Molecular barcoding for central-eastern European Crioceris leaf-beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract Among Crioceris leaf-beetles, the two most widespread species (Crioceris asparagi and C. duodecimpunctata) are serious invasive plant pests, while another two (C. quatuordecimpunctata and C. quinquepunctata) are rare species restricted to steppe-like habitats in Eurasia. The aim of the research was to check the genetic distinctiveness of these four species and develop barcodes for their molecular identification using the mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene and two nuclear markers: Elongation Factor 1-α (EF1-α) and Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1). The identification of each species was possible and reliable with the use of COI and ITS1 markers. EF1-α was omitted in an…