Further studies on the existence of cryptic species within Liriomyza huidobrensis
Earlier genetic studies had shown that Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera, Agromyzidae - EPPO A2 quarantine pest) may be composed of two cryptic species (EPPO RS 2001/016). Further phylogenetic analysis using DNA sequence data from 2 nuclear genes were done in USA, on specimens of L. huidobrensis from various hosts and locations around the world (USA, Guatemala, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Sri Lanka, Israel and Indonesia). Results confirmed the existence of 2 different clades: a clade containing only specimens from California and Hawaii (US), the another clade containing all other specimens (mainly from South and Central America). The authors proposed that the North America cryptic species should be called L. langei (first name given to the leafminer when described in California) and restrict the name L. huidobrensis to the South and Central American species. The authors also noted that recent invasions of this leafminer to other areas of the world are due to the spread of L. huidobrensis from South or Central America. Morphological studies are under way, but so far it is not possible to differentiate L. langei and L. huidobrensis on the basis of morphological characters.
Sources
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Scheffer, S.J.; Lewis, M.L. (2001) Two nuclear genes confirm mitochondrial evidence of cryptic species within Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae).
Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 94(5), 648-653.
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