Ultra-Conserved Element Phylogenomics of New WorldPonera(Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Illuminates the Origin and Phylogeographic History of the Endemic Exotic AntPonera exotica

• DOI: 10.1093/isd/ixz001
• Publication Date: 2019-03-01T08:10:59Z
• Authors: Michael G Branste...; John T Longino
• Keywords: Phylogenomics; Molecular Phylogenetics

The genus Ponera is a lineage of leaf litter ants, with center diversity in the Indo-Australian region. Two species occur New World; however, uncertainty exists regard to their biogeographic origins and limits, especially for isolated cloud forest populations Middle America. We investigate geographic distribution, phylogeny, phylogeography these two better characterize American ant fauna gain insight into biogeography taxa that span hemispheres. Sequencing Ultra-Conserved Element (UCE) loci was used infer phylogenetic relationships, estimate divergence dates, test boundaries. widespread native exotica P. pennsylvanica are each more closely related Old World relatives than they other, implying independent colonizations World. most European coarctata, while clade species. abundant throughout eastern United States, scattered occurrences further west. occurs from southern States Nicaragua. Both have alate ergatoid queens. Sequenced specimens multiple reveal pectinate phylogeographic structure, north south, potential cryptic America distribution pattern mirrors many plant animal may be result climatic cooling Pliocene followed by repeated glacial cycles Pleistocene, which condensed fragmented mesic habitat.