Fast and accurate identification of cryptic and sympatric mayfly species of the Baetis rhodani group.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Species of the Baetis rhodani group are among the most widespread mayflies of the Palearctic region. However, frequent occurrence of morphologically cryptic species complicates the identification of sympatric species. Here, we proposed and tested a method for the fast, accurate, and cost-effective assignment of a large number of individuals to their putative species, based on high resolution melting profiles of a standard mitochondrial gene fragment. We tested this method using a system of three recently identified cryptic species inhabiting the Tyrrhenian Islands (western Mediterranean basin).

Results

Highly species-specific high resolution melting profiles were obtained, allowing the unequivocal attribution of each individual to the respective species. This assay

SUBMITTER: Bisconti R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5759225 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature