Molecular phylogeny of the crab genus Metopograpsus H. Milne Edwards, 1853 (Decapoda : Brachyura : Grapsidae) reveals high intraspecific genetic variation and distinct evolutionarily significant units

摘要: The Indo-Pacific genus Metopograpsus belongs to the family Grapsidae and comprises six species of intertidal crabs inhabiting sheltered rocky shores mangrove forests. All are opportunistic feeders four them associated with roots trunks mangroves. So far, no comprehensive molecular phylogenetic study has been conducted on this genus, despite fact that some not easily separable from a morphological point view. We performed phylogeographic investigation based sequences corresponding both ribosomal mitochondrial DNA genes 44 samples spp., covering distribution ranges each species. Our main aims were validate identification across their respective depict patterns within inference reconstructions confirmed monophyly also recorded high intraspecific genetic variation strong structure M. thukuhar quadridentatus. This indicates occurrence distinct evolutionarily significant units these two taxa, possibly undescribed Further nuclear DNA-based analyses, as well investigations, will be necessary assign taxonomic value units.