Identification and phylogenetic characterization of select species of

April 9, 2018 | Author: Anonymous | Category: Science, Biology, Zoology, Parasitology
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Identification and phylogenetic characterization of select species of Buprestidae (Coleoptera) and Sesiidae (Lepidoptera) wood boring insect families occurring across the southeastern United States Wood boring insect pests are of major importance in the United States. Each year, this unique guild of arthropods causes millions of dollars in aesthetic and yield damage leading to lost revenue. Feeding by larvae slows plant growth, reduces plant vigor, and restricts yields. Many affected plants are eventually killed. Two insect families are the focus of this seminar (i.e. Buprestidae and Sesiidae) and both contain putative species complexes, three of which were investigated molecularly. Understanding species complexes of economic and aesthetic importance within these two families becomes important when determining appropriate management options.

The Chrysobothris femorata complex is composed of twelve species, six of which were recently described. Many of members of the femorata complex have overlapping plan host ranges and are largely sympatric in the eastern United States. Molecular analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial genes can be used to evaluate evolutionary relationships and develop species-specific diagnostics. Phylogenetic analyses in our studies confirm the close evolutionary relationship between species within the femorata complex. Taxa within the complex are highly polyphyletic and data suggests interbreeding between sympatric species may be occurring. Creation of specific molecular diagnostic tools may not be possible for species that have not yet fully separated.

The clearwing moth tribe Synanthedonini contains many species of economic and aesthetic importance to managers of commercially grown ornamental trees and shrubs, as well as fruit, nut and perennial plant producers. An analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene was performed to test taxonomic hypotheses within the tribe traditionally based on morphology and to delineate molecular differences between species of two potential complexes within the tribe (i.e. Podosesia spp. and Synanthedon scitula). The inferred phylogeny challenges traditional assumptions about Synanthedonini tribe members and suggests need to reassign two genera (i.e. Podosesia

and Sannina) and one species (S. rileyana). The Podosesia complex, which consists of two species and one subspecies, appears to be in a state of incipient speciation. In addition, evidence from two activity peaks in the seasonal flight times of Synanthedon scitula do not appear to represent separate species, confirming recent research hypotheses, but may instead indicate slower larval development influence by host plant material on which immature stages feed. Genetic sequences generated by this study can be used to positively identify several species, regardless of life stage.

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