The aim of our research was to use molecular techniques to confirm the
morphological differentiation of already described subspecies of L. hochenwartii.
Samples covered the entire area of the species. Sequences of two sections of CO1
were obtained, and phylogenetic trees were calculated, using the maximum
likelihood method and the Bayesian approach. Using the ASAP and mPTP
methods, the number of molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) were
calculated, and mPTP results were further verified by calculating the average p-
distances between MOTUs. Similarity between groups was also determined using
the haplotype network. Both phylogenetic trees and delimitation methods separate
samples into groups whose geographical distribution coincides with the currently
described subspecies. The results confirmed the existence of some subspecies,
according to the calculated average p-distances, these subspecies could also be
independent species. We found two new groups that probably belong to so far
undescribed subspecies. The results of the research will be able to serve as a basis
for the separation of subspecies into species, as well as for further decisions
regarding the protection of the taxon.
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