Detection of the Genetic Relationship and Genetic Fingerprint of Real Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) using RAPD-PCR Markers in Iraq

The study aimed to investigate the molecular profiles of a number of species of real ants in some governorates of central and northern Iraq, as well as detect similarities and genetic differences based on molecular traits and determine the genetic fingerprint using RAPD-PCR indicators for 16 samples of real ants. Samples were collected and preserved according to the methods used in preserving insects, and the DNA was extracted using a new modified method that was derived from methods used to isolate DNA from animal and plant tissues. RAPD reactions were carried out using (10) primers from the RAPD-PCR markers, and the results were carried over on a gel. The agarose bands were viewed on the UV trans eliminator, and the bands were photographed and saved until the results were studied. The results of the RAPD-PCR markers showed different patterns of loci recognized by the primers on the genome of the samples, which is (141) loci, including one general locus for all samples and (140) divergent loci. While the primers (P3, P10) produced the least number of loci, it reached (12) loci. The total bands produced (total bands) from those loci were (720) bands, including (704) polymorphic bands and (16) main bands. P6) the least number of bands as it amounted to (46) bands, and the general variation ratio of the produced primers amounted to 99 The results of the statistical analysis showed that the values of the genetic distance ranged between (0.235 - 0.983), where the least genetic distance was between the two samples (15- Camponotint xerxes Salah al-Din 2) (16- Camponotint xerxes Salah al-Din 3), as it reached (0.235), and this is explained by the fact that there is a large similarity ratio Between the two species within the studied species, while the highest genetic dimension was between the two samples (2 - Cataglyphis Erbil) (16- Camponotint xerxes Salah al-Din 3), as it reached (0.983), and this is considered as the highest percentage of difference between the two species within the studied species, and this applies with the results of the genetic dimension of the traits appearance of the studied species

Phenotypic and Numerical Characterization and Detection of the Genetic Relationship of a Number Ants Species of Hymenoptera: Formicidae in Iraq

The study aimed at the phenotypic characterization of a number of species of real ants, Hymenoptera: formicidae, in some governorates of central and northern Iraq, as well as revealing similarities and genetic differences depending on the phenotypic characteristics of 16 samples of real ants. The samples were collected from the governorates (Salah al-Din, Kirkuk, Sulaymaniyah, Erbil) using Collection kit, ants samples were diagnosed in the Research Center and Natural History Museum \ University of Baghdad, and the study was conducted in the laboratories of the College of Science \ University of Tikrit in the period 12/15/2021 – 5/1/2022. Samples were collected and preserved according to the methods used in preserving insects. A phenotypic study was conducted for (38) phenotypic characteristics of the general shape of the head, thorax, abdomen, legs and wings in detail using a anatomical microscope. Temporary sections were photographed using a digital camera and kept until the results are studied. Numerical classification and phenotypic genetic dimension were conducted based on the results of the studied phenotypic traits. The results showed a clear discrepancy between the species, it was shown from the results of the statistical analysis of the values of the phenotypic genetic dimension, which ranged between (0.230-0.958), where the least genetic dimension was between sample No. 1 (Camponotint xerxes Erbil 1) and No. 8 (Camponotint xerxes Kirkuk 2), as it reached 0.230, and that is It is the highest percentage of similarity between the two samples within the studied species. As for the highest genetic dimension, it was 0.958 between sample 14 (Camponotint xerxes Salah al-Din 1) and samples No. 9 and 10 (9-Messor sp Kirkuk, 10- Messor sp Sulaymaniyah 1). There is no match in the traits studied between these two samples, while the values of the genetic dimension for the rest of the species ranged between those values