Host Plant Preferences, Ecological Factor And Molecular Phylogeny Of Tetraponera Rufonigra Jerdon (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) In Eastern Part Of Penang Island, Malaysia
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Date
2018-02
Authors
Sabtu, Faezah Syukriah
Journal Title
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Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Tetraponera rufonigra, commonly known as the arboreal bicolored ant has gained its notoriety as one of the medically-important pest insects in Malaysia. Tetraponera rufonigra is recognizable by its excruciating sting, causing a severe anaphylaxis especially to those with the history of allergy. A study was conducted to survey preferable trees infested by T. rufonigra across urban areas in Eastern part of Penang Island by collecting samples at sites with different types of trashes on surrounding the perimeter of trees. The survey was carried out in 11 sub-districts i.e. Bayan Lepas, Pulau Tikus, Air Itam, Jelutong, Georgetown, Gelugor, Sungai Nibong, Bayang Baru, Batu Maung, Teluk Kumbar and Sungai Ara. Active T. rufonigra infestation was detected in 34 sites from overall 58 surveyed sites. However, no significant difference was found between infestation status in each site and types of trashes (p>0.05). Populations of T. rufonigra were mostly found on trees with the surrounding perimeter of domestic and leaf litters. Phylogenetic relationships, genetic diversity and population structure of T. rufonigra populations were determined based on a 503 bp of the mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene. A major clade was formed consists of haplotype 1 and haplotype 2. Six populations exhibited high pairwise genetic differentiation (FST), ranging from 0.42 to 1.00 and low gene flow (Nm), ranging from 0.00 to 0.69, except for populations of Changkat Sungai Ara CSA and Cheeseman CH (FST= 0.0, Nm= -1813.68). AMOVA analysis revealed that genetic variation among populations accounted for 99.58% (FST = 0.996 p = 0.000 ± 0.000) of the variation, while, only 0.42% was attributable to differences among individuals within the population.
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Keywords
Tetraponera rufonigra, the arboreal bicolored ant , medically-important pest insects in Malaysia