Genetic variation of COI gene of the Korean medicinal centipede Scolopendra mutilans Koch, 1878 (Scolopendromorpha: Scolopendridae)

Abstract

In Korea, the centipede called “Wang‐ji‐ne” or “O‐gong” is used as an important medicinal resource. This centipede has been known as Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans Koch 1878. Recent studies have assessed its taxonomic treatment in several geographical populations from China, Japan and Taiwan, but not Korea. We therefore attempted to assess exact species status for the Korean population of this subspecies using both morphological and DNA barcode methods. The result inferred from DNA barcoding showed that the Korean population is S. mutilans explicitly separated from S. subspinipes. Within S. mutilans, the Korean population is morphologically identical and genetically closer to the Chinese population rather than island populations of Japan and Taiwan. Particularly, the mainland populations from Korea and China share six haplotypes from 17 despite being far apart geographically.

Genetic diversity and gene flow of the soil arthropod (Scolopendra mutilans) in urban landscapes: The roles of rivers, mountains and fragmentation

“…The specimens were identified based on morphological characteristics described in published articles by Hu et al (2020) and Han et al (2018). A complete leg from each individual was obtained and stored in ethanol.…”

“…This group is the top predator among soil invertebrates, which plays a critical role in the food webs of soil ecosystems (Halpin et al, 2021). Scolopendra mutilans is spread all across China (Han et al, 2018; Ren et al, 2005) and comprises the most common and largest centipede species in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, which contributes to the stabilisation of local soil ecosystems (Ren et al, 2005; Zhang & Wang, 1995). As a medical invertebrate in China, most studies have focused on the captive breeding of S. mutilans and its medicinal aspects.…”