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DNA barcodes for Nearctic Auchenorrhyncha (Insecta: Hemiptera)
Robert G Foottit1, Eric Maw1, P D N Hebert2
1Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Invertebrate Biodiversity - National Environmental Health Program, and Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Plos One
|July 9, 2014
Summary
DNA barcoding using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene is effective for identifying many Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha species. However, some closely related species require further study for clear discrimination.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Entomology
- Biodiversity studies
Background:
- Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene sequence variation is a proven DNA barcode for species identification across diverse animal groups.
- This study focuses on the Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha suborder, a significant insect group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of DNA barcoding for species identification within Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha.
- To establish preliminary DNA barcodes for North American Auchenorrhyncha species.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the 5' region of the mitochondrial COI gene from 471 species in 147 genera of Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha.
- Examination of intra-specific divergence and interspecific distances among congeneric species pairs.
Main Results:
- Over 93% of taxa showed less than 2% intra-specific divergence in COI sequences.
- Minimum interspecific distances exceeded 2% in 70% of congeneric species pairs.
- 25% of species were closely related, with less than 1% sequence divergence from their nearest neighbor.
Conclusions:
- DNA barcoding can identify many Auchenorrhyncha species, but discrimination of some closely related species remains challenging.
- This preliminary study provides barcodes for approximately 8% of North American Auchenorrhyncha species.
- Expanding the Auchenorrhyncha barcode library is crucial for future applications in regulation, pest management, and environmental monitoring.
