Molecular phylogenetic analysis of some species belonging to the genus stratiomys (diptera: Stratiomyidae)

This study includes morphological and molecular analyses of Stratiomys species in Turkey. The study utilizes collection specimens of the Stratiomys genus from the Entomology Laboratory of the Biology Department at Selçuk University, Faculty of Science. In the morphological analysis, the body structures, wings, abdomen, and antennae of a total of 25 individuals (10 males and 15 females) were examined under a high-resolution microscope, focusing on key morphological characteristics. Additionally, dissection was performed on genital organs of suspicious specimens, and the genitals were cleaned and preserved in glycerin. In the molecular analysis, DNA extraction from the species was carried out using QIAGEN DNeasy kits, and the mitochondrial DNA COI (Cytochrome C Oxidase I) gene region was amplified using PCR. Appropriate primers were used to amplify the desired gene region during the PCR process. Subsequently, PCR products were separated using agarose gel electrophoresis and visualized under UV light. As a result of this study, detailed morphological descriptions of Stratiomys species were made, and molecular analyses provided information about the genetic diversity of the species. These species' faunistic characteristics hold significant importance for Turkey's biological diversity, and the findings obtained may serve as a reference for future taxonomic studies.