DNA barcoding of odonates from the Upper Plata basin: Database creation and genetic diversity estimation

Area of Science:

• Zoology
• Genetics
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Neotropical odonates are diverse and inhabit biologically significant regions.
• Accurate species identification is crucial for taxonomic surveys and conservation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of DNA barcoding using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) for identifying Neotropical odonates.
• To evaluate the utility of DNA barcoding in biodiversity hotspots.

Main Methods:

• Collected 38 odonate species from the Upper Plata basin, Brazil.
• Generated 130 COI DNA barcodes.
• Analyzed intraspecific and interspecific variation to define Barcode Index Numbers (BINs).

Main Results:

• Achieved 94% successful species identification using COI barcodes.
• Observed a clear gap between intraspecific (0-2%) and interspecific (≥15%) COI variation.
• Identified one instance of a shared BIN between two nominal species, resulting in a 6% identification failure rate.

Conclusions:

• DNA barcoding based on COI is a reliable and efficient tool for Neotropical odonate identification.
• This technique supports taxonomic research and biodiversity conservation in biological hotspots.
• Highlights the need for urgent taxonomic surveys in these vital ecosystems.