A study on genetic differentiation in the Mediterranean Ischnura Charpentier (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae)

Systematic relationships within the Mediterranean Inschnura were investigated through allozyme electrophoretic data. The genetic distances between several populations belonging to Ischnura elegans, I. genei, I. saharensis, I. graellsii, I. fountainei and I. pumilio were estimated, together with those of two populations of Erythromma viridulum, one of Coenagrion puella and one of C. scitulum. Genetic differentiation levels between populations belonging to Ischnura species range widely. It is suggested that saharensis and genei be regarded as subspecies of I. elegans.