Genetic variations of the golden orb-web spider nephila clavata (Araneae: Tetragnathidae) in Korea, using AFLP markers

In this study, we assessed genetic variations in eight Korean populations and one Japanese population of the golden orb-web spider, Nephila clavata, using an amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) marker. Upon the analysis of AFLPs amplified by the ECO-AGG and MSE-ACC primers, we detected/identified 167 loci with sizes ranging from 40 - 703 bp. The Jeonju population of Korea evidenced the closest genetic relationship with the Japanese population. In accordance with a principal component analysis (PCA) in which all of the individuals were assigned to one of three groups, the majority of the Korean genotypes were assigned to GROUP 1, whereas the majority of the Japanese genotypes were assigned to GROUP 2; this group also included nine individuals from the Korean population. The results of AMOVA (analysis of molecular variance) showed that genetic diversity was more pronounced within each population than among the populations. These results indicate that no obvious genetic-geographic association exists among Korean and Japanese N. clavata populations; this can be explained primarily oh the basis of gene flow via ballooning. Also, the divergence of genetic groups may have been affected by historical processes, including geographical isolation.