Genetic and Morphological Diversity of Tenthredopsis (Tenthredinidae: Symphyta: Hymenoptera) Species: A Case Study in Anatolia

The genus Tenthredopsis (Tenthredinidae: Hymenoptera), characterized by a Palearctic distribution, is widely recognized as a taxonomic challenge due to its limited morphological variation. This study aims to evaluate the phylogenetic and biogeographical characteristics of Tenthredopsis species in Anatolia by analyzing their morphological and molecular traits. Initially, morphotypes were defined based on morphological characters, and the taxonomic validity of each morphotype was assessed through phylogenetic analyses using three mitochondrial gene regions. The findings revealed congruence between morphological and molecular data. The study identified the distribution of 27 taxa within Anatolia, comprising 17 confirmed and 10 potential taxa, represented by 250 individuals belonging to the genus Tenthredopsis. The results underscore Anatolia's significance as a hotspot for genetic and morphological diversity within the genus Tenthredopsis and highlight its critical role in the evolutionary adaptations of these species. Additionally, the observed distribution patterns further support the importance of Anatolia as a refugium during the last glacial periods.