DNA Barcoding of Portuguese Lacewings (Neuroptera) and Snakeflies (Raphidioptera) (Insecta, Neuropterida)

The orders Neuroptera and Raphidioptera include the species of insects known as lacewings and snake flies, respectively. In Portugal, these groups account for over 100 species, some of which are very difficult to identify by morphological analysis. This work is the first to sample and DNA sequence lacewings and snakeflies of Portugal. A reference collection was built with captured specimens that were identified morphologically. DNA barcode sequences of 658 bp were obtained from 243 specimens of 54 species. The results showed that most species can be successfully identified through DNA barcoding, with the exception of seven species of Chrysopidae (Neuroptera). Additionally, the first published distribution data are presented for Portugal for the neuropterans Gymnocnemia variegata (Schneider, 1845) and Myrmecaelurus (Myrmecaelurus) trigrammus (Pallas, 1771).

Automated summary

This study conducted DNA sequencing of lacewings and snake flies in Portugal for the first time, revealing that most species can be successfully identified through DNA barcoding, except for seven species of the Chrysopidae family. Additionally, distribution data for two neuropteran species in Portugal were published for the first time.