First insights into the mitochondrial DNA diversity of Dalmatian Algyroides, Algyroides nigropunctatus (Lacertidae)

Background and Purpose: Algyroides nigropunctatus is a lacertid species from the western border of the Balkan peninsula. Morphologically, the species is highly uniform throughout its distribution range which extends from notheastern-most Italy to western Greece. Material and Methods: In order to assess the mitochondrial DNA variability of the species, parts of mitochondrial 12S (about 470 bp) and 16S rRNA (about 500 bp) genes were sequenced from 8 samples collected at different localities distributed across the species range. Result: Three distinct clades were found representing mitochondrial lineages separated probably during the middle Pleistocene. Conclusion: The phylogeographic structure of the species is characterized by a lack of variability in the northern and middle part of its area, and clear phylogenetic structuring of the populations from Greece.