Toward a global DNA barcode reference library of the intolerant nonbiting midge genus Rheocricotopus Brundin, 1956

Mitochondrial DNA evidence reflects high genetic divergence of Amynthas aspergillum (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) in southern China

Amynthas aspergillum (Perrier, 1872), a natural resource used in traditional Chinese medicine (Guang-dilong) with high economic value, is widely distributed in forests and farmland habitats in the hilly areas of southern China. To investigate the extent of genetic differentiation and diversity in A. aspergillum, a population genetic structure study was performed on 157 samples from 75 locations in southern China using the mitochondrial genes COI, COII, 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and NDI. The results indicated that A. aspergillum had a high level of genetic diversity, and variation within populations was the main source of the total variation. Six deeply divergent mitochondrial clades (I-VI) were detected using both phylogenetic tree and haplotype network analyses. This finding was supported by the high Kimura two-parameter genetic distance and the pairwise fixation index value obtained based on the COI gene. No significant phylogeographic structures were observed. The widespread geographic distribution of clades II, IV, and VI suggested a recent demographic expansion based on multiple analysis results. These results include a high level of Hd and low π, star-shaped haplotype network structures with a high number of less frequent haplotypes, significantly negative neutrality test values, and a unimodal mismatch distribution pattern. The divergence time estimates and reconstruction of the ancestral area revealed that A. aspergillum originated in Guangxi Province and underwent initial intraspecific diversification in the early Pliocene to generate clade I. Then, it gradually dispersed eastward and rapidly differentiated into clades II-V during the Pleistocene. The Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and Nanling and Wuyi Mountains might act as geographical barriers for the spread of A. aspergillum to the west and north.

DNA barcodes and morphology reveal new species within the Rheotanytarsus guineensis species group from China (Diptera: Chironomidae)

The Rheotanytarsus guineensis species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) is a species diverse and taxonomically difficult group. Using DNA barcodes, we found five new species within the R. guineensis species group and reviewed the species group based on adult males from China. Rheotanytarsus guoae Lin & Yao sp. n., Rheotanytarsus miaoae Lin & Yao sp. n., Rheotanytarsus qiangi Lin & Yao sp. n., Rheotanytarsus yueqingensis Lin & Yao sp. n., and Rheotanytarsus yui Lin & Yao sp. n. are all described and figured. A key to known adult males of the R. guineensis species group worldwide is provided for the first time.