Molecular markers allow sibling species identification in red wood ants (Formica rufa group)

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_4F8B91DEA77E
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Molecular markers allow sibling species identification in red wood ants (Formica rufa group)
Journal
Systematic Entomology
Author(s)
Bernasconi C., Pamilo P., Cherix D.
ISSN
0307-6970
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2010
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
35
Number
2
Pages
243-249
Language
english
Abstract
Red wood ants (Formica rufa group) constitute a group of species that are considered to be among the most promising bioindicators in forest ecosystems. However, because of their morphological similarity and intraspecific variability, morphological species identification can be difficult. Considerable expertise is necessary to discriminate between the sibling species F. lugubris and F. paralugubris, two species that often live in sympatry in the same Alpine forests. New taxonomic tools providing rapid and reliable species identification are needed. We present a simple and reliable molecular technique based on mtDNA (COI gene) and a restriction enzyme for discriminating between F. lugubris and F. paralugubris. We confirm the validity of this method with a Bayesian analysis based on microsatellites. This new molecular tool represents a clear breakthrough for discriminating between F. lugubris and F. paralugubris and is likely to be helpful in large-scale biomonitoring.
Web of science
Create date
17/02/2011 12:40
Last modification date
20/08/2019 15:05
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