Exceptional cryptic diversity and multiple origins of parthenogenesis in a freshwater ostracod

摘要: The persistence of asexual reproduction in many taxa depends on a balance between the origin new lineages and extinction old ones. This turnover determines diversity extant populations so influences interaction sexual modes reproduction. Species with mixed reproduction, like freshwater ostracod (Crustacea) morphospecies Eucypris virens, are good model to examine these dynamics. species is also geographic parthenogen, which females males co-exist circum-Mediterranean area only, whereas occur all over Europe. A molecular phylogeny E. virens based mitochondrial COI 16S fragments presented. It characterised by distinct clusters haplotypes either exclusively or asexual, only one exception, often separated deep branches. Analysis reveals an astonishing cryptic diversity, indicates existence complex more than 40 taxa. We therefore suggest revision single status virens. multiple transitions from diverse ancestor asexuality. Although appear be ancient, we argue that this may artefact unsampled extinct lineages.