Mitochondrial DNA variation of Drosophila obscura (Diptera: Drosophilidae) across Europe

Drosophila obscura is a common fruit fly that inhabits the temperate forests of Europe. While it abundant in north compared to other Drosophila, its density decreases southwards, where gradually replaced by species. This study describes variation mitochondrial Cyt b gene D. from several European populations. We observed large number haplotypes, together with structuring genetic variation. Genetic higher west O1 and related divergent haplotypes dominate. In east, O2 haplotype most frequent, recently arose it. central part species range, both are equally present, along many others. These data reveal signs population expansions probably happened earlier west, more east. Though our conclusions based on only one marker, limiting power analysis, results imply either postglacial expansion two unique sources or, likely, eastwards stepping-stone expansion. adds important information phylogeography obscure biology obscura, has potential become an interesting model evolutionary conservation genetics.