Utilising public sequence databases to investigate genetic diversity of stoneflies in Medvednica Nature Park

Abstract

In Medvednica Nature Park, near Croatia's capital Zagreb, urbanisation significantly impacts the fauna. Comprehensive field research has never been conducted in this area, despite the presence of diverse microhabitats and the discovery of several rare species previously unknown in the Croatian fauna. This study provides the Park with first insight into the genetic and morphological diversity of stoneflies, one of the most endangered groups of organisms. Phylogenetic reconstructions and species delineation methods revealed intraspecific haplotype variation in most species (e.g. Brachyptera seticornis, Isoperla grammatica and Leuctra braueri), except for Leuctra prima. Additionally, our study has identified isolated populations that merit further in-depth investigation concerning morphology, genetics and ecology.

Keywords

• Croatia
• DNA barcoding
• morphology
• intraspecific