Synonymize Arma chinensis as Arma custos based on morphological, molecular and geographical data

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Taxonomy
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Morphological differences in pronotal humeral angles exist between Arma custos and Arma chinensis.
• Genitalic morphological characters are ambiguous, complicating species differentiation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the taxonomic status of Arma chinensis and Arma custos.
• To evaluate DNA barcoding as a tool for differentiating similar insect species.

Main Methods:

• Morphological analysis
• Molecular analysis (DNA barcoding using COI marker)
• Geographical evidence

Main Results:

• Morphological and molecular data indicate Arma custos and Arma chinensis have not diverged into separate species.
• A new synonymy is proposed: Arma chinensis Fallou, 1881 = Arma custos (Fabricius, 1794).
• DNA barcoding using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene effectively resolved taxonomic issues.

Conclusions:

• Arma chinensis is a junior synonym of Arma custos.
• DNA barcoding is a valuable tool for insect taxonomy and species differentiation.