Genetic and Morphological Variability of Eurytium Limosum (Say, 1818) (Brachyura, Panopeidae): Insights About Dispersal Along Marine Provinces

Abstract

The present study analyzed the genetic and morphological variability in Eurytium limosum in different marine provinces of the Western Atlantic. An integrative approach using genetic and morphological data was applied to test the influence of such provinces as possible barriers on the gene flow of the species. Two mtDNA markers were used to construct the genetic distance matrices, phylogenetic trees, and haplotype networks. Meanwhile, the morphological analysis of a robust set of specimens provided a detailed report on all diagnostic characteristics in the literature. Both approaches revealed great similarity between specimens from different localities and provinces, in addition to the absence of genetic structuring throughout their wide area of occurrence. The relationship between dispersal and larval development patterns was selected as the main factor promoting the population profile. This approach provides some elements that serve as a baseline for future studies on decision-making regarding the conservation of intertidal communities.