ddRAD-seq of Mesapamea

Taxonomic status of the noctuid moth Mesapamea remmi has remained controversial since its description in 1985. It has been considered a valid species or a hybrid between M. secalis and M. didyma recently. We studied the case by genomic tools using double digest RAD sequencing technique. Our analysis showed that M. remmi is not separated genetically from M. secalis, while they both are clearly distinct from M. didyma. We demonstrated that genomic approaches provide an efficient way to address difficult and long-standing taxonomic issues.