New morphological and molecular data reveal an important underestimation of species diversity and indicate evolutionary patterns in European

The correct identification of morphological species is a key task for richness estimation any ecosystem. Although body colour widely used character identifying European Lepidocyrtus species, recent investigations using molecular data have revealed that delineation can result in an underestimation real diversity because the presence cryptic species. violaceus characterised by its dark violet colour. Its wide distribution leads us to suspect several be present within this morphospecies. Since traditional characters appeared insufficient Lepidocyrtus, new were needed order describe detected genus. Pseudopores are integumentary structures all but these has not been properly described genus, as well Entomobryioidea overall. In work we aimed analyse whether L. monophyletic entity Europe. Moreover, determine if position and number pseudopores on different parts appendages phylogenetically useful or superspecific entities. Fourteen populations from five countries, another 25 nine countries studied. total, 208 specimens analysed morphologically half them studied molecularly sequences genes COXII EF-1?. Molecular distributed morphospecies polyphyletic Between 6 12 diferent morphospecies, only basal plate fourth abdominal segment found promising diagnostic between them. A common pattern pseudopore recognised members also diferential each group. As general trend, increase most derived groups phylogeny genus