Molecular genetic diversity within Myrmeleontidae family

Antlions are insects which feed on ants, insect which dig a pit and lies in wait for ants and other insects. Twelve species of Myrmeleontidae family as antlions and many specimens were identified in different locations in Fars province in Iran. To unveil the genetic similarity between these species, their DNA was extracted by modified CTAB method and with the use of seventeen 10-nucleotides primers of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD); the genetic analysis of them was investigated. After PCR, agarose 1.5?% was used for electrophoresis. The obtained electrophoresis bands had base pairs range between 150 and 1,000?bp. The maximum of polymorphic bands belonged to OPH5, N13, and the minimum of polymorphic bands belonged to OPA7 primers. Different genetic similarity indices were found between eight species of antlions. Possibility of use of RAPD marker together with morphological studies for classification and identification of antlions is discussed.