Species complex
- Pronunciation
- /SPEE-sheez KOM-pleks/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- species complex
- Plural
- species complexes
Definition
A group of closely related that are morphologically similar or nearly indistinguishable, making species boundaries difficult to delimit. Members often interbreed where ranges overlap, producing hybrid zones, and may be distinguished only by genetic, ecological, or behavioral data rather than by traditional diagnostic morphological characters. The term is informal and does not denote a formal taxonomic rank.
Etymology
Latin 'kind, appearance' + Latin complexus 'encircled, entwined'
Example
The Anopheles gambiae complex comprises at least seven morphologically identical mosquito species, some major and others non-vectors, distinguishable only by chromosomal and molecular markers.
Synonyms
- species aggregate
- superspecies
- cryptic species complex
Related Terms
- cryptic species
- Sibling species
- species flock
- hybridization
- integrade
- parapatric speciation
- morphospecies
- genetic species concept
Usage Notes
Distinguish from 'cryptic ' (hidden diversity under one name) and '' (each other's closest relative); a complex may contain multiple sibling pairs. The term is often provisional, reflecting incomplete knowledge rather than a stable evolutionary unit. Some authors restrict 'superspecies' to forms, using 'species complex' more broadly.