Climate oscillations, glacial refugia, and dispersal ability: factors influencing the genetic structure of the least salmonfly, Pteronarcella badia (Plecoptera), in Western North America

Abstract

BackgroundPhylogeographic studies of aquatic insects provide valuable insights into mechanisms that shape the genetic structure of communities, yet studies that include broad geographic areas are uncommon for this group. We conducted a broad scale phylogeographic analysis of the least salmonfly Pteronarcella badia (Plecoptera) across western North America. We tested hypotheses related to mode of dispersal and the influence of historic climate oscillations on population genetic structure. In order to generate a larger mitochondrial data set, we used 454 sequencing to reconstruct the complete mitochondrial genome in the early stages of the project.ResultsOur analysis revealed high levels of population structure with several deeply divergent clades present across the sample area. Evidence from five mitochondrial genes and one nuclear locus identified a potentially cryptic lineage in the Pacific Northwest. Gene flow estimates and geographic clade distributions suggest that overland flight during the winged adult stage is an important dispersal mechanism for this taxon. We found evidence of multiple glacial refugia across the species distribution and signs of secondary contact within and among major clades.ConclusionsThis study provides a basis for future studies of aquatic insect phylogeography at the inter-basin scale in western North America. Our findings add to an understanding of the role of historical climate isolations in shaping assemblages of aquatic insects in this region. We identified several geographic areas that may have historical importance for other aquatic organisms with similar distributions and dispersal strategies as P. badia. This work adds to the ever-growing list of studies that highlight the potential of next-generation DNA sequencing in a phylogenetic context to improve molecular data sets from understudied groups.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-015-0553-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Post‐glacial distribution of a Mongolian mayfly inferred from population genetic analysis

“…Studies of cold‐adapted aquatic insects in Europe and North America (e.g. Pauls et al ., ; Lehrian et al ., ; Theissinger et al ., ; Schultheis et al ., ; Sproul et al ., ) indicate that montane and arctic species showed expansion of population size and distribution area during the glacial period, as we found for E. nigridorsum . Recent research in East and Southeast Asia uncovered similar patterns in some terrestrial animals (reptiles, amphibians and birds) and semi‐aquatic insects, implying that population expansions began prior to the last glacial maximum (MIS2) (Li et al ., ; Song et al ., ; Huang & Lin, ; Ding et al ., ; Dong et al ., ; Ye et al ., ).…”

“…On the other hand, terrestrial species likely show different strategies – such as elevation shifts – for adaptation to a glacial environment. Previous studies using genetic analyses also support the notion that montane and arctic species of cold‐adapted aquatic insects have extended their distributions and population sizes during the glacial periods in Europe and North America (e.g., Pauls et al ., ; Lehrian et al ., ; Theissinger et al ., ; Schultheis et al ., ; Sproul et al ., ).…”

Evolutionary lessons from California plant phylogeography

“…6 and 8-16). In regions that were glaciated during the Pleistocene, the location of refugia and regional topography can shape the postglacial migration routes in similar ways across species (3,7,13,(16)(17)(18). The emphasis on formerly glaciated regions where many species expanded from common refugia highlighted the congruence in patterns of historical migration and demography.…”

To remain or leave: Dispersal variation and its genetic consequences in benthic freshwater invertebrates

“…Upstream/downstream gradients and the dendritic nature of riverine systems enable a straightforward means of characterizing populations and communities along networks (e.g., Hughes et al, ; Thomaz, Christie, & Lacey Knowles, ). Finally, much of the dispersal‐related research on nonriverine animal taxa has particularly focused on questions concerning the feasibility of dispersal among isolated sites (e.g., Badosa, Frisch, Green, Rico, & Gómez, ; Caceres & Soluk, ; Louette & De Meester, ) and the dispersal mechanisms (e.g., Briski, Bailey, & Mac Isaac, ; van Leeuwen, Lovas‐Kiss, Ovegård, & Green, ; van Leeuwen & van der Velde, ; Sproul et al, ) employed by freshwater invertebrates to reach lakes and ponds.…”