DNA Barcodes of Tetragnathid Spiders (Araneae: Tetragnathidae) in Malaysia

ABSTRACT Although diverse groups of spiders are present in tropical countries, very little attention has been given on various types of differences that exist within these groups, particularly for the groups of tropical spiders in Malaysia. The morphological and genitalia characteristics are traditionally used to identify species variants. However, in this study, a molecular approach was utilized to produce a more precise and accurate result in an effort to identify, delineate and verify the species. Mitochondria"encoded cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and nuclear"encoded 18S rRNA (18S) genes) were adopted to establish DNA bacodes for 17 species of tetragnathid spiders (Araneae, Tetragnathidae) in Malaysia. Generally, the molecular data of tetragnathid spiders was consistent with their classification based upon morphological characteristics, though species boundary of Opadometa grata and Leucauge decorate could not be resolved by 18S gene.