A DNA barcode reference library for Swiss butterflies and forester moths as a tool for species identification, systematics and conservation.

ABSTRACT: Butterfly monitoring and Red List programs in Switzerland rely on a combination of observations and collection records to document changes in species distributions through time. While most butterflies can be identified using morphology, some taxa remain challenging, making it difficult to accurately map their distributions and develop appropriate conservation measures. In this paper, we explore the use of the DNA barcode (a fragment of the mitochondrial gene COI) as a tool for the identification of Swiss butterflies and forester moths (Rhopalocera and Zygaenidae). We present a national DNA barcode reference library including 868 sequences representing 217 out of 224 resident species, or 96.9% of Swiss fauna. DNA barcodes were diagnostic for nearly 90% of Swiss species. The remaining 10% re

SUBMITTER: Litman J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6303096 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature