Diversity and DNA Barcode Analysis of Chironomids (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Large Rivers in South Korea

Abstract

Most large rivers in South Korea run through major cities, which often experience many environmental problems, including outbreaks of non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae). However, chironomid species inhabiting large rivers have not been thoroughly investigated. We aimed to identify chironomid species collected from the four main large rivers in South Korea, construct a corresponding DNA barcode library, and examine the distribution and community structure of the identified riverine species. Adult chironomids were collected from nine sites along the rivers by using sweep nets and light traps during June and August 2015. Adults were morphologically identified, and COI nucleotide sequences were generated to verify the species identification and construct a DNA barcode library. The distribution and community structure of the identified species were also analyzed. A total of 124 COI sequences were established from 37 species belonging to 19 genera, and the resulting DNA barcode library effectively discriminated >90% of riverine Chironomidae in South Korea. Ten species, which are considered indicator species for large rivers, were collected from all four rivers. In addition, members of the subfamily Chironominae were collected more frequently than members of other subfamilies, with Tanytarsus tamagotoi being the most common and widespread chironomid species in South Korea. The DNA barcode library developed in this study will facilitate environmental studies of large rivers, such as biomonitoring chironomid larvae.

Keywords: COI; Chironomidae; DNA barcode library; South Korea; distribution; large river.

Figure 1

Chironomid sampling sites in the four large rivers in South Korea.

Figure 2

Chironomid sampling sites and collection methods. (a) Han River at Ipo weir; (b) Geum River at Sejong weir; (c) Yeongsan River at Seungchon weir; (d) Nakdong River at Danlseong weir; (e) sweeping along Han River at Ipo weir; (f) light-tarping along Yeongsan River at Seungchon weir.

Figure 3

Maximum likelihood tree of COI sequences from chironomids collected from large rivers in South Korea. Node values indicate bootstrap values (1000 replicates) of >50%. Scale bar corresponds to 0.05 changes per nucleotide.