Allozyme variability, isolation, and dispersal of Eusattus muricatus (Coleoptera : Tenebrionidae) within Silver State Dune Complex, Great Basin, western North America

Genetics of Eusattus muricatus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) populations with in Silver State Dune Complex in the northern Great Basin of North America w ere assayed using allozyme electrophoresis. Hierarchical F-statistics showe d no significant population subdivision among 3 valleys comprising Silver S tate Dune Complex. A regression of estimated pairwise gene flow (Nm) agains t pairwise geographic distance was not significant for populations within t hese valleys, but it was significant over larger distances. A neighbor-join ing phenogram did not represent geographic relationships among populations in the 3 valleys but reflected the past geologic history of these dunes. Pa irwise divergence times were low (<7000 vr) for populations within Silver S tate Dune Complex but were high (>18,000 yr) in outgroups.