Cryptic diversity and molecular systematics of the Aegean Ophiomorus skinks (Reptilia: Squamata), with the description of a new species. (24th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kornilios, Panagiotis; Kumlutaş, Yusuf; Lymberakis, Petros; Ilgaz, Çetin
• Is Part Of: Journal of zoological systematics and evolutionary research. Volume 56:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 364
• Page End: 381
• Publication Date: 2018-01-24
• Subjects: phylogeny -- reptiles -- species delimitation; Animals -- Classification -- Periodicals; Zoology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 578.012
• DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12205
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0947-5745

Abstract

Abstract: In recent years, great attention has been devoted to the discovery and description of cryptic species, especially using DNA markers and new statistical approaches. Genetic data are useful for discovering new lineages that can then be treated as hypotheses to be tested using morphology. Here, we use multilocus genetic data and a thorough sampling to delimit species within the Greek legless skink. Phylogenetic analyses reveal high levels of genetic diversity, suggesting that Ophiomorus punctatissimus includes at least two species, East and West of the Aegean Sea. Moreover, species delimitation methods support at least two and up to five species within the western O. punctatissimus, and this result is shared among single‐locus (ABGD, PTP, and GMYC) and multilocus coalescent (BPP) methods. We examined whether the two allopatric lineages exhibit morphological differentiation, but the different preservation methods used for the examined material led to inconclusive results. However, morphological conservatism in this semi‐fossorial limbless skink possibly also played a key role. Finally, we formally recognize the East Aegean taxon as a separate species and we provide a differential diagnosis based on DNA diagnostic characters. Abstract : We used multilocus genetic data and thorough sampling to delimit species within Ophiomorus punctatissimus . Phylogenetic analyses revealed high levels of genetic diversity, suggesting the occurrence of at least two species, east and west of the Aegean Sea. We formally recognise the east Aegean populations as a separate species and provide a differential diagnosis based on DNA diagnostic characters. Interestingly, single‐locus and multilocus coalescent methods of species delimitation support at least two and up to five species within the western O. punctatissimus .