Linking karyotypes with DNA barcodes: proposal for a new standard in chromosomal analysis with an example based on the study of Neotropical Nymphalidae (Lepidoptera)

By

Lukhtanov, Vladimir
Yashenkova, Yaroslavna

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2019

Original Publication

Comparative cytogenetics : international journal of plant & animal cytogenetics, karyosystematics and molecular systematics

Volume

13

Series / Issue

Issue: 4

Pages

435--449

Subjects

Biblidinae , COI , Danainae , DNA barcoding , Ithomiini , karyotype , Lepidoptera , Meiosis , metaphase , Nymphalidae , Peru

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

St. Petersburg, Russia [Published] with technical support of Zoological Institute RAS [2007]-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/CompCytogen.v13i4.48368

 

Abstract

Chromosomal data are important for taxonomists, cytogeneticists and evolutionary biologists; however, the value of these data decreases sharply if they are obtained for individuals with inaccurate species identification or unclear species identity. To avoid this problem, here we suggest linking each karyotyped sample with its DNA barcode, photograph and precise geographic data, providing an opportunity for unambiguous identification of described taxa and for delimitation of undescribed species. Using this approach, we present new data on chromosome number diversity in neotropical butterflies of the subfamily Biblidinae (genusVilaKirby, 1871) and the tribe Ithomiini (generaOleriaHübner, 1816,IthomiaHübner, 1816,GodyrisBoisduval, 1870,HypothyrisHübner, 1821,NapeogenesBates, 1862,PseudoscadaGodman et Salvin, 1879 andHyposcadaGodman et Salvin, 1879). Combining new and previously published data we show that the species complexOleria onega(Hewitson, [1852]) includes three discrete chromosomal clusters (with haploid chromosome numbers n = 15, n = 22 and n = 30) and at least four DNA barcode clusters. Then we discuss how the incomplete connection between these chromosomal and molecular data (karyotypes and DNA barcodes were obtained for different sets of individuals) complicates the taxonomic interpretation of the discovered clusters.