis based on the mitochondrial and nuclear genes (cytochrome-b and acid phosphatase type V—Intron 2, respectively) recovered from the Oxymycterus sp. nov. showed it to be phylogenetically closely related to O. amazonicus and O. delator, all three species associated with open vegetation. The lineage leading to this clade likely emerged around 1.14 million years ago during the Early-Middle Pleistocene. Genetic distances between the new taxa and these two species calculated from comparison of cytochrome-b sequences are 3.7% and 4.1%, respectively. Currently, Oxymycterus sp. nov. is known from only two unprotected sites, with the type locality inserted in an area under the process of conurbation. Our study raises the number of living species in the genus to 16.

First cytogenetic information for Lonchothrix emiliae and taxonomic implications for the genus taxa Lonchothrix + Mesomys (Rodentia, Echimyidae, Eumysopinae).

The taxonomic identification of Lonchothrix emiliae (Rodentia, Echimyidae, Eumysopinae) is problematic because of the overlap of morphological characters with its sister clade represented by species in the genus Mesomys which, like L. emiliae, is distributed throughout the Amazonian biome. Cytogenetic studies reported the karyotype of L. emiliae as 2n = 60/FN = 116, but this karyotype and samples were later designated as M. hispidus. To evaluate the karyotype diversity of Lonchothrix and Mesomys, and to provide data useful as karyological diagnostic characters, in the present study we made a comparative analysis of specimens of L. emiliae and M. stimulax collected from two Brazilian Amazonian localities, using C-banding, G-banding, FISH using rDNA 45S and telomeric probes, and Cytochrome-b (Cytb) sequences. The results indicate that L. emiliae has 2n = 64♀, 65♂/FN = 124 and a multiple sexual system (XX/XY1Y2), while M. stimulax has 2n = 60/FN = 116. The Neo-X system found in L. emiliae also occurs in two Proechimys species, but cytogenetic analysis indicated an independent origin for these systems. The rDNA 45S analysis showed interstitial signals at one autosomal pair for each species, while an ITS found in L. emiliae was not coincident with the NOR. The molecular analysis confirmed Lonchothrix and Mesomys are sister genera, and the high level of intraspecific genetic divergence (7.1%) in M. stimulax suggests that it may be a species complex.

Notes on Vampyressa thyone (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae): distribution, genetics and hypopigmentation

Abstract: The frugivorous bats of the genus Vampyressa include five neotropical species, and some of them are considered relatively rare and uncommonly encountered. The northernmost distribution of this genus is in Mexico where only one species, the monotypic Vampyressa thyone, is found. Here, we report the Northwesternmost record for this species, extending its distribution range to the state of Guerrero, Mexico. This record extends the limit of the species distribution by more than 153 km. We also compared this specimens with other V. thyone, and using mitochondrial cytochrome-b sequences we detected three geographic clades within the species. The new Mexican specimen represent the most divergent cytochrome-b sequence within V. thyone. We recommend a taxonomic revision to validate the taxonomic status of the three groups detected within V. thyone, particularly the differentiated Mexican clade. Additionally, we report a case of hypopigmentation in another V. thyone collected in a mature tropical rainforest in Chiapas, Mexico.

Morphometric and genetic variation in 8 breeds of Ethiopian camels (Camelus dromedarius).

Dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) are a domesticated and closely guarded economic staple of indigenous people located throughout Ethiopian territorial states. Seventeen morphometric variables were examined to determine intraspecific variation among 8 pastoralist-designated breeds of camels. Additionally, DNA sequences from mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene and genotyping of 6 nuclear microsatellite loci were examined to assess genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of Ethiopian camels. Examination of 525 individuals revealed significant morphometric differentiation in Afar as compared with the remaining 7 breeds. Analysis of cytochrome-b sequences failed to recover monophyletic groups associated with pastoralist-recognized breeds. Analysis of 6 microsatellite loci from 104 individuals depicted no resolution of distinct genetic lineages in accordance to geographical or designated breeds. Overall, separation of 2 ecotypes based on the morphometric data was supported; however, genetic analysis of cytochrome-b and microsatellite data failed to support any unique genetic lineage or statistically significant population structure.

A New Species of Nectar-Feeding Bat of the GenusHsunycteris(Phyllostomidae: Lonchophyllinae) from Northeastern Peru

ABSTRACT A new species of the nectarivorous bat genus Hsunycteris is described from lowland Amazonian forest in northeastern Peru. The new species, H. dashe, can be distinguished from other congeners by its larger size; V-shaped array of dermal chin papillae separated by a wide basal cleft; metacarpal V longer than metacarpal IV; broad rostrum; lateral margin of infraorbital foramen not projecting beyond rostral outline in dorsal view; well-developed sphenoidal crest; large outer upper incisors; weakly developed lingual cusp on P5; and well-developed, labially oriented M1 parastyle. A phylogenetic analysis of cytochrome-b sequence data indicates that H. dashe is sister to a clade that includes all other species of the genus including H. cadenai, H pattoni, and a paraphyletic H. thomasi. We provide a key based on craniodental and external characters of all four known species of Hsunycteris.

Genetic Relationships and Spatial Genetic Structure Among Populations of Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in Colombia and Venezuela Based on Mitochondrial Cytochrome-b Sequences.

One hundred twenty Rhodnius prolixus (Stal) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) specimens from 6 Colombian Departments and 1 Venezuelan State had 594-bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene sequenced to improve the understanding of evolutionary processes that shape the main vector of Chagas disease. The levels of genetic diversity for this species were low-medium with reference to other bugs. The genetic heterogeneity among the populations was very limited which means there has been extensive gene flow and/or very recent split processes. The overall sample as well as some individual populations showed evidence of recent population expansions (with the exception of Arauca, which yielded evidence of a bottleneck for a mismatch distribution). This expansion (11,000 or 2000-25,000year ago depending of two procedures employed) coincides with the ending of the last intense glacial conditions during the Pleistocene and the beginning of the Holocene that had a warmer and wetter climate. Some of our autocorrelation analyses (AIDA and Genetic Landscape Interpolation Analysis) indicated local patches of high genetic similarity but no globally significant spatial structure. We did show an original haplotype distributed throughout the entirety of the geographical area studied.

Geographical Color Pattern ofArgia apicalis(Odonata: Coenagrionidae) in the Absence of Molecular Variation

Abstract The blue-fronted dancer, Argia apicalis Say (Odonata: Coenagrionidae), is an ecologically vagile species inhabiting both pond and stream environments of the eastern United States. Variation in color pattern in A. apicalis occurs between a southeastern United States morph and a south Florida morph. Southeastern populations often are described as “typical” with a predominantly bright blue pterothorax and narrow black humeral stripe, whereas the southern Florida populations are “atypical,” with a bright blue pterothorax and larger, wider black humeral stripes. Variability in color pattern has caused some researchers to question the true identity of the Florida morph. This study used color pattern and mitochondrial cytochromeb sequences to test the species identity of the 2 A. apicalis geographical color morphs. Mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene sequences showed that there is a single haplotype, showing no divergence between individuals, populations, or regions. This study is the first to test if color...