Stethorini (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Coccinellinae) of South India: their associated mite species and barcode gap analysis

Abstract

Background Stethorini are specialized mite predators in the family Coccinellidae, which are small with black body and brown or yellow colored appendages. This study aimed to survey species of Stethorini associated with phytophagous mites of South India and their prey range. Results Eight species of Stethorini, viz., Parastethorus sp. Stethorus (Allostethorus) forficatus, S. (A.) pauperculus, S. (A.) tetranychi, S. (A.) sp., S. keralicus, S. (S.) rani and S. (S.) sp., each associated with distinct species of mite were identified in this study and part of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences of seven of these species are provided. Barcode gap analysis and distance summary analysis in the BOLD system as well as phylogenetic analysis of these seven species were given. Conclusions This study revealed the species of Stethorini in South India along with their prey range and associated plants. As all the species look similar with black body and yellow appendages, DNA barcodes generated can be used as an effective bio-identification tool for this group.

Molecular characterization of mitochondrial COI gene sequences in Micraspis allardi from Pakistan

“…However, some species showed limited sequence variability, while others display high level of polymorphisms, thus complicating species identification. A specific region from 5ʹ end of mtCOI gene (658 bp) has been recommended as a uniform DNA “barcode” region for the identification of species of all animals [ 18 , 19 ]. Species recognition in Coccinellini is mainly based on morphological characters and DNA barcoding.…”

“…In addition, the aptness of the COI region to differentiate known species, identification of cryptic species as well as species-level phylogenetic relationships is imperative [19,25]. Therefore, DNA barcoding using the 5´region of mitochondrial COI DNA sequence is an effective and reliable tool for identifying specimens of unknown origin and taxonomic status [18,26] belonging to multiple texa including Coccinellidae species [19,27]. Bold Systems (Taxonomic browser) indicated very limited information for M. allardi with one specimen record from Pakistan but without molecular characterization.…”