The first complete mitochondrial genome of Pyrrhura sp. – question about conspecificity in the light of hybridization between Pyrrhura molinae and Pyrrhura rupicola species

Abstract

The genus Pyrrhura contains at least 24 species widespread mainly through South America. Pyrrhura molinae (Green-cheeked Conure) and Pyrrhura rupicola (Black-capped Conure) are treated as separate species based on morphological differences. Geographical ranges of these two species overlap in southern Peru. However, it is not clear if they occur there sympatrically or it is a hybridization zone. Some taxonomists conjecture their conspecific character, as possible hybrid individuals have been found in Puno region. We sequenced mitochondrial genome of specimen with phenotype typical for P. molinae. To confirm its species belonging, we aligned CYTB and control region (CR) sequences with adequate sequences of 21 Pyrrhura species. Surprisingly, analyzed P. molinae individual grouped together with two different individuals of P. rupicola species. Such incompatibility of genetic data with morphology may be only the result of these two species hybridization.

• Arini
• mitogenome
• Psittaciformes
• Pyrrhura molinae
• Pyrrhura rupicola

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.