Mitochondrial DNA revealed the validation of Quasipaa robertingeri (Amphibia: Anura: Dicroglossidae) and its population genetic diversity

The spiny frog Quasipaa robertingeri is endemic to a narrow region of southwest China and its taxonomic validation is still controversial. Based on COI gene sequences of 110 individuals from seven populations of Q. robertingeri and its related species, we investigated the phylogenetic position and population genetic structure of the species. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that Q. robertingeri was deeply genetically separated from its closely related species Q. boulengeri, indicating the validation of the species. All samples of Q. robertingeri were clustered into two divergent lineages. Haplotype network, AMOVA, and genetic distance estimations also supported the separations of the two groups. Neutrality tests indicated that one lineage has been likely independently experienced a recent population expansion, leading to a secondary contact area between the two lineages.