Nuclear and mitochondrial population genetics of the Australasian arbovirus vector Culex annulirostris (Skuse) reveals strong geographic structure and cryptic species

This study adds to the growing body of work suggesting that the taxon presently known as Cx. annulirostris now appears to consist of at least two cryptic species that co-occur in northern Australia and New Guinea and can be distinguished by a ITS1 PCR diagnostic. The Solomon Islands population may also represent a distinct species but in light its geographic isolation and lack of sympatry with other species would require further study. Additionally, the mitochondrial and nuclear DNA evidence of population structure between geographic regions within Australia appears latitudinal and elevational driven and may suggest an additional subspecies in that hybridise where they overlap.