Genetic variation of Limnophora marginata Stein, 1904 (Diptera: Muscidae), associated with an altitudinal gradient in Pedro Moncayo Canton, Pichincha, Ecuador

Abstract. Aguilar KEV, Vivas AYS, Acosta-López C. 2023. Genetic variation of Limnophora marginata Stein, 1904 (Diptera: Muscidae), associated with an altitudinal gradient in Pedro Moncayo Canton, Pichincha, Ecuador. Biodiversitas 24: 269-275. Analyzing heterogeneity insect populations is relevant to understanding its biology. Thus, we analyzed the genetic variability two “hunter-flies”, Tocachi and Jerusalem localities, Ecuador, using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) mitochondrial Cytochrome oxidase I gene. Thirty alleles were detected from analysis five restriction enzymes; percentage polymorphic loci was higher (96.67%) than (80%). Haplotypes generated corresponding alleles, resulting a different haplotype for each individual. Several estimators used characterize population structure. The Analysis Molecular Variance (AMOVA) evidenced existence intra-population (94%) inter-population (6%), showing similar information that found through analysis. Fst fixation index indicated there no difference between (0.056, P<0.05). Nei's distance similarity L. did not show differences populations. From results deduce evolutionary force may be modelling existent gene flow, thus establishing low DNA advantageous molecular marker obtain established intra inter variability. characteristics useful successfully apply PCR-RFLP technique. Our findings highlight ecosystem connectivity despite habitat differences.