Molecular Phylogeny of Nematodes (Oxyurida: Travassosinematidae) from Orthoptera (Gryllotalpidae) Inferred by Mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit 1 Gene

In this study, we sequenced mt Cox 1 gene sequences of five nematode spp. that were infective to arthropod, Gryllotalpa africana. The nematode belongs to Thelastomatoidea, a group of pinworms that parasitizes only invertebrates. Currently, in India spp. of this group are distinguished mainly on the basis of morphological characters that present possible confusions. Therefore, we identified the species through morphological and genetic analysis. We selected mt Cox 1 gene region to show their phylogenetic position with closely related spp. and confirmed their molecular validation. The present findings are important to confirm the phylogenetic position and relationship among five nematode spp. and avoid misidentification regarding their validation, as it is more necessary in that case when many species harbours the same host.