Meeting Abstract

P3.32  Wednesday, Jan. 6  Understanding intraspecific relationships in the endangered Hawaiian tree snail, Achatinella mustelina PELEP, P. O.*; HADFIELD, M.G.; University of Hawaii peltinolterpelep@gmail.com

Populations of the federally listed endangered Hawaiian tree snail Achatinella mustelina are spread across a 20 km range in which gene flow is interrupted at 5 – 6 locations. Designation of 21 subspecific names was found not to be supported by genetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences. Subsequently, a principal components analysis of 11 shell characters suggested that some of sympatric subspecies might be distinguishable. To further clarify the intraspecific taxonomy of A. mustelina, we are now attempting to analyze DNA from preserved museum specimens of subspecies that are extinct. Because these specimens were originally preserved in formaldehyde, previous attempts to generate useful DNA sequences were unsuccessful. Using techniques developed to analyze ancient DNA from subfossil bones, we are now re-extracting DNA from the preserved specimens and getting yields of 11 – 57 ng per 30 micrograms of tissue. Goals are to employ PCR to generate useful sequences of the mtDNA-CO1 gene and a set of 8 microsatellite loci developed for Achatinella species and compare them to sequences from living populations and subspecies of A. mustelina. This should clarify both taxonomy and evolution within this species provide in the species.