Cave beetle genetics: geology and gene flow

The genetic structure of four species of obligate cave-dwelling carabid beetles, occurring in two plateau karsts, was examined using gel electrophoresis of proteins. Geological features, in particular streams and rivers, appear to be strong barriers to gene flow in both karst regions. Additional genetic differentiation among populations, which is not obviously related to geological features, occurs in both plateaus. As a result, gene flow levels in these species are generally lower than those reported for similar surface-dwelling species in the same geographical area.