Within and among population divergence levels in mitochondrial DNA of Aphodius obscurus and A-immaturus from France (Coleoptera : Aphodiidae)

Aphodius obscurus and A. immaturus are two species belonging to the subgenu s Amidorus in the Palaearctic region. Aphodius obscurus is widespread at hi gh altitude (above 1000 m) from Spain to Caucasia; A. immaturus is restrict ed to the mountains of the South of France (Mont Ventoux, Alps). Their morp hology and ecology are very similar but their genitalia are different. In o rder to assess the phylogenetic relationships between these two species, th e amplification of a fragment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidas e I was carried out, followed by RFLP-analysis in 6 populations. Thirteen h aplotypes were found. No mitochondrial polymorphism was found in the two A. immaturus populations studied, nor in one A. obscurus population (Canigou) . From the nucleotide diversity analysis and the genetic network, it follow s that the observed mitotypes originated from one common mitotype ancestor. The two taxa are probably genetically separated.