ABSTRACT
Our study aimed to develop an optimised laboratory protocol ensuring the preservation of morphological structures and extraction of high-quality DNA sequences from Psychodidae (Insecta, Diptera) specimens. With 310 analysed specimens, we investigated the impact of distinct laboratory treatments by employing two shaking categories (constant and interrupted) with five different incubation periods (16, 12, 8, 4 and 2 hours) during the DNA extraction process. Notably, 80.65% of the specimens exhibited morphological changes during DNA extraction. Our results indicated no statistical difference between constant and interrupted shaking for the total of morphological structures lost. However, within each shaking category, the loss of structures was influenced significantly by the incubation period. Prolonged incubation correlated with increased structural losses, whereas shorter incubation periods caused minor alterations in structures lost. In addition, our results showed a significant difference between constant and interrupted shaking treatments for DNA concentration. Likewise, the incubation period showed differences within each shaking category. Successful COI sequencing was achieved in 89.6% of specimens, with negligible differences in DNA fragment lengths across treatments. Our findings underscore the importance of an optimised protocol and its potential in systematic research involving nematoceran dipteran specimens by balancing morphological integrity and DNA extraction efficiency.
ABSTRACT
Background: Prior to this study, the moth flies in The Netherlands were represented by 61 species. Our findings derive from a citizen-science expedition in the Vondelpark in Amsterdam, one of the oldest public parks and best known parks in The Netherlands. The combination of citizen science and the exploration of a well-known urban park has allowed us to contribute to the knowledge of moth fly species present in The Netherlands. The findings from this study provide valuable insights into the distribution, taxonomy and genetic resources of Psychoda and Panimerus species, enhancing our understanding of insect biodiversity and promoting future research in this field. New information: Our study provides two new geographical records of the moth flies in The Netherlands, namely, Psychodauniformata Haseman, 1907 and Panimerusmaynei (Tonnoir, 1920) elevating the total number of species to 63. Furthermore, we provide re-descriptions of the females of Panimerusnotabilis (Eaton, 1893) and P.goetghebueri (Tonnoir, 1919). Additionally, we make available for the first time, the sequence of the 5'-end of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene or COI Barcodes for Panimerusnotabilis, P.goetghebueri and P.maynei. These COI Barcodes serve as valuable tools for future species identification within the genus.
ABSTRACT
A new species of the Neotropical genus Alepia Enderlein, 1937 is described from the Azores Archipelago based on morphological characters and DNA barcodes from male and female specimens. Images of the new species as well as a discussion of the origin of this species are also provided. Moreover, we include an identification key for the adult male Psychodidae species recorded on the Azores Archipelago and comment on each species present on these islands. This is the first record of the genus Alepia from Azores.
Subject(s)
Psychodidae , Animals , Azores , Female , Male , PortugalABSTRACT
We provide the first record of the genus Lepidiella Enderlein, 1937 from the Oriental Region with the description of Lepidiellalimicornis sp. nov., based on two male specimens collected in Thailand. Additionally, we provide a list of the world species of Lepidiella and discuss the diagnosis and taxonomic placement of the genus.
ABSTRACT
A new species of Chvalaea Papp Földvári, 2002 is discovered after a photo on a social network and later collected in nature. Chvalaea yolkamini sp. nov. is described and illustrated here. In addition, for the first time we describe eggs with scanning electron microscopy and report on adult hunting behavior.
Subject(s)
Diptera , Animal Distribution , AnimalsABSTRACT
A new species of Bithoracochaeta Stein, 1911 (Diptera, Muscidae), Bithoracochaeta couriae sp. nov., is described and illustrated. In addition, we present comments on all Mexican species of the genus, a brief description of hunting behavior of B. couriae sp. nov. and its possible use as a biological control agent of greenhouses pests.
