Dash_YSF2023.mp4

The complex geo-climatic history of Oriental region, with its high biodiversity allows studying the role of vicariance and dispersal on the evolution of its biota. We generated and assembled a 3 marker dataset (Order Scolopendromorpha, n= 414) to reconstruct molecular phylogenies. We used coalescent-based species delimitation methods, built a time-calibrated species phylogeny, and performed biogeography analyses in BioGeoBEARS.Digitipes was monophyletic and started diversifying around 126 Mya. South-east Asian lineages were nested within the Indian clade. Biogeography analysis indicated two independent dispersal events from India to South-east Asia post transient land connection around 50 Mya. Within India, origins of D. pruthii were traced back to a dispersal event from Central Western Ghats to Eastern Ghats around 40 Mya. This study helps to shed light on the importance of historical events in shaping species distribution patterns.