Efficiency of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit II gene for the delimitation of termite species (Blattodea: Isoptera) in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil

Abstract

With the aim of expanding the possibilities of identifying termite species, in the present study we generated genetic data based on sequences of the mitochondrial gene encoding cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COII) for termites (Blattodea: Isoptera) occurring in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. The genetic data were obtained from 135 COII sequences identified in 28 genera and 48 species. These are the first COII sequences for 15 taxa (31.2%) available in public sources. Using delimitation methods based on distance (ASAP and ABGD) and tree (GMYC, bPTP, mPTP and PTP), we confirmed the efficiency of this technique in delimiting most species. However, the assessment of intraspecific and interspecific variation revealed the occurrence of species with intraspecific genetic variation classified as high (> 2%). The analysis of identification efficiency based on our genetic data revealed a high rate of correct identifications (91.80% to 100%), confirming the efficiency of COII in species identification. The generation of these genetic data contributed as an alternative method for future identifications, allowed the understanding of the phylogenetic diversity of some termite species in Paraíba and the application of new molecular techniques to collect data on the conservation of the state.