When cryptic diversity blurs the picture: a cautionary tale from Iberian and North African Podarcis wall lizards

摘要: Evolutionary inference based on molecular phylogenetic methods has profoundly modified the way that we understand biological diversity, unravelling a higher evolutionary diversity than previously considered. An exemplary case of this is group Iberian and North African Podarcis wall lizards. More investigated any other reptile in Europe, hispanica species complex comprises unexpectedly high levels illustrates how discovery further cryptic may entangle inference. In present study, report two new mitochondrial lineages complex, reassess phylogeny group, infer age major splits, provide detailed description geographical distributions all known DNA lineages. Our data show differentiation older considered, most cases predating Messinian salinity crisis. The discovered their position modify previous biogeographical scenarios, clearly showing area today corresponding to south-eastern corner Peninsula very important centre diversification. dating obtained for currently inhabiting coincides with geological events took place during Miocene/Pleistocene transition, supporting idea both land movements dramatic climatic oscillations period could be involved. Finally, these lineages, together observed distribution patterns, not only augments uncertainty associated our understanding history lizards, but also points areas interest future investigation.