Molecular, morphological and behavioural data reveal the presence of a cryptic species in the widely studied Drosophila serrata species complex

Abstract

The Drosophila serrata species complex from Australia and New Guinea has been widely used in evolutionary studies of speciation and climatic adaptation. It is believed to consist of D. serrata, D. birchii and D. dominicana, although knowledge of the latter is limited. Here we present evidence for a previously undescribed cryptic member of the D. serrata species complex. This new cryptic species is widespread in far north Queensland, Australia and is likely to have been previously mistaken for D. serrata. It shows complete reproductive isolation when crossed with both D. serrata and D. birchii. The cryptic species can be easily distinguished from D. serrata and D. birchii using either microsa..