Genetic Diversity and Taxonomic Assessment of Parthenogenetic Darevskia (Arribas, 1999) Lizards in Türkiye: Testing DNA Barcoding Approach

Accurately identifying species is essential for understanding biodiversity, particularly in taxa with complex evolutionary histories such as parthenogenetic reptiles. This study employs DNA barcoding, specifically the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, to investigate the genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationships, and taxonomic status of five parthenogenetic species of the genus Darevskia distributed in Türkiye. A total of 42 specimens were analyzed, revealing three distinct haplotypes, with Darevskia armeniaca being the most genetically distant species from the others. Phylogenetic analyses identified three main monophyletic groups, corresponding to species complexes with similar ancestral lineages. DNA barcoding supported the hypothesis that D. sapphirina with D. bendimahiensis, and D. uzzelli with D. unisexualis form closely related groups with shared haplotypes, suggesting they may represent the same species. These findings were consistent across species delimitation analyses (ABGD, bPTP, and TCS), with the exception of mPTP, which suggested a single species group. This research highlights the utility and limitations of DNA barcoding in resolving complex taxonomic issues in hybrid-origin species and provides new insights into the evolutionary history of parthenogenetic lizards of the genus Darevskia.