An improved primer for PCR amplification of mitochondrial DNA in a variety of insect species

Abstract

A PCR primer from the mitochondrial COI gene is described that enhances the amplification of the COI-COII region of insect mtDNA. When used in conjunction with a primer from the COII gene identified by R. Crozier, a 1600-1700 bp segment is amplified in nine species of insects representing the orders Lepidoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera.