Simulium reptans (Linnaeus, 1758) and Simulium reptantoides Carlsson, 1962 from the Balkan Peninsula

By

Đuknić, Jelena
Jovanović, Vladimir
Čanak Atlagić, Jelena
Andjus, Stefan
Paunović, Momir
Živić, Ivana
Popović, Nataša

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2020

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

922

Pages

141--155

Subjects

genetic variability , Simuliidae , Southeast Europe

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.922.49306

 

Abstract

Simulium reptans(Linnaeus, 1758) andSimulium reptantoidesCarlsson, 1962 are two species of theSimulium reptansgroup whose distribution is unclear because of their confusing taxonomy and systematics. Their genetic variability is well known for populations in northern and central Europe and shows that both species have two forms; however, the genetic variability of these species in southern and eastern Europe is unknown. To identify the status of these two species in southeast Europe, mtDNA was extracted from 19 individuals from 12 localities across the Balkan Peninsula. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the existence of two species with 7.38–7.94% divergence. Each species was comprised of two clades, with 2.31% and 1.43% interclade divergence forS. reptansandS. reptantoides, respectively. This study revealed the presence of both species across the Balkans and thatS. reptansoccurs in this area in only one form (S. reptansB), whileS. reptantoidesis found in two genetic forms (A and B).