Evidence of cryptic diversity inPodarcis peloponnesiacusand re‐evaluation of its current taxonomy; insights from genetic, morphological, and ecological data

Abstract

The Peloponnese wall lizard, Podarcis peloponnesiacus, is endemic to the Peloponnese. Although the phylogeny and species diversity of the Balkan species of Podarcis have been extensively studied, the intraspecific relationships of P. peloponnesiacus are not yet well defined. The aim of this study was to investigate the intraspecific diversity in this species and clarify its taxonomic status by analyzing eight gene fragments (two mitochondrial and six nuclear) and several morphological traits, typically used for systematic inferences within the genus Podarcis. Together with ecological niche modeling, we provided an integrative evaluation of the differentiation between lineages. The combination of several phylogenetic, species delimitation, and chronophylogenetic analyses revealed the existence of two highly supported and divergent clades with a distinct geographical and parapatric distribution and high niche overlap. The differentiation of the two clades dates back to the Pleistocene and is probably correlated with the paleogeography of the Peloponnese. These clades also differed in several phenotypic traits, which, however, exhibit extensive overlap and are not fully diagnostic. The combination of the above results allowed us to identify the two revealed clades as distinct species.

Ancistroceruswasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) from the Centre of Europe: Phylogeny, cryptic species, neutral and non‐neutral markers

“…An integrative approach in the characterisation of cryptic species, along with the phylogenetic relationships, should involve the data on ecology, development, and behaviour. Peculiarities in these species traits allow assessing the specificity of ecological niche, that is, differences in ecosystem resource exploitation and serving as a resource for natural enemies, as well as the specificity of mate recognition system and reproductive compatibility in the sexually reproducing cryptic species, including the cases of incompatibility induced by Wolbachia (Firneno et al, 2021; Fišer et al, 2018; Hernández‐Roldán et al, 2016; Kiourtsoglou et al, 2021; Lecocq et al, 2015; Pfingstl et al, 2021; Schlick‐Steiner et al, 2010). Such empirical studies may combine several aspects of speciation and species delimitation (Magoga et al, 2021; Parslow et al, 2020; Pentinsaari et al, 2017; Sabadini et al, 2020), including a focus on cryptic species (Jusoh et al, 2020; Moraes et al, 2021; Zhou et al, 2019).…”

Combining RADseq and contact zone analysis to decipher cryptic diversification in reptiles: Insights from the Spiny‐footed Lizard (Reptilia, Lacertidae)

“…For example, in the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot, a large fraction of the species diversity of small terrestrial reptiles remains (or remained until recently) unrecognized (e.g. Kiourtsoglou et al, 2021; Kornilios et al, 2020; Kotsakiozi et al, 2018; Psonis et al, 2018), especially but not only in North Africa and in the Middle East (e.g. Kapli et al, 2015; Kyriazi et al, 2008; Liz et al, 2021; Miralles et al, 2020; Montgelard et al, 2020; Pizzigalli et al, 2021).…”

Combining RADseq and contact zone analysis to decipher cryptic diversification in reptiles: insights from Acanthodactylus erythrurus (Reptilia: Lacertidae)

“…For example, in the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot, a large fraction of the species diversity of small terrestrial reptiles remains (or remained until recently) unrecognised (e.g. Kotsakiozi et al 2018, Psonis et al 2018, Kornilios et al 2020, Kiourtsoglou et al 2021), especially but not only in North Africa and in the Middle East (e.g. Kyriazi et al 2008; Kapli et al 2015; Miralles et al 2020; Montgelard et al 2020; Liz et al 2021; Pizzigalli et al 2021).…”