Morphological and genetic data suggest a complex pattern of inter-island colonisation and differentiation for mining bees (Hymenoptera: Anthophila: Andrena) on the Macaronesian Islands

Abstract Oceanic islands have long been considered engines of differentiation and speciation for terrestrial organisms. Here we investigated colonisation radiation processes in the Madeira Archipelago Canary Islands Andrena wollastoni group bees (subgenus Micrandrena ), which comprises six endemic species five subspecies on islands. Mitochondrial COI sequences support monophyly four two suggest a relatively young age all taxa. The data do not simple stepping-stone model (eastern-western from mainland, with splitting into new taxa), but gomerensis (extant La Gomera Palma) or its ancestor as basal lineage other taxa evolved. lineolata (Tene-rife) putative ( A. ) is sister to dourada (Porto Santo), catula (Gran Canaria), acuta (also Tenerife). Santo) (Madeira Island) are species. Morphologically morphometrically defined were distinguishable DNA sequences. Colonisation likely led mainland directly latter.