Data from: Morphological, ecological and genetic aspects associated with endemism in the Fly Orchid group

The European genus Ophrys (Orchidaceae) is famous for its insect-like
floral morphology, an adaptation for a pseudocopulatory pollination
strategy involving Hymenoptera males. A large number of endemic Ophrys
species have recently been described, especially within the Mediterranean
Basin, which is one of the major species diversity hotspots. Subtle
morphological variation and specific pollinator dependence are the two
main perceptible criteria for describing numerous endemic taxa. However,
the degree to which endemics differ genetically remains a challenging
question. Additionally, knowledge regarding the factors underlying the
emergence of such endemic entities is limited. To achieve new insights
regarding speciation processes in Ophrys, we have investigated species
boundaries in the Fly Orchid group (Ophrys insectifera sensu lato) by
examining morphological, ecological and genetic evidence. Classically,
authors have recognized one widespread taxon (O. insectifera) and two
endemics (O. aymoninii from France and O. subinsectifera from Spain). Our
research has identified clear morphological and ecological factors
segregating among these taxa; however, genetic differences were more
ambiguous. Insights from cpDNA sequencing and amplified fragment length
polymorphisms genotyping indicated a recent diversification in the three
extant Fly Orchid species, which may have been further obscured by active
migration and admixture across the European continent. Our genetic results
still indicate weak but noticeable phylogeographic clustering that
partially correlates with the described species. Particularly, we report
several isolated haplotypes and genetic clusters in central and
southeastern Europe. With regard to the morphological, ecological and
genetic aspects, we discuss the endemism status within the Fly Orchid
group from evolutionary, taxonomical and conservation perspectives.