DNA barcoding of Chironomidae from the Lake Skadar region: Reference library and a comparative analysis of the European fauna

Aims The main aim of this study was to fill a gap in barcoding data the European Chironomidae Balkan region, developing and testing efficiency reference DNA barcode library for ancient Lake Skadar basin species (Montenegro/Albania), region Europe never before subjected studies on Chironomidae. Another test identification Chironomidae, including estimation optimal thresholds, using >12,000 barcodes. Location adjacent area (Montenegro/Albania). Methods Through study, 770 individuals from were barcoded, both at adult pre-imaginal stages. Adults morphologically identified, while larvae assigned by molecular identification, different methods, which tested, total 97 barcoded species. Results dataset developed 98.6%, value line with that obtained when evaluated (95.8%), confirms accuracy these insects. Moreover, we found threshold family is 1.6% nucleotide distance, though more specific thresholds are suggested belonging subfamilies, since they related lower errors than use general threshold. analysis inconsistency between morphological shed light taxonomic issues within Previously postulated synonyms confirmed, also further cases requiring deeper investigation detected. Main conclusions Our de novo shown have high efficiency. Taxon-specific increase efficacy identification. Hypothesized could be validated through techniques.