Genetic Diversity of Philodromus cespitum (Walckenaer, 1802) (Philodromidae); An Effective Biocontrol Agent

OpenAlex · ceb

Abstract In this study, mtCOI data of Philodromus cespitum (Walckenaer, 1802) (Philodromidae) collected from Türkiye and mtCOI data obtained from other countries such as Canada, Spain, Norway, the Netherlands, the United States of America, Germany, Finland and Bulgaria were combined and analysed to determine the genetic diversity of P. cespitum. 360 sequence data sets were evaluated, resulting in the identification of 155 haplotypes. The nucleotide frequencies were given in percent; T: 41.15; C: 12.88; A: 29.38 and G: 16.58 and revealed that the base compounds were directed towards Thymine–Adenine (70.53%). Analyses of sequence variation in a 781 bp of (cox1) gene revealed low nucleotide diversity (Pi: 0.016) but high haplotype diversity within populations (Hd = 0.971). According to the neutrality test (Tajima’s D and Fu’s Fs), the populations showed a strong spread (p < 0.05). P. cespitum was polyphage and dominant in agricultural areas. The specimens had spread in different habitat characteristics and different geographic regions. The species had wide tolerance in term of environmental differences. The genetic diversity of the species did not change much, even under different ecological conditions and geographical regions. As a result, the low genetic diversity of P. cespitum provides a selective advantage in biological control.