Number of the records: 1
Molecular and morphological characterisation of larvae of the genus Diamesa Meigen, 1835 (Diptera: Chironomidae) in Alpine streams (Ötztal Alps, Austria)
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SYSNO ASEP 0605476 Document Type J - Journal Article R&D Document Type Journal Article Subsidiary J Článek ve WOS Title Molecular and morphological characterisation of larvae of the genus Diamesa Meigen, 1835 (Diptera: Chironomidae) in Alpine streams (Ötztal Alps, Austria) Author(s) Dvořák, M. (CZ)
Dittmann, I.L. (AT)
Pedrini-Martha, V. (AT)
Hamerlik, L. (SK)
Bitušík, P. (SK)
Stuchlík, Evžen (BC-A) RID, ORCID
Vondrák, D. (CZ)
Fuereder, L. (AT)
Lackner, R. (AT)Number of authors 9 Article number e0298367 Source Title PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science - ISSN 1932-6203
Roč. 19, č. 2 (2024)Number of pages 15 s. Language eng - English Country US - United States Keywords internal transcribed spacer ; oxidase subunit-i ; ribosomal dna Subject RIV EG - Zoology OECD category Entomology R&D Projects GF20-00892L GA ČR - Czech Science Foundation (CSF) Method of publishing Open access Institutional support BC-A - RVO:60077344 UT WOS 001164173200020 EID SCOPUS 85185232391 DOI https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0298367 Annotation Diamesa species (Diptera, Chironomidae) are widely distributed in freshwater ecosystems, and their life cycles are closely linked to environmental variables such as temperature, water quality, and sediment composition. Their sensitivity to environmental changes, particularly in response to pollution and habitat alterations, makes them valuable indicators of ecosystem health. The challenges associated with the morphological identification of larvae invoke the use of DNA barcoding for species determination. The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene is regularly used for species identification but faces limitations, such as similar sequences in closely related species. To overcome this, we explored the use of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) region in addition to COI for Diamesa larvae identification. Therefore, this study employs a combination of molecular markers alongside traditional morphological identification to enhance species discrimination. In total, 129 specimens were analysed, of which 101 were sampled from a glacier-fed stream in Rotmoostal, and the remaining 28 from spring-fed streams in the neighbouring valleys of Konigstal and Timmelstal. This study reveals the inadequacy of utilizing single COI or ITS genes for comprehensive species differentiation within the genus Diamesa. However, the combined application of COI and ITS markers significantly enhances species identification resolution, surpassing the limitations faced by traditional taxonomists. Notably, this is evident in cases involving morphologically indistinguishable species, such as Diamesa latitarsis and Diamesa modesta. It highlights the potential of employing a multi-marker approach for more accurate and reliable Diamesa species identification. This method can be a powerful tool for identifying Diamesa species, shedding light on their remarkable adaptations to extreme environments and the impacts of environmental changes on their populations. Workplace Biology Centre (since 2006) Contact Dana Hypšová, eje@eje.cz, Tel.: 387 775 214 Year of Publishing 2025 Electronic address https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0298367
Number of the records: 1