DNA barcoding

At the BioSense Institute, DNA barcoding is applied to enable fast and reliable identification of different insect species. This approach allows us to assess the diversity of cryptic species and is also essential for identifying juvenile life stages to the species level. In recent years, we have been working on the development of a DNA barcode reference library for hoverflies. By comparing the DNA barcode sequence of a new sample with sequences stored in the reference library, we can determine whether the specimen belongs to a known species or represents a new record. In addition to the 5′ COI gene sequence, which is widely accepted as the standard DNA barcode for insects, our research also incorporates 3′ COI gene sequences, as well as additional nuclear molecular markers such as the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and a fragment of the 28S rRNA gene.