Partial COI Research Articles

Multiple invasions of Bemisia argentifolii into Australia and its current genetic connectivity across space

Detecting the number of invasions is crucial to understanding the process of invasion and perhaps the success of some invasive pest species. Detecting multiple invasions can be difficult using partial mitochondrial COI, however, due to lack of variation. To examine the post-invasion history of Bemisia argentifolii (also called B. tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 and B biotype) in Australia and test for the presence of spatial genetic structure, we developed microsatellite loci based on the whole-genome sequence of B. argentifolii. We investigated gene flow among populations of B. argentifolii collected between 1995 and 2018, covering the time since the first detection in Australia (1994). Structure plots and PCAs of the microsatellite data revealed three clusters in 1995–1996, indicating multiple introductions. Since then, B. argentifolii has become a widespread single genetic population across the continent, with no geographic genetic structure in recent samples. The haplotype network generated from mitochondrial COI shows that Australian B. argentifolii mostly has the same haplotype as the invasive populations established elsewhere around the world. Analysis of the more recent samples showed that gene flow was high across regions, indicating movement of B. argentifolii across Australia is currently extensive. Undesirable traits and pathogens not already present in Australia, including insecticide resistance and plant viruses, could arrive with any new introductions of B. argentifolii and are likely to spread rapidly and be difficult to contain. This highlights the importance of biosecurity and continued quarantine measures to prevent new incursions, even when a species has already established.

A new species of Polypedilum (Cerobregma) (Diptera, Chironomidae) from Oriental China.

Polypedilum (Cerobregma) huapingensis Liu & Lin, sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on an adult male from Huaping National Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China. A DNA barcode analysis, including the known partial COI sequences of species in the Cerobregma subgenus, was conducted. An updated key to adult males of the subgenus Cerobregma is provided.

A new genus of frenulates (Annelida: Siboglinidae) from shallow waters of the Yenisey River estuary, Kara Sea

Only seven frenulate species are currently known along the Eurasian coast of the Arctic Ocean. We describe a new genus and a new species of frenulates Crispabrachia yenisey, gen. nov. et sp. nov. The morphological analysis involved standard anatomical techniques, semithin sections and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The molecular study included four markers (partial COI, 16S, 18S and 28S) and implemented Bayesian and Maximum likelihood phylogenetic approaches. The description of Crispabrachia gen. nov. is the first documented finding of frenulates in the Kara Sea at the estuary of the Yenisey River in rather shallow water (28 m). The establishment of a new genus is warranted based on the composition of morphological characters and several specific features including free, comparatively short curly tentacles, a triangular cephalic lobe with amplate base, the valvate extension of the posterior part of the forepart and prominent papillae on the nonmetameric region. The tube structure with prominent frills and the worm’s numerous tentacles, metameric papillae with cuticular plaques and segmental furrow on the forepart indicate that the new genus belongs to the polybrachiid group. Although the type locality in the Yenisey River estuary is unusual for siboglinids in general, the physical conditions here are common for other frenulates habitats, i.e. salinity ~30–33, bottom water temperature –1.5°C. This finding was made in the Yenisey Gulf in the region with the highest methane concentrations in the southern part of the Kara Sea that reflects permafrost degradation under the influence of river flow. Further study of the region would help to understand the factors influencing frenulate distributions and improve our knowledge of their biodiversity.

Phylogenetics and genetic variation of Heligmosomoides thomomyos in Western pocket gophers (Thomomys spp.).

The host specificities and systematics of North American Heligmosomoides species remain particularly uncertain. The primary aim of this study was to verify that a species described previously based only on morphology, H. thomomyos, from pocket gopher (Rodentia: Geomyidae) hosts in Oregon represented a monophyletic lineage. In order to address this aspect, as well as to further understand relationships and geographic patterns, we carried out phylogenetic, genetic diversity, and population dynamic analyses using partial 18S rRNA and COI mtDNA sequences of Heligmosomoides specimens. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that there are likely multiple Heligmosomoides species present in these hosts. This was supported by the high degree of divergence and differentiation found among populations, significant population structure between locations, and a modest positive association between geographic and genetic distances. This study serves as the first molecular characterization and first phylogenetic report of H. thomomyos, and documents two new host records for this parasite. The relationship of H. thomomyos among pocket gopher hosts and to other Heligmosomoides species, however, warrants continued study.

Description of a New Species of the Marine Flatworm Prosthiostomum (Platyhelminthes: Polycladida) and its Three Known Congeners from Misaki, Japan, with Inference of Their Phylogenetic Positions within Prosthiostomidae.

The present study provides morphological descriptions of four species of Prosthiostomum (Polycladida, Prosthiostomidae)-P. auratum Kato, 1937; P. hibana sp. n.; P. cf. ostreae Kato, 1937; and P. vulgare Kato, 1938-based on specimens collected among branching coralline algae and kelp holdfasts in Misaki, Japan. The new species P. hibana sp. n. is characterized by i) the dorsal surface of the body covered with numerous orange maculae, some of which coalesce together to form larger ones; ii) a pair of linear cerebral-eyespot clusters, each consisting of relatively few (7-9) cerebral eyespots; iii) 3-4 pairs of ventral eyespots embedded in parenchyma: iv) the inner wall of the male atrium deeply ruffled; v) the lumen of the seminal vesicle being narrow and elongated in shape; and vi) a large sucker situated in the center of the body. We remark on some morphological characters that were not mentioned in the original description of P. auratum. We infer the phylogenetic positions of these four species within Prosthiostomidae using the maximum-likelihood analysis based on partial 28S rRNA and COI gene sequences determined de novo, in addition to those that are currently available in public databases. In the resulting tree, the four species-P. auratum, P. hibana sp. n., P. cf. ostreae, and P. vulgare-were nested in a clade that was composed of all the other Prosthiostomum species included in the analysis.

Population Genetic Structure and Connectivity of the European Lobster Homarus gammarus in the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas.

Highly selective fishing has the potential to permanently change the characteristics within a population and could drive the decline of genetic diversity. European lobster is an intensively fished crustacean species in the Adriatic Sea which reaches high market value. Since knowledge of population structure and dynamics is important for effective fisheries management, in this study, we used 14 neutral microsatellites loci and partial mitochondrial COI region sequencing to explore population connectivity and genetic structure by comparing samples from the Adriatic Sea and the adjacent basins of the Mediterranean Sea. The obtained results suggest that neutral genetic diversity has not been significantly affected by decrease in population size due to overfishing, habitat degradation and other anthropogenic activities. Global genetic differentiation across all populations was low (FST = 0.0062). Populations from the Adriatic Sea were panmictic, while genetic differentiation was found among populations from different Mediterranean basins. Observed gene flow for European lobster suggest that populations in the north eastern Adriatic act as a source for surrounding areas, emphasizing the need to protect these populations by establishing interconnected MPAs that will be beneficial for both fisheries and conservation management.

Genetic structure of two Plusiinae species suggests recent expansion of Chrysodeixis includens in the American continent

The Plusiinae subfamily has many polyphagous species, many of which occur in South America. Chrysodeixis includens and Rachiplusia nu are two representatives that mainly occurs in soybeans, cotton, common beans, sunflower and alfalfa. A population genetic study of C. includens and R. nu collected in the Southern Cone of America was performed using a partial COI gene sequencing data and compared with specimens from other American countries. Six haplotypes were identified in C. includens populations of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, organized within a star‐like haplotype network, with the most common haplotype identified as Chin_MC. R. nu populations are more diverse and stable in comparison to C. includens. Populations from Argentina and Uruguay had the highest haplotype diversity, sharing five haplotypes and putatively indicating haplotype exchange. Demographic change analysis suggested a recent population expansion of C. includens over the American continent. Some C. includens haplotypes were country‐specific, suggesting population expansion in the countries where specimens were collected.

First record of an agriolimacid slug in Southeast Asia – Deroceras laeve (O. F. Müller, 1774) (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) recently introduced to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Several individuals of the terrestrial slug Deroceras laeve were collected in 2018 in the Hoàng Liên Son mountain range of northern Vietnam. The three specimens which were investigated anatomically were aphallic or hemiphallic. A partial COI sequence verified the species identity. This is the first discovery of D. laeve and also of the slug family Agriolimacidae on the Indochinese Peninsula. The collecting site is situated near a cable-car station and below a tourist complex on Fansipan mountain, both of which had just been built by a Swiss-Austrian company between 2013 and 2016. This and the fact that the species had not been found elsewhere in the surrounding area, although searched for thoroughly, indicate that D. laeve is most probably a recent introduction, potentially with building material from Austria or Switzerland.

First description of the male of Glyphiulus formosus (Pocock, 1895) (Diplopoda: Spirostreptida: Cambalopsidae) from China.

The male of Glyphiulus formosus (Pocock, 1895) is described for the first time based on specimens collected from Shenzhen, Guangdong, China. According to the male sexual characters, this species is verified to be a member of the G. javanicus group. In addition, a DNA barcode of the partial COI gene of G. formosus is provided.

<strong>A new crenobiontic water mite species of the genus <em>Atractides</em> Koch, 1837 from Montenegro and Bulgaria, based on morphological and molecular data (Acariformes, Hydrachnidia, Hygrobatidae)</strong>

A new species of water mites from Montenegro and Bulgaria, Atractides anae Pešić sp. nov., is described, combining traditional morphological techniques with the analysis of partial mtDNA COI sequences (DNA-barcodes). Based on our molecular and morphological analysis, the new species is most closely related to the crenobiontic A. pennatus (K. Viets 1920) from which it differs by 6.4 (SD = 1.12)% K2P distance. A dataset including the novel COI sequences of 10 Atractides species from Montenegro and Iran is assembled in order to facilitate further studies on the genus by using molecular tools.

<strong>Molecular evidence for two new species of the <em>Hygrobates fluviatilis-</em>complex from the Balkan Peninsula (Acariformes, Hydrachnidia, Hygrobatidae)</strong>

Water mites of the Hygrobates fluviatilis-complex are often the most ubiquitous and usually the most abundant water mite group in the running waters of the Palaearctic and Balkans. In the present study we used an integrative taxonomic approach by applying partial COI sequences (DNA-barcodes) to describe two new species of the fluviatilis-complex from the Balkan Peninsula, H. balcanicus Pešić sp. nov. (Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Greece) and H. mediterraneus Pešić sp. nov. (Montenegro). Phylogenetic analysis based on COI data placed H. balcanicus sp. nov. as the sister species of the clade grouping H. turcicus Pešić, Esen & Dabert, 2017 and H. ulii Pešić et al. 2019 whereas H. mediterraneus sp. nov. is placed as the sister species of H. grabowskii Pešić et al. 2019, with about 20% and 13% K2P divergence, respectively, between the closest relatives.

Molecular characterisation and phylogenetic position of Hemicycliophora labiata Colbran, 1960, from turfgrass in Korea, with comments on its morphology

Summary Hemicycliophora labiata was reported from the rhizosphere of Poa pratensis and for the first time in Korea. Females and juveniles are molecularly characterised and morphological and morphometric descriptions supplied. Species identification was made using an integrative approach considering morphological characteristics and the results of the analyses of the D2-D3 expansion segment of 28S rRNA, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 of rRNA and the partial COI gene sequences. The phylogenetic position of H. labiata is resolved after recent misidentifications due to the existence of a wide morphological plasticity within the genus. Females and juveniles from Korea conform to the original description and also to subsequent species descriptions from Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and India. Despite the close morphological similarities with H. typica de Man, 1921, the two species can be adequately differentiated based on molecular data. This is the first molecular characterisation of H. labiata. The use of molecular markers in species delimitation continues to explore the existence of species complexes, thus providing a better understanding of the unresolved species biodiversity within this speciose genus.

DNA barcode of the Lanzones scale insect, Unaspis mabilis Lit & Barbecho (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)

The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) nucleotide sequences of Unaspis mabilis Lit & Barbecho (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), are provided for the first time. The total genomic DNA of each scale insect was extracted from individuals infesting lanzones leaves from three selected sites in Los Baños, Laguna. A partial COI gene amplicon with approximately 750 bp was obtained using the primer pair PcoF1 and LepR1. Nucleotide sequence alignment showed no variation among the COI sequences from all the samples. BLASTn search yielded no significant match with any of the available sequences for Unaspis species. The closest hit was Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (GenBank Accession No. HM474091) with 87.4% nucleotide similarity. Nonetheless, phylogenetic analyses revealed that generated COI sequences from U. mabilis form a monophyletic clade with U. yanonensis and U. euonymi, with closer proximity to the former. These findings also strengthen the species status of U. mabilis under the genus Unaspis. The DNA barcodes generated from this study (GenBank Acc. Nos. MN114099, MN14101, and MN114102), could, therefore, be used to verify the species identity of other lanzones scale accessions, as well as monitor the distribution and spread of U. mabilis, which would greatly influence possible pest management options. KEYWORDS: cytochrome C oxidase I, COI, Lansium domesticum Correa, lanzones

Mideopsis milankovici sp. nov. a new water mite from Montenegro based on morphological and molecular data (Acariformes, Hydrachnidia, Mideopsidae)

Water mite species of the genus Mideopsis Neuman, 1880 are common in running and standing waters in the Palaearctic. In the present study we used an integrative taxonomic approach by applying partial COI sequences (DNA-barcodes) and morphological characteristics to describe a new species, Mideopsis milankovici sp. nov. from the Mediterranean region of Montenegro. A high genetic distance (18.8-26% K2P) from three other known European congeners, M. crassipes Soar, 1904, M. orbicularis (Müller, 1776), and M. roztoczensis Biesiadka and Kowalik, 1979, support M. milankovici sp. nov. as a distinct species. From M. persicus Pešić and Saboori, 2015, a species known from South Iran, which resembles the new species in the shape of the ejaculatory complex, M. milankovici sp. nov. differs by the morphology of dorsal shield.

Morphometric and genetic evidence for cryptic diversity in Gyrodactylus (Monogenea) infecting non-native European populations of Ameiurus nebulosus and A. melas.

Gyrodactylid parasites were observed on non-native populations of North-American freshwater catfishes, Ameiurus nebulosus and Ameiurus melas (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae), at several sites in the Elbe River basin, Czech Republic, Europe. Using a combination of morphological and genetic analyses, the parasites infecting A. nebulosus were determined to be Gyrodactylus nebulosus, a North American parasite co-introduced to Europe along with its Ameiurus fish hosts. Subtle morphometrical differences, as well as seasonal variations, were observed among parasites collected from A. nebulosus and A. melas. The host-related variation was further supported through genetic analysis of the partial 18S rDNA, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and COI, showing 0.2, 3.0 and 4.8% divergence, respectively. Consistent genetic differences indicated there were two distinct genotypes. Subtle morphological differences associated with the shape of sickle toe, anchor root and ventral bar membrane, according to host species, also supported the description of a new cryptic species, Gyrodactylus melas n. sp., infecting A. melas. Multivariate morphometrical analysis of haptoral hard parts showed significant differences between the anchor lengths of G. nebulosus and G. melas n. sp. However, the measurements of the haptoral hard structures partially overlapped between species, limiting the usage of these parameters for species delineation.

Torrenticola dowlingi sp. nov. a new water mite from Iran based on morphometrical and molecular data (Acariformes, Hydrachnidia, Torrenticolidae)

ABSTRACT The genus Torrenticola Piersig, 1896 is a common water mite group in the running waters in all biogeographical regions except Antarctica and Australasia. In the present study we used an integrative taxonomic approach by applying partial COI sequences (DNA-barcodes) to describe a new species of the genus Torrenticola, T. dowlingi Pešić sp. nov. from Iran. Morphologically, the new species is most similar to T. laskai Di Sabatino, 2009 from which it differs by the larger dimensions of idiosoma and genital field. The K2P distance that separated the new species from T. laskai was amounted to 3.98%. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:93EBC5FF-0F17-41BA-9BBB-5EE840E8A84C

Ultrastructure characters and partial mtDNA-COI haplotypes of Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) from Indonesia

Abstract. Arminudin AT, Suputa, Wijonarko A, Trisyono YA. 2020. Ultrastructure characters and partial mtDNA-COI haplotypes of Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) from Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 2914-2922. In addition to the confirmation of the species of corn borer, we analyzed the relationship of Ostrinia furnacalis in Indonesia with that in other countries. Moths of O. furnacalis were collected from several areas in Java and Sumatra islands of Indonesia. Forewing and labial palpi scales were investigated under Scanning Electron Microscopy observation. A 658 bp of O. furnacalis partial COI gene sequences of 1480-2138 nucleotides were downloaded from GenBank and BOLD system databases. The ridge lamellae and window characters as unique ultrastructure characters of scale were further supported by the COI gene analysis. High similarity was observed between the Java and the Philippines specimens, but they were a different haplotype compared with Sumatra’s specimen. The results could provide the baseline data on the genetic variation of O. furnacalis in Indonesia.

Cactodera solani n. sp. (Nematoda: Heteroderidae), a new species of cyst-forming nematode parasitising tomato in Mexico

Summary A new species of cyst-forming nematode, Cactodera solani n. sp., from Mexico is described. The new species was found in a glasshouse in Mexico City parasitising tomato and common lambsquarter. This cyst nematode has light brown to almost black cysts, presents a small vulval cone with circumfenestra and morphologically it most resembles C. milleri. Cactodera solani n. sp. can be differentiated from C. milleri by having smaller cysts that are 417 (291-581) × 324 (204-505) vs 632 (515-730) × 506 (419-598) μm in size and a longer stylet in the second-stage juveniles of 25 (24-27) vs 22 (21-23) μm. Phylogenetic relationships within populations and species of Cactodera are given based on the analysis of the ITS rRNA and the partial COI gene sequences. The ITS rRNA and COI gene sequences clearly differentiated C. solani n. sp. from other Cactodera species. This new cyst-forming nematode has several generations per year and its life cycle can be completed in 49 days on tomato and in 40 days on common lambsquarter at 20-25°C.

Reappraisal of Korean Oxyporus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Oxyporinae), including a new species based on morphological and molecular characters

Abstract A taxonomic reappraisal of some species of Korean Oxyporus Fabricius is presented based on morphological and molecular characters (COI and 28S). A new species (O. parvus Lee and Ahn sp. nov.) and a new record (O. procerus Kraatz) are recognized in the Korean peninsula. The new species is superficially similar to O. germanus Sharp but can be separated by the structures of the median lobe of the aedeagus and molecular characters (partial COI and 28S). The minimum interspecific difference between O. parvus Lee and Ahn, sp. nov. and O. germanus (9.3–10.6%) was much higher than the maximum intraspecific difference between O. parvus Lee and Ahn, sp. nov. (2.1%) and they contained 7 and 4 molecular diagnostic characters, respectively. Three previous incorrect identifications are discussed and they (O. basicornis Cameron, O. basiventris Jarrige, and O. crocatus Fauvel) are excluded from the Korean fauna. The molecular analyses support the validity of the new species and the other five Korean species based on morphological characters. Descriptions with illustrations of habitus and diagnostic features of the new species and the new record are provided.

Ecological and molecular diversity of Eulachnini aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Lachninae) on coniferous plants in Lithuania

Based on research carried out from 2016 to 2018 there are twenty-six species of aphids of the tribe Eulachnini in Lithuania. Seventeen are members of the subgenus Cinara of the genus Cinara, three of the subgenus Cupressobium and two of the subgenus Schizolachnus. In addition, there are four species of the genus Eulachnus. Summarized information on the distribution and host specificity of Eulachnini in Lithuania is presented. Nine species were in all climatic regions of Lithuania: C. (Cinara) brauni, C. (Cinara) hyperophila, C. (Cinara) neubergi, C. (Cinara) piceicola, C. (Cinara) pinea, C. (Cinara) pini, C. (Cinara) pruinosa, C. (Cupressobium) cupressi and C. (Cupressobium) juniperi. Five species of Lithuanian Eulachnini inhabit host plants of the genus Picea, three live on Larix, thirteen on Pinus, one on Abies, one on Thuja and three on Juniperus. Cinara (Cinara) piniphila was recorded on Pinus mugo and C. (Cinara) nuda on Pinus heldreichii for the first time. Partial COI and EF-1α sequences of C. (Cinara) hyperophila, C. (Cinara) pilosa and C. (Cinara) piceicola were obtained for the first time. Partial sequences of mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (EF-1α) DNA of Lithuanian samples were used to explore molecular diversity using NJ trees, Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD), General Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) and Poisson Tree Processes (PTP). Species delimitation using GMYC (both on COI and EF-1α sequences), PTP (BI on COI) and ABGD (EF-1α) were the most consistent with traditional classifications. Pairwise between-species sample divergences (COI and EF-1α fragments) of the samples of the species complex C. (Cinara) pinea - C. (Cinara) piniphila indicate it is composed of a single species. Of the species of aphids that live on conifers, there are seven species of the tribe Eulachnini that are likely to shortly colonize Lithuania.