1
|
Modeel S, Negi RK, Sharma M, Dolkar P, Yadav S, Siwach S, Yadav P, Negi T. A comprehensive DNA barcoding of Indian freshwater fishes of the Indus River system, Beas. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2763. [PMID: 38307873 PMCID: PMC10837433 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52519-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The Beas River is one of the important rivers of the Indus River system located in Himachal Pradesh, India, that harbors a diverse range of freshwater fish species. The present study employed COI gene to investigate the ichthyofaunal diversity of river Beas. Through the sequencing of 203 specimens from Beas River, we identified 43 species, belonging to 31 genera, 16 families, and 10 orders. To analyze the genetic divergence and phylogeny of identified species, 485 sequences of Indian origin were retrieved from BOLD, resulting in a dataset of 688 sequences. Our findings consistently revealed a hierarchical increase in the mean K2P genetic divergence within species (0.80%), genus (9.06%), and families (15.35%). Automated Barcode Gap discovery, Neighbour Joining, and Bayesian inference consensus tree methodologies were employed to determine the putative species and their phylogeny, successfully delimiting most of the species with only a few exceptions. The results unveiled six species exhibiting high intra-species divergence (> 2%), suggesting the presence of sibling species and falsely identified sequences on online databases. The present study established the first DNA barcoding-based inventory of freshwater fish species in the Beas River providing comprehensive insights into economically exploited endangered and vulnerable species. In order to ensure the sustainable use of aquatic resources in the Beas River, we recommend the implementation of species measures to protect biodiversity and genetic resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonakshi Modeel
- Fish Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North Campus, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Ram Krishan Negi
- Fish Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North Campus, Delhi, 110007, India.
| | - Monika Sharma
- Fish Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North Campus, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Padma Dolkar
- Fish Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North Campus, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Sheetal Yadav
- Fish Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North Campus, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Sneha Siwach
- Fish Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North Campus, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Pankaj Yadav
- Fish Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, North Campus, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Tarana Negi
- Department of Zoology, Govt. College Dujana, District Jhajjar, Beri, Haryana, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Awad M, Ben Gharsa H, ElKraly OA, Leclerque A, Elnagdy SM. COI Haplotyping and Comparative Microbiomics of the Peach Fruit Fly, an Emerging Pest of Egyptian Olive Orchards. BIOLOGY 2022; 12:biology12010027. [PMID: 36671720 PMCID: PMC9855353 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Tephritidae), is economically relevant as a highly polyphagous pest infesting over 50 host plants including commercial fruit and horticultural crops. As an invasive species, B. zonata was firmly established in Egypt and holds potential to spread further across the Mediterranean basin. The present study demonstrated that the peach fruit fly was found multiplying in olive orchards at two distant locations in Egypt. This is the first report of B. zonata developing in olives. COI barcoding has revealed evidence for high diversity across these peach fruit fly populations. These data are consistent with multiple rather than a single event leading to both peach fruit fly invasion to Egypt and its adaptation to olive. Comparative microbiomics data for B. zonata developing on different host plants were indicative for microbiome dynamics being involved in the adaptation to olive as a new niche with a potential adaptive role for Erwinia or Providencia bacteria. The possibility of symbiont transfer from the olive fruit fly to the peach fruit fly is discussed. Potentially host switch relevant bacterial symbionts might be preferred targets of symbiosis disruption strategies for integrated pest management or biological control of B. zonata.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mona Awad
- Department of Economic Entomology and Pesticides, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (A.L.); or (S.M.E.)
| | - Haifa Ben Gharsa
- Department of Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Omnia Abdullah ElKraly
- Bioinsecticides Production Unit, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Giza 13611, Egypt
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Andreas Leclerque
- Department of Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (A.L.); or (S.M.E.)
| | - Sherif M. Elnagdy
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (A.L.); or (S.M.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kim AY, Koh YH. Development of a Rapid, Accurate, and On-Site Detection Protocol for Red Imported Fire Ants, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). BIOENGINEERING (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:bioengineering9090434. [PMID: 36134980 PMCID: PMC9495655 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9090434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A rapid, accurate, and on-site molecular diagnostic protocol for red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta, Si) was developed using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays. Si11977 (GenBank accession no. MK986826) was confirmed to be a Si-specific gene. Four-primer Si11977-LAMP (4pSi-LAMP) and six-primer Si11977-LAMP (6pSi-LAMP) assays specifically detected Si. The reaction time of 6pSi-LAMP assays was reduced by 5 min compared with 4pSi-LAMP assays. The optimal amount of polymerase and the detection limit for the 6pSi-LAMP assays were 0.1 unit/μL and 5 fg/μL, respectively. In addition, a method for extracting genomic DNA from ant tissues within 2 to 3 min and a protocol for performing on-site LAMP assays using a car heating mug and a LAMP observation box were described. The on-site Si detection protocol used in this study was possible within 30 min from DNA extraction to species identification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A-Young Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Seoul 07247, Korea
| | - Young Ho Koh
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Seoul 07247, Korea
- Department of Bio-Medical Gerontology, Hallym University, Chooncheon 24252, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-10-9979-3703
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bellin N, Calzolari M, Magoga G, Callegari E, Bonilauri P, Lelli D, Dottori M, Montagna M, Rossi V. Unsupervised machine learning and geometric morphometrics as tools for the identification of inter and intraspecific variations in the Anopheles Maculipennis complex. Acta Trop 2022; 233:106585. [PMID: 35787418 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Geometric morphometric analysis was combined with two different unsupervised machine learning algorithms, UMAP and HDBSCAN, to visualize morphological differences in wing shape among and within four Anopheles sibling species (An. atroparvus, An. melanoon, An. maculipennis s.s. and An. daciae sp. inq.) of the Maculipennis complex in Northern Italy. Specifically, we evaluated: 1) wing shape variation among and within species; 2) the consistencies between groups of An. maculipennis s.s. and An. daciae sp. inq. identified based on COI sequences and wing shape variability; and 3) the spatial and temporal distribution of different morphotypes. UMAP detected at least 13 main patterns of variation in wing shape among the four analyzed species and mapped intraspecific morphological variations. The relationship between the most abundant COI haplotypes of An. daciae sp. inq. and shape ordination/variation was not significant. However, morphological variation within haplotypes was reported. HDBSCAN also recognized different clusters of morphotypes within An. daciae sp. inq. (12) and An. maculipennis s.s. (4). All morphotypes shared a similar pattern of variation in the subcostal vein, in the anal vein and in the radio-medial cross-vein of the wing. On the contrary, the marginal part of the wings remained unchanged in all clusters of both species. Any spatial-temporal significant difference was observed in the frequency of the identified morphotypes. Our study demonstrated that machine learning algorithms are a useful tool combined with geometric morphometrics and suggest to deepen the analysis of inter and intra specific shape variability to evaluate evolutionary constrains related to wing functionality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Bellin
- University of Parma, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11/A 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Mattia Calzolari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna ''B. Ubertini'' (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Giulia Magoga
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Callegari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna ''B. Ubertini'' (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonilauri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna ''B. Ubertini'' (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Davide Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna ''B. Ubertini'' (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Michele Dottori
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna ''B. Ubertini'' (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Matteo Montagna
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Rossi
- University of Parma, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11/A 43124 Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Phillips JD, Gillis DJ, Hanner RH. Lack of Statistical Rigor in DNA Barcoding Likely Invalidates the Presence of a True Species' Barcode Gap. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.859099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA barcoding has been largely successful in satisfactorily exposing levels of standing genetic diversity for a wide range of taxonomic groups through the employment of only one or a few universal gene markers. However, sufficient coverage of geographically-broad intra-specific haplotype variation within genomic databases like the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) and GenBank remains relatively sparse. As reference sequence libraries continue to grow exponentially in size, there is now the need to identify novel ways of meaningfully analyzing vast amounts of available DNA barcode data. This is an important issue to address promptly for the routine tasks of specimen identification and species discovery, which have seen broad adoption in areas as diverse as regulatory forensics and resource conservation. Here, it is demonstrated that the interpretation of DNA barcoding data is lacking in statistical rigor. To highlight this, focus is set specifically on one key concept that has become a household name in the field: the DNA barcode gap. Arguments outlined herein specifically center on DNA barcoding in animal taxa and stem from three angles: (1) the improper allocation of specimen sampling effort necessary to capture adequate levels of within-species genetic variation, (2) failing to properly visualize intra-specific and interspecific genetic distances, and (3) the inconsistent, inappropriate use, or absence of statistical inferential procedures in DNA barcoding gap analyses. Furthermore, simple statistical solutions are outlined which can greatly propel the use of DNA barcoding as a tool to irrefutably match unknowns to knowns on the basis of the barcoding gap with a high degree of confidence. Proposed methods examined herein are illustrated through application to DNA barcode sequence data from Canadian Pacific fish species as a case study.
Collapse
|
6
|
Fernández DC, VanLaerhoven SL, Rodríguez-Leyva E, Zhang YM, Labbé R. Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of the Pepper Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Using the COI Barcoding Region. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2022; 22:25. [PMID: 35220423 PMCID: PMC8882256 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieac012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The pepper weevil Anthonomus eugenii Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a pest of economic importance for Capsicum species pepper in North America that attacks the reproductive structures of the plant. The insect is distributed across Mexico, the United States, and the Caribbean, and is occasionally found during the pepper growing season in southern Ontario, Canada. Continuous spread of the insect to new areas is partially the result of global pepper trade. Here, we describe the genetic diversity of the pepper weevil using the mitochondrial COI barcoding region across most of its geographic range. In this study, 44 (H1-H44) highly similar haplotypes were identified, the greatest number of haplotypes and haplotype diversity were observed among specimens from its native Mexico, followed by specimens from the United States. Unlike Mexico, a low haplotype diversity was found among specimens from Canada, the Dominican Republic, Italy, and the Netherlands. Out of these 44 haplotypes, 29 are reported for the first time. Haplotype diversity in the Canadian population suggests either multiple and continuous introductions of the pepper weevil into this area or a single introduction of genetically diverse individuals. We discuss the importance of such population genetic data in tailoring pepper weevil management programs, using Canada as an example.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Catalina Fernández
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3P4, Canada
- Systematic Entomology Laboratory, USDA-ARS, c/o National Museum of Natural History, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Sherah L VanLaerhoven
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Esteban Rodríguez-Leyva
- Colegio de Postgraduados, Posgrado en Fitosanidad, Montecillo, 56100, Texcoco, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Y Miles Zhang
- Systematic Entomology Laboratory, USDA-ARS, c/o National Museum of Natural History, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Roselyne Labbé
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Harrow Research and Development Centre, 2585, Essex County Road 20, Harrow, Ontario, N0R 1G0, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Giallongo G, Douek J, Harbuzov Z, Galil BS, Rinkevich B. Long-term changes in population genetic features of a rapidly expanding marine invader: implication for invasion success. Biol Invasions 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-021-02521-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
8
|
Bernaola L, Darlington M, Britt K, Prade P, Roth M, Pekarcik A, Boone M, Ricke D, Tran A, King J, Carruthers K, Thompson M, Ternest JJ, Anderson SE, Gula SW, Hauri KC, Pecenka JR, Grover S, Puri H, Vakil SG. Technological Advances to Address Current Issues in Entomology: 2020 Student Debates. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2021; 21:18. [PMID: 33908604 PMCID: PMC8080135 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The 2020 Student Debates of the Entomological Society of America (ESA) were live-streamed during the Virtual Annual Meeting to debate current, prominent entomological issues of interest to members. The Student Debates Subcommittee of the National ESA Student Affairs Committee coordinated the student efforts throughout the year and hosted the live event. This year, four unbiased introductory speakers provided background for each debate topic while four multi-university teams were each assigned a debate topic under the theme 'Technological Advances to Address Current Issues in Entomology'. The two debate topics selected were as follows: 1) What is the best taxonomic approach to identify and classify insects? and 2) What is the best current technology to address the locust swarms worldwide? Unbiased introduction speakers and debate teams began preparing approximately six months before the live event. During the live event, teams shared their critical thinking and practiced communication skills by defending their positions on either taxonomical identification and classification of insects or managing the damaging outbreaks of locusts in crops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Bernaola
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Molly Darlington
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Kadie Britt
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Patricia Prade
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, FL 34945, USA
| | - Morgan Roth
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Adrian Pekarcik
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
| | - Michelle Boone
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Dylan Ricke
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
| | - Anh Tran
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Joanie King
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Kelly Carruthers
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Morgan Thompson
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - John J Ternest
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Sarah E Anderson
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Scott W Gula
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Kayleigh C Hauri
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jacob R Pecenka
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Sajjan Grover
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Heena Puri
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Surabhi Gupta Vakil
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kapantaidaki DE, Antonatos S, Evangelou V, Papachristos DP, Milonas P. Genetic and endosymbiotic diversity of Greek populations of Philaenus spumarius, Philaenus signatus and Neophilaenus campestris, vectors of Xylella fastidiosa. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3752. [PMID: 33580178 PMCID: PMC7881138 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83109-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The plant-pathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa which causes significant diseases to various plant species worldwide, is exclusively transmitted by xylem sap-feeding insects. Given the fact that X. fastidiosa poses a serious potential threat for olive cultivation in Greece, the main aim of this study was to investigate the genetic variation of Greek populations of three spittlebug species (Philaenus spumarius, P. signatus and Neophilaenus campestris), by examining the molecular markers Cytochrome Oxidase I, cytochrome b and Internal Transcribed Spacer. Moreover, the infection status of the secondary endosymbionts Wolbachia, Arsenophonus, Hamiltonella, Cardinium and Rickettsia, among these populations, was determined. According to the results, the ITS2 region was the less polymorphic, while the analyzed fragments of COI and cytb genes, displayed high genetic diversity. The phylogenetic analysis placed the Greek populations of P. spumarius into the previously obtained Southwest clade in Europe. The analysis of the bacterial diversity revealed a diverse infection status. Rickettsia was the most predominant endosymbiont while Cardinium was totally absent from all examined populations. Philaenus spumarius harbored Rickettsia, Arsenophonus, Hamiltonella and Wolbachia, N. campestris carried Rickettsia, Hamiltonella and Wolbachia while P. signatus was infected only by Rickettsia. The results of this study will provide an important knowledge resource for understanding the population dynamics of vectors of X. fastidiosa with a view to formulate effective management strategies towards the bacterium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Ev Kapantaidaki
- Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 8 St. Delta str., Kifissia, Attica, Greece.
| | - Spyridon Antonatos
- Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 8 St. Delta str., Kifissia, Attica, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Evangelou
- Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 8 St. Delta str., Kifissia, Attica, Greece
| | - Dimitrios P Papachristos
- Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 8 St. Delta str., Kifissia, Attica, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Milonas
- Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 8 St. Delta str., Kifissia, Attica, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gwiazdowski RA, Andersen JC, Knisley CB, Griffin BP, Elkinton JS. First Account of Phylogeographic Variation, Larval Characters, and Laboratory Rearing of the Endangered Cobblestone Tiger Beetle Cicindelidia marginipennis , Dejean, 1831 with Observations of Their Natural History. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11100708. [PMID: 33081250 PMCID: PMC7650647 DOI: 10.3390/insects11100708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) are highly predatory and colorful insects of long-standing fascination by entomologists. Most species in this group are in decline from range-wide habitat loss, including those with wide ranges such as the cobblestone tiger beetle (Cicindelidia marginipennis (Dejean, 1831)). This species is considered threatened and/or endangered range-wide, and conservation activities are hindered by a lack of basic information about this species’ biology. Here, we describe new aspects of this species’ basic biology in the lab and the field and use the mitochondrial locus cytochrome oxidase I (COI) to examine biogeographic patterns. We present larval descriptions with detailed drawings and find genetic evidence for geographically structured populations, suggesting that further conservation genetic research is warranted for this species. We expect the new tools and information presented in this paper will allow specialists to test further hypotheses about this species, advance survey methods, and guide proactive tiger beetle conservation. Abstract The cobblestone tiger beetle, Cicindelidia marginipennis (Dejean, 1831) is a North American species specializing in riparian habitats from New Brunswick, Canada, to Alabama in the United States. In the United States, this species is state-listed as threatened or endangered range-wide and periodically receives consideration for federal listing, mostly due to habitat decline. Despite its conservation status, intraspecific genetic diversity for this species has not been explored and little is known about its natural history. To support further inquiry into the biology of C. marginipennis, this study provides the first look at range-wide genetic diversity using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), describes all three larval instars, and describes natural history characteristics from captive rearing and field observation. Based on mtDNA analyses, our results suggest that geographically based population structure may exist throughout the range, with individuals from Alabama possessing haplotypes not found elsewhere in our sampling. Further genetic analyses, particularly multi-locus analyses, are needed to determine whether the Alabama population represents a separate cryptic species. Our morphological analysis and descriptions of larval instars reveal a combination of characteristics that can be used to differentiate C. marginipennis from closely related and co-occurring species. Based on our field observations, we find that the larval “throw pile” of soil excavated from burrows is a key search image for locating larvae, and we provide descriptions and detailed photographs to aid surveys. Lastly, we find that this species can be successfully reared in captivity and provide guidelines to aid future recovery efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodger A. Gwiazdowski
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01002, USA; (J.C.A.); (B.P.G.); (J.S.E.)
- Advanced BioConsulting, LLC., 139 Spring St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Jeremy C. Andersen
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01002, USA; (J.C.A.); (B.P.G.); (J.S.E.)
| | - C. Barry Knisley
- Department of Biology, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA 23005, USA;
| | - Brian P. Griffin
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01002, USA; (J.C.A.); (B.P.G.); (J.S.E.)
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Joseph S. Elkinton
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01002, USA; (J.C.A.); (B.P.G.); (J.S.E.)
| |
Collapse
|