title: Molecular Identification of Diaspididae and Elucidation of Non-Native Species Using the Genes 28s and 16s.
abstract: Armored scale insects pose a serious threat to habitat conservation across the globe because they include some of the most potent invasive species in the world. They are such a serious concern because their basic morphology, small size, and polyphagous feeding habits often allow them to exist undetected by growers and quarantine experts. In order to provide a potential solution to the problem, we have attempted to elucidate the effectiveness of molecular identification techniques using ribosomal 28s and endosymbiotic 16s rRNA. Sequence data was obtained from many field-collected insects to test the feasibility of identification techniques. A protocol for quick species determination based on sequence data is provided.
authors.affiliation: Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, 4701 College Dr, Erie, PA 16563, USA. amc463@psu.edu.
authors.forename: Alexander M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.affiliation: Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, 4701 College Dr, Erie, PA 16563, USA. ajl5131@psu.edu.
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Lawrence
authors.affiliation: Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, 4701 College Dr, Erie, PA 16563, USA. caleb.hudspath@rvu.edu.
authors.forename: Caleb B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Hudspath
authors.affiliation: Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, 4701 College Dr, Erie, PA 16563, USA. meg26@psu.edu.
authors.forename: Matthew E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Gruwell
keywords: Diaspididae; armored scale insects; cryptic species; invasive species; molecular barcoding; phylogenetics