Phylogenetic relationship and biogeography of the genus Diestramima, a cave cricket endemic to the Oriental realm (Rhaphidophoridae: Aemodogryllinae)

Abstract

Background Diestramima is only distributed in the Oriental realm, and mainly in China. Because they are apterous, these insects are good materials for studying biogeography. In this study, we reconstruct the phylogeny tree of Diestramima species based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference based on six genes, and use fossil-based molecular dating and ancestral range estimation to reconstruct the dispersal route. Results The results of molecular system are highly consistent with the morphological characteristics of these species. At the subgenus level, it is difficult to give a reasonable explanation on the phylogenetic tree although we found that some groups share some common characteristics. Dating and historical biogeography analyses suggest an early Miocene origin of the genus. Some ancestors of the genus Diestramima have been distributed in Guangxi, Yunnan province and other regions of China at this time. In the late Miocene, the genus Diestramima dispersed from the low mountain and hilly areas of Guizhou, Guizhou and Hunan to inland China. Quaternary glaciation determines their current geographical distribution pattern. Southeast Asia is the most likely original place of the genus Diestramima. Conclusion In phylogenetic clades of Diestramima, similarity in geographic distribution is as important as similarity in morphological characteristics. Combined with the results of biogeographic analysis, the two temperature rises in the Palacocene and Miocene may have intensified the dispersal of the ancestors of the genus Diestramima in the Oriental realm. The temperature drop and the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were the main reasons for the divergence within the genus Diestramima. In addition, changes in humidity and changes in surface plant communities are also important factors affecting their divergence.