Table 2 Calibration hypotheses employed to time-calibrate the initial phylogeny of the genus Carabus and related taxa based on the nd5 gene

Split between two Canarian endemic species: Carabus (Nesaeocarabus) coarctatus

and C. (N.) abbreviates: C

Volcanic emergence

of Gran Canaria

14.5

Uniform

(a = 0, b = 14.5)

0.03-14.14

Carabus (Autocarabus) cancellatus fossil: F

Messinian deposits

of Cantal (France)

5

Lognormal (μ = 25,σ = 1.5, offset = 5)

5.4-158.5

Radiation of Damaster: J1

Final disconnection of Japan from mainland

3.5

Truncated Normal (μ = 3.5,σ = 1, a = 0.1, b = 1000)

1.55-5.46

Radiation of Leptocarabus: J2

Final disconnection of Japan from mainland

3.5

Truncated Normal (μ = 3.5,σ = 1, a = 0.1, b = 1000)

1.55-5.46

Radiation of Ohomopterus: J3

Final disconnection of Japan from mainland

3.5

Truncated Normal (μ = 3.5,σ = 1, a = 0.1, b = 1000)

1.55-5.46

Split between subgenus Isiocarabus and Ohomopterus: J4

Initial disconnection of Japan from mainland

15

Normal (μ = 15,σ = 1)

13.04-16.96

Split between Carabus (Eurycarabus) genei from Corsica and North African Eurycarabus: M2

Opening Gibraltar strait

5.33

Exponential (μ = 0.5, offset = 5.3)

5.31-7.14

Split between two Carabus (Rhabdotocarabus) melancholicus subspecies: M3

Opening Gibraltar strait

5.33

Exponential (μ = 0.5, offset = 5.3)

5.31-7.14