Bioinformatics; DNA Sequencing of the New Zealand Forest Ringlet Butterfly (Dodonidia helmsii) Butler, 1884 for Conservation and Forensic Wildlife Efforts

Authors

  • Tamara Takimoana Everiss University of Auckland

Abstract

Abstract

The New Zealand forest ringlet butterfly, Dodonidia helmsii Butler, 1884, is an endemic and rare species vulnerable to habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species. Conservation efforts for this butterfly should increasingly incorporate genetic analyses to interpret its evolutionary relationships within the Satyrinae subfamily. This bioinformatics study analysed DNA sequencing of mitochondrial and nuclear markers—such as COI, EF-1α, and wgl—to investigate the genetic makeup of D. helmsii and its relatedness to close relatives, including Erebiola butleri Fereday, 1879   and Percnodaimon merula Hewitson, 1875. The COI marker, widely used in species identification due to its balanced conservation and variability, served as a key target for primer design. Primer suitability assessments indicated effective amplification in D. helmsii and P. merula, though limitations emerged with E. butleri due to sequence divergence at the primer binding site, underscoring the need for tailored primers in diverse taxa. Phylogenetic tree analysis demonstrated that D. helmsii shares a recent common ancestor with these related species, reinforcing its position within the Satyrinae subfamily.

This research highlights the value of mitochondrial and nuclear markers in constructing phylogenies and supporting conservation strategies for D. helmsii, paving the way for future studies to optimse primers for broader taxonomic applications across related species in the Satyrinae. This genetic data not only advances conservation efforts by clarifying evolutionary lineage but also holds potential applications in forensic wildlife investigations. DNA markers from D. helmsii can contribute to forensic wildlife databases, assisting in the identification and protection of this rare species under conservation legislation. Ultimately, the more research contributions made to this area will only increase the valuable genetic tools to support the species' preservation and forensic identification of butterfly specimens in cases of illegal trafficking and habitat encroachment.

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Published

2024-12-10

How to Cite

[1]
Takimoana Everiss, T. 2024. Bioinformatics; DNA Sequencing of the New Zealand Forest Ringlet Butterfly (Dodonidia helmsii) Butler, 1884 for Conservation and Forensic Wildlife Efforts. The Wētā. 58, (Dec. 2024), 55–66.

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