Linking morphological and molecular taxonomy for the identifcation of poultry house, soil, and nest dwelling mites in the Western Palearctic
Loading...
Date
Authors
Young, Monica R.
Ueckermann, Eddie
Moraza, Maria L.
Heylen, Dieter
Baardsen, Lisa F.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nature
Abstract
Because of its ability to expedite specimen identifcation and species delineation, the barcode index
number (BIN) system presents a powerful tool to characterize hyperdiverse invertebrate groups such
as the Acari (mites). However, the congruence between BINs and morphologically recognized species
has seen limited testing in this taxon. We therefore apply this method towards the development of
a barcode reference library for soil, poultry litter, and nest dwelling mites in the Western Palearctic.
Through analysis of over 600 specimens, we provide DNA barcode coverage for 35 described species
and 70 molecular taxonomic units (BINs). Nearly 80% of the species were accurately identifed through
this method, but just 60% perfectly matched (1:1) with BINs. High intraspecifc divergences were found
in 34% of the species examined and likely refect cryptic diversity, highlighting the need for revision
in these taxa. These fndings provide a valuable resource for integrative pest management, but also
highlight the importance of integrating morphological and molecular methods for fne-scale taxonomic
resolution in poorly-known invertebrate lineages
Description
Keywords
Citation
Young, M.R. et al. 2019. Linking morphological and molecular taxonomy for the identifcation of poultry house, soil, and nest dwelling mites in the Western Palearctic. Scientific reports, 9: Article no 5784. [https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-41958-9]