Integrative taxonomy of Merodon caerulescens complex (Diptera: Syrphidae) – evidence of cryptic speciation
| Main Authors: | Šašić Zorić Ljiljana, Ačanski Jelena, Djan Mihajla, Kočiš Tubić Nataša, Veličković Nevena, Radenković Snežana, Vujić Ante |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article Journal |
| Terbitan: |
, 2018
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: |
https://zenodo.org/record/2571908 |
Daftar Isi:
- In this research, we applied integrative taxonomy approach in order to delimit species of Merodon caerulescens species complex. Molecular analyses confirmed COI sequence divergence between the Rhodes and Crete populations. Additionally, ITS2 sequences show certain differences which should be additionally tested. 28S rRNA gene sequences once again proved to be too conserved for closely related species delimitation. Geometric morphometry results indicate differences in wings shape between males and females of the two islands populations. Additionally, subtle differences between the two populations in the body coverage and colouration of hairs are also observed. Thus, based on the all presented evidence we concluded that taxon Merodon caerulescens is a complex of two species, M. caerulescens (Rhodes) and M. atricapillatus sp. n. (Crete).
- This research has been co-financed by the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development (projects: "Conservation strategy for protected and strictly protected hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) species in Serbia – Case study", OI173002; "Biosensing technologies and global system for long-term research and integrated management of ecosystems", III 43002), the Provincial Secretariat for Science and Technological Development, Vojvodina (project "Genetic resources of agroecosystems in Vojvodina and sustainable agriculture", 114-451-2173/2011- 01).