Genetic distance and phylogenetic relationships of Tetraponera rufonigra Jerdon (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) populations in Penang, Malaysia
Tetraponera rufonigra, commonly known as the arboreal bicolored ant has gained its notoriety as one of the medically-important pest insects in Malaysia. Tetraponera rufonigra is recognizable by its excruciating sting, causing a severe anaphylaxis especially to those with the history of allergy. T...
| Main Authors: | , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Pusat Sistematik Serangga, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
2020
|
| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/15604/ http://journalarticle.ukm.my/15604/1/35185-125429-1-PB.pdf |
| Summary: | Tetraponera rufonigra, commonly known as the arboreal bicolored ant has gained its
notoriety as one of the medically-important pest insects in Malaysia. Tetraponera rufonigra
is recognizable by its excruciating sting, causing a severe anaphylaxis especially to those
with the history of allergy. The aim of this study was to assess the phylogenetic relationships
among the populations of T. rufonigra inferred from 503bp of the mitochondrial DNA
Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene. The data obtained were analysed using the T-coffee,
ClustalX, MEGA 6.0 and PAUP software. A major monophyletic clade was formed consists
of haplotype 1 and haplotype 2. Haplotype 1 consists of samples mostly from industrial areas,
differing from the other populations studied by one singleton base. This study will enhance
the knowledge about the population’s relationship of T. rufonigra as well as it control and
role in fragile ecosystem of Penang, Malaysia. |
|---|