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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.08.30.748084

Metric-dependent genomic diversity reveals phylogenetic and ecological structure in saproxylic beetles

Krovi, R. S.·Amer, N. R.·Wierzbicka, A.·Plewa, R.·Kadej, M.·Jaworski, T.·Smolis, A.·Szmatola, T.·Oczkowicz, M.·Kajtoch, L.
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Abstract

Abstract 1. Comparative studies can reach different conclusions when genomic-diversity metrics use different denominators. 2. We analysed standardized ddRAD-seq data from 759 individuals, 149 species-by-site population records and 26 saproxylic beetle species across eight Polish forest complexes. 3. Species identity and sampling hierarchy explained most population-level variation. Deciduous-associated species had higher variant-site expected heterozygosity than conifer-associated species. 4. All-position nucleotide diversity showed stable phylogenetic signal, whereas occurrence tier and exploratory forest-management and protection contrasts showed no consistent associations. 5. Genomic-diversity metrics are not interchangeable; comparative assessments should report their denominator and test lineage sensitivity.

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Krovi, R. S., Amer, N. R., Wierzbicka, A., Plewa, R., Kadej, M., Jaworski, T., Smolis, A., Szmatola, T., Oczkowicz, M., Kajtoch, L.. 2026-09-04. Metric-dependent genomic diversity reveals phylogenetic and ecological structure in saproxylic beetles. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.08.30.748084

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