Phylogenetic analysis uncovers Southeastern European origins and climate-driven dispersal in funnel-web spiders, highlighting mountain ranges as major biodiversity cradles.
Key Points
To determine whether the Southeastern European Mountain System served as the geographic center of origin and dispersal corridor for funnel-web spider lineages.
Conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses and divergence time estimation on spider genera Inermocoelotes and Urocoras across Southeastern, Central, and Western Europe and the Mediterranean basin.
Performed ancestral area reconstructions and ancestral state reconstructions for two bioclimatic variables: mean temperature of the coldest quarter (Bio11) and precipitation of the driest quarter (Bio17).
Identified the Southeastern European Mountain System as the center of origin for both genera, demonstrating post-origin range expansions into Central and Western Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Linked spider diversification to geological isolating events, specifically Serravallian continental isolation and an Early Messinian seaway, coupled with Miocene and Pleistocene climatic transitions.