Genetic diversity and gene flow of the soil arthropod (Scolopendra mutilans) in urban landscapes: The roles of rivers, mountains and fragmentation

Soil invertebrates are a major element of soil biodiversity, which play critical roles in soil ecosystems. However, the impacts of urban landscapes on the genetic diversity and gene flows of soil arthropods remain unclear.

Here, we studied the genetic diversity and gene flow of Scolopendra mutilans in an urban area using mitochondrial Cytb genes and eight novel microsatellite loci.

A total of 22 haplotypes and 24 variation sites were identified based on 556 bp Cytb sequences from 84 individuals of five populations in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. There were 5.63–8.00 alleles in the average of eight microsatellites found in the S. mutilans arthropod populations, which showed high genetic diversity in urban landscapes. There was no correlation between the natural habitat size and genetic diversity of S. mutilans. The global Fst value based on microsatellites was 0.115, which suggested a medium genetic differentiation and population isolation.

The genetic structure of S. mutilans might be affected by urbanisation, as urban patches might hinder gene flow between populations. Ecological corridors preserved in cities might serve as pathways for population migration, which increases gene flow. The gene flows of S. mutilans might not be hindered by natural barriers within cities, as there were strong relationships between populations separated by rivers.

These results may contribute to the conservation of S. mutilans diversity and elucidate its adaptation to urbanisation.