New Insights into the Variation and Admixture of the Cave-Dwelling Spider Trogloneta yunnanensis in South China Karst

A new study reveals significant genetic divergence among six populations of the cave-dwelling spider Trogloneta yunnanensis in South China Karst, with high fixation indices (FST > 0.9) and low gene flow (Nm < 0.05), suggesting extreme population structure likely driven by geographic isolation. Phylogenetic analysis identified six distinct clades, tracing their divergence to the late Pleistocene epoch. The findings imply that subterranean habitats in this region may harbor numerous organisms with similar genetic patterns, underscoring the need for reevaluation and protection of subterranean biodiversity in karst areas.

Liu, S., Zhou, C., & Lin, Y. (2023). New Insights into the Variation and Admixture of the Cave-Dwelling Spider Trogloneta yunnanensis in South China Karst. Animals, 13(7), 1244. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13071244