Population genetics shows introgression in multiple hybridizing species of NZ cicada (Cicadidae: Kikihia)

We use microsatellite and mitochondrial loci to trace gene flow at secondary contact between incipient-species populations or recently diverged species in the New Zealand cicada genus Kikihia. Previous phylogeographic studies of this genus identified 20 potential hybrid zones between species pairs that vary widely in their times of previous contact (between 20,000 and 2 million years). These well-supported molecular phylogenies, dated using Bayesian molecular relaxed-clock methods, are used here as a temporal and spatial framework to understand species interactions. The mating song and female response of each species (controlling pre-zygotic isolation), has also been characterized throughout each species’ range. This study examines in detail the introgression of alleles at three contact zones involving four species.