Genetic variation in Mineus group of Mycalesis (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) in peninsular Thailand: Inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear genes

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate genetic variation and phylogenetic relationships of the Mineus group of Mycalesis in peninsular Thailand inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear gene markers (COI, EF-1α and wingless). Seven species and 214 individuals of the genus Mycalesis were collected in six provinces in peninsular Thailand. In this study, two distinct seasonal morphs were found as wet season form and dry season form. Phylogenetic relationships based on combined gene sequences indicated that the Mineus group of Mycalesis was monophyletic group. However, M. intermedia, and M. perseoides might be species complex. Five haplotype patterns were observed in M. perseoides indicating that Chumphon province was the origin of M. perseoides. Divergence time of the Mineus group in peninsular Thailand was 23.03 mya during Oligocene period.

Keywords

• Mycalesis
• genetic differentiation
• haplotype network
• peninsular Thailand
• phylogeny