Kim Seon Yi, Lim Changseob, Kang Ji Hyoun, Bae Yeon Jae
Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
Species Diversity Research Division, Biodiversity Research Department, National Institute of Biological Resources, Incheon 22689, Republic of Korea.
Insects. 2024 Sep 29;15(10):754. doi: 10.3390/insects15100754.
, a water bug from the family Belostomatidae, plays an important role in freshwater ecosystems as one of the top predators. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of by analyzing 318 specimens across 27 sites in South Korea. We found that the populations of possess 11 haplotypes with a haplotype diversity of 0.623. This represents a relatively low level of genetic diversity compared to other known belostomatids and endangered species. AMOVA and analyses revealed significant genetic differentiation among populations, with most populations harboring only 1-2 haplotypes, suggesting restricted gene flow between populations and a low level of genetic diversity. This low genetic diversity and limited gene flow suggest a potential vulnerability to environmental changes and an increased risk of extinction, indicating that should be designated as a protected species in South Korea as part of future conservation efforts. Based on the results of this study, Upo Wetland, which maintains relatively high levels of genetic diversity and Jeju Island, which, despite its lower genetic diversity compared to the mainland, does not share haplotypes with other regions, should be considered key conservation units for this species. This study highlights the importance of incorporating genetic information into conservation status assessments under the Red List Categories and Criteria and also emphasizes the need to evaluate this species on the Korean Red List. The data provided here will serve as essential baseline information and valuable resources for the development of effective conservation strategies.
大田负蝽是负蝽科的一种水生昆虫，作为顶级捕食者之一，在淡水生态系统中发挥着重要作用。在本研究中，我们通过分析韩国27个地点的318个标本，调查了大田负蝽的遗传多样性和种群结构。我们发现大田负蝽种群拥有11个单倍型，单倍型多样性为0.623。与其他已知的负蝽科昆虫和濒危物种相比，这代表了相对较低的遗传多样性水平。AMOVA和其他分析揭示了种群间显著的遗传分化，大多数种群仅含有1 - 2个单倍型，这表明种群间基因流受限且遗传多样性水平较低。这种低遗传多样性和有限的基因流表明其对环境变化可能较为脆弱，灭绝风险增加，这表明大田负蝽应被指定为韩国的保护物种，作为未来保护工作的一部分。基于本研究结果，保持相对较高遗传多样性水平的乌波湿地以及济州岛（尽管其遗传多样性低于大陆，但与其他地区不存在共享单倍型）应被视为该物种的关键保护单元。本研究强调了将遗传信息纳入《红色名录类别和标准》下的保护状况评估的重要性，同时也强调了在韩国红色名录上评估该物种的必要性。这里提供的数据将作为制定有效保护策略的重要基线信息和宝贵资源。
