ISSN: 2639-216X
Authors: Sharifdini M and Amin OM*
Pomphorhynchus kashmirensis Kaw, 1941 was redescribed to correct inadequacies in the original description. We provide a molecular characterization to qualify its now completed morphological description and to compare with related taxa. Sequences of the 18S rDNA and ITS-rDNA datasets of specimens of P. kashmirensis were generated for assessment of gene diversity and the phylogenetic analyses. Comparative sequence analysis indicated interspecific variation between P. kashmirensis with different species of Pomphorhynchus was 0.2-1.4% and 2.4-36.4% based on 18S rDNA and ITS-rDNA datasets, respectively. The ITS-rDNA region is more variable than 18S rDNA within members of the family Pomphorhynchidae and it appears appropriate for assessment of their biodiversity. Our phylogenetic analyses showed that taxonomic position of the species P. kashmirensis is closely related with P. tereticollis and P. laevis. Also, the systematic status of Tenuiproboscis and Longicollum is uncertain within the family Pomphorhynchidae. Therefore, further molecular investigations will be needed for better understanding of the phylogenetic relationships in this family.
Keywords: Pomphorhynchus kashmirensis; 18S rDNA; ITS-rDNA; Phylogeny
