Nested cladistic analysis, phylogeography and speciation in the Timarcha goettingensis complex (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae)

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-294x.2000.00900.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-12T10:39:20Z
• Authors: J. Gómez‐Zurita; E. Petitpierre; C. Juan
• Keywords: Monophyly; Genetic algorithm

Abstract The Timarcha goettingensis complex is a monophyletic assemblage of closely related leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae), distributed from the north half Iberian Peninsula to Central Europe. Oligophagy, mountainous habitat and apterism are factors which assumed promote speciation in these beetles. We have used cytochrome oxidase subunit II mitochondrial DNA genealogies obtained 31 sampling localities nested geographical distance analysis assess population structure demographic explaining distributions mtDNA haplotypes T. complex. results show that there significant association between genetic structuring geography. Inferences about historical processes species discussed, being general accordance with contiguous range expansions past fragmentations. use cohesion concept approach suggests existence several systematic ranks among different populations, part supported by ecological traits such as trophic selection altitudinal distribution.