Mitogenomic analysis reveals two cryptic lineages and provides insights into the historical biogeography of the genus Pseudohynobius (Caudata, Hynobiidae)

By

Luo, Tao
Zhao, Zi-Fa
Wang, Zhong-Lian
Xiao, Ming-Yuan
XIAO, Ning
Deng, Huaiqing
Zhou, Jiang

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2025-9-2

Original Publication

Zoosystematics and evolution

Volume

101

Series / Issue

Issue: 4

Pages

1639--1652

Subjects

Biogeography , Conservation , cryptic species , molecular dating , Phylogeny , Pseudohynobius

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia Pensoft

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.153576

 

Abstract

The genus Pseudohynobius exhibits a west-to-east distribution across southwestern China, spanning diverse mountain ranges and elevations. However, knowledge regarding the diversity, phylogeny, and evolutionary history of this genus remains limited. In this study, based on the concept of phylogenetic species, we identified eight phylogenetic species, including two cryptic lineages. Divergence time estimation revealed that Pseudohynobius originated approximately 14.57 million years ago (Ma), with interspecific divergence mainly occurring between 8.0 and 1.4 Ma. Biogeographic analysis indicated that its most recent common ancestor likely inhabited the Hengduan–Dalou Mountains region in southwestern China around 8.62 Ma and that the Dalou Mountains served as a source of outward dispersal and a key region for speciation between 11 and 4 Ma. The lineage divergence dynamics of this genus are coupled with orogenic movements and paleoclimatic shifts, which may have been the primary drivers of its historical diversification. This study underscores the urgency of conducting further surveys and taxonomic studies to avoid underestimating the diversity of this critically endangered genus.