Authors: Fordyce, James A.; Forister, Matthew L.; Nice, Chris C.; Burns, John M.; Shapiro, Arthur M.

Source: Annals of the Entomological Society of America, Volume 101, Number 4, July 2008 , pp. 794-800(7)

Publisher: Entomological Society of America

Abstract:

We examined patterns of genetic variation between the transcontinental species Pyrgus communis (Grote) and Pyrgus albescens Plötz (Hesperiidae) to examine whether patterns of molecular variation are congruent with the taxonomy. Sequence data from mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA failed to distinguish the two taxa. Although substantial genetic variation is explained by the two nominal taxa, more variation is explained by geography. Specifically, our molecular data indicate that the Transverse Ranges of southern California and the Sierra Nevada are important features affecting patterns of genetic variation. The possibility of recent divergence and secondary contact is discussed. Although P. communis and P. albescens do not adhere to a phylogenetic species concept, diagnostic morphological and distributional differences exist between the two entities that merit consideration regarding their taxonomic status.

Keywords: genitalia; introgression; phylogeography; sibling species; Sierra Nevada

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2008-07-01

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• Annals of the Entomological Society of America is published in January, March, May, July, September, and November. Annals especially invites submission of manuscripts that integrate different areas of insect biology, and address issues that are likely to be of broad relevance to entomologists. Articles also report on basic aspects of the biology of arthropods, divided into categories by subject matter: systematics; ecology and population biology; arthropod biology; arthropods in relation to plant diseases; conservation biology and biodiversity; physiology, biochemistry, and toxicology; morphology, histology, and fine structure; genetics; and behavior.
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