DNA barcodes reveal population-dependent cryptic diversity and various cases of sympatry of Korean leptonetid spiders (Araneae: Leptonetidae).

ABSTRACT: Leptonetidae are tiny, rarely encountered spiders that mainly inhabit moist environments, such as caves, leaf litter, and rock piles. Because they are microhabitat specialists, most leptonetid species have short-range endemism, and rarely occur in sympatry. Their small size, relatively simple habitus features and reproductive organ structure increase the difficulty of identification. The identification of leptonetids and other spiders may also be time-consuming due to their sexual dimorphism, polymorphism, and lack of diagnostic characteristics in juveniles. DNA barcoding has been used as an effective tool for species identification to overcome these obstacles. Herein, we conducted a test of DNA barcoding based on 424 specimens of Korean Leptonetidae representing 76 morphospecies. A thresh

SUBMITTER: Oh JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9478141 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature