Taxonomy of introduced commercial insect, Zophobas atratus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and a comparison of DNA barcoding with similar tenebrionids, Promethis valgipes and Tenebrio molitor in Korea

Abstract

도입된 상업용 거저리(Zophobas atratus)의 분류 및 형태유사종 갈색거저리 ABSTRACTThe superworm, as known the larva of Zophobas morio, has been officially imported from 2011 and bred commercially in Korea. But it is named as the corrected scientific name, Zophobas atratus by junior synonym throughout traditional taxonomy in this study and newly designated Korean name as 'a-me-ri-ca-wang-geo-jeo-ri' in terms of resource management. Z. atratus was compared with wild native tenebrionids, Promethis valgipes and a commercial reared Tenebrio molitor on the basis of DNA barcode analysis. As the results, the average genetic divergence was 21.4% between Z. atratus and P. valgipes, and 20.9% between Z. atratus and T. molitor. These large divergences imply these tenebrionids species can be easily identified by DNA barcodes. The results of genetic divergences within species also suggest that Korean populations of Z. atratus, having the same haplotype, might be introduced from the same area of foreign country. On the other hand, a population of T. molitor was separated into two distinct intra-specific groups with DNA barcoding gaps ranged from 1.17-2.19%. We suppose that domestic breeding entities of T. molitor might be introduced and mixed from two different local groups. Through this study, we expect that classification for two tenebrionid introduced from foreign countries can be used for the management of insect resources in Korea.

The Superworm, Zophobas morio (Coleoptera:Tenebrionidae): A ‘Sleeping Giant’ in Nutrient Sources

“…The taxonomy and classification of Z. morio [formerly Tenebrio morio (F., 1778); Helops morio (F., 1777)] has been a matter of controversy and confusion ( Tschinkel 1984 ; Ferrer 2006 , 2011 ). Currently, Z. morio is identified as conspecific with Zophobas atratus (F., 1775) [formerly Tenebrio atratus (F., 1775); Zophobas rugipes (Kirsch, 1866) ( Park et al 2013 , Soldati and Touroult 2014 , Bousquet et al 2018 ) and as such they will be considered in this review.…”

Evaluation of Subchronic Oral Dose Toxicity of Freeze-Dried Skimmed Powder of Zophobas atratus Larvae (frpfdZAL) in Rats

“…Zophobas atratus (Z. atratus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)), the giant mealworm beetle, is imported to Korea as a source of protein for arthropods, birds, amphibians, and small mammals [10,11], and is well-known to contain a high protein content [12]. In addition, Z. atratus has been established as a sustainable source of animal protein source in human civilizations [13].…”

A Systematic Review on Viruses in Mass-Reared Edible Insect Species

“…Zophobas morio, also known as the super worm, is a large beetle originating in South and Central America and introduced into other regions of Europe and Asia in recent years [50,90,91]. Z. morio has been used as a protein source for small pets such as birds, reptiles, and small mammals [92], but has the potential to become a promising nutrient source for food and feed [51]. Over the last decade the literature on Z. morio as a nutrient source for food, livestock animal feed, and aquaculture has increased considerably [51,93,94].…”