Genetic population structure of the Italian wall lizards Podarcis
siculus (Squamata: Lacertidae): insight from Nuclear DNA markers
Abstract
Previous phylogeographic studies based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)
markers have revealed a complex evolutionary history for the Italian
wall lizard, Podarcis siculus, characterized by a geographically
structured diversity of lineages. These lineages were shaped by
allopatric divergence within multiple southern refugia, likely during
the Pleistocene. In this study, a total of 294 Podarcis siculus
specimens from 121 localities were genetically analyzed using
microsatellite markers to: (i) assess whether the genetic substructure
detected in mtDNA is reflected in nuclear microsatellite markers, (ii)
evaluate potential cases of mito-nuclear discordance, and (iii)
determine the extent of admixture resulting from gene flow between mtDNA
haplogroups. The analysis identified eight genetic clusters, whose
spatial distribution partially aligns with the mitochondrial structure.
However, several discrepancies were observed, primarily in Southern
Italy and Sicily. These include differences in the location of the
contact zone between the two main lineages and the absence of genetic
structure in some regions (e.g., Sicily), despite the presence of
multiple parapatric mtDNA lineages. Possible explanations for
mito-nuclear discordance involve a combination of factors, including the
different evolutionary timescales captured by mitochondrial DNA and
microsatellites, differential introgression of nuclear versus
mitochondrial genes, and distinct dispersal patterns, potentially
influenced by sex-biased philopatry, which affect gene flow among
populations.