Contribution to the caddisflies fauna in Bosnia and Herzegovina: The first molecular confirmation and DNA barcode records of two Synagapetus species (Trichoptera: Glossosomatidae)

Abstract

Background and purpose: Three genera and eleven species of Glossosomatidae family have been confirmed in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, there is limited research on the biodiversity of this family in the region, especially on molecular data. With this paper, we contribute to the knowledge on the Glossosomatidae family with the first molecular records for two species for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Materials and methods: Larval samples of caddisflies were collected in April 2019 and 2021 at the area of the Natural Monument the Spring of Bosna River followed by morphological identification. Molecular confirmation of species was done using DNA barcoding, targeting the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) region using Folmer’s primers and degenerated primers LCO1490-JJ and HCO2198-JJ. All obtained PCR products were bidirectionally sequenced using the same primers as in PCR.

Results: Out of 52 specimens, 18 were morphologically determined to species level. A DNA barcode was successfully generated for 16 specimens. Eight sequences were generated for Synagapetus krawanyi, revealing three haplotypes previously absent from the BOLD database. Four sequences were obtained for S. iridipennis, with one new haplotype for BOLD database.

Conclusions: We present new data on species distribution and genetic diversity of S. krawanyi and S. iridipennis from Bosnia and Herzegovina. This study contributes to the knowledge of caddisfly biodiversity and the Global Trichoptera Barcode Initiative by adding new records from two underrepresented species in the BOLD database.