Description of the male Gonatopus pinhalensis (Dryinidae, Gonatopodinae) supported by DNA barcoding and new host records

What is it about?

Gonatopus, third most diverse genus within the Dryinidae, exhibits marked sexual dimorphism, posing challenges in associating sexes. This study focuses on Gonatopus pinhalensis, a species with limited sexual association records. Through DNA_x000D_ barcoding, we establish the first sexual association for this species, utilizing specimens_x000D_ obtained from different hosts. The male and female specimens showed a 1.92%_x000D_ pairwise difference in their mitochondrial COI, confirming their conspecificity._x000D_ Morphological descriptions of the male and additional material were provided,_x000D_ emphasizing external features due to limited information on male genitalia. Host_x000D_ associations with Amplicephalus sp., Copidinomus vittulatus, Stirellus_x000D_ picinus, Graminella striatella, and Metadelphax argentinesis were documented. The_x000D_ study highlights the significance of DNA barcoding in overcoming challenges posed by_x000D_ the sexual dimorphism of Gonatopus species. This research contributes to the_x000D_ understanding of Dryinidae fauna, not only in Brazil but also in the Neotropic,_x000D_ emphasizing the need for further breeding studies and continued molecular techniques application.

Featured Image