Genomic data reveal similar genetic differentiation in aquifer species with different dispersal capabilities and life histories

Little is known about the life histories, genetic structure, and
population connectivity of shallow groundwater organisms. We used
next-generation sequencing (RAD-seq) to analyze population genomic
structure in two aquifer species: Paraperla frontalis (Banks, 1902), a
stonefly with groundwater larvae and aerial (winged) adults, and
Stygobromus sp., a groundwater-obligate amphipod. We found similar genetic
differentiation in each species between floodplains separated by ~70 river
km in the Flathead River basin of NW Montana, USA. Given that Stygobromus
lacks the aboveground life stage of P. frontalis, our findings suggest
that connectivity and magnitude of genetic structure cannot be
definitively assumed from life history differences.