DNA barcodincg reveals hidden species diversity in Cymothoe (Nymphalidae)

摘要

DNA barcoding has recently become a prominent tool for species identification and discovery. In this paper we assess whether DNA barcoding can be used to identify and match different life stages of Cymothoe butterflies. Our results showed that DNA barcode sequences cluster according to species and that interspecific divergence is higher than intraspecific variation. In three cases, high levels of intraspecific DNA sequence variation revealed sibling species in Cymothoe, which are supported by morphology and host-plant data. We conclude that DNA barcoding is a powerful tool for the identification of eggs and caterpillars. In addition, combined with morphology, ecology and biogeography, DNA barcoding can be valuable in revealing hidden species.