Molecular Identity of Subterranean Termites

Identification of termites is a challenging task due to variable morphological differences among species and their eusocial behaviour with different caste system. A method for easy and accurate species-level identification at any life stage is required. In this study, a 658-base pair region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene was used to explore its utility in the identification of important subterranean termites. Termite specimens collected from 25 locations from various states, were characterized using specific primers for their identification. Sequence analysis and divergence among the species was assessed. The composition of the mitochondrial sequence of the COI gene in the present study was expectedly AT biased. GenBank accession numbers were obtained for the species. Sequence analysis and divergence among the species was assessed, which revealed significantly high percentage of A+T base composition. Molecular sequence information from NCBI revealed relatedness in all the collected termites, accurately as revealed by their morphological characters. The studies indicate the relevance of DNA sequencing to match different forms of termites and address ambiguities in morphological identification. The information on species diversity would help plan strategies for management of termites. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 8(4): 410-416

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Genetic analysis reveals Finnish Formica fennica populations do not form a separate genetic entity from F. exsecta

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.6013 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. e6013 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Sanja Maria Hakala ◽

Perttu Seppä ◽

Maria Heikkilä ◽

Pekka Punttila ◽

Jouni Sorvari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Variation ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Coi Gene ◽

Species Status ◽

Separate Species ◽

Mitochondrial Coi ◽

Recent Addition ◽

Morphological Differences ◽

Dna Microsatellite ◽

Dna Microsatellite Markers

Coptoformica Müller, 1923 is a subgenus of Formica Linnaeus, 1758 that consists of c. a dozen species of ants that typically inhabit open grassy habitats and build small nest mounds. The most recent addition to the group is Formica fennica Seifert, 2000. The description was based on morphological characters, but the species status has not been confirmed by molecular methods. In this study, we use thirteen DNA microsatellite markers and a partial mitochondrial COI gene sequence to assess the species status of F. fennica, by comparing the genetic variation among samples identified as F. fennica and six other boreal Formica (Coptoformica) species. Most of the species studied form separate, discontinuous clusters in phylogenetic and spatial analyses with only little intraspecific genetic variation. However, both nuclear and mitochondrial markers fail to separate the species pair F. exsecta Nylander, 1846 and F. fennica despite established morphological differences. The genetic variation within the F. exsecta/fennica group is extensive, but reflects spatial rather than morphological differences. Finnish F. fennica populations studied so far should not be considered a separate species, but merely a morph of F. exsecta.

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Revision of the genus Dinotoperla Tillyard, 1921 (Plecoptera: Gripopterygidae) using morphological characters and molecular data: Establishes two new genera, three new species and updates the larval taxonomy

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.4224.1.1 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 4224 (1) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

JULIA H MYNOTT ◽

PHILLIP J SUTER ◽

GUNTHER THEISCHINGER

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

Mitochondrial Gene ◽

Life Stage ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Molecular Data ◽

Morphological Identification ◽

New Genera ◽

Adult Males ◽

Larval Life ◽

Dichotomous Key

The larval taxonomy of Australian stoneflies (Plecoptera) shows a large disparity in knowledge when compared to the adult taxonomy with many species having undescribed larval forms. The importance of stoneflies as an indicator group for monitoring aquatic ecosystems means knowledge of the larval taxonomy and the ability to identify species is essential. This study combined morphology and mitochondrial gene sequences to associate the adult and larval life-stages for species of Dinotoperla Tillyard. Morphological identification of adult males was recognised for 17 of the 35 Dinotoperla species and combining molecular data with morphology confirmed eight new adult-larval life stage associations. Further, molecular data supported the larval taxonomy for five morphospecies which remain unassociated. The combination of molecular and morphological methods enabled the larval morphology to be reassessed for the genus Dinotoperla and this has led to the establishment of two new genera, Odontoperla, gen. nov. and Oedemaperla, gen. nov., and the new species Dinotoperla aryballoi, sp. nov, D. tasmaniensis, sp. nov. and Oedemaperla shackletoni, sp. nov. as well as the new or updated descriptions of the larvae of 31 species and a comprehensive dichotomous key to these larvae.

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Molecular Identification and Geometric Morphometric Analysis of Haematobosca aberrans (Diptera: Muscidae)

Insects ◽

10.3390/insects11070451 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 451 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Tanasak Changbunjong ◽

Jiraporn Ruangsittichai ◽

Gerard Duvallet ◽

Adrian C. Pont

Keyword(s):

Sexual Dimorphism ◽

Geometric Morphometrics ◽

Morphometric Analysis ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Wing Shape ◽

Coi Gene ◽

Morphological Identification ◽

Data Systems ◽

Geometric Morphometric ◽

Geometric Morphometric Analysis

The genus Haematobosca Bezzi, 1907 (Diptera: Muscidae) contains haematophagous flies of veterinary importance. A new fly species of this genus was recognised from northern Thailand based on morphological characters and described as Haematobosca aberrans Pont, Duvallet & Changbunjong, 2020. In the present study, the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene was used to confirm the morphological identification of H. aberrans. In addition, landmark-based geometric morphometrics was used to determine sexual dimorphism. The molecular analysis was conducted with 10 COI sequences. The results showed that all sequences were 100% identical. The sequence was not highly similar to reference sequences from GenBank and did not match any identified species from Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD). Phylogenetic analysis clearly differentiated this species from other species within the subfamily Stomoxyinae. For geometric morphometric analysis, a total of 16 wing pictures were analysed using the landmark-based approach. The results showed significant differences in wing shape between males and females, with a cross-validated classification score of 100%. The allometric analysis showed that wing shape has no correlation with size. Therefore, the COI gene is effective in species identification of H. aberrans, and geometric morphometrics is also effective in determining sexual dimorphism.

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Redescription of the Australian metallic-green tomato fly, Lamprolonchaea brouniana (Bezzi) (Diptera: Lonchaeidae), with notes on the Australian Lamprolonchaea fauna

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.2670.1.2 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 2670 (1) ◽

pp. 31 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

MARK J. BLACKET ◽

MALLIK B. MALIPATIL

Keyword(s):

Tomato Fruit ◽

Life Stage ◽

Morphological Characteristics ◽

Fruit Fly ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Coi Gene ◽

Common Life ◽

Host Plant Use ◽

Species Descriptions ◽

Species Being

The twenty-four species of Lonchaeidae (lance flies) known from Australia commonly breed in a wide variety of organic matter, including fruit and vegetables. The metallic-green tomato fly (Lamprolonchaea brouniana) is the best known species, being an agricultural pest. However its common name is also applied to other similar bright metallic goldengreen lance flies. Australian lance flies are generally relatively poorly understood taxonomically, with few species descriptions including (1) both male and female adults, (2) detailed descriptions of larval diagnostic morphological characters, and (3) molecular characterisation of the barcoding COI mitochondrial DNA region (no lance flies having been sequenced to date). The latter two could provide valuable tools to assist in identifying this species from larvae found in food produce, the most common life stage encountered, which are currently sometimes confused with economically important tephritid fruit fly larvae. In the current study we redescribe the morphological characteristics of adults, larvae and pupae as well as characterise the COI gene from the most common Australian lonchaeid fruit pest, L. brouniana, to enable an accurate species diagnosis. We provide a key to known Australian Lamprolonchaea species, and clarify the taxonomy of L. brouniana, including designating type material. This species appears to be restricted to Australia, and has been most commonly collected from the temperate south. Life history characteristics, including the timing of occurrence and host plant use, were also examined. Over the last decade south-eastern Australian larval samples were found over the warmer summer and autumn months from various fruit, most often (>70%) from tomato fruit, and not normally in association with other serious primary pests, such as Queensland Fruit Fly (Bactrocera tryoni).

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(279) Morphological Investigation of Astilbe

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.41.4.1037a ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 41 (4) ◽

pp. 1037A-1037 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Brian W. Trader ◽

Holly L. Scoggins ◽

Richard E. Veilleux

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Trees ◽

Morphological Character ◽

Floral Development ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Morphological Data ◽

Sequence Information ◽

Character State ◽

State Matrix ◽

Molecular Sequence ◽

Species Combination

The genus Astilbe (Saxifragaceae) is comprised of approximately 20 species and is ranked consistently among the top ten landscape perennials. Through extensive hybridization, selection, and marketing, the lineage of many Astilbe has been lost. Subdioecious Astilbe biternata is the only species in the genus native to North America, while other members of the genus are endemic to Asia and monoecious. Due to the unusual geographic distribution of the species and the variation in floral development among them, investigation of morphological characters may help establish lineage within the genus. Herbarium material representing described species and varieties of Astilbe was acquired from several herbaria nationwide. Twenty-seven character states were selected to help distinguish members among the genus. Morphological character states chosen for inferring differences among species in Astilbe varied from degree of pubescence to leaf branching with an emphasis on floral characteristics such as sepal and petal variation. Character state matrix was assimilated for 20 taxa of Astilbe and analyzed using maximum parsimony. The monotypic genus Saxifragopsis was utilized as the outgroup taxa. Resulting phylogenetic trees show Astilbe simplicifolia as the species from which all members of the genus were derived. The American species, Astilbe biternata, separated away from other members within the genus. There is evidence from the phylogeny based on the morphological character states that some described species may actually represent variation within populations of species. Combination of this morphological data with molecular sequence information may be informative for further description of the Astilbe genus.

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Identification and genetic diversity of Spodoptera frugiperda in Lampung Province, Indonesia

Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity ◽

10.13057/biodiv/d210448 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Puji Lestari ◽

ADRIYANA BUDIARTI ◽

Yuyun Fitriana ◽

FX. SUSILO ◽

I GEDE SWIBAWA ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Sequence Analysis ◽

Spodoptera Frugiperda ◽

Insect Pest ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Molecular Techniques ◽

Coi Gene ◽

Plant Damage ◽

Foreign Countries ◽

The Absolute

Abstract. Lestari P, Budiarti A, Fitriana Y, Susilo FX, Swibawa IG, Sudarsono H, Suharjo R, Hariri AM, Purnomo, Nuryasin, Solikhin, Wibowo L, Jumari, Hartaman M. 2020. Identification and genetic diversity of Spodoptera frugiperda in Lampung Province, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 1670-1677. Spodoptera frugiperda is one of the most recent invasive and destructive insect pest in Indonesia. Recently, it has been reported that this pest was found in some cornfield areas in Sumatera, including Lampung. This research was performed to confirm the presence of S. frugiperda in Lampung Province by collecting and identifying larvae of Spodoptera found in the field as well as investigation on the genetic diversity of the established populations and to observe the damage caused by this pest on cornfields in the Lampung Province. The observation was conducted from February-April 2019 at four locations (districts) representing corn-producing areas in Lampung, namely Lampung Selatan, Lampung Timur, Pesawaran and Pringsewu, each location comprising five plots. The plot is a cornfield with plants aged 14-40 days after planting. Twenty plants were randomly chosen in every plot as plant samples to collect the Spodoptera larvae and to calculate the absolute plant damage caused by the larvae. The absolute plant damage was analyzed by dividing the attacked plants with total plants observed and multiply by 100%. Identification of the Spodoptera larvae was performed based on morphological characters and molecular techniques using sequence analysis of Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The result confirmed that the larvae found in the cornfield in Lampung were S. frugiperda. There was no nucleotides variation in the sequence of COI gene among S. frugiperda found in Lampung Province (Lampung Selatan, Lampung Timur, Pesawaran and Pringsewu) as well as S. frugiperda that was found in corn from foreign countries. The absolute plant damage caused by this pest in the four districts of Lampung was in the range of 26.50-70%.

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Notes on the molecular taxonomy of the Proclossiana eunomia complex (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae: Argynnini): analysis of DNA barcodes

Ukrainian Journal of Ecology ◽

10.15421/2018_206 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 222-232 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

R. V. Yakovlev ◽

N. A. Shapoval ◽

G. N. Kuftina ◽

A. V. Kulak ◽

S. V. Kovalev

Keyword(s):

Body Size ◽

Molecular Taxonomy ◽

Taxonomic Status ◽

Molecular Data ◽

Coi Gene ◽

Wing Pattern ◽

Molecular Approach ◽

Dna Barcodes ◽

Morphological Differences ◽

Proclossiana Eunomia

The Proclossiana eunomia (Esper, 1799) complex is currently composed of the several subspecies distributed throughout Palaearсtic region and North America. Despite the fact that some of the taxa have differences in wing pattern and body size, previous assumptions on taxonomy not supported by molecular data. Therefore, the identity of certain populations of this complex has remained unclear and the taxonomic status of several recently described taxa is debated. Here, we provide insights into systematics of some Palaearctic members of this group using molecular approach, based on the analysis of the barcoding fragment of the COI gene taking into account known morphological differences.

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Molecular analysis of the mitochondrial markers COI, 12S rDNA and 16S rDNA for six species of Iranian scorpions

BMC Research Notes ◽

10.1186/s13104-021-05449-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Parisa Soltan-Alinejad ◽

Javad Rafinejad ◽

Farrokh Dabiri ◽

Piero Onorati ◽

Olle Terenius ◽

...

Keyword(s):

16S Rdna ◽

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Coi Gene ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

Morphological Identification ◽

Species Determination ◽

Important Species ◽

Mitochondrial Markers ◽

12S Rdna ◽

Rdna Sequences

Abstract Objectives Annually, 1.2 million humans are stung by scorpions and severely affected by their venom. Some of the scorpion species of medical importance have a similar morphology to species with low toxicity. To establish diagnostic tools for surveying scorpions, the current study was conducted to generate three mitochondrial markers, Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI gene), 12S rDNA and 16S rDNA for six species of medically important Iranian scorpions: Androctonus crassicauda, Hottentotta saulcyi, Mesobuthus caucasicus, M. eupeus, Odontobuthus doriae, and Scorpio maurus. Results Phylogenetic analyses of the obtained sequences corroborated the morphological identification. For the first time, 12S rDNA sequences are reported from Androctonus crassicauda, Hottentotta saulcyi, Mesobuthus caucasicus and M. eupeus and also the 16S rDNA sequence from Hottentotta saulcyi. We conclude that the mitochondrial markers are useful for species determination among these medically important species of scorpions.

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Are Tetranychus macfarlanei Baker & Pritchard and Tetranychus malaysiensis Ehara (Acari: Tetranychidae) one species? Morphological and molecular evidences for synonymy between these two spider mite species and a note on invasiveness of T. macfarlanei on okra and eggplant in India

Systematic and Applied Acarology ◽

10.11158/saa.22.4.3 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 22 (4) ◽

pp. 467

Author(s):

Mahran Zeity ◽

Nagappa Srinivas ◽

Chinnamade Channegowde Gowda

Keyword(s):

Spider Mite ◽

Morphological Characters ◽

Molecular Data ◽

Mite Species ◽

Coi Gene ◽

High Similarity ◽

Mitochondrial Coi ◽

Mitochondrial Coi Gene ◽

High Degree ◽

Degree Of Similarity

Study of morphological characters of Tetranychus macfarlanei Baker & Pritchard and Tetranychus malaysiensis Ehara revealed high similarity by comparing all the important characters in addition to the characters pointed out by Ehara to separate those two species. Molecular phylogeny of seven Indian populations of T. macfarlanei and one population of T. malaysiensis from Philippines along with few distantly related species of Tetranychus was attempted. High degree of similarity between these two species at mitochondrial COI gene (96%) as well as ITS2 (rDNA) (96–99%) region was evident. Based on both morphological features and molecular data, T. malaysiensis is proposed as a junior synonym of T. macfarlanei based on ICZN’s law of priority. Also more female characters are prompted in this study to distinctly discriminate T. macfarlanei from its most resembling species, Tetranychus ludeni Zacher. Tetranychus macfarlanei has emerged as a pest of several cultivated crop plants in India.

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A new species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Ninh Thuan Province, southern Vietnam

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.4999.1.4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4999 (1) ◽

pp. 58-76

Author(s):

Quyen Hanh Do ◽

TRUNG MY PHUNG ◽

HANH THI NGO ◽

MINH DUC LE ◽

THOMAS ZIEGLER ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New Species ◽

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Coi Gene ◽

Unique Combination ◽

Mitochondrial Coi ◽

Southern Vietnam ◽

Mitochondrial Coi Gene ◽

Morphological Differences ◽

Dorsal Pattern ◽

A New Species

A new species of the Cyrtodactylus irregularis group is described from Ninh Thuan Province, southern Vietnam based on molecular divergence and morphological differences. Cyrtodactylus orlovi sp. nov. is distinguished from the remaining Indochinese bent-toed geckos by having the unique combination of the following characters: size medium (SVL 61.0–77.7 mm); dorsal tubercles in 16–20 irregular rows; 36–39 ventral scale rows; precloacal pores absent in females, 5 or 6 in males, in a continuous row; femoral pores absent; 3–8 enlarged femoral scales; postcloacal spurs 1 or 2; lamellae under toe IV 16–19; a continuous neckband; a highly irregular transverse banded dorsal pattern; the absence of transversely enlarged median subcaudal scales. In phylogenetic analyses, the new species was revealed to be the sister taxon to a clade consisting of Cyrtodactylus cattienensis and the most recently described species from Vietnam, C. chungi, with 12.1–12.4% and 11.7 % pairwise genetic divergence from the two species, respectively, based on a fragment of the mitochondrial COI gene.

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