거제도 장목항에서 분리한 Akashiwo sanguinea의 형태와 계통학적 특성을 명확히 하고, 여러 온도와 염분구배에 따른 성장조건을 파악하고자 하였다. A. sanguinea의 세포는 오각형이었고, 세포의 길이는 54.7~70.3 μm, 폭은 31.5~48.5 μm로 나타났다. 핵은 세포의 중심에 위치하였고, 엽록체는 황갈색으로 세포 전체에 퍼져있었다. 상추구는 알파벳 e 모양이었다. 계통분석 결과 장목항에서 분리한 본 배양주는 ribotype A에 포함되었다. 온도 및 염분구배에 따른 성장 실험은 5°C 이하의 온도를 제외한 모든 온 도구배에서 성장이 나타났다. 그리고, 최대성장속도는 온도 20°C, 염분 20 psu에서 0.50 day-1로 나타났고, 최대세포 밀도는 온도 25°C, 염분 30 psu에서 1,372 cells mL-1였다. 이 결과는 A. sanguinea가 가을철에 한국 연안에서 최대 증식을 보일 수 있다는 것을 나타낸다.

Recent increase of raw sequences generated by next generation sequencing (NGS) machines enabled re-analyzing raw sequences for diverse purposes: one is assembling organelle genome. One recent study completed the mitochondrial genomes of 14 ants from public raw sequences in subfamily Pseudomyrmecinae not having organelle genomes. Along with this approach, we have found four ant species of which genome papers were published and its raw sequences were open to public but its mitochondrial genome has not been assembled yet: Harpegnathos saltator and three Pogonomyrmex species (P. rugosus, P. anergismus, and P. colei). We assembled four complete mitochondrial genomes, presenting mitogenome of H. saltator 16,467 bp long and those of three Pogonomyrmex species above 21 kb long, ranking top among all known Hymenopteran mitogenomes. Four mitochondrial genomes contain 13 PCGs, 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs, conserved as in all other insects. Phylogenomic tree based on partial or complete mitogneomes covering 26 genera provides insights of ant mitogenomic phylogeny and evolution.

Coccidae is one of the major families of scale insects, with many species considered to be serious agricultural or horticultural pests. However, the phylogenetic relationships among coccid subfamilies, tribes and genera are poorly understood because the previous hypotheses are based only on morphological characters and cladistic analysis. Here, we present the first molecular phylogeny of the family based on DNA fragments of a mitochondrial gene (COI), nuclear ribosomal RNA genes (18S and 28S), and elongation factor-1α (EF-1α). We recover a monophyletic family Coccidae with strong support. However, some genera (Coccus and Pulvinaria), tribes (Coccini, Paralecaniini, Pulvinariini and Saissetiini) and subfamilies (Coccinae and Filippiinae) within the family found to be paraphyletic- or polyphyletic. Moreover, particular types of wax formation, which have been used as important taxonomic characters in Coccidae, were found in several unrelated taxa.

The toxic dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenatum isolated from the southern coast of Korea was described under light and scanning electron microscopy, and its large subunit (LSU) rDNA was sequenced. In addition, the effects of temperature and salinity on its growth were investigated. The cells of G. catenatum, as viewed under the electronic microscope, were green-brown color, 38.1-77.4 μm in length and 26.1-40.8 μm in width. The epicone was conical, while the hypocone was trapezoidal. The nucleus was located at the central part of the cell. The apical groove was horseshoe-shaped and small pores were irregularly distributed on the cell surface. Molecular phylogeny based on LSU rDNA gene sequences showed that the Korean G. catenatum and previously reported species formed a monophyletic clade within Gymnodinium sensu stricto clade. The maximum growth rate of 0.37 day-1, was obtained at 25°C and 35 psu, and the maximum cell density of 1,073 cells mL-1, was observed at 20°C and 25 psu. However, G. catenatum did not grow at temperature <15°C and <30°C. These results suggest that environmental conditions of summer and autumn in the southern coast of Korea may be favorable for the growth of G. catenatum.

최근 우리나라 연안에서 출현빈도가 점차 늘어나고 있는 침편모조류에 속하는 Chattonella는 대표적인 유해조류 중 하나로, 이들 종은 세포벽이 없어, 단순히 세포의 형태나 크기 등 광학현미경 관찰만으로는 정확하게 동정하는 것이 어렵다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 2017년 득량만에서 발생한 Chattonella 적조 시료를 대상으로 단일 세포를 분리하고, 이들 시료의 28s rDNA, rbcL, psaA 영역을 대상으로 single-cell PCR 기법을 이용하여 종 동정을 실시하였다. 현미경 관찰 결과 장축은 평균 74.0±10.1㎛이고 단축은 평균 33.1±3.6㎛로 일반적인 Chattonella의 형태적 특징을 보였다. 28s rDNA, rbcL, psaA 영역을 대상으로 한 염기서열 비교 결과에서는 세 영역 모두에서 하나의 종으로 명확히 구분되지는 않았다. 하지만 C. marina, C. marina var. antiqua, C. marina var. ovata 그룹과 99~100% 높은 서열 유사성을 보였다.

The subfamily Mirinae is the most diverse group in Heteroptera, composed of at least 4,100 described species worldwide. This subfamily is also one of the most important groups in agriculture and in forestry, containing many well-known pests and predators which can be used as a biological control agent. However, the monophyly and generic relationships of each group within this subfamily have been unclear due to the lack of phylogenetic analysis. In this talk, the first comprehensive phylogenetic analyses of this subfamily are presented based on total evidence data. Major questions on the basis of the results are discussed, including the monophyly and relationships among the tribes and main genera, and the evolution of important characters in each group.

Family Pentatomidae has a worldwide distribution, and is considered as one of the largest groups within the Heteroptera. The family is subdivided into 10 different morphological lineages (subfamilies): Aphylinae, Asopinae, Cyrtocorinae, Discocephalinae, Edessinae, Pentatominae, Phyllocephalinae, Podopinae, Serbaninae and Stirotarsinae, however the internal phylogeny and subfamily level relationships of the group remain unstudied. In this talk, molecular markers COI, 16S RNA, 28S RNA and 18S RNA with more than 200 species have been used to test their monophylies and relationships. Based on the results, reclassification and reinterpretation of the characters and groupings should be necessary to understand the evolutionary lineages that make up the Pentatomidae family.

Correlated evolution of biology and morphology of related organs of insects is an intriguing yet poorly understood topic. Gigantic member of phytophagan, the subfamily Cerambycinae provide us a unique opportunity to understand the topic because they have wide range of host plants, oviposition strategies and various forms of ovipositors. The evolutionary pathway of these traits is totally unknown because no robust internal phylogeny has been studied. Here we construct a multilocus phylogeny of Cerambycinae (134 taxa, 9 gene regions, 5211bp) focusing on wide range of oviposition strategies, host plant and ovipositor length. Ancestral state reconstruction analyses show that shortened ovipositor in Cerambycinae evolved at least four times independently; host plant use evolved from stressed hosts to dead and living host, broad leaved trees to conifer and herbaceus plants. Continuous mapping of ancestral state reconstruction shows extremely shortened ovipositor evolved independently at least four times. The correlated evolution test revealed the only correlation is between the ovipositor length and the oviposition strategy. This study unveiled the complex evolutionary history of ovipositor, oviposition strategy, host plant usage and their correlation within Cerambycinae for the first time.

Currently, phylogenetic relationships of Bombycoidea have been reconstructed using molecular data, but generated several hypotheses on among-familial relationships [(especially, “Satruniidae+Bombycidae+Sphingidae” group)] within Bombycoidea. Thus, in this study, we sequenced 39 mitogenomes from both Bombycoidea and Lasiocampoidea. Consequently, one topology was obtained on the basis of ML and BI methods. It suggested the monophyly of the two superfamilies (Bombycoidea and Lasiocampoidea) consistently with a high nodal support; the sister relationship between Saturniidae and Sphingidae in “SBS”; and the sister relationships between Bombycidae and the Saturniidae + Sphingidae group.

The subfamily Mirinae, commonly called plant bug, represents the largest group in Heteroptera, and is also one of the most important groups economically, containing many insect pests as well as predators that can be used as biological control agent in agriculture. However, the monophyletic and phylogenetic relationships of each group within Mirinae are not understood to date, due to a lack of phylogenetic analysis. In this talk, the first comprehensive phylogenetic analyses of the subfamily Mirinae are presented, based on total-evidence data. Major questions raised based on results of this study are discussed: (i) Is each tribe in Mirinae a monophyletic?; (ii) Which tribes or genera are related or not related? (iii) Are these complexes monophyletic?; and (vi) Which characters are nonhomoplacious or homoplacious, and Which are supported in each group?

Family Nitidulidae is the second largest family in Cucujoidea which includes ten subfamilies. Because of their morphological and biological diversity, the phylogenetic relationship within Nitidulidae is one of the most debated topics among Cucujoidea phylogeny and yet, is still open to many questions. To recover the internal relationship of Nitidulidae, we performed ML and BI analyses that targeted on five gene regions (COI, 28s, CAD, H3, Wingless) for 73 taxa. We include 67 ingroups containing nine of the ten currently recognized subfamilies of Nitidulidae and 6 outgroups. The phylogenetic results suggest followings i) Subfamilial status of Prometopinae is reconfirmed; ii) Epuraeinae is paraphyletic with inclusion of Calonecrinae; iii) Nitidulinae is paraphyletic with inclusion of Meligethinae and Cillaeinae. In addition, the generic relationships within Nitidulinae and the evolutionary history of their feeding behaviors are also briefly discussed.

Evolutionary relationship between ovipositior and oviposition behaviour in insect is an intriguing yet poorly understood topic. Gigantic member of phytophagan, the subfamily Cerambycinae provide us a unique opportunity to understand the topic because they have diversified but specialized host plants, oviposition strategies and ovipositors. The evolutionary pathway of these traits is totally unknown because no robust internal phylogeny of Cerambycinae has been studied. Here we construct a multi-locus phylogeny of Cerambycinae (134 taxa, 9 gene regions, 5211bp) focusing on wide range of oviposition site, host plant and ovipositor length. Ancestral state reconstruction analyses show some general trends in cerambycine evolution: i) host plant use evolved from stressed broad leaved trees to conifers and herbaceus plants; ii) oviposition site evolved from bark crevice to wood fissure or plant surface; iii) extremely shortened and elongated ovipositor independently evolved at least four times, respectively. Correlated evolution test show that ovipositor length and oviposition strategy evolved with very strong correlation, while any of other two traits did. This study unveils the complex evolutionary history of ovipositor, oviposition site, host plant use and their correlation within Cerambycinae for the first time.

Elateroidea is a large taxonomic group with ~24,000 described species and interesting from the evolutionary point of view because of bioluminescence, neoteny and mimicry present in distantly related lineages. In the currently established higher-classification of Elateroidea, many lineages were transferred from three different superfamilies, Artematopoidea, Elateroidea and Cantharoidea, by both morphology- and/or molecular-based phylogenetic studies. We herein review on the phylogenetic history of Elateroidea and also prospect to construct of its robust phylogenetic hypothesis among Elateroid lineages.

The intracellular endosymbiont bacterium Wolbachia is currently known to be the most common in arthropods. It mayleads to male-killing, cytoplasmic incompatibility, parthenogenesis and feminization of genetic males with large impacton host ecology and evolution in mosquitoes. Mosquitoes was collected in four areas with various ecological conditionsusing black light traps and Wolbachia detection from the collected mosquitoes was carried out by PCR using WSP andFtsZ genes primers. A total of 385 individual mosquitoes were screened. 213 mosquitoes (55.3%) belonging to four specieswere positive for Wolbachia infections. Aedes albopictus showed the highest infection rate (100%). Wolbachia infectionand type were firstly reported in Aedes in Korea.

Despite of a substantial effort, the phylogeny of Lepidoptera still has unstable taxa and unresolved relationships particularly form Apoditrysia to Ditrysia (e.g. phylogenetic position and familial relationships of Gelechioidea, the monophylies of Tineoidea and Zygaenoidea and so on). We performed phylogenetic analysis using ~13,000-bp length of mitogenome sequences form 50 species (with seven species in two superfamilies form this study) representing 13 superfamilies to improve the lepidopteran phylogeny from Apoditrysia to Ditrysia. A close relationship of Gelechioidea to Obtectomera than to apoditrysian taxa was noteworthy, although the nodal support is very weak (ML, 23%; BI, BPP = 0.94). Monophyly of Zygaenoidea without Epipyropidae (Epipomponia nawai) was also noteworthy in spite of weak nodal support (ML, 64%; BI, 1.0). Scrutinized analysis is currently underway.

Calaphidinae is one of the most species rich group in Aphididae. However their phylogenetic relationship is poorly understood. In this study, we reconstructed phylogenetic relationship of Calaphidinae and closely related groups to confirm the taxon boundary and ingroup relationship such as tribe and genera. In addition, evolutionary hypothesis of ancestral host-plant relationship was tested. We performed Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses of combined 4 mitochondrial (ATP6, COI, COII, CytB) and 1 nuclear (EF1α) sequences. Phylogenetic results suggested that Calaphidinae is not a monophyletic and Saltusaphidinae is nested in Calaphidinae. Phyllaphidinae forms a basal clade as the most primitive group of Calaphidinae. Reconstruction of ancestral host plant of Calaphidinae indicated that Calaphidinae might have evolved on members of Fagales plants.

The Oecophoridae is a mega-diverse microlepidopteran family within the Gelechioidea (Lepidoptera) comprising more than 3,300 described and numerous undescribed species. Based on comprehensive phylogenetic analysis using eight genes for 82 taxa, the results indicated that (i) Casmara, Tyrolimnas and Pseudodoxia did not belong to Oecophoridae; (ii) other oecophorids dividing into two subfamilies, Pleurotinae and Oecophorinae, were nested within the same clade, and (iii) Martyringa, Acryptolechia and Periacmini were clustered with core Xyloryctide. Reconstruction of ancestral microhabitat of oecophorids indicated that they might have evolved from dried plant feeders and further convergently specialized. The ancestral larva sheltering strategy of oecophorids might have used a silk tube by making itself, shifting from mining leaves.

The identity of toxin producers remains only hypothesis unless there were identified by strain isolation and analytical confirmation of both the cyanotoxin production and the genetic identity of the monoculture. The purposes of this study were to identify a morphologic and phylogenetic classification in Aphanizomenon flos-aquae strains isolated from the Nakdong River and to investigate the potential ability of the strains to produce toxins such as saxitoxin and cylindrospermopsin using target genes. The 16S rRNA and sxtA, sxtI, cyrA, cyrJ genes were analyzed on two strains (DGUC001, DGUC003) isolated from the Nakdong River. Morphological features of the strains were observed a shape of aggregated trichomes in parallel fascicles which can reach up to macroscopic size and a hyaline terminal cell without aerotope. In addition, the 16S rRNA phylogenetic analyses showed that the strains were identified as the same species with high genetic similarity of 98.4% and grouped within a monospecific andsupported cluster I of Aphanizomenon flosaquae selected from GenBank of the NCBI. The cyrA and cyrJ genes encoding for the cylindrospermopsinbiosynthesis were not detected in the present study. The sxtA gene was in detected both the two strains, whereas the sxtI gene which had been suggested as a suitable molecular marker to detect saxitoxin-producing cyanobacteria was not found both the strains. Thus, the two strains isolated from Nakdong River were identified as the same species of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae Ralfs ex Bornet et Flahault 1888, the two strains were confirmed as potential non-producing strains of the saxitoxin and cylindrospermopsin.