Unravelling the effects of contemporary and historical range expansion on the distribution of genetic diversity in the damselfly Coenagrion scitulum

• DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12347
• Publication Date: 2014-03-03T11:58:48Z
• Authors: J. Swaegers; J. Mergeay; L. Therry; D. Bonte; M. H. D. Larmuseau; R. Stoks
• Keywords: Damselfly; Coenagrionidae

Abstract Although genetic diversity provides the basic substrate for evolution, there are a limited number of studies that assess impact recent climate change on intraspecific variation. This study aims to unravel degree which historical and contemporary factors shape structure across large part range range‐expanding damselfly Coenagrion scitulum (Rambur, 1842). A total 525 individuals from 31 populations were genotyped at nine microsatellites, subset was sequenced two mitochondrial genes. We inferred importance geography, environmental factors, expansion structure. Genetic decreased going westwards, suggesting signature post‐glacial east west presence eastern refugia. differentiation northwards, it increased in northern edge populations, role make‐up populations. The phylogeographical context proven be essential understanding identifying signatures local processes. Within this framework, our results highlight good disperser can decrease increase should considered when devising suitable conservation strategies.