An Incomplete European Barcode Library Has a Strong Impact on the Identification Success of Lepidoptera from Greece

Abstract

Species identification by means of DNA barcodes depends essentially on the scope and quality of a relevant reference library. The first analysis of a large number (about 600 morphospecies) of southern European Lepidoptera (Greece: Peloponnese) shows both the advantages and disadvantages with regard to a reliable identification of Mediterranean species. We determined 946 DNA barcode sequences from 47 families, of which 929 sequences from 46 families were successfully assigned to a Barcode Index Number (BIN) in the global Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) database. A species level identification for 485 BINs representing 477 Linnaean names was successful. These taxa include 34 new records for Greece. However, 128 BINs (c. 20% of the inventory) could not be attached to a Linnaean name from referenced sequences available in BOLD. Of these BINs, 99 are new and hence represent unique records for BOLD. Intra- and inter-BIN divergences are presented and discussed. An initial and preliminary in-depth analysis of randomly selected species indicates an incomplete DNA barcode library in terms of Linnean taxa, in addition to a considerable number of probably undescribed species. It is therefore strongly recommended that the already advanced European barcode library of Lepidoptera should be supplemented with not-yet-sequenced taxa from the Mediterranean.

Assessing arthropod biodiversity with DNA barcoding in Jinnah Garden, Lahore, Pakistan

“…This study represents a significant advancement in establishing an inventory of the arthropod fauna in Lahore, Pakistan. However, the scope and quality of a relevant reference library is paramount in identification by means of DNA barcoding ( Suriya et al, 2020 ; Huemer & Mutanen, 2022 ; Ramirez et al, 2023 ). Therefore, it is strongly recommended to develop the local biodiversity inventories and regional barcode libraries.…”

DNA Barcodes for Evolution and Biodiversity

“…The study shows that, in principle, molecular species delimitation works well in the relevant taxa, if obviously misidentified samples on BOLD are taken into account/excluded. The fourth paper [20] focuses on the diversity of Lepidoptera from Greece. DNA barcodes of ~600 morphospecies were generated and assigned to molecular taxonomic units (MOTUs) on BOLD.…”