Cross-breeding of Chaetopteryx morettii and related species, with molecular and eidonomical results (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae)

Abstract

We test the possibility of a hybrid origin for Chaetopteryx morettii using cross-breeding experiments and molecular analysis. We show that species within the Chaetopteryx villosa group can hybridize, but that C. moretti is not of hybrid origin. We discuss the applicability of our approach for testing ideas on hybrid speciation and detecting hybrids in natural populations, e.g., for conservation purposes. © 2012 EDP Sciences.