Abstract

LANTERI, Analía A.. DNA barcoding and its possible applications to the field of Entomology. Rev. Soc. Entomol. Argent. [online]. 2007, vol.66, n.3-4, pp.15-25. ISSN 0373-5680.

This article deals with some of the most controversial issues of the DNA barcode initiative, focusing on its potential applications to Entomology. The barcoding proposes using information within the same gene region (Cytocrome c Oxidase I= COI mitochondrial gene), in all living species and under standard conditions of sequencing. At present, it does not attempt to replace alpha taxonomy or phylogeny, but to accelerate the task of identification, particularly, in the fields of Biomedicine (identification of pathogens, parasites and vectors), Pest Control (interception of all ontogenetic stages of alien invasive insects) and studies on Biodiversity Conservation. For an accurate delimitation of biological species, it is necessary to undertake exhaustive sampling of COI sequences along their geographical range, as well as to sequence nuclear genes, and to accomplish detailed morphological and biological information. The «Evolutionary Significant Units» based on «DNA barcoding» might correspond to morphospecies, cryptic species, subspecies or lineages with different host preferences. The integration of «DNA barcode», field work, collections of museums and scientific research are essential for this tool to make a fruitful impact on the field of Systematic Entomology.

Keywords : DNA; Barcoding life; Entomology; Systematics.

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