Contrasting genetic diversity and intra-population polymorphism of the invasive pest Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae): A DNA barcoding approach
Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is one of the most important pests attacking Solanaceae crops in Asian countries. Despite its agricultural importance, little information is available on the molecular ecology and evolution. In this study, we used DNA barcoding to explore the genetic diversity and intra-population polymorphisms of H. vigintioctopunctata. Haplotype analysis of the partial COI gene sequences of H. vigintioctopunctata from four localities in South India and other globally available haplotypes revealed two genetically distinctive lineages.