Molecular characterization of Neoscona adianta (Walckenaer, 1802) and Neoscona byzanthina (Pavesi, 1876) (Araneae: Araneidae) species using IPBS primers

In this thesis study, it was aimed to examine the morphological and genetic characteristics of two spider species belonging to the Araneidae family, Neoscona adianta (Walckenaer, 1802) and Neoscona byzanthina (Pavesi, 1876) in detail. The morphological differences between these two species were evaluated by focusing on the patterns found on the structure of the opisthosoma. In the molecular analyses, the iPBS (Inter Primer Binding Site) marker system was used to investigate the genetic structures of the species. In the study, band profiles obtained from PCR analyses conducted with four iPBS primers were examined, and these profiles revealed the genetic diversity and population structure of the species. The results showed that Neoscona adianta and Neoscona byzanthina exhibit morphological and genetic differences, and that these differences are also associated with locality-based variation. As a result of the study, clear distinctions were identified between the morphological and genetic characteristics of the two species, and the usability of the iPBS marker system in the genetic characterization of spider species was confirmed. Additionally, it was suggested that the morphological variations and genetic differences between these species may be related to ecological adaptation processes. This study provides significant contributions to the taxonomic research of the Araneidae family and enables a better understanding of the population genetics of spiders belonging to the genus Neoscona.