Subterranean termite phylogeography reveals multiple postglacial colonization events in southwestern Europe

Abstract

A long‐standing goal of evolutionary biology is to understand how paleoclimatic and geological events shape the geographical distribution and genetic structure within and among species. Using a diverse set of markers (cuticular hydrocarbons, mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences, microsatellite loci), we studied Reticulitermes grassei and R. banyulensis, two closely related termite species in southwestern Europe. We sought to clarify the current genetic structure of populations that formed following postglacial dispersal from refugia in southern Spain and characterize the gene flow between the two lineages over the last several million years. Each marker type separately provided a fragmented picture of the evolutionary history at different timescales. Chemical analyses of cuticular hydrocarbons and phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear genes showed clear separation between the species, suggesting they diverged following vicariance events in the Late Miocene. However, the presence of intermediate chemical profiles and mtDNA introgression in some Spanish colonies suggests ongoing gene flow. The current genetic structure of Iberian populations is consistent with alternating isolation and dispersal events during Quaternary glacial periods. Analyses of population genetic structure revealed postglacial colonization routes from southern Spain to France, where populations underwent strong genetic bottlenecks after traversing the Pyrenees resulting in parapatric speciation.

Molecular systematics, biogeography, and colony fusion in the European dry-wood termites Kalotermes spp. (Blattodea, Termitoidae, Kalotermitidae)

“…and Reticulitermes spp. ; Lefebvre et al , 2008; Chouvenc et al , 2015; Lefebvre et al, 2016). Moreover, laboratory colonies established by heterospecific mates in Nasutitermes corniger × Nasutitermes ephratae and Coptotermes formosanus × Coptotermes gestroi pairs were found to be more productive in term of offspring output (Hartke & Rosengaus, 2011; Chouvenc et al , 2015).…”

When predator odour makes groups stronger: effects on behavioural and chemical adaptations in two termite species

“…The aim of our study is to examine the impact of the odour of a predator on the two main termite species found in Europe: Reticulitermes grassei and Reticulitermes flavipes. The termite R. grassei (Clément) can be found in France along the Atlantic coast where it is considered as a native species (Lefebvre et al, 2016). Reticulitermes flavipes, by contrast, was introduced to France around the 18th century by boats coming from Louisiana.…”

Closing the gap: Avian lineage splits at a young, narrow seaway imply a protracted history of mixed population response

“…The occurrence of Weka on both main islands of New Zealand could indicate recent colonization of one main island from the other (crossing the gap), or mixing of two or more distinct and deeply diverged lineages. Concordance of independent neutral markers (e.g., Lefebvre et al., ; Zamudio, Bell, & Masona, ) provides the best evidence that physical features of the landscape have shaped the distribution of genetic diversity by preventing gene flow. We used traditional mtDNA haplotype markers, developed novel microsatellite loci and targeted the single copy, autosomal gene β‐fibrinogen that has been informative in other bird species (e.g., Gonçalves, Rodrigues, Ferrari, Silva, & Schneider, ; Weston & Robertson, ).…”

“…Concordance TREWICK ET AL. | 5753 of independent neutral markers (e.g., Lefebvre et al, 2016;Zamudio, Bell, & Masona, 2016) provides the best evidence that physical features of the landscape have shaped the distribution of genetic diversity by preventing gene flow. We used traditional mtDNA haplotype markers, developed novel microsatellite loci and targeted the single copy, autosomal gene b-fibrinogen that has been informative in other bird species (e.g., Gonc ßalves, Rodrigues, Ferrari, Silva, & Schneider, 2007;Weston & Robertson, 2015).…”