Polymorphism of the genus Isophya (Orthoptera, Phaneropteridae, Barbitistinae) revealed by RAPD.

The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) method was used to study the genetic polymorphism of 20 species of the genus Isophya. Each primer amplified a different set of DNA fragments, all oligonucleotides failed to generate any specific diagnostic band that could lead to the identification of Isophya species, and none of the amplified fragments were present in all species. RAPD markers detected a high level of polymorphism in all species. The data were in most cases not congruent with morphological subdivision to the species group and cytotaxonomic studies. The genetic lineages of Isophya seem to be in discordance with relationships proposed by systematists.