A new species of Opsariichthys (Teleostei, Cypriniformes, Xenocyprididae) from Southeast China.

Opsariichthysiridescens sp. nov. is described from the Qiantang and Oujiang rivers in Zhejiang Province and a tributary of the Yangtze River adjacent to the Qiantang River. It is distinguished from congeners by the following combination of morphological features: no obvious anterior notch on the tip of the upper lip; 45-52 lateral-line scales; 18-21 pre-dorsal scales; two rows of pharyngeal teeth; a maxillary extending to or slightly beyond the vertical anterior margin of the orbit in adult males; a pectoral fin extending to the pelvic fin in adult males; nuptial tubercles on the cheeks and lower jaw of males, which are usually united basally to form a plate; uniform narrow pale pink cross-bars on trunk and two widening significantly on caudal peduncle. Its validity was also supported by its distinct Cyt b gene sequence divergence from all congeners and its monophyly recovered in a Cyt b gene-based phylogenetic analysis.

Genome-wide identification and tissue expression pattern analysis of TPS gene family in soybean (Glycine max).

The terpene synthase (TPS) plays a pivotal roles in plant growth, development, and enhancing resilience against environmental stresses. Despite this, the bioinformatics analysis of the TPS family gene in soybean (Glycine max) is lacking. In this study, we investigated 36 GmTPS members in soybean, exhibiting a diverse range of protein lengths, spanning from 144 to 835 amino acids. A phylogenetic tree was constructed from these GmTPS genes revealed a classification into five distinct subgroups: Group1, Group2, Group3, Group4 and Group5. Notably, within each subgroup, we identified the motifs of GmTPS proteins were similar, although variations existed among different subfamilies. Gene duplication events analysis demonstrated that TPS genes expand differently in G. max, A. thaliana and O. sativa. Among, both tandem duplication and Whole genome duplication contributive to the expansion of TPS genes in G. max, and Whole genome duplication played a major role. Moreover, the cis-element analysis suggested that TPS is related to hormone signals, plant growth and development and environmental stress. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assay results indicated TPS protein may form heterodimer to function, or may form complex with P450 proteins to function. RNA-seq results revealed a higher expression of most GmTPS genes in flowers, suggesting their potential contribution to flower development. Collectively, these findings offer a provide a holistic knowledge of the TPS gene family in soybean and will facilitate further characterization of TPSs effectively.

Chlorocilliumsinense sp. nov. (Clavicipitaceae) and Calcarisporiumguizhouense sp. nov. (Calcarisporiaceae) in Hypocreales from China.

Two new species, Chlorocilliumsinense and Calcarisporiumguizhouense, isolated from a spider and fruiting body of Cordyceps sp., are introduced. Morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses based on multigene datasets (ITS+LSU+RPB2+tef-1alpha) support the establishment of the new species. A combined dataset of ITS, LSU, RPB2, and tef-1alpha showed the taxonomic placement of Chlorocillium in Clavicipitaceae for the first time. Pseudometarhizium is regarded as a synonym of Chlorocillium and two Pseudometarhizium species are transferred into the latter based on the phylogenetic analysis and morphological characteristics.

Phylo-geo haplotype network-based characterization of SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating in India (2020-2022).

Background & objectives Genetic analysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) strains circulating in India during 2020-2022 was carried out to understand the evolution of potentially expanding and divergent clades. Methods SARS-CoV-2 sequences (n=612) randomly selected from among the sequences of samples collected through a nationwide network of Virus Research Diagnostic Laboratories during 2020 (n=1532) and Indian sequences available in Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data during March 2020-March 2022 (n=53077), were analyzed using the phylo-geo haplotype network approach with reference to the Wuhan prototype sequence. Results On haplotype analysis, 420 haplotypes were revealed from 643 segregating sites among the sequences. Haplotype sharing was noted among the strains from different geographical regions. Nevertheless, the genetic distance among the viral haplotypes from different clades could differentiate the strains into distinct haplo groups regarding variant emergence. Interpretation & conclusions The haplotype analysis revealed that the G and GR clades were co-evolved and an epicentrefor the evolution of the GH, GK and GRA clades. GH was more frequently identified in northern parts of India than in other parts, whereas GK was detected less in north India than in other parts. Thus, the network analysis facilitated a detailed illustration of the pathways of evolution and circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Molecular characterization of Mumps virus genotype C detected from Dibrugarh district of Assam, India.

Background & objectives Mumps, a contagious disease caused by the mumps virus (MuV) involves parotid gland inflammation, with potential complications affecting organs other than the parotid glands and central nervous system. Despite successful vaccination, a resurgence of mumps occurred, raising concerns about vaccine effectiveness. This study aimed to examine the entire genome of a representative MuV genotype C from Dibrugarh, Assam, and compare it with references to detect genetic variations in the circulating strain. Methods Representative MuV genotype C from our published study was subjected to whole genome sequencing. MuV genome was analyzed against the reference genome and vaccine strains before being subjected to mutational profiling, N-glycosylation site determination, and phylogenetic analysis. The Immune Epitope Database was used for epitope screening, and selected epitopes were mapped against Assam MuV for conservancy studies. Results Mutational analysis of Assam MuV with WHO (World health Organization) reference, vaccine strains Jeryl Lynn (Genotype A), and L Zagreb (Genotype N) showed variations in seven genes. Phylogenetic analysis established Assam MuV as genotype C. Epitope conservancy analysis highlighted subtle variations in experimentally determined T-cell epitopes for HN and F proteins, emphasizing overall epitope stability. Interpretation & conclusions Genome sequencing has evolved into a standard and potent method for investigating and recording circulating MuV as it provides information on surveillance, mutation analysis, and transmission dynamics. Despite mumps' global effect, genomic studies are limited, particularly in north-east. Our study provides first comprehensive whole-genome report on circulating MuV genotype C in Assam. This research contributes vital genomic data, filling gaps in MuV genetic epidemiology, supporting global research, and assessing vaccine effectiveness.

Phylogenetic evidence of extensive spatial mixing of diverse HIV-1 group M lineages within Cameroon but not between its neighbours.

From the perspective of developing relevant interventions for treating HIV and controlling its spread, it is particularly important to comprehensively understand the underlying diversity of the virus, especially in countries where the virus has been present and evolving since the cross-species transmission event that triggered the global pandemic. Here, we generate and phylogenetically analyse sequences derived from the gag-protease (2010 bp; n = 115), partial integrase (345 bp; n = 36), and nef (719 bp; n = 321) genes of HIV-1 group M (HIV-1M) isolates sampled between 2000 and 2022 from two cosmopolitan cities and 40 remote villages of Cameroon. While 52.4% of all sequenced viruses belonged to circulating recombinant form (CRF) 02_AG (CRF02_AG), the remainder were highly diverse, collectively representing seven subtypes and sub-subtypes, eight CRFs, and 36 highly divergent lineages that fall outside the established HIV-1M classification. Additionally, in 77 samples for which at least two genes were typed, 31% of the studied viruses apparently had fragments from viruses belonging to different clades. Furthermore, we found that the distribution of HIV-1M populations is similar between different regions of Cameroon. In contrast, HIV-1M demographics in Cameroon differ significantly from those in its neighbouring countries in the Congo Basin (CB). In phylogenetic trees, viral sequences cluster according to the countries where they were sampled, suggesting that while there are minimal geographical or social barriers to viral dissemination throughout Cameroon, there is strongly impeded dispersal of HIV-1M lineages between Cameroon and other locations of the CB. This suggests that the apparent stability of highly diverse Cameroonian HIV-1M populations may be attributable to the extensive mixing of human populations within the country and the concomitant trans-national movements of major lineages with very similar degrees of fitness; coupled with the relatively infrequent inter-national transmission of these lineages from neighbouring countries in the CB.

Historical drivers of HCV Subtypes 1b and 3a in Thailand and 6f in Phetchabun, an HCV endemic area of the country.

The World Health Organization has set a target to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public threat by 2030. In pursuit of this goal, Thailand initiated a hepatitis C virus (HCV) microelimination project targeting Phetchabun province, a well-recognized high-burden HCV endemic area. However, the historical transmission dynamics of HCV in Phetchabun, and in Thailand in general, remain unclear. This study investigates the epidemic histories of HCV in Phetchabun, focusing on Subtypes 1b, 3a, and 6f, and their relationship with HCV in other regions of Thailand, using molecular phylogenetic analyses. Our results reveal nationwide the presence of Subtypes 1b and 3a, while Subtype 6f is mainly confined to Phetchabun. The initial spread of Subtype 1b was inferred to coincide with World War II and the period of suboptimal medical and hygienic standards in Thai blood transfusion services, suggesting a correlation between the two. The early expansion of Subtype 3a was, on the other hand, found to correlate with the epidemic of intravenous drug use in Thailand during the time of Vietnam War. The early expansion of Subtype 6f, in contrast, appears to coincide with the period of severe regional political conflict and social and economic instability. All these findings suggest the complex interplay between social determinants of health and HCV transmission. Post the mid-1990s/early 2000s, all subtypes showed significantly reduced population growth rates, aligning with improvements in blood transfusion safety standards, the nationwide "War on Drugs" policy, and enhanced accessibility to public healthcare and HCV treatments. These combined efforts likely have contributed to curbing the spread of HCV in Thailand. Nevertheless, our analyses reveal that the prevalence of HCV in Thailand remains high overall, emphasizing the need for further research and a nationwide approach to more effectively reduce the HCV burden in Thailand.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of Hordeum pusillum Nutt., 1818 (Poaceae).

Hordeum pusillum (Hordeum pusillum Nutt., 1818) is an annual barley that is native to the west of the North America and widespread in southern United States and tropical America. In this study, we have provided the first complete characterization of the chloroplast genome of H. pusillum. Our research revealed that the circular chloroplast genome of H. pusillum consists of a large single-copy region (LSC: 80,853 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC: 12,745 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs: 21,587 bp), totaling 136,772 bp in length. Within the chloroplast genome of H. pusillum, 91 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and ten rRNA genes were identified. To determine the evolutionary relationship of Hordeum species with reported chloroplast genome sequences, we constructed a phylogenetic tree using the entire chloroplast genome sequences. The evolutionary position of H. pusillum corresponds to its geographical location. The chloroplast genome of H. pusillum provided in this study may have significant implications for the phylogenetic study of Poaceae species.

Inference of Phylogenetic Networks from Sequence Data using Composite Likelihood.

While phylogenies have been essential in understanding how species evolve, they do not adequately describe some evolutionary processes. For instance, hybridization, a common phenomenon where interbreeding between two species leads to formation of a new species, must be depicted by a phylogenetic network, a structure that modifies a phylogenetic tree by allowing two branches to merge into one, resulting in reticulation. However, existing methods for estimating networks become computationally expensive as the dataset size and/or topological complexity increase. The lack of methods for scalable inference hampers phylogenetic networks from being widely used in practice, despite accumulating evidence that hybridization occurs frequently in nature. Here, we propose a novel method, PhyNEST (Phylogenetic Network Estimation using SiTe patterns), that estimates binary, level-1 phylogenetic networks with a fixed, user-specified number of reticulations directly from sequence data. By using the composite likelihood as the basis for inference, PhyNEST is able to use the full genomic data in a computationally tractable manner, eliminating the need to summarize the data as a set of gene trees prior to network estimation. To search network space, PhyNEST implements both hill climbing and simulated annealing algorithms. PhyNEST assumes that the data are composed of coalescent independent sites that evolve according to the Jukes-Cantor substitution model and that the network has a constant effective population size. Simulation studies demonstrate that PhyNEST is often more accurate than two existing composite likelihood summary methods (SNaQ and PhyloNet) and that it is robust to at least one form of model misspecification (assuming a less complex nucleotide substitution model than the true generating model). We applied PhyNEST to reconstruct the evolutionary relationships among Heliconius butterflies and Papionini primates, characterized by hybrid speciation and widespread introgression, respectively. PhyNEST is implemented in an open-source Julia package and is publicly available at https://github.com/sungsik-kong/PhyNEST.jl.

Avian astrovirus caused mortality in pheasant (Phasianus colchicus, Linnaeus, 1758) farm in Hungary.

We present the clinical symptoms, pathologic lesions and diagnostic possibilities of the avian astrovirus-related mortality in a pheasant colony. In addition to enteritis in chicks, we also confirmed acute nephrosis. The genome section of the astrovirus was detected and verified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. After sequencing the isolated genome section based on BLAST driver analysis (601-base pair-long) avian astrovirus has the same ORF-1b gene as turkey astrovirus 1 (TAstV1).

Lake Bacterial Communities in North Patagonian Andes: The Effect of the Nothofagus pumilio Treeline.

One of the most noticeable environmental discontinuities in mountains is the transition that exists in vegetation below and above the treeline. In the North Patagonian Andean lakes (between 900 and 1950 m a.s.l.), we analyzed the bacterial community composition of lakes in relation to surrounding vegetation (erected trees, krummholz belt, and bare rocks), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and total dissolved nutrients (nitrogen, TDN and phosphorus, TDP). We observed a decrease in DOC, TDP, and TDN concentrations with altitude, reflecting shifts in the source inputs entering the lakes by runoff. Cluster analysis based on bacterial community composition showed a segregation of the lakes below treeline, from those located above. This first cluster was characterized by the cyanobacteria Cyanobium PCC-6307, while in the krummholz belt and bare rocks, bacterial communities were dominated by Actinobacteria hgcl-clade and Proteobacteria (Sandarakinorhabdus and Rhodovarius), with the presence of pigments such as actinorhodopsin, carotenoids, and bacteriochlorophyll a. The net relatedness index (NRI), which considers the community phylogenetic dispersion, showed that lakes located on bare rocks were structured by environmental filtering, while communities of lakes below treeline were structured by species interactions such as competition. Beta-diversity was higher among lakes below than among lakes located above the treeline. The contribution of species turnover was more important than nestedness. Our study brings light on how bacterial communities may respond to changes in the surrounding vegetation, highlighting the importance of evaluating different aspects of community structure to understand metacommunity organization.

The complete chloroplast genome and phylogenetic analysis of Garcinia esculenta Y. H. Li. 1981 (Clusiaceae).

Garcinia esculenta Y. H. Li. 1981 (Clusiaceae) is an endemic tree species in China, primarily found in western and northwestern Yunnan Province. In this research, the complete chloroplast genome of G. esculenta was sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq6000 platform. The result showed that the length of the complete chloroplast genome was 155,853 bp, which was composed of a large single-copy region (LSC) of 84,534 bp, a small single-copy region (SSC) of 17,175 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 27,072 bp. The overall GC content was 36.1%. The complete chloroplast genome encompassed 128 genes, comprising 83 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete chloroplast genome sequences of 22 species revealed that G. esculenta is most closely related to G. oblongifolia.

The complete chloroplast genome of Calyptothecium philippinense Broth. (Pterobryaceae, Hypnales).

The genus Calyptothecium, currently comprising ca. 30 species worldwide, is the largest genus within the family Pterobryaceae. However, a comprehensive taxonomic revision of this genus is lacking. Calyptothecium philippinense Broth. 1899, a moss species widely found in the tropical regions of Asia, is characterized by the unique rugose leaves and large auriculate leaf bases. In this study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome (CPG) of C. philippinense using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. The length of the CPG of C. philippinense was determined to be 124,513 bp, with an AT content of 74%. The CPG of C. philippinense exhibited a standard quadripartite structure, consisting of one small single-copy (SSC) region (18,541 bp), one large single-copy region (LSC) (87,222 bp), and two inverted repeat (IR) regions (9375 bp each). A total of 126 genes from the CPG of C. philippinense were annotated, including 82 protein-coding genes, eight ribosomal RNA genes, and 36 transfer RNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on the CPGs of 25 bryophyte taxa revealed that the three Pterobryaceae species C. philippinense, Calyptothecium hookeri (Mitt.) Broth. and Pterobryopsis orientalis (Müll. Hal.) M. Fleisch. formed a robust clade. The findings could facilitate more accurate classification and help elucidate evolutionary relationships within Calyptothecium.

The complete chloroplast genome of Fuchsia standishii J. Harrison, 1840 (Onagraceae) from Yunnan, China.

Fuchsia standishii J. Harrison, 1840, a perennial shrub, is renowned for its vividly colored and uniquely shaped blooms, which have an extended flowering season. Commonly cultivated as an ornamental potted plant, it is utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, we successfully sequenced and assembled the complete chloroplast genome of F. standishii using high-throughput Illumina sequencing technology. The assembled chloroplast genome displays a typical quadripartite structure, with a total length of 156,391 bp. It consists of a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs), each measuring 25,069 bp, separated by a large single-copy region (LSC) of 87,754 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 18,499 bp. The overall GC content of the genome is 37.60%. The genome includes a total of 129 genes, comprising 84 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis of 17 complete chloroplast genomes revealed that F. standishii forms a monophyletic group with the entire Circaea. This study provides a molecular foundation for future phylogenetic research on Fuchsia.

The complete sequence of chloroplast genome of Baeckea frutescens Linaeus 1753 (Myrtoideae), a traditional folk medicinal plant.

Baeckea frutescens Linaeus 1753, as a traditional folk medicine in South East Asia, possesses sesquiterpenes, phloroglucinols, chromones, and essential oil, and is utilized for traditional Chinese medicinal purposes. The genetic diversity of the plant must be better understood, considering its significance. The complete chloroplast (cp) genome of B. frutescens was sequenced and assembled by using Illumina paired-end data, marking a significant advancement toward comprehending its genetic composition. The complete cp genome is 158,939 bp in length and contains 128 genes, consisting of 83 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that B. frutescens and other the 13 were clustered to the family of Myrtaceae. These findings are crucial for the conservation and utilization of this important plant species. Additionally, they underscore the potential for future research on the evolution and preservation of B. frutescens, which could be advantageous in pharmaceutical applications.

Sexual Dimorphism and Divergent Evolutionary Pathways in Primate Cranial Biomechanics: Insights From a Theoretical Morphology Framework.

The mammalian order Primates is known for widespread sexual dimorphism in size and phenotype. Despite repeated speculation that primate sexual size dimorphism either facilitates or is in part driven by functional differences in how males and females interact with their environments, few studies have directly assessed the influence of sexual dimorphism on performance traits. Here, we use a theoretical morphology framework to show that sexual dimorphism in primate crania is associated with divergent biomechanical performance traits. The degree of dimorphism is a significant covariate in biomechanical trait divergence between sexes. Males exhibit less efficient but stiffer cranial shapes and significant evolutionary allometry in biomechanical performance, whereas females maintain performance stability across their size spectrum. Evolutionary rates are elevated for efficiency in females whereas males emphasize size-dependent cranial stiffness. These findings support a hypothesis of sex-linked bifurcation in masticatory system performance: larger male crania and faster size evolution partially compensate for low efficiency and reflect a de-emphasis of mechanical leverage, whereas female crania maintain higher mechanical efficiency overall and evolve more rapidly in molar-based masticatory performance. The evolutionary checks-and-balances between size dimorphism and cranial mechanical performance may be a more important driver of primate phenotypic evolution than has been hitherto appreciated.

Molecular characterization of plant growth-promoting Trichoderma from Saudi Arabia.

Fungi in the genus Trichoderma are widespread in the environment, mainly in soils. They are used in agriculture because of their mycoparasitic potential; Trichoderma have the ability to increase plant health and provide protection against phytopathogens, making them desirable plant symbionts. We isolated, identified, and characterized Trichoderma from different regions of Saudi Arabia and evaluated the ability of Trichoderma to promote plant growth. Morphological and molecular characterization, along with phylogenetic studies, were utilized to differentiate between Trichoderma species isolated from soil samples in the Abha and Riyadh regions, Saudi Arabia. Then, plant growth-promoting traits of the isolated Trichoderma species were assessed. Eight Trichoderma isolates were characterized via morphological and molecular analysis; six (Trichoderma koningiopsis, Trichoderma lixii, Trichoderma koningii, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma brevicompactum, and Trichoderma velutinum) were from Abha and two (T. lixii and T. harzianum) were from Riyadh. The isolated Trichoderma strains belonged to three different clades (Clade 1: Harzianum, Clade 2: Brevicompactum, and Clade 3: Viride). The Trichoderma isolates varied in plant growth-promoting traits. Seeds treated with most isolates exhibited a high percentage of germination, except seeds treated with the T3-T. koningii isolate. 100% germination was reported for seeds treated with the T4-T. harzianum and T6-T. brevicompactum isolates, while seeds treated with the T1-T. koniniopsis and T5-T. lixii isolates showed 91.1% and 90.9% germination, respectively. Seeds treated with the T8-T. velutinum, T2-T. lixii, and T7-T. harzianum isolates had germination rates of 84.1%, 82.2%, and 72.7%, respectively. The Trichoderma isolate T5-T. lixii stimulated tomato plant growth the most, followed by T7-T. harzianum, T8-T. velutinum, T4-T. harzianum, T1-T. koniniopsis, T2-T. lixii, and T6-T. brevicompactum; the least effective was T3-T. koningii. A maximum fresh weight of 669.33 mg was observed for the T5-T. lixii-treated plants. The Abha region had a higher diversity of Trichoderma species than the Riyadh region, and most isolated Trichoderma spp. promoted tomato growth.

Deciphering the multi- partite mitochondrial genome of Crataegus pinnatifida: insights into the evolution and genetics of cultivated Hawthorn.

Flowering plant (angiosperm) mitochondrial genomes are remarkably dynamic in their structures. We present the complete mitochondrial genome of hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge), a shrub that bears fruit and is celebrated for its extensive medicinal history. We successfully assembled the hawthorn mitogenome utilizing the PacBio long-read sequencing technique, which yielded 799,862 reads, and the Illumina novaseq6000 sequencing platform, which producing 6.6 million raw paired reads. The C. pinnatifida mitochondria sequences encompassed a total length of 440,295 bp with a GC content of 45.42%. The genome annotates 54 genes, including 34 that encode proteins, 17 that encode tRNA, and three genes for rRNA. A fascinating interplay was observed between the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes, which share 17 homologous sequences sequences that rotal 1,933 bp. A total of 134 SSRs, 22 tandem repeats and 42 dispersed repeats were identified in the mitogenome. Four conformations of C. pinnatifida mitochondria sequences recombination were verified through PCR experiments and Sanger sequencing, and C. pinnatifida mitogenome is more likely to be assembled into three circular-mapping chromosomes. All the RNA editing sites that were identified C-U edits, which predominantly occurred at the first and second positions of the codons. Phylogenetic and collinearity analyses identified the evolutionary trajectory of C. pinnatifida, which reinforced the genetic identity of the hawthorn section. This unveiling of the unique multi-partite structure of the hawthorn mitogenome offers a foundational reference for future study into the evolution and genetics of C. pinnatifida.

The complete chloroplast genome of Tabebuia rosea (Bignoniaceae).

Tabebuia rosea is a world-renowned woody plant with colorful flowers in full bloom. In addition to its high ornamental value, it also has ecological and medicinal value. In this study, the complete circular chloroplast genome of T. rosea was reconstructed and annotated using Illumina sequencing. The chloroplast genome was 158,919 bp in size with GC content of 38.21%, including a large single-copy region of 85,823 bp, a small single-copy region of 12,816 bp, and a pair of inverted repeats of 30,140 bp. It encoded 132 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Based on current available chloroplast genome sequences, the phylogenetic analysis indicated that T. rosea was clustered with T. nodosa and H. chrysanthus. This study provided insights into the evolutionary relationships among different species of Bignoniaceae.

Comparative Population Genomic Diversity and Differentiation in Trapdoor Spiders and Relatives (Araneae, Mygalomorphae).

Although patterns of population genomic variation are well-studied in animals, there remains room for studies that focus on non-model taxa with unique biologies. Here we characterise and attempt to explain such patterns in mygalomorph spiders, which are generally sedentary, often occur as spatially clustered demes and show remarkable longevity. Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data were collected for 500 individuals across a phylogenetically representative sample of taxa. We inferred genetic populations within focal taxa using a phylogenetically informed clustering approach, and characterised patterns of diversity and differentiation within- and among these genetic populations, respectively. Using phylogenetic comparative methods we asked whether geographical range sizes and ecomorphological variables (behavioural niche and body size) significantly explain patterns of diversity and differentiation. Specifically, we predicted higher genetic diversity in genetic populations with larger geographical ranges, and in small-bodied taxa. We also predicted greater genetic differentiation in small-bodied taxa, and in burrowing taxa. We recovered several significant predictors of genetic diversity, but not genetic differentiation. However, we found generally high differentiation across genetic populations for all focal taxa, and a consistent signal for isolation-by-distance irrespective of behavioural niche or body size. We hypothesise that high population genetic structuring, likely reflecting combined dispersal limitation and microhabitat specificity, is a shared trait for all mygalomorphs. Few studies have found ubiquitous genetic structuring for an entire ancient and species-rich animal clade.