Landscape genomics and demographic history of Megamelus scutellaris (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), biological control agent of water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes)

In this study, we used nuclear genome-wide SNP data to evaluate the genetic variation of the planthopper in its native range. First, we examined the population structure and phylogeographic patterns of M. scutellaris across an area comprising the main river basins of its distribution in Argentina and Southern Paraguay. To evaluate the divergence and connectivity of the identified genetic groups, we used a coalescent based simulation approach, enabling a more precise understanding of the demographic history of these populations. Furthermore, we incorporated a landscape genomics framework combined with ecological niche modeling to investigate potential environmental factors driving the observed patterns of genetic differentiation in M. scutellaris.