Review Article

Identifying New Strain From Family Tenebrionidae, Order: Coleoptera Using COI Gene Sequencing

Abstract

Renowned for its ecological versatility and adaptability, the family Tenebrionidae includes more than twenty thousand species. These darkling beetles occur in almost every type of habitat, from the humid forests to arid deserts, that represents evolutionary success. Key morphological characteristics include a hard body and elytra, to protect against extremes in the environment and against predators. Coupled with this, the nocturnality and burrowing behavior coupled with being detritivores underpin their importance in nutrient cycling and generally in ecosystem health. Notable examples of species include Tribolium castaneum, Eleodes spp. and Tenebrio molitor, where their specific environmental resistances have been known for a long time. Advances in molecular phylogenetics, especially the sequencing of COI, have recast taxonomy and improved knowledge on the Tenebrionidae by uncovering cryptic diversity and resolving phylogenetic relationships. Studies on DNA barcoding and environmental DNA have improved the state of species identification and monitoring, allowing new insights into biogeographical patterns of these beetles and their conservation needs.