IDENTIFICATION OF Encarsia FÖRSTER (HYMENOPTERA: APHELINIDAE) SPECIES FROM NORTHEASTERN MÉXICO BY CYTOCHROME C OXIDASE SUBUNIT 1 (CO1) SEQUENCING

Abstract

Background. Aphelinidae, comprising more than 1120 species in 40 genera, are economically significant parasitoids known for preying on Aleyrodidae, Coccidae, Pseudococcidae, and Aphididae. However, there is scarcity of registered sequences for Aphelinidae and the Encarsia genus in Mexico's databases. With a widespread distribution, Encarsia stands as the largest genus within this family, boasting 96 species. The application of sequencing techniques, particularly targeting the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) mitochondrial gene, has considerably eased species identification, providing valuable information at the species level. Objective. To identify Encarsia species through CO1 gene sequencing. By doing so, the study sought to augment the information available for this group in the GenBank and globally, facilitating further taxonomic comprehension and unveiling potential cryptic species. Methodology. During 2015 and 2016, we collected Aleyrodidae and Diaspididae nymphs from various locations, namely Tampico Alto and Ciudad Cuauhtémoc in Veracruz, and Altamira, Tamaulipas, and Saltillo, Coahuila. Taxonomic identification of the species Encarsia citrina, Encarsia perplexa, and Encarsia tamaulipeca was conducted alongside CO1 gene sequencing. The obtained sequences were subsequently deposited in the GenBank under the accession keys MF444685, MF444686, and MF444687, respectively. Results. Through the application of CO1 gene sequencing, we successfully identified three Encarsia species in the regions under investigation. Notably, the registration of the latter two species marked their first-ever presence in the GenBank, further augmenting the knowledge base for this genus on a global scale. Implications. The inclusion of these new sequences in the GenBank represents a significant step forward for Aphelinidae, specifically Encarsia, in Mexico. This expansion of data will serve as a valuable tool for validating traditional identification methods, exploring intra- and interspecies variations, and shedding light on previously unknown cryptic species. Conclusions. By utilizing CO1sequencing, this study successfully identified and registered three Encarsia species in the GenBank, including two species previously unrecorded worldwide. The newfound genetic data will be instrumental in enhancing our understanding of this ecologically important group, contributing to more precise taxonomic assessments and encouraging further investigations into the diversity and distribution of Aphelinidae in Mexico and beyond.