Open AccessGenetic analysis along an invasion pathway reveals endemic cryptic taxa, but a single species with little population structure in the introduced range
Author(s) -
Hill Matthew P.,
Hoffmann Ary A.,
Umina Paul A.,
Cheng Xuan,
Miller Adam D.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
diversity and distributions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.918
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1472-4642
pISSN - 1366-9516
DOI - 10.1111/ddi.12385
Subject(s) - biology , species complex , range (aeronautics) , ecology , invasive species , microsatellite , introduced species , genetic structure , destructor , genetic diversity , population , pest analysis , evolutionary biology , genetic variation , zoology , phylogenetic tree , mite , genetics , materials science , demography , sociology , gene , composite material , allele , botany
Aim The invasion pathways of pest arthropods can be traced using genetic tools to develop an understanding of the processes that have shaped successful invasions and to inform both pest management and conservation strategies in their non‐native and native ranges, respectively. The redlegged earth mite, H alotydeus destructor, is a major economic pest in A ustralia, successfully establishing and spreading after arrival from S outh A frica more than 100 years ago. Halotydeus destructor has recently expanded its range and evolved resistance to numerous pesticides in Australia, raising questions around its origin and spread. Location South A frica and A ustralia. Methods We sampled H . destructor populations in S outh A frica and A ustralia and developed a microsatellite marker library. We then examined genetic variation using mt DNA and microsatellite markers across both native and invasive ranges to determine endemic genetic diversity within S outh A frica, identify the likely origin of invasive populations and test genetic divergence across A ustralia. Results The data show that H . destructor comprises a cryptic species complex in S outh A frica, with putative climatic/host plant associations that may correspond to regional variation. A lineage similar to that found near C ape T own has spread throughout W estern and eastern A ustralia, where populations remain genetically similar. Main conclusions Tracing the invasion pathway of this economically important pest revealed cryptic lineages in S outh A frica which points to the need for a taxonomic revision. The absence of significant genetic structure across the wide invasive range of H . destructor within A ustralia has implications for the development (and spread) of pesticide resistance and also points to recent local adaptation in physiological traits.