Using DNA barcoding to differentiate invasive Dreissena species (Mollusca, Bivalvia)

By

Marescaux, Jonathan
Van Doninck, Karine

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2013

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

365

Pages

235-244

Subjects

barcoding gap , COI , quagga mussel , RFLP , Zebra mussel

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.365.5905

 

Abstract

The zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and the quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) are considered as the most competitive invaders in freshwaters of Europe and North America. Although shell characteristics exist to differentiate both species, phenotypic plasticity in the genus Dreissena does not always allow a clear identification. Therefore, the need to find an accurate identification method is essential. DNA barcoding has been proven to be an adequate procedure to discriminate species. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 mitochondrial gene (COI) is considered as the standard barcode for animals. We tested the use of this gene as an efficient DNA barcode and found that it allow rapid and accurate identification of adult Dreissena individuals.