Evaluation of the Applicability of the Comparatory Method for Species Diagnosis of Unionidae (Bivalvia) by Genetic Analysis

Abstract

Five genetically distant groups of mussels possessing high intragroup homogeneity were identified among 65 specimens of 14 East European Unionidae “comparatory species” by genetic analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial markers. By shell morphology other than the shape of the convex contour of the shell, the identified groups correspond to five “taxonomic species” according to Zhadin’s classification. The use of the comparatory method for Unionidae species identification is unjustified.