Cryptic species in the cosmopolitan Bugula neritina complex (Bryozoa, Cheilostomata)

Abstract

Previous analyses of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and γ‐proteobacterial endosymbiont diversity have suggested that the marine bryozoan Bugula neritina is a complex of three cryptic species, namely Types S, D and N. Types D and N were previously reported to have restricted distributions along California (western USA) and Delaware and Connecticut (eastern USA), respectively, whereas Type S is considered widespread in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions due to anthropogenic transport. Here, Bayesian species delimitation analysis of a data set composed of two mitochondrial (COI and large ribosomal RNA subunit [16S]) and two nuclear genes (dynein light chain roadblock type‐2 protein [DYN] and voltage‐dependent anion‐selective channel protein [VDAC]) demonstrated that Types S, D and N correspond to three biological species. This finding was significantly supported, in spite of the combinations of priors applied for ancestral population size and root age. Furthermore, COI sequences were used to assess the introduction patterns of the cosmopolitan Type S species. Two COI haplotypes of Type S (S1a and S1d) were found occurring at a global scale. Mantel tests showed correlation between these haplotypes and local sea surface temperature tolerance. Accordingly, the distributions of Type S haplotypes may reflect intraspecific temperature tolerance variation, in addition to the role of introduction vectors. Finally, we show that the Type N may also have been introduced widely, as this species was found for the first time in Central California and north‐eastern Australia.

Diversity of Bugulidae (Bryozoa, Cheilostomata) colonizing artificial substrates in the Madeira Archipelago (NE Atlantic Ocean)

“…This species is able to attach to ship hulls [41] showing tolerance to heavy metals, such as copper and zinc present in several antifouling paints [55,72]. Bugula neritina is currently considered a species complex forming at least three different lineages (Type S, D and N) that also differ in their distributional patterns [49,71,73,74]. Type S is the most widely distributed, appearing in tropical, subtropical and temperate waters around the world, including the North-eastern Atlantic [49,50,71].…”

“…Bugula neritina is a widely known cosmopolitan bryozoan species since the eighteenth century [71], distributed in warm-temperature and subtropical coastal waters, known as an important component of the fouling communities colonizing artificial substrates (see historical review in Ryland, Bishop [50]). This species is able to attach to ship hulls [41] showing tolerance to heavy metals, such as copper and zinc present in several antifouling paints [55,72].…”

“…Bugula neritina is currently considered a species complex forming at least three different lineages (Type S, D and N) that also differ in their distributional patterns [49,71,73,74]. Type S is the most widely distributed, appearing in tropical, subtropical and temperate waters around the world, including the North-eastern Atlantic [49,50,71]. Type D has a more restricted distribution, probably endemic to California [71,73] while Type N was initially found only in the North-western Atlantic [74] but latter Fehlauer-Ale, Mackie [71] found this type in Townsville (Coral Sea) and Central California, what could indicate a recent expansion.…”

Cheilostome Bryozoa from Penang and Langkawi, Malaysia

“…Molecular studies have recently shown that morphologically defined, B. neritina is a complex comprising at least three separate species (Fehlauer-Ale et al 2014). The complex is very widely distributed in tropical, subtropical and even temperate waters, and is an important fouling taxon dispersed anthropogenically (e.g., Ryland et al 2011).…”

Investigation of larval sensory systems in the marine bryozoan, Bugula neritina

“…B. neritina larvae frequently attach to boat hulls, and the species is regarded as one of the most widespread fouling bryozoans (Winston and Woollacott 2008). DNA sequencing of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) suggests that B. neritina is actually a complex of three cryptic species (Mackie et al 2006, Davidson & Haygood 1999, which may have distinct native ranges (Fehlauer-Ale et al 2014). Native and non-native boundaries for B. neritina therefore remain unclear, but a cosmopolitan distribution was reported for B. neritina as early as the 18 th century (Winston and Woollacott 2008), and its range is expanding (Winston and Woollacott 2008).…”