Exploring the Genetic Diversity of the Jewel Beetles Sternocera aequisignata Saunders, 1866, and S. ruficornis Saunders, 1866 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in Thailand and Lao PDR
by
, , ,
Anisanee Thaenasa
1,2, 
Nakorn Pradit
2,3,
Warayutt Pilap
2,3,
Chavanut Jaroenchaiwattanachote
3,
Komgrit Wongpakam
2,3,
Khamla Inkhavilay
4,
Jatupon Saijuntha
5,
Wittaya Tawong
6,7,
Warong Suksavate
8,
Chairat Tantrawatpan
9,* and
Weerachai Saijuntha
3,10,*
1
Graduate School, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
2
Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
3
Center of Excellence in Biodiversity Research, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
4
Center of Excellence in Biodiversity, National University of Laos, Vientiane 7322, Laos
5
Faculty of Engineering, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
6
Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture Natural Resources and Environment, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
7
Center of Excellence in Biodiversity, Center of Excellence in Research for Agricultural Biotechnology, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
8
Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
9
Division of Cell Biology, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, and Center of Excellence in Stem Cell Research and Innovation, Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
10
Biomedical Science Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Insects 2025, 16(3), 322; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16030322
Submission received: 14 February 2025
/
Revised: 12 March 2025
/
Accepted: 17 March 2025
/
Published: 19 March 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity of Insects)
Simple Summary
Jewel beetles play an important ecological and economic role, valued for their consumption and use in traditional crafts. However, habitat destruction and overharvesting threaten their populations, while genetic studies remain limited. Understanding their genetic diversity is essential for conservation. This study examines the genetic variation in two jewel beetle species, namely green-legged Sternocera aequisignata and red-legged S. ruficornis in Thailand and Lao PDR, using mitochondrial DNA markers. The results reveal high genetic diversity, with multiple haplotypes identified. Phylogenetic analysis can distinguish the species and uncover potential cryptic diversity, suggesting distinct genetic groups within one species. These findings highlight the complexity of this species’ genetic structure and the need for further research on their evolution and population dynamics. A better understanding of their genetics can support conservation efforts and sustainable management strategies.
Abstract
Jewel beetles of the genus Sternocera are widely distributed across tropical regions, including Thailand and Lao PDR, where the green-legged S. aequisignata Saunders, 1866, and red-legged S. ruficornis Saunders, 1866, are commonly found. These jewel beetles have significant economic importance, as they are edible, and their iridescent wings are used to create jewelry, leading to high market demand and intensive harvesting. Additionally, their habitats are being rapidly destroyed, resulting in population decline. However, genetic information on these species remains limited. This study aims to investigate the genetic diversity of S. aequisignata and S. ruficornis from various localities in Thailand and Lao PDR using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) sequences. High genetic diversity was observed, with 45 and 62 CO1 haplotypes and 35 and 28 16S rDNA haplotypes identified in S. aequisignata and S. ruficornis populations, respectively. Haplotype network and phylogenetic analyses clearly distinguish S. aequisignata from S. ruficornis. Based on CO1 sequences, S. aequisignata was divided into three distinct haplogroups (GG1–GG3). Haplogroup GG1 was the most widespread, occurring in both Thailand and Lao PDR, while haplogroups GG2 and GG3 were restricted to some localities in northern, western, and northeastern Thailand, as well as Lao PDR. These findings suggest the presence of cryptic diversity within S. aequisignata, with at least three genetically distinct groups. Further comprehensive studies on the biology, ecology, and genetic diversity of these jewel beetles across their distribution range are essential to better understand their evolutionary dynamics.
