Phylogenetic analysis of the Neotropical Albitarsis Complex based on mitogenome data

Area of Science:

• Genomics and Bioinformatics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Medical Entomology

Background:

• The Albitarsis Complex comprises significant malaria vectors in South America.
• Understanding their species diversity and evolutionary history is crucial for effective vector control and disease management.
• This is especially important given ongoing environmental and demographic changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize and phylogenetically analyze the mitogenome of all 10 putative taxa within the Albitarsis Complex.
• To explore species diversity and evolutionary history.
• To inform vector incrimination, control strategies, and future ecological modeling.

Main Methods:

• Mitogenome assembly and annotation for comparative analysis.
• Selection analysis on 13 protein-coding genes.
• Phylogenetic reconstruction using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian inference, including joint species delimitation and tree estimation.

Main Results:

• Gene composition and order were conserved across the complex.
• Positive selection signatures were identified in Anopheles janconnae and An. albitarsis G, potentially driving diversification.
• Phylogenetic analyses supported the 10-species hypothesis but indicated uncertainty and suggested four taxa might represent population splits.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights recent diversification within the Albitarsis Complex, possibly linked to positive selection.
• Phylogenetic resolution was limited in parts of the species tree, necessitating further investigation.
• Future research should utilize genome-wide data and more specimens, especially for An. albitarsis I and An. albitarsis J.