Author: Mirna  Batistić, Ph.D. Dr.sc. (University of Dubrovnik)

Designation: 

Description:
In summer 2020 a bloom of Aurelia solida occured in the Adriatic Sea. Among  A. solida individuals, new Aurelia species was detected. The individual was sequenced (COI, 16S, 18S-ITS1-5.8S-ITS2-28S) and the obtained sequences were searched against the GenBank database using the Blast tool. The search showed that no identical sequence existed in GenBank. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis associated this newly discovered species the most closely to Aurelia solida. Aurelia solida is a known Lessepsian migrant which is now widespread throughout Mediterranean. Given its close genetic association to the new Aurelia species it is possible that the newly discovered Aurelia species is also a Lessepsian migrant. In addition to genetic differences the two species differ most prominently in the way manubrium arms fold as well as in the morphology of the ropalium.

Category: Scientific Program Abstract > Special Sessions > CS24 Biodiversity