MtDNA COI barcode variability of species of subgenus Taeniocheilosia (Syrphidae, Cheilosia)

Abstract

MtDNA COI barcodes were generated for about 90 specimens of genus Cheilosia subgenus Taeniocheilosia obtained during recent fieldwork in Central Europe, Finland, Balkan region and Asia Minor. The dataset comprised more than 20 presently recognized species. The sequences were clustered using Neighbor-Joining under the K2P model, using Cheilosia albipila (Cheilosia s.str.) as root. The majority of the Taeniocheilosia species were resolved as discrete sequence clusters (clades), with interspecific divergences greater than intraspecific. Several morphologically close species, however, show very low interspecific divergences (<1%). A few cases of unexpectedly high divergences were also evident which could indicate presence of morphologically cryptic species.