Morphological and molecular characterization of Quinqueserialis (Digenea: Notocotylidae) species diversity in North America.

ABSTRACT: Estimates of trematode diversity are inaccurate due to unrecognized cryptic species and phenotypic plasticity within species. Integrative taxonomy (genetics, morphology and host use) increases the clarity of species delineation and improves knowledge of parasite biology. In this study, we used this approach to resolve taxonomic issues and test hypotheses of cryptic species in a genus of trematode, Quinqueserialis. Specimens from throughout North America were field collected from hosts and obtained from museums. We found three morphologically distinct groups and successfully sequenced specimens from two of these groups. DNA sequencing at the 28S and CO1 gene regions revealed that two of the three groups were genetically distinct. One genetic group included two morphological clusters demonst

SUBMITTER: Gagnon DK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11010126 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature