Abstract:

To improve the accuracy of seashell species identification in the ecological monitoring zone of Daya Bay, Guangdong, we used DNA barcoding based on mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA genes from specimens sampled in the winter of 2013. Among the 26 morphospecies, 15 can be identified to the species level using phylogenetic analyses. Some species, Ptychobela suturalis and Funa sp., were difficult to identify by shell morphology but were successfully identified using DNA barcoding. A high level of intraspecific sequence variation was observed in Paphia gallus, Nassarius siquijorensis and Turricula javana, suggesting that cryptic species may occur in these three morphospecies. Although the barcoding gap does not exist between intra- and interspecific variations based on COI and 16S rRNA genes, a phylogenetic approach can provide effective identification. DNA barcoding is an effective tool for accurate species identification and discovery of cryptic species in seashells.

Key words: DNA barcoding, biodiversity, monitoring, COI, 16S rRNA, seashells