Molecular phylogeny and description of Hygrobates cyrnusensis sp. nov. reveals multiple colonization of Corsica by water mites of the H. fluviatilis-complex (Acariformes, Hydrachnidia, Hygrobatidae)

Water mites of the Hygrobates fluviatilis-complex are common and often most abundant water mite group in running waters Palaearctic. This study provides first time-calibrated phylogeny this complex to date. Fossil-calibrated modelling reveals that recent ancestor H. originated Oligocene. Phylogenetic dating analyses show presence three monophyletic lineages within fluviatilis-complex, with turcicus-clade as earliest branching lineage. The diversification speciation processes mainly started from Oligocene-Miocene around 24 million years ago continued during Miocene. In study, we tried link time frames boundary appearance certain species particular paleogeological events. We found evidence multiple colonization Corsica different phases its geological history, resulting two endemic lineages, corsicus cyrnusensis sp. nov., latter is described by an integrative approach study.