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

Marciel Elio Rodrigues,Mateus Pepinelli,Aline Pedroso Lorenz-Lemke,Sebastian Kvist,Ricardo Koroiva,Fabio De Oliveira Roque

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0182283

Abstract

We present a DNA barcoding study of Neotropical odonates from the Upper Plata basin, Brazil. A total of 38 species were collected in a transition region of “Cerrado” and Atlantic Forest, both regarded as biological hotspots, and 130 cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) barcodes were generated for the collected specimens. The distinct gap between intraspecific (0–2%) and interspecific variation (15% and above) in COI, and resulting separation of Barcode Index Numbers (BIN), allowed for successful identification of specimens in 94% of cases. The 6% fail rate was due to a shared BIN between two separate nominal species. DNA barcoding, based on COI, thus seems to be a reliable and efficient tool for identifying Neotropical odonate specimens down to the species level. These results underscore the utility of DNA barcoding to aid specimen identification in diverse biological hotspots, areas that require urgent action regarding taxonomic surveys and biodiversity conservation.

Highlights

Odonata in the Neotropics is represented by about 1,700 recognized species, encompassing more than a quarter of the total dragonfly fauna on earth [1]
In all but four cases, c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences were generated for multiple individuals that were identified to the same species
A single COI sequence was obtained for Diastatops obscura (Fabricius, 1775) (BOLD:AAY5948), Gynacantha sp. (BOLD:ACA3440), Mnesarete smaragdina (Selys, 1869) (BOLD:AAY6023) and Argia chapadae Calvert, 1909 (BOLD:AAY5929)

Summary

Introduction

Odonata in the Neotropics is represented by about 1,700 recognized species, encompassing more than a quarter of the total dragonfly fauna on earth [1]. Much like in other taxonomic groups, the true extent of this diversity is still unknown and it has been estimated that at least 25% of the species that inhabit this region have not yet been described [2]. Despite of its exceptional species richness, the Neotropical fauna is still less understood than the other geographical regions [2], mostly due to the vast diversity and limitations related to identification. Only a limited number of taxonomic keys are available for Neotropical odonates (especially for larval forms). The conspicuous paucity of molecular data for odonate taxa from the region creates a barrier for the use of molecular identification tools, such as DNA barcoding.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion