title: DNA barcoding of human-biting black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Thailand.
abstract: Black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) are important insect vectors and pests of humans and animals. Accurate identification, therefore, is important for control and management. In this study, we used mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) barcoding sequences to test the efficiency of species identification for the human-biting black flies in Thailand. We used human-biting specimens because they enabled us to link information with previous studies involving the immature stages. Three black fly taxa, Simulium nodosum, S. nigrogilvum and S. doipuiense complex, were collected. The S. doipuiense complex was confirmed for the first time as having human-biting habits. The COI sequences revealed considerable genetic diversity in all three species. Comparisons to a COI sequence library of black flies in Thailand and in a public database indicated a high efficiency for specimen identification for S. nodosum and S. nigrogilvum, but this method was not successful for the S. doipuiense complex. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two divergent lineages in the S. doipuiense complex. Human-biting specimens formed a separate clade from other members of this complex. The results are consistent with the Barcoding Index Number System (BINs) analysis that found six BINs in the S. doipuiense complex. Further taxonomic work is needed to clarify the species status of these human-biting specimens.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Kantharawichai District, Maha Sarakham, 44150 Thailand; Biodiverstiy and Traditional Knowledge Research Unit, Mahasarakham University, Kantharawichai District, Maha Sarakham, 44150 Thailand. Electronic address: pairot.p@msu.ac.th.
authors.forename: Pairot
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pramual
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Kantharawichai District, Maha Sarakham, 44150 Thailand.
authors.forename: Jiraporn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Thaijarern
authors.affiliation: Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute, Mahasarakham University, Kantharawichai District, Maha Sarakham, 44150 Thailand,. Electronic address: komgrit_w@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Komgrit
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wongpakam
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001733:Bites and Stings; D058893:DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic; D003576:Electron Transport Complex IV / Q000235:genetics; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D010802:Phylogeny; D012843:Simuliidae / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D013785:Thailand
chemical_list: D003576:Electron Transport Complex IV
keywords: Black fly; DNA barcode; Simuliidae; Simulium; Thailand