Data from: Genetic analyses reveal cryptic diversity in the native North American fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Solenopsis)

The native North American fire ants (Solenopsis) comprise a difficult group taxonomically that has undergone multiple revisions in the past century yet remains in a state of taxonomic uncertainty. In this study, we utilized a large set of microsatellite markers to conduct the first robust genetic analysis of the nominal species. Our approach used a variety of methods to test operational criteria commonly employed in species delimitation, including genotypic clustering, reproductive isolation/cohesion, and monophyly. We conclude from our results that the recognized North American fire ant species represent evolutionarily independent entities and, moreover, we confirm the presumed sister status of the desert fire ants, S. aurea and S. amblychila. However, the presence of at least two genetically divergent populations within the nominal species boundaries, including a western form of S. xyloni and a distinct population of S. aurea endemic to the Coachella Valley of California, suggests that the current taxonomy does not fully capture the species-level diversity in this group. Our study provides the molecular foundation for future integrated studies of the taxonomy and evolution of this scientifically and economically important group of insects.北美本土火蚁（火蚁属 *Solenopsis*）是一个分类学上的疑难类群，在过去一个世纪中历经多次修订，但至今仍存在分类学不确定性。本研究利用大量微卫星标记（microsatellite marker），首次对该名义物种开展了可靠的遗传分析。我们采用多种方法检验了物种界定（species delimitation）中常用的操作标准，包括基因型聚类（genotypic clustering）、生殖隔离/生殖凝聚（reproductive isolation/cohesion）以及单系性（monophyly）。基于研究结果，我们认定当前记录的北美火蚁物种均为进化独立的演化实体；此外，我们证实了沙漠火蚁类群中金黄火蚁（S. aurea）与钝唇火蚁（S. amblychila）的推定姐妹群地位。然而，在名义物种的分类边界内至少存在两个遗传分化的种群，包括西氏火蚁（S. xyloni）的西部类群，以及加州科切拉谷地特有的一个独立的金黄火蚁种群，这表明当前的分类体系并未完全涵盖该类群的物种级多样性。本研究为后续针对这一类兼具科学与经济重要性的昆虫类群的分类学与演化整合研究奠定了分子基础。