Phylogenetic relationships of species belonging to the Coreidae and Pentatomidae families (Heteroptera) based on the mitochondrial genes 16S and Cyt b

Abstract

This project aims the microgenomic characterization of species belonging to the Coreidae and Pentatomidae families (Heteroptera) by performing the sequencing and analysis of the mitochondrial genes 16S and Cyt b. The results will provide information on the genetic variability of these two families and will be used to obtain the phylogenetic relationships of these species. The results are also expected to provide subsidies for taxonomic interpretations. The Heteroptera have unique characteristics that still lack sufficient studies, making it difficult, for example, the understanding of the phylogenetic relationships of the group. For the Coreidae family, the available studies include: variation in the peritoneal sheath colors, in the number of testicular lobes, in the number of chromosomes and in differences on the sex chromosome systems. For the family Pentatomidae the studies include degrees of pigmentation in the peritoneal sheath, number of different testicular lobes, production of non-fertilizing sperm and presence or absence of harlequin lobe in the testes. Thus, it is expected that the results to be produced in the present study will be helpful to obtain the phylogenetic relationships among 25 species and to provide subsidies for taxonomic and phylogenetic interpretations of the group. (AU)