High altitude morphotype of the widespread Lobrathium multipunctum (Gravenhorst, 1802) (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae) revealed by DNA-barcoding

High altitude ecosystems are often home to endemic species that have evolved in isolation from their low elevation counterparts. In many cases, especially insects, such mountain endemics apterous (due reduced ability fly and disperse). most so far, these genetically differentiated lowland sister or populations. During an excursion Central Spain, we encountered two strikingly different morphotypes of the rove beetle Lobrathium multipunctum (Gravenhorst, 1802) (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae). The morphotype high was smaller paler than those at elevation, which were slightly larger, darker regularly coloured. earlier considered a separate ( hispanicum Dodero, 1916) its widespread lower-land counterpart 1802)) before relatively recent synonymy. Using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) barcode region, tested whether distinct species. We found synonymy is supported, based on multiple delimitation methods. suggest this phenomenon may be more amongst insects other organismal groups. note presence phylogenetically nested within, identical to, (regular morphotype) rarely reported literature beetles (and insects). These findings thus highlight need for caution when describing further DNA barcoding as helpful tool study.