Investigation of the possible role of the Central Paratethys as a migration route and speciation area of the ancestors of Mediterranean Larroussius, Paraphlebotomus and Phlebotomus species

Abstract

AbstractThe Oligocene and Miocene tectonic and biogeographical alterations of the peri-Mediterranean area could strongly impact the speciation processes and migrations of Mediterranean sandfly species. To understand the possible former role of this palaeobiogeographic factor on ancestral sandfly species, the potential suitability values of five Larroussius, two Paraphlebotomus and one Phlebotomus species were modelled from the Rupelian to the Tortonian stage in the Central Paratethys. The bioclimatic extrema of this sandfly species and the Coexistence Approach-based palaeoclimatic reconstructions made the basis of hypothesis testing. In the case of the Tortonian stage, a georeferenced climatic model was created. The models indicate that the suitability values could notably vary by species and periods. The monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate of the Oligocene epoch could be less suitable for the ancestors of Mediterranean sandfly taxa than the later, drier humid subtropical climates-characterised Miocene stages. The Central Paratethys area could be less suitable for ancestors of the extant Paraphlebotomus, and Phlebotomus in the Miocene epoch compared to Larroussius species. It may indicate that the Central Paratethys formed a barrier against the east-to-west migration of the ancestors of Phlebotomus and Paraphlebotomus species. In contrast, Larroussius species could prefer the Miocene climate of the Central Paratethys. In the Tortonian stage, mainly the coastal areas of the sea could be colonised by sandflies. These results indicate that the coasts of the Central Paratethys should be not only considered as a potential former migration route but could be a part of the speciation area of Larroussius sandflies.