Phenotypic and Numerical Characterization and Detection of the Genetic Relationship of a Number Ants Species of Hymenoptera: Formicidae in Iraq

Abstract

The study aimed at the phenotypic characterization of a number of species of real ants, Hymenoptera: formicidae, in some governorates of central and northern Iraq, as well as revealing similarities and genetic differences depending on the phenotypic characteristics of 16 samples of real ants. The samples were collected from the governorates (Salah al-Din, Kirkuk, Sulaymaniyah, Erbil) using Collection kit, ants samples were diagnosed in the Research Center and Natural History Museum \ University of Baghdad, and the study was conducted in the laboratories of the College of Science \ University of Tikrit in the period 12/15/2021 – 5/1/2022. Samples were collected and preserved according to the methods used in preserving insects. A phenotypic study was conducted for (38) phenotypic characteristics of the general shape of the head, thorax, abdomen, legs and wings in detail using a anatomical microscope. Temporary sections were photographed using a digital camera and kept until the results are studied. Numerical classification and phenotypic genetic dimension were conducted based on the results of the studied phenotypic traits. The results showed a clear discrepancy between the species, it was shown from the results of the statistical analysis of the values of the phenotypic genetic dimension, which ranged between (0.230-0.958), where the least genetic dimension was between sample No. 1 (Camponotint xerxes Erbil 1) and No. 8 (Camponotint xerxes Kirkuk 2), as it reached 0.230, and that is It is the highest percentage of similarity between the two samples within the studied species. As for the highest genetic dimension, it was 0.958 between sample 14 (Camponotint xerxes Salah al-Din 1) and samples No. 9 and 10 (9-Messor sp Kirkuk, 10- Messor sp Sulaymaniyah 1). There is no match in the traits studied between these two samples, while the values of the genetic dimension for the rest of the species ranged between those values.