The phylogenetic structure and coalescent species delimitation of an endemic trapdoor spider genus, Stasimopus (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Stasimopidae) in the Karoo region of South Africa

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107798
• Publication Date: 2023-04-23T01:35:29Z
• Authors: Shannon Brandt; Catherine Sole; Robin Lyle
• Keywords: Coalescent theory; DNA Barcoding; Lineage (genetic)

The Karoo region of South Africa is a unique and sensitive ecosystem which facing pressure for development due to economic incentives such as mining, farming shale gas exploration. species diversity many taxa in the area largely unknown. A phylogenetic analysis cork-lid trapdoor spider genus, Stasimopus (Stasimopidae) was undertaken order gain insight into relationships between that may be present area. within are challenging identify define using traditional morphological methods high degree conservatism genus. For this reason, multiple coalescent based delimitation were used attempt determine tested against identifications genetic clades (based on CO1, 16S EF-1ɣ). We single-locus Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD), Bayesian implementation Poisson Tree Processes (bPTP) General Mixed Yule- Coalescent (GMYC), well multi-locus Brownie. showed there results proved unfruitful they appear delimit population structure rather than most methods. Alternative should investigated aid identification truly understand