Hidden diversity and cryptic speciation refute cosmopolitan distribution inCaprella penantis(Crustacea: Amphipoda: Caprellidae)

摘要: Caprella penantis is considered a cosmopolitan species and one of the most challenging caprellids in taxonomic terms because its remarkable intraspecific morphological variation. This study examined DNA sequences from mitochondrial (COI) nuclear (18S) markers together with data 25 localities C. penantis, closely related dilatata andreae, all traditionally part old ‘acutifrons’ complex. The large genetic divergence reciprocally allopatric distributions point to existence complex at least four species, which reported as cryptic species. provides first evidence speciation family Caprellidae, questions validity some traditional characters used delimit genus Caprella. Our results are consistent idea that main factors were probably isolation by distance ecological traits, promoting diversification penantis. strong structure for this Iberian Peninsula Moroccan coasts also suggests restriction dispersal well presence refugial areas. These highlight utility COI 18S genes combination shedding light on systematic caprellids, patterns connectivity.