Genetic Variability and Subspecific Differentiation of the Steppe Lemming (Lagurus lagurus Pall., Cricetidae, Rodentia), Based on an analysis of Variations in the Mitochondrial Cytochrome b Gene

A phylogeographic analysis of the Steppe lemming, Lagurus lagurus, was performed using molecular genetic data obtained from the original collection and those deposited in the NCBI database. The nucleotide sequences of the cytb gene were analyzed. The level of genetic variability and differentiation of the species across the distribution range was found to be relatively low. All cytb sequences were divided into three haplogroups corresponding to the subspecies lagurus, altorum, and abacanicus. The highest level of genetic polymorphism for this marker was found in the subspecies abacanicus. The low genetic differentiation of the subspecies agressus seems to indicate a relatively recent colonization of the northwestern part of the range by the Steppe lemming.