Analysis of rDNA ITS2 Sequences of Two Species in Genus Ophthalmopsylla

Objective: To study the sequences of rDNA ITS2 of Ophthalmopsylla volgensis extrema Ioff et Scalon,1953(O.v.extrema) and Ophthalmopsylla kiritschenkoi Wagner,1930(O.kiritschenkoi) for the first time,and so as to provide basic information for the research of siphonaptera phylogenesis.Methods: rDNA ITS2 of the two species was amplifyed by PCR and sequenced,and the differences between them were analyzed.Results: The length of rDNA ITS2 of O.v.extrema is 372 bp,while that of O.kiritschenkoi is 380 bp.There are thirty differences basically between the two species,including 16 deletions/insertions,4 transitions and 10 transversions.There was no intraspecific difference.Conclusion: The rDNA ITS2 could be used as a molecular marker for distinction of the two species.