SPdel: A pipeline to compare and visualize species delimitation methods for single- locus datasets

An accurate species delimitation is critical for biological studies. In this context, the use of molecular techniques along with species delimitation methods would help to a rapid and accurate biodiversity assessment. The species delimitation methods cluster data sets of orthologous sequences in molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTU). In particular, the methods based on a single gene are easily integrated with the widely used DNA barcoding approach. We developed SPdel a user-friendly pipeline to inte-grate different single -gene species delimitation methods. SPdel is designed to cal-culate and compare MOTUs obtained by different species delimitation approaches. SPdel also outputs diverse ready - to-publish quality figures, that facilitate the inter-pretation of results. SPdel aims to help researchers use species delimitation methods that would improve biodiversity studies.

Automated summary

Accurate species delimitation is crucial for biological studies, and the integration of molecular techniques and species delimitation methods can facilitate rapid and accurate biodiversity assessment. Single-gene species delimitation methods can be easily combined with the widely used DNA barcoding approach. We have developed a user-friendly tool called SPdel, which integrates different single-gene species delimitation methods and provides ready-to-publish quality figures for result interpretation. SPdel aims to assist researchers in improving biodiversity studies through the use of species delimitation methods.