New Taxonomic Status of the Endangered Tiger Beetle Cicindela limbata albissima (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae): Evidence from mtDNA

Authors: Morgan, M.; Knisley, C. B.; Vogler, A. P.

Source: Annals of the Entomological Society of America, Volume 93, Number 5, September 2000 , pp. 1108-1115(8)

Publisher: Entomological Society of America

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content

Abstract:

The tiger beetle Cicindela limbata albissima Rumpp is confined to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes formation in southern Utah where its habitat is under threat. To assess the conservation value of this population, the level of divergence in mtDNA throughout the range of C. limbata in the central and western parts of the United States and Canada was tested. A representative sample of 25 specimens from four subspecies was sequenced for 1,873 bp and three mtDNA regions. The data revealed the wide separation of C. l. albissima from the other subspecies. In a phylogenetic analysis that included all species in the maritima species group, C. l. albissima was placed as sister to seven species of a western North American clade. The remaining C. limbata populations formed a (weakly supported) monophyletic group within this western clade but were not closely related to C. l. albissima. These populations could not be further subdivided into discrete geographic entities defined by diagnostic characters. It was concluded that the distinct taxonomic status of C. l. albissima had not previously been recognized, possibly because of morphological similarity in elytral patterns and other characters that are convergent in sand dune-dwelling species. On the basis of the mtDNA data, C. l. albissima is eleveated to species status, C. albissima Rumpp [revised status]. The results highlight the importance of conservation efforts for C. albissima and its habitat.

Keywords: Cicindela limbata albissima; conservation genetics; evolutionarily significant unit; habitat loss; mtDNA; subspecies

Document Type: Research article

View now:
download New Taxonomic Status of the Endangered Tiger Beetle Cicindela limbata albissima (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae): Evidence from mtDNA 257.5kb 

Although the PDF version of the article is freely available, the article is available in other formats to subscribers of the journal or for purchase.

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$28.00 plus tax      Refund Policy

 

OR

Back to top

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content
Share this item with others: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
Page Help Click here for Page Help
Shopping cart
Tools
Sign in






Need to register?
Sign up here
Text size: A | A | A | A