Troglomorphic adaptations on the northern European frontier: the phylogeny of the cave Pseudosinella (Hexapoda, Collembola) in the Western Carpathians

Introduction Using an integrative taxonomic approach, we investigated the morphological and molecular characters to identify species of genus Pseudosinella occurring in caves Western Carpathians clarify their phylogenetic relationships. Based on characters, hypothesized that aggtelekiensis (Stach, 1929) paclti (Rusek, 1961) originated from different phyletic lineages. Methods We used barcoding fragment mtDNA COI gene 87 individuals 16 reconstruct history . Results The tree revealed two distinct groups with allopatric distributions. first group consisted P. populations Slovak Karst three undescribed fragmented isolated karst areas southeastern Slovakia. second group, Central Carpathians, was merged. This included Pseudosinellamuranensis , a new taxonomically described this work. It is characterized by highly developed troglomorphic features restricted small area, Muranska planina Plateau. phylogeny Miocene diversification. According calibration, lineages were separated Middle Miocene, about 14.51 Mya, followed further diversification lineage 10.89 Mya 11.14 Mya. Discussion consistent uplift Triassic limestones during early formation Paratethys region initial development period. study provides important evidence played significant role as independent speciation center obligate cave fauna Europe.