DNA Barcoding of Two Economically Important edible insect species, Asian giant hornet, Vespa magnifica and a Lepidopteran, Xyleutes sp from Manipur for Solving species Ambiguity

Author: Thounaojam Sheileja, K. Mamocha Singh and Tourangbam Shantibala

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Abstract

DNA barcoding is a standardized and widely used method to distinguish categories and proper identification of insect species. The two edible insects belonging to Hymenopteran and Lepidopteran order were collected as a delicious food item by different ethnic communities of Northeast India, especially in Manipur. Molecular identification was carried out by using COI gene. Phylogenetic analysis using BLAST sequences revealed that the species were Vespa magnifica and Xyleutes sp. COI gene sequences was submitted to NCBI and the Accession number were ON514039 (Vespa magnifica) and ON533749 (Xyleutes sp). The species conformity was carried out based on mitochondrial COI gene sequences, molecular evolutionary divergence and phylogenic status of insect species. The present study the great scope of DNA barcoding technique using COI gene sequences was used for identification and documenting of edible insects in the region (Manipur).

Keywords

DNA barcode, COI gene sequence, Edible insect, Phylogenetic analysis

Conclusion

The wild species of selected edible insects are eaten fondly by different ethnic people of the State; serving of this insect curry or in fried form along with other ingredients as per the consumers’ choice. They are expensive selling at the price of Rs. 2000 – 5000 per hive or 7-8 insect larvae because of their demands in local markets as well as wild in nature. Insects are characterized by rich species diversity and large populations so as nutritive resources; they can be widely exploited and have great development potential. DNA barcode technique has a great scope for the identification and documentation of edible insects, animals, etc. The selected samples will be sent for complete mitochondrial genome which will be helpful for the studies of population genetic structure, conservation and genetic programmes and evolution of species and the published mitogenomes will be a promising marker to study and understand phylogenetic relationship. The comprehensive data generated from present study would be useful in further implication for edible insects for development of diagnostic guide at molecular level. In India, there are a very few focused national and international projects which include such collaborations. Financial support/funding is one of the most important problems in the field of taxonomic research. Collaborations between national institutions focusing on molecular aspects, and joining forces with international platforms like the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, will improve the DNA barcoding status of Indian insects. Indian scientists should focus on specimen-based group-specific DNA barcode libraries with national-level campaigns.

References

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How to cite this article

Thounaojam Sheileja, K. Mamocha Singh and Tourangbam Shantibala (2023). DNA Barcoding of Two Economically Important edible insect species, Asian giant hornet, Vespa magnifica and a Lepidopteran, Xyleutes sp from Manipur for Solving species Ambiguity. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 208-211.