New record of Carnidae (Diptera) from Taiwan and potential challenges in DNA barcode amplification due to pseudogene.

BACKGROUND

The genus Nitzsch, 1818 comprises small ectoparasites that feed on the blood of juvenile avians. They are characterised by dealated adults with setose abdominal intersegmental membranes. Maa, 1968 was previously recorded in Malaysia and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, parasitising two owl species: (Horsfield, 1821) and (Cassin, 1852). This study confirms the occurrence of in Taiwan and presents a new host record, along with barcode sequences. Additionally, the study also elucidates the difficulties posed by blood meal contamination and pseudogene amplification as confounding factors intrinsic to the molecular taxonomic delineation of via universal DNA barcoding primers.

NEW INFORMATION

The following new information regarding is provided in this study: is first recorded in Taiwan, filling the gap in its East Asian distribution. This is also the first record of Carnidae from Taiwan. (Hodgson, 1836) (Aves, Strigidae) is reported as a new host for , identified on a fallen fledgling.Co-amplification of the host's is reported in this study using the universal PCR primer set LCO1490/HCO2198. Additionally, the amplification of a -like pseudogene using a newly-designed primer set is detected through abnormal translated amino acid sequences and the occurrence of a stop codon.New specific primers for the gene of were designed in this study. The new distribution and ecological data of enhance our understanding of this species. The provision of new primers is anticipated to contribute to future studies employing DNA barcoding in bird-parasitic flies.