SREL Reprint #2278

Phylogeographic patterns in Kinosternon subrubrum and K. baurii based on mitochondrial DNA restriction analyses

DeEtte Walker1, Paul E. Moler2, Kurt a. Buhlmann3, and John C. Avise1

1Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
2Wildlife Research Laboratory, Florida game and Fresh Water Fish Commission,
4005 South Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
3Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29801, USA

Abstract: We used restriction assays of mitochondrial (mt) DNA to estimate phylogeographic variation in two sister taxa of mud turtles in the southeastern United States. Extensive mtDNA variation characterized Kinosternon subrubrum and, to a lesser degree, K. baurii.  Each of 26 mtDNA haplotypes from the 83 assayed specimens was localized spatially. Collectively, these mtDNA haplotypes demarcated four major matrilineal assemblages, each with a well defined regional distribution: a western group (A) in Missouri and Louisiana, a central group (B) throughout the Gulf coastal states, an eastern group (C) along the Atlantic coastal states north of Florida, and a southern group (D) in peninsular Florida. All assayed samples of K. baurii belonged to the mtDNA C assemblages. The two species in Florida are thus highly distinct in mtDNA genotype, but they exhibit minimal mtDNA divergence along the Atlantic coast states. These findings raise questions concerning the evolutionary history and taxonomy of these two recognized species. MtDNA phylogeographic patterns in the baurii/subrubrum complex are remarkably similar to those reported previously for two other southeastern kinosternids, Sternotherus minor and S. odoratus.

Keywords:  Mud turtles, Phylogeography; Gene flow; Population structure; Southeastern United States; Kinosternon

SREL Reprint #2278

Walker, D., P.E. Moler, K.A. Buhlmann, and J.C. Avise. 1998. Phylogeographic patterns in Kinosternon subrubrum and K. baurii based on mitochondrial DNA restriction analyses. Herpetologica 54:174-184.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).