DNA barcodes for species identification in the hyperdiverse ant genus Pheidole (Formicidae: Myrmicinae).

ABSTRACT: DNA sequencing is increasingly being used to assist in species identification in order to overcome taxonomic impediment. However, few studies attempt to compare the results of these molecular studies with a more traditional species delineation approach based on morphological characters. Mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene was sequenced, measuring 636 base pairs, from 47 ants of the genus Pheidole (Formicidae: Myrmicinae) collected in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest to test whether the morphology-based assignment of individuals into species is supported by DNA-based species delimitation. Twenty morphospecies were identified, whereas the barcoding analysis identified 19 Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs). Fifteen out of the 19 DNA-based clusters allocated, usin

SUBMITTER: Ng'endo RN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3735075 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature