DNA barcoding suggested the existence of cryptic species and high biodiversity of South Korean pseudoscorpions (Arachnida, Pseudoscorpiones)

Abstract

Pseudoscorpions are one of the common arthropod in soil mesofauna but are infrequently studied in East Asia. The fauna in South Korea is not adequate enough, and practical faunistic survey of pseudoscorpions have not been conducted in last 20 years. In this article, the current pseudoscorpion fauna in South Korea is reviewed, and the results of the survey in Chungcheongnam-do Province, the DNA barcoding (mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase I sequencing) and molecular phylogenetic analysis are shown. A total 64 specimens, including four species, Allochthonius (Allochthonius) buanensis, Bisetocreagris japonica, Bisetocreagris turkestanica (first record from South Korea), and Microbisium pygmaeum, were collected. The result of molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the cytochrome c oxidase I sequences (427 bp) implied the existence of a possible cryptic species within A. (A.) buanensis. Faunistic survey and DNA barcoding of South Korean species can greatly contribute to the understanding of East Asian pseudoscorpion systematics. Keywords: Allochthonius, Bisetocreagris, Cytochrome c oxidase I, Korea, Microbisium