Phylogenetic diversity of Limacodidae in the Beijing-Hebei region

Author of the article:LI Jing1** YANG Cai-Qing1 WU Chun-Sheng2 ZHANG Ai-Bing1***

Author's Workplace：1. College of Life Science, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China; 2. National Zoological Museum of China, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China

Key Words：Limacodidae; phylogenetic diversity; DNA barcodingspecies richness; temperature; seasonality

Abstract：[Objectives]  Lepidopteran species in the family Limacodidae are among the main pests of plantation and urban forestry. To clarify the relationship between community structure and environmental factors in Beijing and surrounding areas, and thereby provide a theoretical basis for forest pest control and ecosystem protection, we investigated the phylogenetic diversity of 9 Limacodidae communities. [Methods]  Samples were collected in the summer of 2010-2013 by lamp trapping and species identified using DNA barcoding technology. To ensure the accuracy of species identification, morphological characteristics were also used to identify species. Program R was used to calculate the diversity index (including species richness and phylogenetic diversity), and its correlation with 19 (Bio1-Bio19) environmental factors. [Results]  Species diversity and phylogenetic diversity differed among the 9 communities. Compared with the southern area, the northern Yan-Shan area had higher species richness and phylogenetic diversity, which might be related to floristic and climatic factors. The phylogenetic diversity index was insensitive to different methods of phylogenetic tree construction and genetic differences within species. There was a significant positive correlation between phylogenetic diversity and the seasonal variation of temperature in Beijing and surrounding areas. [Conclusion]  The community structure of the Limacodidae in Beijing and surrounding areas shows spatial differentiation. Seasonal changes in temperature may increase environmental heterogeneity, which in turn affects community phylogenetic diversity.