Molecular identification of Trichocera maculipennis, an invasive fly species in the Maritime Antarctic

• Published in: Molecular Biology Reports
• Main Authors: Potocka, Marta, Krzemińska, Ewa, Gromadka, Robert, Gawor, Jan, Kocot-Zalewska, Joanna
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Springer Science and Business Media LLC 2020
• Subjects: Genetics; Molecular Biology; General Medicine; Antarctic; King George Island; South Shetland Islands; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11033-020-05566-5; https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11033-020-05566-5.pdf; https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11033-020-05566-5/fulltext.html

Abstract Trichocera maculipennis , an invasive Diptera, was described for the first time in Antarctica in 2006 in a sewage system of one of the scientific stations on King George Island, South Shetland Islands, and started to increase its distribution within the island. To date, only taxonomical description of this species, based on morphological data has been available, as there were no molecular data recorded. In the present study, we present two methods of molecular identification of this species—based on partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S) genes. An appropriate and easy-to-use assay for proper and fast identification of invasive species is a key requirement for further management decisions, especially in such a fragile environment as found in terrestrial Antarctica.