Pilot study on the genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure of mopane worms in Southern Africa
Alex Dijkerman1, Tafadzwa Makosa1, Caitlin Ching Sent1, Dr Ruan Veldtman2,3, Gail Morland4, Dr Barbara van Asch1
1Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 3South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Stellenbosch, South Africa, 4Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia
Abstract:
Mopane worms, the edible caterpillars of the Emperor Moth Gonimbrasia belina, are culturally, socially, nutritionally and economically important to many communities throughout Southern Africa. The distribution and abundance of mopane worm outbreaks depend largely on climatic patterns. The exploitation of this wild resource is unregulated, and signs of reduced numbers or depletion have been reported in many areas over the past 30 years. The genetic diversity and structure of mopane worm populations remain completely unassessed, as is the case for all other edible caterpillar species also distributed across the continent. The aims of this pilot study were: a) to test the performance of COI and BOLD (Barcoding of Life Database) for species identification of unknown caterpillar specimens, and b) to compare genetic diversity, divergence and phylogenetic relationships between specimens collected in geographically distant regions (South Africa and Namibia). Our results revealed that BOLD is deficiently curated for African Saturniidae, thus hampering its utility for the identification of the vast species diversity of edible caterpillars. Therefore, accurate taxonomic identifications based on adults from which reliable reference DNA sequences for species identification will have to be performed a priori. Moreover, specimens collected from distant locations showed strong phylogeographic structure. These preliminary results warrant the search for current biodiversity hotspots that can inform the development of strategies for the protection and conservation for mopane worms and other edible caterpillar species.
Biography:
Ruan Veldtman works in the field of applied biodiversity research specializing in ecological entomology with a PhD from the University of Pretoria. His particular interests include wild silk moth ecology, plant–insect interactions, biological control of plant invasions, pollination ecosystem services and invasive wasp management. He is also avid supporter of interdisciplinary exchanges around entomology such as agricultural economics and sustainable agricultural production. Recently he participated in the IPBES rapid pollination assessment as a lead author in Chapter 4: Economic Valuation of Pollinator Gains and Losses. He also has a strong research interest in the benefits biodiversity deliver to people, specifically those linked to food security.